A Complete Guide To The Sneakers Worn By NBA Slam Dunk Champions
Sneakers earn you points for presentation.
Image via Complex Original
slam dunk lead
Shaq said it best: "You can't fake the funk on a nasty dunk." But if you're going to show out in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, you've also got to bring your "A" game when it comes to footwear. From the time Dominique Wilkins changed to his Reebok Pumps, all the way up to when Nate Robinson famously switched to his Nike Foamposite Lite "KryptoNates," sneakers have been an important part of one's style and swagger when defying gravity and achieving perfect 10s from the judges (and Dikembe Mutombo). Thus, it's no surprise that it's not only the dunks that stay engraved in our memories, but the sneakers, too. Whether you remember a particular sneaker from a certain contest or not, we've still got you covered with A Complete Guide to the Sneakers Worn by NBA Slam Dunk Champions...
julius erving
Julius Erving — Converse Pro Leather
Year: 1976
Other Contestants: David Thompson, Artis Gilmore, George Gervin, Larry Kenon
It may not be easy to get a doctorate, but Dr. J definitely got his PhD (Pretty Huge Dunk) when he took off from the free-throw line during the first-ever Slam Dunk Contest — amidst the 1976 ABA All-Star Game. The free throw line dunk and Pro Leather have been homaged several times since 1976, but nothing beats an OG.
larry nance
Larry Nance — Converse Pro Star
Year: 1984
Other Contestants: Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins, Darrell Griffith, Edgar Jones, Ralph Sampson, Orlando Woolridge, Clyde Drexler, Michael Cooper
In the NBA's re-interpretation of the Slam Dunk Contest, Larry Nance utilized a cradled windmill dunk to earn him the win, as well as the nickname "The High-Ayatolla of Slamola." Up against pretty stiff competition, the Converse Pro Star propelled Nance in classic style.
dominique wilkins
Dominique Wilkins — Brooks
Year: 1985
Other Contestants: Michael Jordan, Terence Stansbury, Julius Erving, Larry Nance, Darrell Griffith, Orlando Woolridge, Joshua Treadway, Clyde Drexler
In their first battle for Slam Dunk supremacy, Dominique Wilkins went with his powerful two-handed windmill to seal the victory over a rookie MJ. In what should be considered one of the best dunk contests of all time, it's 'Nique's early commitment to the short-lived Brooks' basketball line that often gets lost in all the hype.
spud webb
Spud Webb — Pony City Wings Low
Year: 1986
Other Contestants: Dominique Wilkins, Terence Stansbury, Gerald Wilkins, Jerome Kersey, Paul Pressey, Roy Hinson, Terry Tyler
Just when everyone began to think Dominique Wilkins was the highest-flying Atlanta Hawk, Spud Webb defied all probability and beat 'Nique to became the shortest player to ever win the dunk contest — standing at a mere 5-foot-7. It's largely because of this moment in time that the Jordanesque Pony City Wings will forever be etched into sneaker history.
michael jordan
Michael Jordan — Air Jordan II
Year: 1987
Other Contestants: Jerome Kersey, Terence Stansbury, Clyde Drexler, Ron Harper, Johnny Dawkins, Tom Chambers, Gerald Wilkins
After injury precluded him from coming for the dunking throne in '86, MJ came back strong and won the first of two consecutive Slam Dunk Contest titles in '87. In his Italian-made second signature shoe, MJ took off from the free-throw line for the second time to solidify his win over Jerome Kersey.
michael jordan ii
Michael Jordan — Air Jordan III
Year: 1988
Other Contestants: Dominique Wilkins, Clyde Drexler, Otis Smith, Jerome Kersey, Greg Anderson, Spud Webb
In order to defend his title in front of a hometown crowd, MJ implemented dunks such as his "Kiss the Rim" and defeat Dominique Wilkins (barely) in their second heavyweight showdown. With his second Slam Dunk Contest win, Michael definitely made the Air Jordan line that much more real.
kenny walker
Kenny Walker — Converse ERX-300
Year: 1989
Other Contestants: Clyde Drexler, Spud Webb, Shelton Jones, Tim Perry, Jerome Kersey, Ron Harper, Chris Morris
With Jordan and Wilkins out of the picture in '89, Knicks forward Kenny "Sky" Walker completely owned the contest and went with a 270-degree windmill dunk to put Clyde Drexler so far out of contention that he decided to forego his last dunk. Like Walker's performance, the "CONS" logo on the tongue made the Energy Wave equipped Converse ERX-300 a sure-fire standout.
