The A-Z's of Active NBA and WNBA Players' Signature Shoes: 2025 Edition

2024 saw a rekindled enthusiasm for basketball shoes, with fresh lines from rising stars such as Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker gathering significant traction. It now appears that this resurgence in interest was not just fleeting, given the emergence of seven new signature athletes and consistent success from the established brands in the industry.

In the spotlight this season is a fresh batch of stars from both NBA and WNBA, boasting standout MVP-level talent such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and A’ja Wilson who have garnered significant attention recently. Additionally, there are players like Jaylen Brown who have taken risks by rejecting lucrative endorsement offers to establish their own shoe brands. Success stories include Austin Reaves, Ja Morant, Kyrie Irving, and Sabrina Ionescu, all of whom have seen the success of their debut shoes translate into follow-up models. Notable veterans like Stephen Curry and LeBron James are also expanding their footwear empires further.

For the third consecutive year, we’ve prepared a comprehensive roster featuring all NBA and WNBA players who currently have their own signature shoe, focusing on models set to debut from 2024 and beyond. Unfortunately, three names no longer appear on our list – Gordon Hayward has retired, Trae Young switched brands from adidas to Jordan Brand, and CJ McCollum, despite still playing with his Li-Ning CJ3, hasn’t released a new shoe in over 1.5 years. However, the fresh additions have boosted the total number of signature shoes to an unprecedented high of 32. With such a wide variety available, there’s a unique option for every fan.

Aaron Gordon: 361 AG 5

Aaron Gordon continues to be a key player for both the Denver Nuggets and 361 Degrees’ flagship team. This Chinese brand made a daring move this season with the release of the 361 AG 5 shoe, which comes in two versions: one featuring straps at the top and bottom of the lacing system, and another without these details. Both designs incorporate an ENRG-X midsole, SOAR PLATE, and CQTEXTREM3 padding at the heel, highlighting Gordon’s strength in the paint area.

A’ja Wilson: Nike A’One

A’ja Wilson, a three-time WNBA MVP, is one of only seven basketball players to receive their own signature shoe line in the past year. Unfortunately, she couldn’t wear her new Nike A’One during the 2024 season, but its debut will coincide with the start of the upcoming season. The shoe boasts a stylish upper supported by a sturdy sole unit equipped with Cushlon 3.0 foam. Its initial colorways showcase gradients on the layered upper, accentuating the shoe’s complex design.

Andrew Wiggins: Peak AW3

This season saw some significant changes in the NBA, with Andrew Wiggins contributing to one of the league’s most notable trades. In this deal, he left the Golden State Warriors and joined the Miami Heat. Despite the change in team jersey, Wiggins kept his footwear consistent, opting to wear his Peak AW3 sneakers. This low-cut shoe model offers a distinctive interchangeable design, allowing for the midsole to be adjusted to fit the wearer’s preference optimally.

Anthony Edwards: adidas AE1 Low

At the end of 2023, Anthony Edwards and adidas Basketball launched the AE1 shoe, which proved to be a success due to a combination of Edwards’ charismatic nature, clever advertising, and the shoe’s stylish design with a ventilated TPU upper. Instead of immediately releasing a follow-up model, the AE1 has been unveiling various color options and even a low-top version that Edwards uses in games. A glimpse at his upcoming model was hinted during a conference call in March, suggesting that we won’t have to wait long to see if they can maintain this growing momentum.

Austin Reaves: Rigorer AR2

Approximately two years ago, the news that Austin Reaves had received a signature shoe from Rigorer created quite a stir in the market. Back then, he was an essential reserve player in his second year with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, since then, he’s grown into a near All-Star, consistently scoring over 20 points per game this season and securing a spot in the Lakers’ starting five. The Rigorer AR2 shoe, much like its namesake, has also been highly praised for its performance. It features a Showtime Foam Tech midsole, a full-length anti-torsion TPU plate, and lateral TPU panels to allow Reaves to move swiftly across the court.

Brandin Podziemski: Rigorer BP1

Rigorer aims to build on its achievements with Reaves by designating Brandin Podziemski as the brand’s second prominent endorser. Podziemski recently finished his second tenure with the Golden State Warriors, playing a crucial role as a rotational player. The Rigorer BP1 model, featuring a Flywire mesh upper, Showtime Foam, and TPU plate reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge, has just been released.

