adidas and Fear of God Athletics have officially dropped the highly-anticipated seasonal collection that includes the buzzed-about Basketball II Sneakers in a rich chocolate colorway. Introducing a new seasonal capsule of essential, sports-focused footwear, the adidas sub-brand continues to push boundaries — much like founder Jerry Lorenzo promised.

Earlier this year, Lorenzo mentioned that his collaborative label with adidas had more sneakers on the way, including a revamped pair of basketball shoes that put performance at the forefront. And while the original silhouette faced some on-court critiques, the Basketball II builds on what it started and progresses with intention; they’re allegedly much lighter and far more supportive, but still every bit as sleek as the initial design that debuted in late 2023 at the Hollywood Bowl show.

The latest spawn from these two iconic brands comes in both high- and mid-top silhouettes. Both pairs have three striking stripes and uppers doused in a muted shade named “Night Brown,” then placed atop grippy outsoles with a multi-directional traction pattern fit for the hardwood. As a finishing touch, each feature co-branding at the heel. Long-term ankle protection aside, a noteworthy difference between each design is the high-top’s collar strap for extra support.

And, if the adidas Fear of God Athletics sneakers already looks familiar to any basketball fans, that’s because they’ve already made their NBA debut. Lakers guard Gabe Vincent has been rocking them on-court all season long, so rest assured knowing your feet are in good hands if the pros are rocking this night in and night out.

Best of all, the latest sneakers from adidas and Fear of God are accompanied by a whole new capsule, highlighted by the Suede Fleece lineup’s enviously soft feel and sturdy, double-knit construction. Pieces in this collection include a mock-neck, half-zip, hoodie, and track jacket, as well as pairs of relaxed-fitting pants and shorts that compose a whole fit. No matter which combination you opt for, you’ll stay active and comfortable from the neck down.

Try to secure pieces from the upcoming Fear of God Athletics collection when it drops on December 6th, with the Basketball II available starting from $180.

adidas Fear of God Athletics II High Top Basketball Shoes

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Price upon publish date of this article: $200

adidas Fear of God Athletics II Basketball Shoes

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Price upon publish date of this article: $180

More adidas Fear of God Athletics Apparel to Shop

adidas Fear of God Athletics Suede Fleece Mock Neck

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adidas Fear of God Athletics Crewneck

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adidas Fear of God Athletics Hike 1/2 Zip

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adidas Fear of God Athletics Relaxed Sweatpants

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adidas Fear of God Athletics Heavy Jersey 3/4 Mock Tee

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Meet the Author

Yoni Yardeni is a Los Angeles-based fashion, footwear and culture journalist who has written articles for publications including HiConsumption and HotNewHipHop. Through prior stints, his work ranged from curating buyer’s guides for the fashion world’s best boots, sneakers, and jackets to revisiting Lil Wayne’s quintessential mixtapes and albums.

For the first time in a decade, basketball’s first-ever signature sneaker is making its return.

The Adidas Jabbar, which made its debut in 1978 for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and last released in 2014, will release this week in its original “Royal Blue” colorway with both high-and low-top versions. White leather covers the majority of both sneakers, while the striping makes use of blue leather and the toe cap grey suede. The high-top then features a blue leather collar, while the low uses the same treatment for its mustache. A silhouette of Jabbar taking his legendary sky hook shot and his signature appear on the tongue tag in blue for the high-top and gold for the low.

While basketball sneakers had featured names of athletes prior to Abdul-Jabbar, the Adidas Jabbar was the first made specifically for a player. Converse’s Chuck Taylor All-Stars were originally known as “No-Skids” before Taylor, a semi-professional basketball player and Converse salesman, redesigned the sneaker that would then bear his name.

The Puma Clyde predates the Adidas Jabbar as well, but the silhouette is the same as the Pume Crack and was renamed when new colorways were made for Clyde Frazier. Once Frazier’s original deal with Puma expired, the shoe then became known as the Suede.

Abdul-Jabbar, who was the NBA’s all-time leading scorer until LeBron James passed him in 2023, was also the first basketball player to sign with Adidas. High-, mid- and low-top versions of the Adidas Jabbar have all released — with the lows being particularly popular among b-boys (or breakdancers).

