NBA sneakerhead alert! Top shoes heading into 2018-19 season will make your mouth dribble
The NBA has lifted its colour ban on kicks for players
This was a big win for Nike, who just signed a massive, eight-year US$1-billion (HK$7.8 billion) deal to drape everything basketball related in its trademark swoosh.
So who’s got the best pumps heading into the season, which kicks off tomorrow (October 16)? Read on, sneakerheads.
Nike LeBron 16
It’s impossible not to start with James’ new Nike offering as he suits up for his new team. These jet black shoes feature patented Battleknit 2.0 technology, whatever that is. No matter, LeBron shifted the NBA’s universe off its axis this past off-season by signing with the purple and gold. Many think James’ move was financially and socially motivated, as four years in L.A. will vault him into a new stratosphere when it comes to celebrity. So what’s next for him in the Western Conference? How about getting waxed all season by the Golden State Warriors uber dynasty.
Kyrie 4
When Kyrie Irving left the Cleveland Cavaliers and emerged from the shadow of James, he sent a clear message to the league: I am Kyrie, please pay attention to me. Now with the Celtics, his shoe features flex groove for all his zigzagging on the court. The colour schemes are epic too, as he has been rocking versions on the court that look like they got run over by a Skittles truck. Now let’s hope these sneakers help his surgically repaired knee stay together come play-off time.
KD11
Never one to be flashy, Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant’s new offerings are substance over style. He was recently in Guangzhou as part of an Asia Tour 2018, and he gave out sneakers to everyone who would take them.
These shoes are made with extra cushioning and feature Flynit, which is all about padding and comfort given he is still taking flak for leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder. Maybe he’ll finally get splashy with his shoes when he signs with the New York Knicks in the off-season?
Harden Vol. 3
In any other universe, James Harden would be the league’s biggest star and best player. But this is an odd time in the NBA. While Harden may be the reigning MVP, his Houston Rockets are already being promptly counted out for a title run, even with Chris Paul, and a rapidly ageing Carmelo Anthony coming off the bench like an old man getting out of a rocking chair. It figures that he is with Adidas too, the number two brand in the league. Poor guy cannot catch a break. At least his beard is second to none.
Air Jordan XXXIII Future Flight
It’s not a sneakerhead blog without a shameless Air Jordan plug, so here’s the remarkably awful latest offering.
Looks like they’re running out of ideas and now making these shoes in the dark, or letting toddlers design them. These disasters have more straps and pulleys than a rock climber’s spikes, and look like they might have a car alarm embedded in them, or an espresso maker.
The only thing for certain, other than the fact that Nike is running out of Roman numerals: a fat cheque went to one of Michael’s many super mansions as soon as these babies hit the street.