dominique wilkins ii
Dominique Wilkins — Reebok The Pump
Year: 1990
Other Contestants: Kenny Smith, Kenny Walker, Shawn Kemp, Scottie Pippen, Rex Chapman, Billy Thompson, Kenny Battle
With Shawn Kemp as the early favorite and Scottie Pippen being coached by Michael Jordan, "The Human Highlight Reel" went to work and won his second Slam Dunk Contest title. Was it The Reebok Pumps that Dominique changed into mid-contest, or is 'Nique just one of the best dunkers of all time?
dee brown
Dee Brown — Reebok Pump Omni Lite
Year: 1991
Other Contestants: Shawn Kemp, Rex Chapman, Kenny Smith, Kenny Williams, Blue Edwards, Otis Smith, Kendall Gill
Though fan wonderment of the dunk contest began to diminish during the early '90s due to unfamiliar faces competing and a "watered-down" field, the picturesque no-look dunk by then-rookie Dee Brown (after pumping up his Omni Lites) still stands as one of the most memorable ever. We're sure Reebok gave him a standing ovation, too.
cedric ceballos
Cedric Ceballos — Nike Air Bound
Year: 1992
Other Contestants: Larry Johnson, Nick Anderson, John Starks, Doug West, Shawn Kemp, Stacey Augmon
After Grandmama missed all of his attempts in the final, Cedric Ceballos still gave the fans something to get excited about when he dunked blindfolded for a perfect score of 50. Could Ced see through the blindfold? Probably. Was the Air Bound an early '90s classic? Without a doubt.
harold miner
Harold Miner — Nike Air Dynamic Flight
Year: 1993
Other Contestants: Clarence Weatherspoon, Cedric Ceballos, David Benoit, Kenny Smith, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Tim Perry
Harold Miner blew fans away with his reverse power dunk and instantly revitalized the NBA's Slam Dunk Contest. Though he was known as "Baby Jordan," Miner was never as dynamic as MJ or his '93 kicks. The Dynamic Flight was actually worn by MJ's sidekick, Scottie Pippen — whose heights Miner would never reach, either.
jr rider
Isaiah Rider — Converse Cons NBA Threat
Year: 1994
Other Contestants: Robert Pack, Shawn Kemp, Allan Houston, Antonio Davis, James Robinson
Granted, Orlando Woolridge pulled off the between-the-legs dunk first. However, rookie J.R. Rider definitely perfected it by skying a lot higher and stunting in his React-equipped Converse with the East Bay Funk. Easily one of the best and most memorable dunks in contest history.
harold miner ii
Harold Miner — Nike Air Go LWP
Year: 1995
Other Contestants: Isaiah Rider, Jamie Watson, Antonio Harvey, Tim Perry, Tony Dumas
To reclaim his crown, Harold Miner showed why he was leaps and bounds ahead of his competition with a series of electrifying dunks in the '95 final. Not only was Miner a fan favorite, but his choice in Lightweight Performance footwear was also popular amongst players such as Penny and Tim Hardaway.
brent barry
Brent Barry — Nike Zoom Flight 95
Year: 1996
Other Contestants: Michael Finley, Greg Minor, Jerry Stackhouse, Doug Christie, Darrell Armstrong
Woody Harrelson may have had trouble throwing it down in "White Men Can't Jump," but Brent Barry showed that he had no such difficulty when he took off from the foul line to gain dunk contest fame. Although Jason Kidd may have popularized the Zoom Flight 95, Brent Barry showed us what they looked like in the air. Nice warmup, Bones.
kobe bryant
Kobe Bryant — Adidas EQT Elevation
Year: 1997
Other Contestants: Chris Carr, Michael Finley, Ray Allen, Bob Sura, Darvin Ham
As a rookie, winning the Slam Dunk Contest was an early indication of Kobe's potential for success and affinity to be airborne. The Feet You Wear EQT Elevation is often associated with comfort and Kobe's prowess, but it's the dunk contest success that solidified its performance. When are we gonna get a purple retro, adi?
vince carter
Vince Carter — AND1 Tai Chi
Year: 2000
Other Contestants: Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady, Ricky Davis, Jerry Stackhouse, Larry Hughes
Before there was "Linsanity," there was "Vinsanity." In one of the greatest dunk contest performances ever, Vince Carter displayed an arsenal of high-caliber, never-seen-before dunks — such as a 360-degree windmill and the honey dip. So, even though the Tai Chi may represent both the Yin and the Yang, Vince Carter's display was definitely all Yang! (And, seeing that VC was between shoe sponsors, AND1 got their greatest promotion ever for free. Good deal.)
desmond mason
Desmond Mason — AND1 Mad Game
Year: 2001
Other Contestants: DeShawn Stevenson, Baron Davis, Stromile Swift, Jonathan Bender, Corey Maggette
Just a rookie, young Sonics forward Desmond Mason showed flashes of Michael Jordan and Shawn Kemp when he took off from right inside the free throw line and slammed it down with authority to win in '01. No fouls or actual free throw shots, but D-Mase did call out AND1. The Harmonix system cushioned his landings from interstellar flight.