In Willy Chavarria’s Paris Fashion Week show in September, the designer also showed an updated version of the Jabbar likely to release in spring 2025.

The Adidas Jabbar Hi and Lo “Royal Blue” will release Friday, October 19, through Adidas’ website and select third-party retailers. Pricing for the high-top is set at $110 and the low-top $100.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

The Adidas Harden Vol. 8 has breathed new life into James Harden’s signature line while forming a formidable one-two punch with the Anthony Edwards 1 for a new era of Adidas Basketball. And as leaked official images now show, the Harden Vol. 9 will continue with the momentum.

The Adidas Harden Vol. 9 will release in 2025 while anchored in the same design language as its preceding model and Adidas Basketball as a whole. The shoe can essentially be broken down into two components: one large panel that wraps around the upper and transitions smoothly to the sole unit and a knit base that includes a sock-like inner bootie. These components are emphasized by simple two-tone color-blocking. Black forms the knit base of both colorways shown so far, while the cages are rendered in “Cyber Metallic” gold or “Cloud White” with their respective sole units complementing in slightly different hues.

Branding now comes more to the forefront of the Harden Vol. 9’s cage, as cut-outs form three stripes in tear drop-like streaks on both the lateral and medial sides. The heel’s Three Stripe motif replicates that of the Harden Vol. 8, and the outsole’s traction pattern also remains largely the same. The inner portion of the outsole adds a third hue, red for the metallic gold edition and electric green for the white, which then matches a single stripe at the bottom of the eyestays. The midsole also takes on a new striped pattern as it weaves its way up and down the shoe and includes the Adidas logo at the toe tip.

Unlike the Harden Vol. 8, Boost can’t be seen through the outsole — so it’s unclear if the Harden Vol. 9 will use the same combination of Boost and Lightstrike cushioning.

The Adidas Harden Vol. 9 will release some time in 2025, possibly as early as February or March based on when the Harden Vol. 8 launched this year. Pricing for the sneaker is set at $190.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Trae Young took to the court Tuesday for the Atlanta Hawks’ first day of practice not in his own signature sneaker from Adidas but instead in a model from Anta.

The choice in footwear, which would likely be in violation of contract, comes after a report from Sole Retriever that Adidas will end the guards line after the forthcoming release of the Trae Young 4.

Young was seen in a Hawks Instagram post wearing the Anta Shock 5 “Heterochromia,” which released last December. For his Monday media day appearance, however, Young remained in-line with his endorsement by wearing the Trae Young 3, which launched in August 2023.

Footwear News has reached out to Adidas for comment and will update if a response is given.

After beginning his career with Adidas as a rookie in 2018, Young signed a contract extension with the German brand at the end of 2020 that would see his signature line begin a year later. At that point, he had been named to the All-Rookie First Team and became an All-Star in his sophomore season. In the 2020-2021 season, him and the Hawks surprised many by reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. The following season, Young was then named to his first All-NBA Third Team for his first All-NBA honors.

The Hawks haven’t made it past the first round since the Eastern Conference Finals, though, and missed the playoffs altogether last season. And while Young is coming off his third All-Star selection, his signature sneakers haven’t come close to reaching his goal of becoming the “No.1 shoe seller in the league,” as his father Ray Young told The Athletic in 2020.

Instead, Anthony Edwards has emerged as the new face of Adidas Basketball with the highly praised launch of his first signature sneaker and an ascendence as one of the league’s most talented and exhilarating players. James Harden’s signature line has also seen a resurgence with new design language tying it to the Anthony Edwards 1 as part of a new era for Adidas’ hoops division.

Anta could prove alluring to Young, especially after the success of the Chinese brand’s launch of its first signature sneaker for Nike outcast Kyrie Irving.

The Adidas Trae Young 4 is expected to release during the holiday 2024 season, and so far only renderings of the shoe have surfaced.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Dikembe Mutombo, the Basketball Hall of Famer known as much for his finger wagging and singular voice as his defensive prowess, passed away Monday at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer.

The Congolese-American player nicknamed “Mt. Mutombo” was a global ambassador for the sport and prolific humanitarian who who donated millions of dollars to build a hospital in his home town, the Congolese capital of Kinshasa.

