The 10 Most Iconic NBA Playoff Sneaker Matchups of All Time

The only thing that ever makes our favorite sneakers better is seeing our favorite players rocking them while lighting up their biggest rivals and walking away with the victory. For sneakerheads, what's on a player's feet during the game is equally as important as the box score. And sometimes the footwear matchup is as hard-fought as the game itself. The battles on court are as much ingrained in our memories as the performances. With that said, check out the The 10 Most Iconic On-Court Sneaker Matchups Of All Time.

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Players: Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James
Year: 2012

The Kobe and LeBron Finals matchup never happened (and it's looking like it never will), so this was the second-best thing we (and Nike) could get. Right out the gate LeBron killed the championship series with the playoff edition 9s built just for the cause. Stunting at its finest.

Players: Allen Iverson vs. Kobe Bryant
Year: 2001

Part of the Class of '96 Rat Pack, AI and Kobe hit the ground running when it came to sneakers with adidas and Reebok. By the time they met in their lone Finals face-off both players were in their prime with their respective signature lines. Allen might have the most iconic moment from the series but Kobe got the ring and the Audi-inspired sneaks were too lux, even for L.A. standards.

Players: Hubert Davis vs. Scottie Pippen
Year: 1994

The NYC/Chicago series was always been physical and Mike always had Pippen's back. But while Jordan was chasing curve balls in the minors, Scottie took it upon himself to lead the Bulls through the post season even without the greatest. Pip chose the Air Swifts, a light and durable shoe perfect for Scottie's point forward game, while his opposition rocked something familiar to the Chicago locker room.

Players: Michael Jordan vs. Dennis Johnson
Year: 1986

Bird basically called Jordan the second coming on the court but fortunately for Larry Legend, the defensive assignment went to Dennis Johnson throughout most of the series. Johnson tooled up with the Massachusetts-based Reebok, perfect Boston pride. That big looping side panel kept them locked in, and gave billboard-size space for the new kid on the block to represent. And Michael, well you already know about the Is.

Players: David Robinson vs. Hakeem Olajuwon
Year: 1995

The Admiral and The Dream held it down in Texas as two of the greatest centers to ever play the game. Somewhat evenly matched on the court, Robinson held a tremendous advantage when it came to kicks — his Nikes easily eclipsed Olajuwon's assortment of Spaldings. That said, he who had the best sneakers didn't always win — a valuable lesson for anyone.

Players: Penny Hardaway vs. Michael Jordan
Year: 1996

These two didn't have the same type of history as other players, but after Michael left the game Penny had became one of the league's top stars and Nike's new face. Their battles on the court featured a handful of sneakers that sit on everyone's all-time favorite lists, especially the Penny Is and Jordan XIs. Not to mention the fact that Jordan rocked Penny's Nike Air Flight Ones the year before and Penny sported MJ's IXs, which is a sure sign of mutual respect.

Players: Mike Bibby vs. Ray Allen
Year: 2005

Two players who have had some of the sickest Jordan player editions created met up in '05 rocking a two versions of the Air Jordan XX, a low top and PE, helping keep Mike's legacy alive in the post-season. Those Ray Allen Seattle days still have people droppin' stacks on eBay and Bibby's PEs aren't too far behind.

Players: Kevin Durant vs. Kobe Bryant
Year: 2012

In case you missed it, we gave you the full history of when these two connect on the court and although Kobe has more seniority with The Swoosh, KD's team is already chasing KB for the best signature line after LeBron. Too bad we won't get another shot in 2013, the KD V Elites were looking tough.

Players: Shaquille O'Neal vs. Hakeem Olajuwon
Year: 1995

The battles between Hakeem and Shaq were great for the game during a time when the league desperately needed help after MJ went to Birmingham. Shaq did his thing for Reebok and became one of the first big men to really be able to push a shoe to mainstream consumers. Hakeem's move with Spalding helped kids who couldn't drop a hundred dollars wear something that would last and still looked pretty good on foot. Hakeem's kicks might not have had million dollar campaigns but last we checked, he swept Superman.

Players: Charles Barkley vs. Michael Jordan
Year: 1993

Two of the strongest forces on Nike's roster since the mid '80s — the brand wouldn't be what it is today in basketball without Chuck and Mike. Charles' Air Max infused sneakers were always hot on the streets but Jordan was Jordan. Barkley just couldn't top him, despite repeated attempts.