Breanna Stewart: PUMA Stewie 4

Breanna Stewart is renowned as one of the most accomplished female basketball players ever, boasting numerous accolades in her trophy collection. These include several WNBA Championships, MVP titles, and a staggering three Olympic gold medals won with Team USA. Recently, she launched the latest addition to her signature shoe line with PUMA – the Stewie 4 – which was unveiled earlier this month. The new model features a Profoam midsole and an upper reinforced with PWRTAPE technology, promising to support Stewart in maintaining her exceptional gameplay throughout the upcoming season.

Damian Lillard: adidas Dame 9

Following a brief hiatus in Damian Lillard’s signature shoe collection where they introduced a budget model last year, adidas Basketball decided to switch things up with the Dame 9. This model embraced adidas Basketball’s forward-thinking design aesthetic, starting with a collaboration with BAPE. This revitalized Lillard’s partnership with adidas, eventually leading to a lifetime contract extension. After finalizing the agreement, the upcoming Dame X was unveiled, promising another contemporary design.

De’Aaron Fox: Under Armour Curry Fox 1

Under Armour expanded Stephen Curry’s brand further with the introduction of the Curry Fox 1 signature shoe, featuring De’Aaron Fox. This lightweight low-top shoe includes a unique midfoot strap shaped like a fox, designed to secure Fox as he sprints on the court. Additionally, it features an internal midfoot shank and UA Flow foam for cushioning and durability, ensuring a sturdy base.

Devin Booker: Nike Book 1

For over a year and a half, Devin Booker and Nike Basketball have been generating buzz with the Nike Book 1 shoe. This shoe has seen an extraordinary range of colorways, and its first collaboration is set to drop next week through a joint effort with Chevrolet. The design, inspired by the Air Jordan 1, Air Force 1, and Blazer, offers a harmonious blend of performance features and stylish appeal. Although details about their future plans remain scarce, it’s almost certain that a Nike Book 2 will be released during the upcoming season.

Donovan Mitchell: adidas D.O.N. Issue #6

Donovan Mitchell played a crucial role in another impressive season for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and looks set to make a strong playoff run. Throughout his journey, his Adidas D.O.N. Issue #6 shoes have been by his side. The shoe’s design emphasizes energy return, with Lightstrike in the heel and Lightstrike Pro in the forefoot. Additionally, the upper features a breathable mesh that follows the contours of anatomical design lines. In a similar vein to Damian Lillard’s line, we’ve caught a glimpse of the upcoming Adidas D.O.N. Issue #7, which aligns with its contemporaries in favoring a modern, streamlined structure.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Nike Giannis Freak 6

This season, basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo unveiled his sixth signature shoe with Nike, now named the “Giannis Freak 6” instead of “Zoom Freak.” The shoes boast Cushlon 2.0 foam and an Air Zoom unit in the forefoot, all enclosed by a lightweight monomesh upper. A sneak peek at what’s coming next from Antetokounmpo and Nike was given when he shared photos of the Giannis Freak 7 on Instagram, showcasing a return of flipped Swooshes and a wavy upper design.

Ja Morant: Nike Ja 2

In their quest to design a follow-up to the widely acclaimed Nike Ja 1, both Ja Morant and Nike Basketball were not daunted by the pressure of expectations. Instead, they focused keenly on two vital aspects for the Nike Ja 2: control and responsiveness to match Morant’s aerial performances. To achieve this balance, a novel midfoot mold was developed for improved lockdown, blending the same Cushlon foam formula and an Air Zoom unit in the forefoot that players admired in the original model.

James Harden: adidas Harden Vol. 9

The innovative design philosophy of adidas Basketball was initially introduced through James Harden’s signature line: sleek, futuristic shoes with bold lines and molded uppers. This design concept has been consistently maintained in the Adidas Harden Vol. 9. The shoe boasts grid-mesh ventilation integrated between streamlined layers, updating the aerodynamic form of its predecessor. Additionally, the sole unit incorporates “Lightboost” technology, a blend of Lightstrike and BOOST technologies. As James Harden himself put it, these shoes allow you to look stylish at a dinner party or wear them on the court and score 40 points.

Jaylen Brown: 741 Performance Rover

Fresh from clinching the NBA Finals MVP title, Jaylen Brown unveiled not just his debut signature shoe, but a whole performance brand of his own. This decision meant turning down lucrative endorsement deals worth tens of millions from major sportswear companies. Instead, he chose to manage the creative aspects independently. The 741 Performance Rover is engineered with specifications that deliver. The slim inner shoe, held firm by a dynamic lacing system, is enveloped in a stretch cover incorporating an engineered vent for airflow and abrasion-resistant yarn. Each pair boasts an EVA midsole, high-density flexible film lasting board, and the brand’s unique translucent rubber outsole.