At 7 feet 2 inches, Mutombo held down the paint as one of the league’s best-ever defenders and shot blockers. As an Adidas athlete, he served as a rare exception to the rule that big men can’t sell shoes with his namesake model still counting among the most eccentric signature models in the history of the sport.

In a statement after his death, Adidas said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Dikembe Mutombo. He was respected and loved by so many for his skills on the court and the impact he left off the court. Dikembe was a trailblazing humanitarian who believed in the brotherhood of basketball, using his platform to promote cultural exchange from Africa to the world, furthering the game and human rights with equal fervor. We are grateful for his legacy that will continue to inspire us for generations to come.”

Below, Footwear News takes a look back at Mutombo’s sneaker legacy, including his Adidas contract and the iconic Adidas Mutombo.

Dikembe Mutombo’s Adidas Contract

In the early ’90s, Adidas was struggling in the U.S. The company’s American sales were flat at around $225 million per year compared to $3.4 billion for Nike and $2.7 billion for Reebok. Robert Strasser, the former Nike executive who helped launch the Air Jordan line and was almost single-minded in trying to take down the German rival, was named chief executive in 1993 for a new Adidas America subsidiary in Portland. Along with him came as creative director came Peter Moore, designer of the Air Jordan 1 and the Nike Dunk.

Mutombo entered the NBA in 1991 as the 4th overall pick for the Denver Nuggets after playing for Georgetown University under the legendary coach John Thompson. Having graduated with a degree in linguistics and diplomacy, Mutombo only played three seasons of NCAA basketball because he spent his freshman year playing intramural hoops before being recruited by Thompson.

Nike sneakers graced the feet of Mutombo for the majority of his rookie season, as they did in college, until he signed a deal with Adidas worth more than $1 million putting his compensation in line with Michael Jordan. His agent, Sony Vaccaro said in a newspaper story announcing the deal: “The one thing Dikembe has is he can have a signature line. That’s the key. The merchandise bears his own logo and brand, and he gets back royalties from these particular items. To get royalties is a major cause.”

Mutombo instantly became the face for Adidas Basketball when it had fallen dramatically behind the sport. The ’90s marked a golden era for big men in the NBA, but Patrick Ewing had already left Adidas in 1989 and launched his own label, Ewing Athletics. Reebok locked down Shaquille O’Neal in 1992, and Nike released signature models for David Robinson and Charles Barkley during the time period in addition to the star of all stars, of course, in Jordan.

In the lead-up to the release of his first signature sneaker, the first of many memorable Mutombo ads (from Adidas and otherwise) aired him with him preparing to block a shot beneath the rim with a soundtrack of drums and the sound of an airplane. “Man does not fly in the house of Mutombo,” he said in a deep voice that became even more gravely with age. The ad is widely seen as a subliminal shot at Jordan and Nike, given the language of flight they’d used since the genesis of the Air Jordan line.

Details of Mutombo leaving Adidas have been lost to history, but in 1998 he began playing in Nike sneakers once again — which he’d continue to do until his retirement in 2009.

The Adidas Mutombo

Designed by Moore, the Adidas Mutombo launched in 1993 for $80 during the center’s second season in the NBA. The bulky high top was made to support Mutombo’s massive frame — he wore a size 22 shoe — and was deeply personal, especially for its time, through a number of elements invoking his home country of Congo (then known as Zaire).

The Adidas Mutombo’s launch colorway mixing black and white with green, red and yellow represented the Zairian Flag but can also be seen as an invocation of that of the Pan-African movement. A beefy tongue hosts a shield logo making use of both the letter “M” and Mutombo’s no. 55, and the shoe’s sidewall is defined by a geometric pattern pulling from the cut-pile raffia textiles of the Kingdom of Bakuba, which sat at the heart of Congo in the 17th to 19th century.

In a 2013 interview with Sole Collector looking back on the shoe’s history, Mutombo said: “I remember the designing process and how much I was involved. adidas wanted to find the true identity of Mutombo, where I come from, and something that would represent my country of birth. They wanted to represent the African continent and what I stood for as a player. It was about representing me as a defensive player and my shot blocking career, as someone who always protected. And that’s what it’s about. The shield is about protecting my kingdom.”

