Heat Check! The Sneakers Debuted During the 2024 NBA Playoffs
Via @theanthonyedwards_
The 2024 NBA Playoffs are in full swing and as playoff games are broadcasted across the globe, it’s time for sneaker brands to make the most of all the attention. Brands are using the playoffs to roll out new signature sneakers for their respective athletes, ranging from battle tested veterans like Kevin Durant to the new up and coming faces of the league like Anthony Edwards. We’ve rounded up a list of the latest and greatest from the Jumpman, Swoosh, 3 Stripes, and more.
Although they’re not set to drop until July, Jordan Brand are using the NBA Playoffs to help roll out the newest Air Jordan. With the help of Paolo Banchero taking on the role to be the face of the AJ39, the flagship Air Jordan is the first basketball sneaker to utilise ZoomX foam which houses a full-length Zoom unit to bring the ultimate cushioning setup.
adidas AE1 Low
Anthony Edwards looks like he’s about to take over the league and adidas have timed it perfectly with Ant’s first signature sneaker in the adidas AE1. As Ant and his Minnesota Timberwolves enter battle against the Phoenix Suns, the 3 Stripes unveiled the AE1 Low with a slick little spot featuring a vintage Saab 900. More AE1 Low colourways are expected to be on the way, so we’ll make sure to keep an eye out for that. Believe That.
ANTA Kai 1
Kyrie Irving has made some noise with ANTA, as the Mavs guard rolled out his first signature sneaker with the brand in the ANTA Kai 1 and they got something cooking for the playoffs. ANTA has dropped two playoff colourways to match the Mavericks’ white and blue with hits of gold and pink added in throughout. Expect Kyrie to rock the two colourways the rest of the playoffs.
Jordan Luka 3
Kyrie’s backcourt mate hasn’t been forgotten either as the Jumpman have unveiled Luka Doncic’s third signature sneaker, the Jordan Luka 3. Inspired by Luka’s love for high-performance sports cars, nods are featured throughout, ranging from the outsole pattern similar to racing tire traction and pull tabs taking after seat belts. Jordan Brand implements Cushlon 3.0 foam throughout with the latest evolution in the Isoplate, cutting weight without sacrificing stability and rigidity. Expect Luka to rock the Jordan Luka 3 as we wait for the sneaker to hit retailers in July.
adidas Dame 9
Playoffs are here and that means it’s Dame Time for the Milwaukee Bucks. As Dame Lillard leads the Bucks without Giannis Antetomkoumpo for the time being, adidas has brought out his 9th signature sneaker in the adidas Dame 9. A neoprene bootie setup is used for the Dame 9, with the 3 Stripes looking like it takes inspiration from the adidas Predator Instinct from 1994.
We don’t know the specs of the Dame 9, but expect Lightstrike to be used in some sort of capacity and expect the sneaker to drop sometime later this year.
New Balance Kawhi 4
New Balance made their return into the performance basketball market in 2018 with the signing of Kawhi Leonard being the face of the brand. Fast forward to 2024, New Balance have expanded their basketball roster in both the men’s and women’s game and are now set to launch Kawhi’s fourth signature sneaker in the NB Kawhi 4.NB opts for a low-cut for the first time on the Kawhi line, and uses a FuelCell cushioned midsole with a carbon fibre shank plate for added stability.
Although Kawhi sat out Game 1 against the Mavs, he made his return in Game 2 and expect the Klaw to rock his fourth signature sneaker for the rest of the playoffs.
As one of Nike's longest tenured signature sneakers, looks like there’s no slowing down for Kevin Durant and the Nike KD line. KD has been rocking his 17th signature sneaker since the start of the NBA Playoffs, in a stealthy all-black colourway. Nike TN vibes are strong as the TPU overlays look similar to those seen on the Air Max Plus, with a holographic KD badge placed on the tongue to stand out. As far as tech, it’s still unknown how the Nike KD17 is set up but expect some sort of Zoom Air implementation as Zoom branding is found on the sneaker.
It’s a given that KD will continue to rock the sneaker but maybe the likes of Chet Holmgren get a pair to rock as well as the Thunder forward was recently tapped to do a spot for the Nike KD17.
adidas D.O.N. Issue 6
Last but not least, Donovan Mitchell’s newest signature sneaker, the adidas D.O.N. Issue 6, rounds out the list. A half bootie entry is used with the 3 Stripes subtly seen through the mesh overlay on the lateral side. The cushioning setup is unknown, but expect some Lightstrike to be implemented as a carbon fibre shank plate is placed in the midfoot to bring rigidity to the sneaker.