7 Sneakers You Need to Ball in 2020
Clear the airspace! It’s going to be a huge year for basketball sneakers in 2020, with some of the league's hottest young talent already signing along the dotted line. The Jumpman managed to ink a deal with transcendent talents Luka Dončić and Zion Williamson, PUMA clawed its way back from hardwood extinction with Kyle Kuzma and the Clyde Court, Nike continue to deliver outstanding renditions of Kyrie Irving’s signature silhouettes, and Reebok have totally gone bonkers with in-your-face retros like the Iverson Question. These are the seven sneakers you need to ball out in 2020.
Nike Kyrie 6
Kyrie Irving is yet to put a solid run of games together for the Brooklyn Nets, the 6 ft 2 livewire still nursing a right-shoulder injury to begin the 2020 NBA season. However, that hasn’t stopped his sixth signature sneaker from causing quite the splash.
The Nike Kyrie 6 launched in 11 city-inspired colourways back in November. Designed specifically for Kyrie Irving’s chaotic style of play, the new signature is built for an explosive first step that’ll dismantle ankles no matter where you ball. Designed by the young Nike talent Ben Nethongkome, it is again the Concepts colab that’s got everyone talking. Look out for the ‘Golden Mummy’ and ‘Khepri’ on January 10.
Reebok Answer
Take a leaf out of Montrezl Harrell’s book and ball-out in the Reebok Question. Allen Iverson’s first-ever signature sneaker, the Question has all the answers, with designer Scott Hewett employing a ghillie lacing system, eye-catching translucent outsole and Hexalite DMX cushioning.
The classic from 1996 is as relevant as ever, Iverson’s signature sneaker still equipped to break ankles all these years later. A little too loud for your liking? Check out another iconic look from the Iverson catalogue: The Answer V.
Jordan Why Not Zer0.3
The Jordan Brand continue to ink deals with the hottest talent in the league, Dallas Maverick Luka Dončić recently joining Duke prodigy Zion Williamson at the Jumpman. Meanwhile, one of their most nuclear talents — Russell Westbrook released his third iteration of the Jordan Why Not last month.
Yes, this one’s as expressionist as they come — the aggressive angles, colourways, and style are perfect for your 2020 rotation. Coming from one of the most inventive players on the court (and sneaker curators off the court), you better expect some truly retina-burning colourways of the Why Not Zer0.3 this year.
Nike LeBron 7
A watershed moment for LeBron James’ signature series, the Nike LeBron 7 was praised for its tight aesthetic and wave of highly-coveted colourways. A huge leap forward for the signature line, the Nike LeBron 7 was the first of King James’ shoes to feature Air Max and Flyknit, and quickly solidified itself as one of Nike’s strongest signature sneakers in years. Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, expect Nike to continue to rollout retro colourways of the iconic Nike LeBron 7, such as the recent ‘Red Carpet’ and ‘Hardwood Classic Alternate’.
adidas Dame 6
Keen for something a little more modern? Try out the adidas Dame 6. Built with a herringbone outsole and webbed lacing system, this sneaker could be Lillard’s dopest yet. The clean, subdued design is intended to reflect the Portland Trail Blazer's quiet leadership on the court. Want to really bring the fight to your game? Pick up the Texas Rattlesnake (aka Stone Cold Steve Austin) colourway of the Dame 6, featuring ‘Dame 3:16’ on the medial midsole.
PUMA Clyde Hardwood
Kyle Kuzma, Marvin Bagley III, and Terry Rozier have all joined team PUMA recently. It’s no wonder, the Big Cat have been making some impressive moves since their return to the hardwood. The Clyde Hardwood is one of the most versatile silhouettes out there, the basketball sneaker pivoting effortlessly from the court to more general, streetwear-inspired styles. The silhouette has been heavily customised during the 2019-20 NBA season, our favourite remix coming from Kevin Porter Jr’s Pink Panthers!
Air Jordan 5
What better way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Air Jordan 5 than thrashing them at your local basketball court? Introduced to the world by Mars Blackmon, the iconic build rocketed into the league during the 1989-90 NBA season, Tinker Hatfield originally taking cues from WWII fighter planes for the design blueprint.
We already have some ferocious colourways for the Air Jordan 5 in 2020, including Off-White’s ‘Metallic Black’ construction, the ‘Top 3’, and the throwback ‘Alternate Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’.