Jayson Tatum: Jordan Tatum 3

Last season, Jayson Tatum’s fellow Boston Celtics teammate, Brown, unveiled the third edition of his Jordan Brand shoe, the Jordan Tatum 3. The upper was redesigned based on research data from Nike Sport Research Lab, leading to a layering of materials that optimizes three essential elements: strength, comfort, and stability. Regarding the sole, it features a Zoom Air insert and Cushlon 3.0 foam for smooth side-to-side movement.

Jimmy Butler: Li-Ning JB3

Jimmy Butler experienced a thrilling season this year, going from having disagreements with the Miami Heat that led to a trade, to revitalizing his career alongside Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Additionally, he introduced a fresh addition to his personal shoe line with Li-Ning, debuting the JB3 model. This top-tier basketball shoe offers an exceptional playing experience through innovative features like a carbon fiber spring plate and full-length Li-Ning Boom foam.

Kawhi Leonard: New Balance KAWHI IV

Previously, we speculated that the unveiled shoe last year from Kawhi Leonard and New Balance was likely to be the Kawhi IV. However, it has now been officially launched under this name, expanding his signature line. The design, which Leonard has sported throughout the season, incorporates FuelCell cushioning along with Energy Arc technology. This technology combines carbon fiber plate geometry with carefully placed midsole gaps.

Or more casually:
Last year we guessed that Kawhi’s new shoe with New Balance was the Kawhi IV. But it’s officially out now, and it continues his line of shoes. The design he wore all season has FuelCell cushioning and Energy Arc tech – that means carbon fiber plate geometry and smart gaps in the midsole.

Kevin Durant: Nike KD 18

In his shoe line that’s second only to other active basketball players in longevity, Kevin Durant has been both introducing new models and re-releasing older designs such as the KD 4. This season, the Slim Reaper unveiled his Nike KD 18, although Nike hasn’t officially presented the model yet. We do know that it boasts a sizable Air Zoom unit at the front and Nike Air cushioning elsewhere. Additionally, a new TPU cage covers the mesh upper, giving it a fresh look inspired by the Air Max Plus of its predecessor.

Klay Thompson: ANTA KT 10

For over a decade now, Klay Thompson and ANTA have been jointly launching their footwear line. To mark this milestone, the ANTA KT 10 is their most advanced shoe yet. This season, Klay has been sporting it while playing for the Dallas Mavericks, utilizing its innovative wrap upper and multi-directional non-slip outsole to achieve nearly a 40% three-point shooting accuracy.

Kyrie Irving: ANTA KAI 2

This year, Kyrie Irving’s season was cut short due to a devastating ACL injury which may keep him out of play until at least 2026, as per league sources. Prior to his unfortunate setback, Irving and ANTA unveiled the ANTA KAI 2. This daring model reflects Irving’s creativity through its revamped ANTA branding and elaborate heel design. In addition, Irving collaborated closely with designers to incorporate personal symbolism for each colorway.

LaMelo Ball: PUMA MB.04

Is there anyone in the NBA who exhibits as much style and panache as LaMelo Ball? This 23-year-old is undeniably himself, showcasing this through his thrill-inducing gameplay and unique shoe line with PUMA Hoops. His sneakers have never been shy of his audacity, featuring motifs such as his “1of1” claim and “Not From Here” slogan, along with some of the most daring colorways in the world of basketball shoes today. The PUMA MB.04 further embodies this flair by adorning itself with bold designs, and has recently been transformed into a low-top model as well.

LeBron James: Nike LeBron 22

For his 22nd year in the NBA, LeBron James introduced his 22nd signature sneaker. Even at 40 years old this season, the seasoned pro continues to hold his superstar position, helping the Los Angeles Lakers, along with the recently recruited Luka Dončić, secure a third-place ranking in the intensely competitive Western Conference. The Nike LeBron 22 has been instrumental, featuring a low-cut design that incorporates Cushlon 2.0 foam and Zoom technology to elevate him even further.

