The NBA All-Star, All-Shoe Team

NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off today. Big weekend o'fun. So B/R asked for some analysis about the Top NBA All-Star starting lineups of all time, and I considered doing it. Then I realized the only All-Star game I have ever cared about was in 1994 when B.J. Armstrong from the Chicago Bulls was selected, and my love for him was finally validated!

Then, my Canadian Shoe Expert Etienne stepped in and started talking bout the crazy shoes that come out for All-Star Weekend. He showed me some pics, and I found out that this is ultimate sneaker fashion week with players modeling their hot new shoes that are about to launch! The games are like runways! Perfect! I love fashion shows! And shoes! And I'd get to write about them!? It'll be much easier and funner than looking up b-ball history.

Right. You have no idea how obnoxious it was to compile research about this. I never want to hear another man bitch or mock my shoe collection or hear a guy tell his wife, "What do you need another pair of shoes for?" Because seriously, do you even know how many shoes Kobe Bryant puts out in a year? How many different colors the Air Force One's come in? How many divisions of Air Jordans there are?

I will never be mocked again for my love of shoes.

These are not in any order, I do not believe in ranking shoes. It is mean to the other shoes.

Don't worry, this is very sneaker-hater friendly. Never been a fan myself till now. But these are so fab I want some! And shhh....there may even be a pair of heels in there too!

Nike, The Air Force 1, 1983

The start of the madness. This little shoe propelled Nike to the top. It now comes in over 1,800 color combinations and limited editions. It is the number one selling shoe style of all time. And the basis of Nelly's 2002 hit song "Air Force Ones".

Air Force 1, All-Star 25th Anniversary

Detailing in the shoes includes faces of those that helped launce AF1's into the height of popularity. "The original six:" Moses Malone, Michael Cooper, Bobby Jones, Jamaal Wikes, Mychael Thompson and Calvin Natt.

The "new six:" Kobe Byrant, LeBron James, Amare Stoudemaire, Tony Parker, Vince Carter, and Rasheed Wallace.

Michael Jordan, Air Jordan I, 1985,

The first "all-star sneaker." Mike broke all the rules rocking these during the game. He was charged $5,000 a game every time he wore them because it went against the NBA dress code. And he rocked these in his first all-star game. Talk about being fashion forward! Who knew the madness that this little moment would lead to?

Scottie Pippen,

Sure Scottie was always a good player, but no one really focused on him while Mike was flying through the air. Then came the 1994 All-Star Game where Pip pulled down 29 points, 11 boards and four steals and won the MVP. If that wasn't enough, his shockingly red shoes definitely yanked him right out of Mike's shadows and said, "Here I am, look at me!"

Tracy McGrady, T-Mac 3,

Don't worry! Just go Punky Brewster style and mix things up!

Also, I have to say I am transfixed by these shoes. Very shiny!

Kobe Bryant, Nike Zoom III All-Star Edition, 2008

I had to pick these because these just don't look like real shoes. They are beyond strange. Almost like a jelly shoe...or a plastic Ken doll shoe. Very peculiar.

The Kobe I, 2001 & The Kobe II

These terrify me. Are they sneakers? Moonmen shoes? Cars for feet? The original Kobe's were actually made-up with the design team from Audi. I read somewhere that he did wear The Kobe I during an All-Star came but I can not 100 percent confirm because I forgot the site. As for the silver one...how bad do you just want to stick a Barbie and Ken doll in the shoe and add a steering wheel? Vroom!!

Chris Webber, DaDa Chrome CDubbz, 2002

I don't feel like these need any other descript than "badass!" And shiny!

Paul Pierce, Nike Air Max P2 IV,2008

Normally I think Celtics' players should be rocking green sneaks all the time. However, this shoe is awesome! It manages to incorprate a monogram with fake croc design while staying sleek and stylish at the same time. I want to start a sneaker collection so I can touch these ones.

LeBron James, Zoom III All-Star Edition, Houston 2006

Actually, I have three other LeBron shoes that I think are fab! I really can't decide between them.
Zoom IV, All-Star Skills Challenge, 2007
Zoom V, All-Star Game East, 2008
Zoom IV, Las Vegas All-Star 2007

To see those photos you can view this article also on my own site Stiletto Sports.

Dwayne Wade, Converse All-Star BOGO, 2006: RWB

Who doesn't love a BOGO? (special Infomercial voiceover) In stores, these shoes would sell for over $100 a piece! But right now we are offering you the deal of the century! If you buy the red, white and blue All-Star shoe we're going to give you another another pair of sneakers in D-Wade's college colors...for free!

Dwayne Wade, Converse All-Star BOGO, 2006 Marquette

(special Infomercial voiceover continues) That's right! If you order the first pair, we are going to give a special customized pair of Pro Leather kicks commemorating Wade's years at Marquette

But wait, if you order in the next few minutes, I'll throw in a special poster of Wade that says "Greatness is not a destination. It is a journey!" absolutely free! Don't wait, order today ***

**Some restrictions apply. Limited time only. Not available in stores anymore. Not for sale. I cannot give you this deal. Too bad you can't get them anymore. Etc.

Allen Iverson, Reebok 2008, The Answer VI (to The Question 1996)

What a difference almost 10 years of technology and fashion makes! In 1996, Reebok developed the sneaker line The Question to honor Allen Iverson.

Since '96 Iverson really has become the Answer to Reebok's failing b-ball shoe line! The 2008 All-Star shoe was as cool as you can be with a velcro-strap.

(The Question from 1996 is availble on the Stiletto Sports version of this article at http://stilettosetsports.com)

Air Force I Low LE, 2006 Houston All-Star Game

I looked at a lot of sneaker designs for all the recent All-Star Games and for some reason this one really stood out to me. It's shiny, vibrant simplicity makes these shoes wow me more than the glam and glitz of some other models.

Nike Zoom BB II, 2008 All Star Game

(Disregard the comments from the previous shoe) Fun and funky and look like animal print?!!?!? Shut up! LOVE them!

Adidas, All-Star Gabe Urist x Adidas TS Pro Model Mid, 2008

They are pretty sneakers! Adidas got together with NYC jeweler Gabe Urist to develop this sweet pair that was sold exclusively in New Orleans during the 2008 All-Star weekend. They even have Japanese flowers on the heel and shiny gold stripes!

Mariah Carey, Air Jordan XI Heels, 2003

And last, but by far the best...

The Air Jordan Heels.

I thought these were an urban shoe myth like the Sex and the City Manolo Mary Janes!

Still not entirely convinced they are real because this is the only physical proof I could find of them! But apparently Mariah Carey totally rocked them! If anyone has further information about this shoe myth I would greatly appreciate it!

Like the list? Have others you want to add? Let me know! Leave me a comment me here or check me out on Stiletto Sports and drop a line there!