NBA B/R Kicks of the Week: Best On Court for NBA Week 3
An athlete's use of dope sneakers never ceases to amaze in the NBA. And with the third week of live-game action underway, another batch of oven-fresh kicks came roaring in.
We poked around the league's footwear selections and chose five of the best. To keep the data upfront, Nike heavily influenced this week's list. That means player-driven sample models, retail success stories and throwback kicks were all present.
Let's unveil which five kicks made it into our weekly look at on-court greatness.
D'Angelo Russell: Nike Kobe 2 'Fade to Black'
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Who: Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell
Sneaker Worn: Nike Kobe 2 "Fade to Black"
Kobe Bryant's retirement last year sparked Nike to re-release some of his best silhouettes in a special "Fade to Black" pack. On November 8, D'Angelo Russell continued the Black Mamba's legacy by wearing the Nike Kobe 2 "Fade to Black" edition.
It's all about muted tones when it comes to the Kobe 2. The "Fade to Black" style stripped away exuberant colorways and exchanged them with a more subtle look.
One of the best features the Kobe 2 has had was the ankle-support strap. The design alone is enough to give this shoe its own sense of identity.
When we dig into the past, often we find inspiration. Seeing the Nike Kobe 2 back in action is reminiscent of that trend.
Kyle Korver: Nike Kobe 11 'Red Horse'
2 of 5Who: Atlanta Hawks forward Kyle Korver
Sneaker Worn: Nike Kobe 11 "Red Horse"
What would our weekly look at the top sneakers be without a pair of Nike Kobe 11s? Atlanta Hawks forward Kyle Korver matched his white-and-red uniform with the Kobe 11 "Red Horse" on November 5.
The use of Primeknit further enhanced an aggressive laying of red hues, starting from the heel and working its way up to the toe box. The sheer amount of of Primeknit on this sneaker is staggering and has been an encompassing factor for all Kobe 11 models.
Korver's "Red Horse" choice was not only prominent, but it also marks the first time we've seen him featured on our weekly sneaker list. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come from the sharp-shooting forward.
Jimmy Butler: Air Jordan XXXI 'Chicago'
3 of 5Who: Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler
Sneaker Worn: Air Jordan XXXI "Chicago"
Jimmy Butler's Air Jordan escapades continued on November 4 when he wore the Air Jordan XXXI "Chicago." The updated silhouette represents a modernized take on the classic Air Jordan I "Chicago" from 1985.
Rather than lean on the use of heavy leather, the upper featured a mesh knit material. This creates more of a breathable foundation and allows a player to feel less bogged down.
Butler's choice of the Air Jordan XXXI "Chicago" stood out among everyone else on the court—the Bulls took on the New York Knicks. We're going to continuously monitor his sneaker choices. Thus far, Butler has represented Team Jordan in a big way.
LeBron James: Nike LeBron Solider X 'Camo'
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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James
Sneaker Worn: Nike LeBron Solider X "Camo"
LeBron James hit everybody with a curveball against the Atlanta Hawks on November 8 when he switched shoes heading into the fourth quarter. His second selection of the night, the Nike LeBron Solider X "Camo," came out and drew the attention of cameras everywhere.
King James has focused on the LeBron Soldier X this season, plastering various sample colorways onto the floor. The "Camo" version has been one of the few selections to make it to the general public.
Camo anything works wonders in fashion. The LeBron Soldier X dipped in military layering represents a prolific choice by the King of all Nike signature shoes.
Kyrie Irving: Kyrie 2 'Player Exclusive'
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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving
Sneaker Worn: Nike Kyrie 2 "Player Exclusive"
For the second week in a row, Kyrie Irving is back on our list, thanks to a "Player Exclusive" model of his Nike Kyrie 2. Swapping out an icy blue pattern for a solid red coating, this sneaker broke through the noise of the Cleveland Cavalier's home uniform.
Irving has made a strong case to be considered the top sneaker icon in the NBA. Despite putting the same silhouette onto the hardwood night in and night out, he's given us a plethora of "Player Exclusives" models to write about.
This all-red edition was no different.
