7 Super Hot Miami Colourways for the NBA Finals
In the immortal words of Will Smith, ‘Party in the city where the heat is on.’
The Miami Heat have once again defied the bookies to win the NBA Conference Finals. Powered by Jimmy Butler (read: Himmy Buckets), Caleb Martin, and coaching mastermind Erik Spoelstra, the Heat’s underdog locker room will believe they can go one step further this month and bring another championship to the storied South Beach franchise.
There’s only one thing stopping them: Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets.
To celebrate what’s sure to be a heated NBA Finals, we’ve rounded up some classic Miami-themed colourways from the vault.
Nike LeBron 8 ‘South Beach’ (‘Pre-Heat’) (2010 and 2021) Nike LeBron 8 ‘South Beach’ (‘Pre-Heat’) (2010 and 2021)
One of the most legendary sneakers from LeBron James’ Herculean signature catalogue, the Nike LeBron 8 ‘South Beach’ marked the king’s controversial arrival to the Miami Heat. Taking cues from the Miami Marlins and the TV show Miami Vice (a bold move given LeBron was now being labelled a ‘villain’ by fans), the sneaker is still one of the most polarising shoes of the post-Jordan NBA. The ‘South Beach’ colourway washed up on shores again in 2021.
Solefly x Air Jordan 1 ‘Miami Art Basel’ (2018) Solefly x Air Jordan 1 ‘Miami Art Basel’ (2018)
One of the most coveted Air Jordans in recent years, the Solefly x Air Jordan 1 collaboration arrived in celebration of Art Basel in Miami. Taking inspiration from the Miami Hurricanes, the school’s orange, green and white colours emblazon the AJ1’s infallible uppers. The collaboration also included custom tongue tags, stamped heel logos, 305 on the inside tongues (Miami’s area code), and an oversized Jumpman hangtag. Unfortunately, the shoe’s original surprise drop was shut down by police over safety concerns.
The Shoe Surgeon x Miami Heat Air Jordan 1 ‘Vice’ (2018)The Shoe Surgeon x Miami Heat Air Jordan 1 ‘Vice’ (2018)
In 2018, The Shoe Surgeon teamed up with the Miami Heat for the showstopping ‘Vice’ colourway. Inspired by the Heat’s ‘City Edition’ jerseys, this collaboration was extremely limited, with only five pairs manufactured. Four pairs were handed out to very lucky fans via Twitter sweepstakes between February 19 and March 8.
Ronnie Fieg x ASICS GEL-Lyte III ‘Miami Heat’ (2013)Ronnie Fieg x ASICS GEL-Lyte III ‘Miami Heat’ (2013)
No Miami roundup is complete without Ronnie Fieg’s sweltering ASICS Gel-Lyte III ‘Miami Beach’. The perfect beachside sneakers take cues from the Miami Dolphins team colours, the famous aqua green, orange and white composition graced by micro-perforated nubuck and woven mesh toeboxes. Long Considering Miami as his second home, Ronnie has been going to work on the Gel-Lyte III since time immemorial, but this is still one of our all-time favourites.
DTLR x New Balance 990v3 ‘Miami Drive’ (2022)DTLR x New Balance 990v3 ‘Miami Drive’ (2022)
Oh, baby! The DTLR x New Balance 990v3 ‘Miami Drive’ really captures the essence of South Beach. Previously collaborating with New Balance on the 992, 2002R and the 997, the team at sneaker chain DTLR slam dunked the popular 990v3 in (year), the model still craning necks and keeping us up all night long.
Nike LeBron 8 V2 Low ‘Miami Nights’ (2011 and 2021) Nike LeBron 8 V2 Low ‘Miami Nights’ (2011 and 2021)
The sneakers stay hot in Miami all. Night. Long. A fitting follow-up to the Nike LeBron 8 ‘South Beach’, the LeBron 8 V2 Low’ Miami Nights’ first arrived in 2011 with very limited numbers. Inspired by the Magic City’s nightlife, the V2 Low naturally features an overall lower profile. The upper’s graphic details steal the show, with teal and pink tones working seamlessly to create that familiar South Beach look. The graphic is elevated with dark specks, adding extra textures to the design, while a shiny black tongue is surrounded by teal lining. Elsewhere, a large white Swoosh hits the side as a bright red sole unit below comes packed with a hefty Air Max unit for cushioning. Another slam dunk in the LeBron catalogue, the original 2011 release can still fetch up to $1500.
Nike Air Penny 5 ‘Miami Dolphins’ (2020) Nike Air Penny 5 ‘Miami Dolphins’ (2020)
Air Pennys have made a resurgence in recent years, thanks largely to the Laguna stalwart, Stussy. Originally designed by Marc Dolce, the Air Penny 5 incorporated classic design elements from Penny Hardway’s vaunted line, including leather uppers with Foamposite overlays. For this rendition, the Miami Dolphins were obviously the inspiration, with special messaging incorporated on the two heel tabs (‘Part II Heaven Cent’ on the left shoe and ‘The Storm Is Over’ on the right.)
For more classic colourways, check out the all-time greatest Lakers sneakers.
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