No. 10 – Nike KD II
Year of release: 2009
Worn by: Kevin Durant
In 2009, it became clear that the Kevin Durant signature line was destined for something special. The second KD installment kept the price point low, sticking with forefoot Zoom Air cushioning and adding a midfoot strap for lockdown. In the 2010 All-Star Game, Durant wore the memorable “Creamsicle” makeup, which we can picture causing mass hysteria if they were to re-release these days.
No. 9 – Reebok ATR The Pump
Year of release: 2005
Worn by: Allen Iverson, Yao Ming
Reebok’s 2005 update to their groundbreaking Pump technology , the ATR The Pump, wasn’t an instant sell out by any means. However, on the NBA courts, this versatile sneaker packed enough tech and support for players of all sizes. Don’t believe us? Look no further than the 2005 All-Star Game, where they were rocked by MVP Allen Iverson and towering big man Yao Ming.
No. 8 – Air Jordan XVII
Year of release: 2002
Worn by: Michael Jordan
Packaged with a branded metal suitcase and a $200 retail tag, the Air Jordan XVII was a serious performer once unboxed. They’re powered by Zoom Air and built with smooth, luxurious leather that really made you feel like you were getting your money’s worth. This was also the second consecutive Air Jordan to feature a removable midfoot shroud, which offered lockdown and the ability to alternate between looks.
No. 7 – adidas T Mac 5
Year of release: 2005
Worn by: Tracy McGrady
This one’s tricky. Many McGrady and Three Stripes devotees have been demanding a proper retro of the T Mac 2 for quite some time now, but the closest they got was the “Return of the Mac” takedown variation. Instead of beating a dead horse, let’s opt for a different model altogether in the T Mac 5. This 2005 model featured a unique lacing system and supportive strap that wrapped from the midfoot to the heel.
No. 6 – Nike Hyperdunk
Year of release: 2008
Worn by: Kobe Bryant, Tony Parker
Outside of signature lines, the Hyperdunk is currently Nike’s longest running basketball sneaker. Year after year, this Flywire-powered model gets aesthetic and performance updates that further its popularity amongst players of all levels. Six years after the original, we think it’d be a perfect time to pay tribute to one of the Swoosh’s most iconic hoops shoes in recent memory. Cook up some new Kobe colors and the kids would go crazy.
No. 5 – Nike Zoom LeBron II
Year of release: 2004
Worn by: LeBron James
Aesthetically, the LeBron II had more in common with a winter boot than a performance basketball shoe, but the tech didn’t lie. Forefoot and heel Zoom Air was paired with a sturdy, durable upper and a removable lockdown strap at the ankle. It’s hard to believe that James was lacing these up when he was only 19 years old, and there couldn’t be a better to celebrate the Zoom LeBron II’s 10 year anniversary than with a proper re-release.
No. 4 – Reebok Answer VII
Year of release: 2003
Worn by: Allen Iverson
Reebok’s done a nice job of handling their Allen Iverson retros, but a few models always seem to get neglected. Instead of churning out hundredth colorway of the Questions, we’d love if they brought back the DMX-powered Answer VII. Its ribbed tongue and heel panel look like something you’d see on a shoe these days, and bringing back DMX cushioning in its original form would be one of the best moves Reebok’s made in years.
No. 3 – Nike Zoom Kobe I
Year of release: 2006
Worn by: Kobe Bryant
Last December, Nike Sportswear treated fans to a “Prelude” edition of the Zoom Kobe I, but it was so limited that it’s hard to call it a true retro. The Mamba deserves better than that, and there’s no better place to start than square one. After much anticipation, the ZK1 finally touched down in 2006, and we’ve been waiting on its return ever since.
No. 2 – Air Jordan XVI
Year of release: 2001
Worn by: Michael Jordan, Ray Allen, Joe Johnson
Excluding a one-time only the Collezione Pack, the Air Jordan XVI has been tucked away, much like its laces when worn with the lockdown shroud. This model featured blow-molded Air in the heel and Zoom Air in the forefoot for balanced cushioning and was constructed with a wide range of materials, including leather, patent leather, ballistic mesh, and durabuck. With new Jordan retros from I-XIV dropping on an almost weekly basis, the XVI would be a welcome breath of fresh air.
No. 1 – Nike Air Zoom Generation
Year of release: 2003
Worn by: LeBron James
It’s gotta happen eventually, but we’re growing more anxious by the day as we await a retro of LeBron’s first signature model. Last year, the King himself teased a reissue of the AZG on his Instagram page, but over a year later it has yet to materialize. Let’s be honest: LeBron can only continue at this level for a few more years before he starts to show signs of aging. It’d be wise for Nike to strike while the iron is hot and hit fans with what they’ve been clamoring for.
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