The Afrocentric look of the Adidas Mutombo was well timed, as colors and patterns from the continent grew more popular in a ’90s America in part because of streetwear and hip-hop. This trend could be seen in brands such as Cross Colours and acts including A Tribe Called Quest and Brand Nubian. On the inner cover for the album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” Raekwon can even be seen wearing the Adidas Mutombo while the rest of the members are wearing boots.

A second, more performance-driven Adidas Mutombo 2 followed in 1994 but was not received nearly as well as the first and would end up being Mutombo’s last.

Adidas brought back the original Mutombo as a retro for the first time in 2013 to commemorate the shoe’s anniversary. It also reissued the Mutombo 2 a year later, but once again the fanfare was much more muted compared to its predecessor.

More than 30 years since the Adidas Mutombo entered the world, it remains one of the most particular and personally-driven signature sneakers to grace the hardwood. By focusing on telling the story of Mutombo, the shoe’s bold pattern and colors have more in-common with the lifestyle-driven shoes that would emerge with the rise of sneaker culture in 2000s than the other performance basketball models of the time.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Derrick Rose announced his retirement Thursday, bringing an end to a career with an early high point as the NBA‘s youngest-ever MVP but also a major “What if?” because of his history of injuries.

Rose debuted his first signature sneaker, the Adidas Adizero Rose 1, in 2011, the same year he was named the NBA’s MVP at just 22 years old for a record that still stands today. A year later, him and Adidas locked down a reported 14-year, $185 million extension that’s kept him well-paid to this day despite a significant drop in play following a torn ACL at the start of the 2012 playoffs and a torn meniscus that kept him out for the majority of the 2013-2014 season.

Rose received 17 sneakers in total from Adidas, including four “.5” models bridging his signature models and three takedown shoes made at a lower price point. Samples have also been shown over the years for D Rose Yeezy prototypes, but none have ever released.

Over his 16-year career, which saw him becoming the Chicago Bulls’ biggest star since Michael Jordan after being taken No. 1 overall in the 2008 draft, Rose played for six different NBA teams. He was traded from his hometown Bulls to the New York Knicks in 2016 and later played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies.

In 723 career games, Rose averaged 17.4 points and 5.2 assists. Rose’s MVP year included a career-high 25 points and 1 steal per game to go along with 7.7 assists.

Rose announced his decision to retire on social media and with full-page advertisements in the local newspapers for all six NBA cities he played in. Adidas Basketball also posted a “Thank You” message to Rose on its social media channels.

Below, Footwear News will take you through the details of Rose’s Adidas contract as well as the full history of his sneakers.

Derrick Rose’s Adidas Contract

Rose’s rookie shoe deal with Adidas was rather modest with a value of $1 million per year for four years. As the initial contract neared its expiration, Rose was in a great position of strength in negotiating for an extension. No other brand could pitch him until 2012, but Adidas would hardly want to enter an open competition for a young player who’d already excelled as Rookie of the Year and the reigning MVP.

The long-term extension came in February 2012 to the tune of $185 million over the course of 14 years. Terms of the deal would allow Adidas to cease payments upon Rose’s retirement, which has long led to speculation that that’s why he hadn’t retired earlier (Rose himself has denied that his shoe deal was a determining factor).

A Sports Illustrated story from 2018 brought the most detailed look of Rose’s Adidas contract, as reporter Jon Wertheim obtained the full 40-page document. Among the revelations was that Rose could have seen a reduction in payments for failing to make the All-Star team or missing more than half of a regular season — but these stipulations could also be nullified by Rose making certain promotional appearances.

Adidas also could have attempted to void the deal because of a morals clause after Rose was accused of rape in 2015 but never did. Rose was never criminally charged and was found not liable in a civil suit.

An anonymous sports agent told SI of Adidas continuing to pay Rose: “I’ve never seen anything like this. The shoe companies are rigorous enforcers [of contracts]. There’s a saying: ‘There’s always another player and never enough money.”

By contrast, Rose made the NBA’s minimum salary in the ’17-’18, ’18-’19 and ’23-’24 seasons and has only made more than $10 million per season twice in the final eight years of his career.

The Adidas deal has also been lucrative to Rose’s friends and family, as his older brother was guaranteed between $250,000 and $300,000 a year and best friend/assistant $50,000 to $75,000 — both for “consulting.”

