The 20 Greatest Sneakers in Syracuse Basketball History

Orange crush.

Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead

CuseLead

Not Available Interstitial

Walters-J8

Not Available Interstitial

20. Air Jordan VIII "White/Stealth/Orange Blaze/Silver"

When: 2011

Who: Dion Waiters

Complex Says: No sophomore jinx for Waiters — even in less than 50 games for the Orangemen he has already proven himself as having a closetful of heat. For a game against Fordham, he killed the competition with the rare VIIIs on the way to a 25-point win. 

DevondorfHyperdunk

Not Available Interstitial

19. Nike Hyperdunk

When: 2009

Who: Eric Devendorf

Complex Says: The Hyperdunks took Nike's basketball performance game to another level. They trimmed all the fat and gave players a sneaker that was going to let your foot breathe, keep your ankle from rolling, and get a W in six overtimes. King.

JosephBron9

Not Available Interstitial

18. Nike LeBron 9 "Cannon"

When: 2011

Who: Kris Joseph

Complex Says: The "Cannon" colorway was inspired to be more of a player edition for a select few Nike college squads. Shortly after they dropped, the 'Cuse forward broke them out against Florida. The LeBron 9s haven't received as much love as the 8s as far as designs and colorways (yet), but the "Cannons" definitely stand out on the court.  

Seik-AlphaForce

Not Available Interstitial

17. Nike Air Alpha Force

Year: 1987

Who: Rony Seikaly 

Complex Says: The velcro strap on a basketball shoe — official. And before he became a DJ, Rony Seikaly's game was the truth. The Air Alpha Force IIs were best known on the feet of Sir Charles when he was throwin' bows in Philly, but everyone from Chris Mullin to, well, Rony Seikaly gave 'em a shot. Bring 'em back, Nike!

Walters-Cement3

Not Available Interstitial

16. Air Jordan III "Black/Cement"

When: 2011

Who: Dion Walters

Complex Says: You knew once Jordan Brand re-released the dopest Js of all-time these were going to be all of the courts this winter. Dion Walters is holding his own with an ill résumé of Nikes and Jordans already this season. The kids from Philly always kill it.  

Walters-Kobe6

Not Available Interstitial

15. Nike Zoom Kobe VI iD

When: 2011

Who: Dion Waiters

Complex Says: Waiters stays reppin' Philly and paying homage to one of the hometown's greatest? The VI iDs are sick — the colorway schemes well with the 'Cuse orange and borrows a little inspiration from the Kobe "Orange County" joints that had Black Mamba fans going crazy. 

Douglas-Delta

Not Available Interstitial

Owens-STS

Not Available Interstitial

13. Nike Air Force STS

Year: 1989

Who: Billy Owens

Complex Says: Owens took runner-up to Alonzo Mourning for prep player of the year in 1988, but he might have had the edge on him when it came to sneakers in The Big East. The Air Force STS is such a dope shoe even by today's standards. You might remember these on the feet of Larry Johnson when he was runnin' with the Rebels. The large branding on the heel and tongue combined with elephant print on the side — you can have all your Jordan retros, we need these back in the mix. 

Joseph-J9WhtBlk

Not Available Interstitial

12. Air Jordan IX "White/Black/True Red"

When: 2011

Who: Kris Joseph

Complex Says: Currently playing forward for Syracuse, we're not sure if Jospeh is taking inspiration from Carmelo's IXs (we'll get to those) when he was cutting down nets, but the Countdown Pack release proves that even though they were originally designed in 1993 they still hold up for the quicker and more versatile forwards 18 years later. 

FabMelo-KD2

Not Available Interstitial

11. Nike Zoom KD II "Creamsicle"

When: 2010

Who: Fab Melo

Complex Says: Whenever we hear the announcers break out "Fab Melo" all we can think about is the ESPN Jerry Stackhouse x Trey Wingo "What's your real name?" commercial. Mr. Melo might be one of the only players excited about checking into hotels under an alias, but there's no shame in his kicks. The "Creamsicle" IIs ran as Durant's hottest colorway until Nike went crazy this year with the IVs. 

ColemanAF3

Not Available Interstitial

10. Nike Air Force III

Year: 1988

Who: Derrick Coleman

Complex Says: Before 'Melo brought his game to Syracuse, no other Orangeman brought the ruckus like DC. Yeah his NBA career might not have went down the way scouts had predicted (or the Nets hoped) — but when are they ever right? We know one thing, big homey was only messing with the best Nikes in the late '80s. The Air Force III were the perfect fit for DC's inside-outside game. 

McNabb-ZoomFlight

Not Available Interstitial

SeikAF2

Not Available Interstitial

PearlWash-DunkLow

Not Available Interstitial

Hart-Concords

Not Available Interstitial

MeloBlk9

Not Available Interstitial

Jackson-Melo7

Not Available Interstitial

4. Jordan Melo M7 Future Sole "Team Orange"

When: 2011

Who: Rick Jackson

Complex Says: What kind of list would this be without a NY Knicks Syracuse-inspired Melo on the list? B-More's Finest not only gave his school a 'chip, but with kicks like the Future Sole "Team Orange" joints, he just keeps giving back. 

Wallace-Turfs

Not Available Interstitial

ShumpertHyperflight

Not Available Interstitial

2. Nike Hyperflight

When: 2002

Who: Preston Shumpert

Complex Says: The "Concords" were the original luxury Nike basketball shoe, but when Nike laced the super-light Hyperflights with about 90 percent shiny synthetic, heads turned. Known for being worn by leaguers like Jason Williams, and Damon Stoudemire, the Hyperflights were a favorite among guards for their fast look and fast play on the court. The orange joints were straight Vitamin C.

ColemanDunkHi

Not Available Interstitial