Image via Complex Original
Sneakers have always been a huge part of the NBA game, but over the past few seasons the obsession has made it to a whole new level with players fighting over the chance to be crowned the Kicks on Court champion by Nice Kicks. They hear the people talking and things are only going to get crazier, but even before the internets got into their ear, players have made some supremely random choices when deciding which pair of sneakers to lace up on game night — some for performance reasons, others just because they knew it would start a buzz, and some for, hell, we have no idea why. We decided to compile The 10 Oddest Sneaker Choices in NBA History — be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
Bryant - Reebok Answer IV
Reebok Answer IV
Who: Kobe Bryant
When: 12/3/2002
Kobe playing in Reebok Questions isn't a secret, but very few remember that he also balled in the Answer IVs for a game during the 2002/2003 season — the same sneakers Allen Iverson was wearing when Kobe's Lakers beat AI's Sixers in the 2001 NBA Finals. We're guessing it was just a coincidence, but we wouldn't put it past Bryant to be so cold blooded.
Robinson - Three Jordans
Air Jordan III "Black/Cement", Air Jordan X "Chicago", Air Jordan XII "White/Red"
Who: Nate Robinson
When: 10/31/2012
Rocking Jordans isn't a crime — Nate has been doing it well before his days as a (Washington) Husky, rocking OG-colorway Js routinely. To kick off the season this year, however, Nate decided to break out three different pairs in the same game. We don't know if it was a comfort issue or a ploy for blog coverage, but three kicks in one game is doing a little too much — even Sprewell never took it that far.
Arenas - Air Trainer SC
Nike Air Trainer SC
Who: Gilbert Arenas
When: 2/27/2011 & 4/19/2011
Arenas took full advantage of his sneaker free agency during the 2010-2011 season, rocking anything and everything on any given night. Even since his days at Arizona Gil has been a fan of rocking the Nike Trainers on the court and he broke them out 10 years after he debuted them with the Wildcats. That's the kind of heat he should have been pulling out in the locker room when he was with the Wizards. Hibachi!
Brown - Air Trainer 1
Nike Air Trainer 1
Who: Devin Brown
When: 2/10/2010
Devin Brown isn't exactly know for being bold with his sneaker choices, so when he broke out Nike Air Trainer 1s for a night in 2010 we're guessing that homie just forgot his real game shoes at home.
Bryant - Reebok Question
Reebok Question
Who: Kobe Bryant
When: 12/8/2002, 12/13/2002, 1/7/2003, 1/24/2003, 2/1/2003
Long before Arenas went crazy during the 2010/2011 season, Kobe was the originator of swapping out new shoes almost every night during his 2002/2003 NBA season. The year started slow but Bryant really had sneaker fans going crazy when he started slaughtering opponents in AI's greatest sneaker to date. Shortly after, Jordan Brand started hooking him up with a gang of PE looks and the rest was history, Nike courted Kobe better but seeing Bryant rock Iverson's signature sneakers will always stand out.
Stoudemire - Huarache Trainers
Nike Zoom Huarache Trainers PE
Who: Amar'e Stoudemire
When: 2010 - 2011 Season
Most NBA players get major attention for having their own exclusive colorway of a new release or old Jordans, but a few seasons ago Amar'e turned heads when he started rocking a Knicks-inspired pair of Huarache Trainers on the court. He liked them so much he played in them all season and from the looks of his kicks he wasn't getting laced with a new pair every few games.
Stockton - Nike Zoom Court Challenge
Nike Zoom Court Challenge
Who: John Stockton
When: 1996 - 1997 Season
John Stockton looked every bit like a tennis player more than a basketball player, so much that even in Barcelona when The Dream Team was treated like Beatles, Stockton was left alone. During the '96/97 season, Stockton took the scrunched-down socks and three-inch inseam shorts to another level when he paired them with Agassi's sneakers on the hardwood. That's right, even white players can be trendsetters in the league.
Jordan - Air Flight One
Nike Air Flight One
Who: Michael Jordan
When: 5/12/1995
The Air Flight One isn't a bad shoe by any means, it actually is underrated in terms of style, performance, and comfort — which may be why Mike took a break from the XIs to rock them for a home game during the Bulls '95 playoff series against the Magic. A nod to his respect for Penny? A dig at a young rival? Maybe. Either way it was odd seeing MJ rock anything other than a pair of Jordans on the court.
Wallace - Nike ACG Terra Ptarmigans
Nike ACG Terra Ptarmigan
Who: Rasheed Wallace
When: 5/5/1999
Wale made it a hot song, but 'Sheed was balling out of control in Nike boots. During his days as a Trailblazer, Wallace made the unusual decision of playing in Nike ACGs over Nike Airs. The Gore Tex-equipped sneaker isn't exactly light weight and full of performance tools with a basketball player in mind but 'Sheed being 'Sheed made it work. Besides, they're still lighter than Air Force 1s.
Arenas - D&G
Dolce & Gabbana Sneakers
Who: Gilbert Arenas
When: 12/7/2010
Arenas took Hollywood a little to literally when he decided to don $395 lifestyle Dolce & Gabbana hightops against the Lakers a few years ago. For any player talking about hooping in the Yeezy II at some point this season, you still won't top this — further proof that Agent Zero could not be stopped.