Adidas Adizero Rose 1

Rose’s signature sneaker debut came in 2010 with the introduction of the Adizero Rose 1, which features a visible cut-out on the ankle as part of the GeoFit system with targeted padding for stability and made to work in conjunction with his ankle brace just like future models.

A PureMotion sole takes inspiration from Adidas’ Feet You Wear technology from the ’90s while working in conjunction with a long-used Torsion System. SprintSkin and SprintFrame work together in the upper for a lightweight and stable fit, and Adidas branding is tucked away on the heel with two placements.

A “Restomod” version of the Rose 1 was introduced much later in 2023 and features more modern PureMotion and LightStrike tech.

Adidas Adizero Rose 1.5

Adidas tinkered with Rose’s first signature sneaker before fulling moving onto his second, resulting in the 2011 1.5 model that did away with the ankle window, weighed less and offered better breathability. In a nod to Chicago, the upper’s design is also modeled after the city’s Structural Expressionist movement in architecture.

Like its predecessor, it also got the Restomod treatment in 2023.

Adidas Adizero Rose 2

Later on in 2011 came the Rose 2, which features a thicker EVA foam midsole, SprintWeb and SprintFrame tech making further improvements in stability at a low weight and a Splatter Traction Surface outsole heralded for its court grip. While the Rose 2 did weigh more than the two preceding shoes, it did so for the sake of a massive improvement that, along with Rose’s star power at the time, made the model quite popular.

Adidas Adizero Rose 2.5

The half-steps forward continued in 2012 with the Adizero Rose 2.5, which was also the last of Rose’s original naming convention for Adidas and the first to feature proper logo for him. Changes in weight reversed direction with the lightest Adizero Rose yet, and the adoption of a Crazy Light outsole brought an even better reviewed traction. Viewed from above during wear, Rose’s Englewood neighborhood of Chicago is embroidered with a satellite view.

Adidas D Rose 3

The arrival of the D Rose 3 later in 2012 came in the lead-up to Rose’s highly anticipated return from his ACL injury. It brought the Rose flower logo that would finally become a mainstay for his line, the most streamlined and premium appearance yet and numerous Chicago callouts. On the tech front, SprintFrame, SprintWeb, GeoFit and Crazy Light all made returns with refinements.

Adidas D Rose 3.5

A snugger fit and ergonomic ankle pocket helped make the D Rose 3.5 more supportive, comfortable and responsive, while a new look came from the spiral pattern and a second placement for the Rose logo on this early 2013 release.

Adidas D Rose 4

A dramatic vertical line at the collar splits the Rose 4 into two distinct parts, but Rose hardly wore the 2013 sneaker because of his second dramatic injury coming early in the season. No new tech appears in the model, as the designers once again refined the various components while delivering more visible changes in the appearance.

In 2020, Adidas gave the D Rose the Restomod treatment with a new Bounce midsole.

Adidas D Rose 4.5

Adidas made the split near the heel of the D Rose 4.5 more subtle for the last of Rose’s .5 mid-season sneaker releases, but this model is probably defined by the least sweeping of changes in the series.

Adidas D Rose 5 Boost

2014 saw the D Rose 5 release alongside the Crazy Light Boost as the first basketball sneakers to make use of the then-new cushioning technology at full-length. The composition is a bit more firm than the Boost found on running sneakers, though, and a new EVA fit-cage is paired with SprintWeb on the upper maintaining much of the Rose 4 and 4.5 DNA.

Adidas D Rose 6

When it dropped in 2015, many reviewers called the D Rose 6 the best Adidas Basketball sneaker they’d ever played in. A Primeknit upper was added for select colorways, while Boost midsole came locked in StableFrame. As Rose played in the most games for a season since his first catastrophic injury, a strap system on the collar helped lock in his ankles.

Adidas D Rose 7

High praise continued into 2016 with the D Rose 7, which took inspiration from the Great Chicago Fire as an analogy for Rose’s own recovery from injury. Because of the popularity of the D Rose 6’s Primeknit variants, the material was used for each variant of the 7.

Adidas D Rose 8

The D Rose 8 largely flew under the radar in 2017, as its look brought little flair and its tech brought little new.

Adidas D Rose 9

Boost gave way to bounce in 2018 for the D Rose 9, which also added AdiWear rubber on the outsole. Ribbed striping defines the Primeknit upper, and a nontrivial amount of attention was brought to the fact that the shoe came in a plain Adidas box rather than one made for Rose.

