Nike reigns supreme in the world of basketball sneakers, largely due to its legendary collaboration with Michael Jordan.
However, Jordan isn’t the only basketball icon to have landed a deal with the brand. Many other players have their own signature shoes, some with Nike and others with competing brands.
Here Are 5 Former NBA Greats With Legendary Signature Sneakers:
5. Michael Jordan
From the streets to the court, Jordan sneakers have become legendary. The signature Jumpman logo, bold red-and-black color schemes, elephant print patterns, and glossy patent leather make them instantly recognizable. With new releases dropping on Saturdays and an endless lineup of iconic models, the brand’s influence is unmatched. Whether it’s style, innovation, cultural significance, or staying power, Jordans lead the pack.
Though technically still under Nike, the brand has taken on a life of its own, evolving into a global phenomenon far beyond basketball.
The first 14 editions set an unbeatable standard. Years later, their rereleases generate just as much hype—if not more—thanks to social media and the thriving resale market.
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4. Kobe Bryant
Things get competitive here. Several signature sneaker lines had a strong case for the second spot, but Kobe Bryant’s place feels undeniable. He once described joining Nike as a moment of destiny, much like Harry Potter finding Hogwarts. That partnership redefined performance footwear, pushing boundaries with designs that ranged from high-tops to low-cuts. His Kobe 4 and 5 models played a key role in making low-top basketball sneakers the norm.
Even in retirement, Bryant wasn’t done innovating. He introduced “Protro” models—revamped versions of his classic shoes, infused with the latest Nike technology. This season, the Kobe 4 Protro dominated the league as the most-worn sneaker, solidifying his lasting influence. He’s also the only athlete on this list with two distinct signature lines.
3. Penny Hardaway
Penny Hardaway may not have the same legendary resume, but during his prime, his sneakers were among the most coveted—second only to Michael Jordan’s. In fact, Jordan himself laced up Hardaway’s Air Flight 1s during the 1995 NBA playoffs when his Concord Jordan 11s didn’t match the Bulls’ road uniform.
One of Hardaway’s most iconic releases, the Foamposite One, remains a staple in sneaker culture. Over two decades after its debut, its bold, futuristic design still looks ahead of its time, proving its lasting impact on basketball footwear.
2. Allen Iverson
When Allen Iverson hit Michael Jordan with a deadly crossover, it wasn’t just a highlight—it was a statement. That move solidified him as the next big thing and made the Reebok Question an instant classic. With its signature colored toecap and oversized Hexalite cushioning, the sneaker remains one of the greatest non-Jordan basketball shoes ever, aging like a true icon.
Iverson’s appeal goes beyond stats or championships. He built a loyal following by staying true to himself, never leaving Reebok or compromising his style. While he may not have reached the career heights of Jordan, LeBron, or Kobe, his cultural impact was just as strong—if not greater. Long before “influencer” became a trend, Iverson was already setting the standard.
1. Scottie Pippen
Michael Jordan wasn’t the only Chicago Bull with a strong sneaker legacy. Scottie Pippen rocked some of Nike’s most memorable ‘90s designs, including the Air More Uptempo, instantly recognizable by its bold “A-I-R” lettering along the sides. His own Air Pippen series further cemented his place in sneaker history. Playing alongside MJ gave him unmatched visibility, and Nike made sure he had some of the best non-signature releases on his feet.
While Pippen’s playing style was often understated compared to Jordan’s, his sneakers were anything but subtle. Bold, innovative, and unmistakable, they left a lasting impact on basketball footwear.
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