jason richardson
Jason Richardson — Reebok Xbeam Franchise Mid
Year: 2002
Other Contestants: Desmond Mason, Steve Francis, Gerald Wallace
In his rookie year, Jason Richardson proved there was a new high flyer in the league when he put down a sick two-handed reverse windmill off of the bounce to close out the '02 Slam Dunk Contest. And, what better way to rub salt in the wounds of a defeated Steve Francis than for J-Rich to win wearing Francis's "Franchise" signature?
jason richardson ii
Jason Richardson — Reebok Above The Rim
Year: 2003
Other Contestants: Desmond Mason, Amar'e Stoudemire, Richard Jefferson
For his second consecutive dunk contest championship, Jason Richardson put down an insane reverse between-the-legs dunk off of the bounce to kill Desmond Mason's hopes of a second crowning. Above the Rim? No question.
fred jones
Fred Jones — Air Jordan Nu'Retro II
Year: 2004
Other Contestants: Jason Richardson, Chris Andersen, Ricky Davis
Many were ready to give Jason Richardson his third title in a row (especially after a ridiculous off-the-glass, between-the-legs dunk on the first attempt), but Pacers guard Fred Jones put a stop to his run with a consistent performance in the final round. An early hint at some sick Jordan PE's to come, Jones went with the contemporary Jordan II remix to bring home victory.
josh smith
Josh Smith — adidas a3 Forum
Year: 2005
Other Contestants: Amar'e Stoudemire, J.R. Smith, Chris Andersen
In a battle against fellow NBA standout Amar'e Stoudemire, Josh Smith conjured up some nostalgia by switching to a Dominique Wilkins throwback Hawks jersey and reproduced a vintage 'Nique dunk. Though it would have been cool if Smith also switched into some Brooks, he probably needed the added high-performance of the a3 Forum in order to attain the win.
nate robinson
Nate Robinson — Nike Air Force Specialist
Year: 2006
Other Contestants: Andre Iguodala, Hakim Warrick, Josh Smith
What better way is there for a 5-foot-9 guard to pay homage to the shortest dunk contest champion ever than to jump over him? As Spud Webb was thinking "this CAN'T be life," Nate Robinson kept it low-key and safe in some Air Force Specialist Knicks PEs.
gerald green
Gerald Green — Reebok Pump Show Stopper
Year: 2007
Other Contestants: Nate Robinson, Dwight Howard, Tyrus Thomas
As a one-up on the defending champion, Nate Robinson, Gerald Green not only dunked over Nate but also showed some Celtic pride by simultaneously performing the Dee Brown "no-look" dunk. The aforementioned Celtic pride didn't stop there, though, as Reebok broke Gerald off with all-clover-everything Pumps.
dwight howard
Dwight Howard — adidas TS Pro Model
Year: 2008
Other Contestants: Gerald Green, Jamario Moon, Rudy Gay
Channeling his inner Clark Kent, Dwight Howard flew through the air — cape and everything — not only to entertain, but to win. And a win it was, especially because of the revamped Pro Model.
nate robinson ii
Nate Robinson — Nike Foamposite Lite "KryptoNate" PE
Year: 2009
Other Contestants: Dwight Howard, J.R. Smith, Rudy Fernández
If you're going to defeat NBA's Superman, you've got to bring the Kryptonite — or, in Nike's case, the "KryptoNate." Switching to his special edition slime green Foamposite Lites to emulate Superman's one weakness, Nate Robinson became the fifth, and last, player to win the Slam Dunk Contest twice.
nate robinson iii
Nate Robinson — Nike Air Max Hyperize
Year: 2010
Other Contestants: DeMar DeRozan, Gerald Wallace, Shannon Brown
To become the first three-time winner in NBA Slam Dunk Contest history, Nate Robinson added some estrogen to his performance by incorporating the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Since Nate announced his retirement from the dunk contest while accepting his third trophy, Nike's super-tech Air Max Hyperize helped cap his legacy.
blake griffin
Blake Griffin — Nike Air Max Fly By PE
Year: 2011
Other Contestants: Javale McGee, DeMar DeRozan, Serge Ibaka
With a stroke of athleticism, creativity and not-so-subtle marketing, Blake Griffin leaped over the hood of a Kia Optima to claim the most recent slam dunk throne. Though there was controversy as to whether the contest was rigged or not in Blake's favor, there definitely wasn't any questionability about whether his Hyperfuse and Air Max equipped Air Max Fly By PEs were the hottest things on the floor.