The 10 Best NBA Finals Sneakers of All Time

Image via Complex Original

10. Nike Air Flight One — Penny Hardaway  

Year: 1995 

In Penny's only Finals appearance (such a shame) he didn't even get to showcase one of his true signature shoes. During the '94-95 season young Anfernee was coming into his own as a superstar, even being paired with Shaq (sound familiar?). Throughout the season and playoffs Penny wore the Nike Air Flight One, which featured the number one tag on the back. The shoe technically wasn't a Penny, per se, but we all remember what number he wore. So dope, even MJ had to game in these. 

9. Air Jordan XII "Black/Red" — Michael Jordan

Year: 1997 

You can argue all day that Jordan's Flu Game was sponsored by tequila, pizza, or Vegas bookies but either way he straight balled out and dropped 38 when he could barely walk on his own. Maybe it was the transition to Zoom Air in the XIIs or maybe it was just Mike being Mike — we'd like to think it was moments like these why you still go crazy trying to cop a pair. 

8. Reebok Shaq Attaq Insta Pump — Shaquille O'Neal

Year: 1995 

The Insta Pump isn't as memorable as some of Shaq's other signature kicks, but performance-wise it might have been his best 'Bok. They featured the high-demand Insta Pump package and adjustable ankle support to let the big man get comfortable causing mayhem in the lane. The sneaker also showcased the Shaq two-handed, knees-up Dunkman logo which at the time was nearing Mike's Jumpman status. While Jordan was shagging fly balls, Shaq had taken over the Eastern Conference and almost the world. 

7. Nike Zoom Kobe IV PE "Finals" — Kobe Bryant 

Year: 2009 

The puppets made it a hot product, KB made it a classic sneaker with his super-human performances against Orlando in the '09 Finals. Nike's special treatment for the series MVP borrowed a page from Jordan, literally highlighting Bryant's work and giving us a testament to why he's one of the best players in NBA history. 

6. Nike Air More Uptempo — Scottie Pippen 

Year: 1996 

Scottie always got outshined by MJ whether it was his play on the hardwood *pause* or his kicks on the court. Jordan still trumped Pip in the '96 Finals but his sidekick wasn't too far behind with the newly released Air More Uptempos. Pippen's new weapon of choice was perfect for Chicago's all-black-everything mantra and even with 480 resolution on your TV set you had no problem making out the 'AIR' on the side of his foot — Eastbay phone orders blew up like crazy that June. 

5. Nike LeBron 9 PE "Finals" — LeBron James 

Year: 2012 

It took LeBron a little bit longer than most people thought it would to raise the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the first time, but those player edition 9s made it that much better. It's hard to keep track of the 50 one-of-ones he burns through each season but these definitely stood out as one of Nike's best PE creations A.J. (After Jordan). We can't wait to see what The Swoosh has cooked up for him this year. 

4. Air Jordan XIV "Black/Red" — Michael Jordan

Year: 1998 

Do we really need to justify this one? Like our grandparents with the JFK assassination, we remember where we were when Jordan sniped Russell and the Jazz for his final act in a Bulls jersey rocking the Ferrari-inspired XIVs. #TeamEarly

3. Air Jordan VI "Infrared" — Michael Jordan

Year: 1991 

In '91 the Magic-versus-Jordan hype was crazy, even without us fools on Twitter dick-riding every moment. Jordan finally led the Bulls past the Bad Boys of Auburn Hills for a match-up against the Lakers in the NBA Finals. The '80s were over and Air Jordan was ready to take the crown as the superstar of the league. Chicago took the Showtime Lakers down in five games and the "Infrared" VIs became iconic even before the Bulls popped bottles. 

2. Nike Air Force Max — Charles Barkley 

Year: 1993 

Chuck won the MVP award and the sneaker battle against Mike in '93, but that's as far as it went. The Fab Five might have brought the shoe more notoriety but seeing Barkley rock the Air Force Max on the NBA's biggest stage left just as timeless an impression. They were a prequel of what was to come from his highly respected signature series. He's not a role model but you can't help but follow in his footsteps. 

1. Air Jordan XI "Black/Red" — Michael Jordan 

Year: 1996 

The Air Jordan XIs debuted during the 1995 NBA Playoffs when Michael made his comeback after the baseball strike and fell to Orlando in the second round. It didn't take long for Jordan and company to get back on top, though — the '96 Bulls set a league-record with 72 wins and skated through the post-season in their signature playoff black kicks. The "Concords" might be more iconic, but the black patent leather paired with the red Jumpman and sole made history. It's just different.