Luka Dončić: Jordan Luka 4

In a surprising turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks traded away their star player, Luka Dončić (who was just 25 years old and had an incredibly promising NBA career ahead), to the Los Angeles Lakers. This trade, which occurred months ago, has left basketball fans everywhere struggling to come to terms with it. However, Jordan Brand saw this as an opportunity and showcased Dončić wearing the new Jordan Luka 4 shoes for his first game against his former team. After that, they introduced another model – the Jordan Luka .77 – alongside it. This new sneaker features an upgraded IsoPlate, a Zoom Air unit in one of the shoes for the first time ever, and Cushlon 3.0 foam. All these enhancements are intended to help Dončić make a strong push during this year’s playoffs.

Nikola Jokić: 361 Joker 1

Despite being hailed as the top basketball player globally, it’s astonishing that Nikola Jokić had to wait years for his own signature shoe. However, this was indeed true until late 2023 when he switched from Nike to 361 Degrees. Since then, he has unveiled the 361 Joker 1, a shoe boasting a cushioned Qu!kCQTECH midsole, an arch-stabilizing torsion plate, and a double-lock TPU system for added support.

Sabrina Ionescu: Nike Sabrina 2

Last year, Sabrina Ionescu earned her first WNBA championship as she played a crucial part in guiding the New York Liberty to a win against the Minnesota Lynx during the WNBA Finals. Her triumphant season was boosted by the Nike Sabrina 2 shoes, an improved version of her initial model that was even lighter. This design was the first for Nike Basketball sneakers to incorporate Cushlon 3.0 foam and featured a Zoom Air unit at the front, while its upper was reinforced with a versatile internal midfoot containment system that adjusted with each step.

Scoot Henderson: PUMA Scoot Zeros II

In the 2023-24 season, Scoot Henderson entered a prestigious group of basketball players when he got his first signature shoe as a rookie. PUMA Hoops made a significant investment in the now 21-year-old talent. Despite initially underperforming compared to high expectations, he gained substantial momentum this year. The PUMA Scoot Zeros II have been his go-to shoe throughout the season, with their striking Formstrip and wings making them noticeable.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Converse SHAI 001

This season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the team to watch during the playoffs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a strong contender for MVP, has not only guided the team to the league’s top record but also assumed the role of Converse Hoops’ ambassador. His first design for Converse, the Converse SHAI 001, garnered attention during NBA All-Star Weekend due to its trendy style, which aligns with the fashion-forward looks he’s become famous for in recent years. The shoe features a puffed upper with a winged shroud covering an inner bootie and a ghillie lacing system, providing three different ways to wear it thanks to its flexible zip options. Although the shoe won’t be released until later in the year, you can expect to see it frequently during the playoffs as SGA pursues his first championship.

Spencer Dinwiddie: 361 DVD 3

Since 2023, Spencer Dinwiddie has been a part of four distinct sports teams, but he’s consistently stayed faithful to one particular brand. As a seasoned guard, Dinwiddie stands among three active athletes endorsing 361 Degrees. His latest collaboration with the brand is the 361 DVD 3, a design focused on performance that combines dual TPU plates with Qu!kCQTECH cushioning to facilitate swift changes in direction and provide continuous energy return.

Stephen Curry: Under Armour Curry 12

2024 Summer Olympics left everyone spellbound as Earth’s finest athletes gathered in Paris to showcase their exceptional abilities. In basketball, Stephen Curry delivered an extraordinary performance during the Gold Medal Game, hitting four crucial three-pointers in the last three minutes against France, thereby securing his first gold medal for Team USA. This he accomplished while donning his latest Under Armour Curry 12 shoes, effectively utilizing their dual-density UA Flow cushioning, 3D-molded TPU heel counter, and multi-segment forefoot plate, thus proving to the world that he is unparalleled in shooting skills.

Sydney Colson: Creative Control Sydney Colson 1

2-time WNBA champion Sydney Colson is not just set to contribute her experienced influence to the Indiana Fever this season, but she’s also launching her very first signature shoe. At 35 years old, the guard has partnered with Creative Control to design the Sydney Colson 1, marking their first athlete endorser. The design of her inaugural model reflects her lively character, which has earned her a significant fan base within the league, by featuring a mesh upper supported by a vivid foundation.

Zion Williamson: Jordan Zion 4

Once more this year, Zion Williamson is back on the long roster. Despite battling injuries that kept him to just 30 games last season (2024-25), he’s still been productive for Jordan Brand. At the start of the new term, he unveiled the Jordan Zion 4, another low-profile shoe using the same Cushlon 3.0 drop-in midsole system from its previous model, along with a full-length Air Zoom strobel and computationally-designed outsole.

2025-04-19 00:02

The A-Z’s of Active NBA and WNBA Players’ Signature Shoes: 2025 Edition