Adidas D Rose 10

With Rose becoming just the eighth NBA player to hit 10 signature sneakers in a single line in 2019 (not counting the .5s), the D Rose 10 celebrated by incorporating elements of his previous models, including shapes and colorways.

Adidas D Rose 11

Released at the end of 2020, the D Rose 11 was the last proper signature shoe for Rose. LightStrike replaced the Bounce midsole, and once again older looks were incorporated for the upper.

Adidas D Rose Son of Chi

Adidas has released tree total D Rose Son of Chi models since 2021, which are more affordable sneakers more akin to what the Nike LeBron Nxxt Gens are compared to the numbered LeBron series.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

Getting a sneaker endorsement deal is something that many will only dream of, but there’s still an opportunity to live out the fantasy virtually on the recently released NBA 2K25 video game. 

The game offers various ways to wear dozens of sneakers from today’s top brands. Whether players want to choose from a selection of shoes from their favorite company to be worn by their customized MyCareer, change an NBA/WNBA player’s sneakers or customize a pre-existing design, the options are aplenty.

To obtain a signature sneaker endorsement in the game’s MyCareer mode, players must complete the “First Endorsement” quest. The brands available in this mode are Converse, Jordan Brand, New Balance, Nike, Puma and Under Armour. Each option offers different incentives for one-year deals, with a bonus of being able to wear any of the brand’s on-court shoes for free.

In total, 16 athletic footwear brands are featured in the game — more than any previous ‘NBA 2K’ title.

Players can choose between sneakers from Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, New Balance, Converse, Reebok, Anta, Li-Ning, And 1, Peak, Rigorer, Qiaodan, 361 Degrees, and a new addition to the game, Skechers. Numerous popular models spanning both performance basketball and lifestyle are included. 

Nike highlights include signature sneaker lines from LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Ja Morant, Sabrina Ionescu and more. Retro basketball models such as the Air Foamposite One, Air Foamposite Pro, Air Max 2 CB 94, and Air More Uptempo are included, as are other throwback shoes like the SB Dunk High and Air Max 1.

Jordan Brand’s options are highlighted by nearly the entire Air Jordan range from 1 through 38 as well as modern performance models worn by Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić and Zion Williamson. Special styles like the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low collaboration are also included in the game.

Many of Adidas’ current top names are represented including Anthony Edwards’ AE 1 and AE 1 Low as well as signature sneakers worn by Donovan Mitchel and Damian Lillard. Some of the brand’s retro basketball shoes such as the Crazy 1 (formerly known as the Kobe 1), Crazy 8, Forum and Superstar are also options.

Under Armour selections include the full Curry Brand line and others.

For New Balance, the brand’s current basketball sneakers like the Two Wxy 5 and Fresh Foam BB V2 are included, but there’s also a number of on-trend lifestyle shoes such as the 990v6, 1906R, 550, 327 and 574.

Puma’s offerings include the full LaMelo Ball MB line as well as Breanna Stewart and Scoot Henderson’s signature shoes.  

Converse is represented by classics including the Chuck Taylor All-Star and Weapon as well as the All Star BB Prototype worn by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Reebok’s in-game sneakers are all retro models headlined by signature lines from the brand’s president and vice president of basketball, Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson. 

Anta’s in-game presence is led by Kyrie Irving’s Kai 1 and also includes Klay Thompson’s signature line.

Li-Ning’s shoes include the signature sneakers of Jimmy Butler and C.J. McCollum as well as Dwyane Wade’s Way of Wade line.

Only one Rigorer shoe is included in the game: Austin Reaves’ signature AR1. 

WNBA All-Star Weekend Orange Carpet 2024: All the Shoes

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Coming off of the success of his AE 1 signature sneaker, Anthony Edwards and Adidas have agreed to a multi-year extension of their partnership.

While terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, a representative for Adidas told Footwear News the new deal is a “significant multi-year contract extension.” Aside from Edwards’ signature line, Adidas will reinforce its commitment to the Team USA and Minnesota Timberwolves star’s “Don’t Follow the Wave” initiative, which provides resources and opportunities to underserved youth in local communities.

“Adidas and I are creating history together,” Edwards said in a press release. “They’ve believed in me from the start and we have a shared vision for the future – which is why this relationship is so special to me. The launch of AE 1 was just the beginning. The world won’t want to miss what’s next. Believe That.”

Eric Wise, global general manager of Adidas Basketball, added: “Anthony embodies the spirit and determination that defines adidas Basketball. From the very beginning, we saw his immense potential and made a substantial commitment to his talent and vision. This extended partnership signifies our unwavering belief in his ability to lead and inspire. Together, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in basketball, both on the court and in our communities.”

The AE 1 has been a massive hit since launching in December, regularly selling out with the addition of new colorways on its way to being the most buzzed-about basketball sneaker in years. The first low-top iteration will make its debut later in July, departing from the usual mid-cut.

Executives from Adidas Basketball have been frank about the AE 1 being at the forefront of a reset for the division, with Wise previously telling Footwear News it had “felt stale.” Launched in February, James Harden’s Harden Vol. 8 has also been prone to sellouts while breathing new life into his signature line. Performance-driven design with bold shapes and color-blocking unite the new wave of signature sneakers, which added Donovan Mitchell’s D.O.N. Issue 6 at the top of July.

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is getting his sixth signature sneaker and his first-ever low-top with the D.O.N. Issue 6.

Arriving amid a period of resurgence for Adidas Basketball, the D.O.N. Issue 6 sees its mesh upper take on a Three Stripes motif similar to that used in the Predator soccer boot series and a hidden lockdown system beneath wrapping around the entirety of the midfoot. Lightstrike Pro foam, the same material used in Adidas’ top-of-the-line super shoes, makes its first appearance in Mitchell’s signature line through an application at the forefoot, while the heel features Lightstrike foam.

Because the mesh is unadulterated, it allows the shoe’s distinct parts to stand out much like the technology on Anthony Edwards’ AE 1 and James Harden’s Harden Vol. 8. A wavy overlay tops the upper around the eyestay and wrapping 30 degrees behind the shoe, while the sole unit is anchored by a midfoot shank in a warped oval shape similar to the shapes of the D.O.N. Issue 5. The color-blocking is also relatively straightforward like the other new signature models from Adidas, with the exception of the pink and blue gradient version that also features neon green accents.

The Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 will release July 5 through Adidas and select third-party retailers for a price of $120. Ahead of the launch of the sneaker, Mitchell spoke with Footwear News about is latest kicks in a Times Square Bowling alley in New York City where he was filming a forthcoming commercial.

What were the priorities for you in the process of designing this shoe?

The biggest thing for me was changing into a low-top. That wasn’t even my decision, but it was shown to me. That’s how the process goes because I’m not really into the intracacies. I’m moer just like, “Show me and I’ll say yes or no.”

When they showed me that, there was no need for tweaks, additions or anything subtracted. I was just like, “That’s the one.” Shout out to the design team for creating it. It’s fire, man, I’m excited. The technology is different with the Lightstrike Pro, but having something lighter and futuristic was something I wanted to do. It’s been awesome.

Was it an adjustment for you to switch to a low-top?

Obviously, I havent worn anything besides my own shoes in eight years. So it was definitely an adjustment at first, but it was quick and easy and very comforting. When I first put it on, it felt comfortable like I had my regular shoes on. To have this be a part of my line, moving forward, it’s something that I truly want to continue to push and continue to build off of. I think this is a phenominal start.

Did you play much in low-tops before you got your signature line? We saw the trend of low-top basketball sneakers start maybe 15 years ago with Kobe Bryant.

Yes and no, I kinda switched it up. I don’t remember playing at a high level in low-tops. I did in Louisville for maybe my first year. They probably don’t even make the shoes I wore then, but after that it was all mid-tops.

It’s kind of novel to look back now on how concerned people were then when low-tops are so common now. There was this fear that you’d break your ankles.

Now it’s the preferred option. The technology, the way it’s been made, it’s just as secure as the high-tops were back in the day.

How different does the Lightstrike Pro foam feel?

I think it’s just lighter — being able to move quicker and jump higher. You don’t feel like you have a shoe on your foot. I can just kind of go out there and just hoop without any thoughts.

And then is the mesh upper kind of deceptive? It looks plain without overlays but packs the internal band.

You don’t really know what’s in it until you feel it. When I put the shoe on, I felt locked in tight and secure, and you don’t even realize what’s on your feet. On top of it looking as dope as it does, you put the shoe on and it feels evern better than you’d expect.

Does that predominate mesh externally make a difference in how it feels?

We’ve had trials and errors and in the past there’s some that hae been competely soaked from sweat, and then I’ve had too breathable. These are right in the middle. I’ve worn these through the entire playoffs, and that’s the highest intensity you’re every going to play in.

Adidas Basketball has been getting a lot of praise this year for Anthony Edwards’ AE 1 and James Harden’s Harden. Vol. 8. What have you thought of this new era for the brand?

I think it’s dope. It’s creating a lot of noise, we’re creating a lot of attention. To be a part of the lineup and be one of the headliners is special, but I want to continue to push forward. You don’t just want to do one shoe, you want to build and build and build.

We’ve seen a longer rollout for the D.O.N. than is typical, beginning with the NBA All-Star Game in February. Have you had any eagerness to just get the shoe out there already?

Everybody has been dying for it. Everyone has been asking me for ’em. I’ve been keeping my Adidas people busy just because I’m trying to send some out. But I’m also like, “No, you gotta go buy ’em too.” It’s been hectic, it’s been crazy, which is good. I’d rather that than nobody asking me for anything. So I’m excited that it’s coming out soon. It’s been a while, and I’m exited.

Do you think the buzz around this has been any different than past models?

I would compare these to the 2 and the 3. I think this one for sure has the most excitement because it’s the low-top. The low-top is more fitting for everybody and you can wear this around, not just for basketball. The look is definitely what makes this more appealing.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

If all Adidas had were Anthony Edwards, it could still very well be poised to be the front-runner in basketball shoes for years to come.

The 22-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves guard has firmly taken the jump from budding star to superstar in his fourth NBA season. He’s drawing the most comparisons to Michael Jordan since Kobe Bryant not just because of how well he’s playing, but because of the way he does it.

“Ant-Man,” as he’s called, floats in the air, shakes defenders with insouciance and has MJ’s signature fadeaway in his bag. He’s also a relentless trash talker, possessor of an almost sinister grin and has shown a complete lack of fear in facing off against
the league’s elder statesman.

Of course, Edwards has a killer shoe as well, the AE 1, which has quickly garnered accolades as one of the best signature debuts in the history of the game, perhaps only bested by Mike.

“We know what his ceiling is,” said Eric Wise, global general manager of Adidas Basketball. “It’s pretty high, if there is one. He’s skyrocketing. You can’t really forecast that, but you knew he had something, from the personality standpoint, the athletic standpoint, his overall game [and] just being himself. He feels like a part of us — it doesn’t feel like a different athlete from a different brand.”

Adidas’ bag doesn’t end with Edwards. Its basketball team has also given veteran James Harden an eighth signature shoe that’s revitalized his line and brought it to new heights. It also has a design language to unite those two shoes, the most sought-after in the NBA for the 2023-2024 season,
as well as the forthcoming new models for Damian Lillard and Donovan Mitchell.

Candace Parker’s retirement led some to believe Adidas was losing its biggest asset in the rapidly growing women’s game, but last month the company announced that she’d take over as president for Women’s Basketball. As one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and a role model
for the Gen Z players, Parker should have favorable odds to grow that side of the business and find a worthy successor to herself as Adidas’ next female signature athlete.

Wise has openly admitted that Adidas Basketball needed a reset before this new era for the division. In terms of why the brand’s latest shoes have resonated so strongly with consumers, he points to an
emphasis on performance above all else. In short: Innovation drives a shoe’s technology, as well as its appearance.

That’s perhaps leading to another golden age of basketball sneakers, as today’s releases share the same feeling of future- looking oddities that defined those of the early 2000s.

As for Adidas Basketball, brand leaders said they’re conscious of the momentum, but are keeping the blinders on and continuing the path that’s been set, rather than overcorrecting based on initial
returns. Wise said this is just the beginning of his team’s vision for the future, one that already appears set for double-digit AE sneakers and more yet-to-be-revealed surprises.

“We’re in the forever game,” he said. “It’s not like a short-term thing.”

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.