What Kind of Sneakers Do NBA Players Wear and How Much Do They Cost?

NBA players mostly wear signature sneakers from brands like Nike, Jordan, adidas, Puma, and New Balance, with Nike being the dominant brand for on-court use and player endorsements. The retail price for these basketball sneakers typically ranges from $110 to $170, but special models or limited releases (like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, or LeBron James signatures) often sell above retail, sometimes exceeding $150–$180 and reaching even higher on resale markets. While nabbing something like the first Air Jordans  or Kobe Bryant’s sneakers from his famous “Achilles Game” might be on most collectors’ wish lists, there are many options for more ‘realistic’ budgets.

Popular Sneaker Brands and Models

• Nike: Most worn brand in the NBA, with the Kobe 6 Protro being the top sneaker for several years running. Other highly popular models include KD 17, Book 1, Sabrina 2, and Air Zoom G.T. Cut 3.
• Jordan Brand: The Air Jordan 39 and previous retros are favored by Jordan Brand athletes.
• adidas: Donovan Mitchell’s D.O.N. Issue 6 remains highly popular.
• Puma, New Balance, ANTA: These brands have specialty models worn by select players (e.g., Puma All-Pro Nitro).

Notably, signature shoes connected to stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant remain in high demand, though LeBron’s shoes didn’t make the top choices in 2025. Some are more affordable, while others would require the buyer to use flexible financing to afford the sneakers of their dream.

Cost Breakdown

• General retail price for NBA player sneakers: $110–$170 depending on brand/model.
• Signature shoes tend to cost more:
  • Michael Jordan: ~$183.9 average
  • LeBron James: ~$166.9 average
  • Kobe Bryant: ~$157.9 average
  • Stephen Curry: ~$130 average
  • Most Nike/Adidas/Puma high-performance models: $120–$160 range
• High-tops are the priciest style, averaging $160.3, while low-tops average about $124.3.
• On resale markets or limited editions, prices can exceed $200, especially for Kobe or Jordan retros.

Most Popular Sneaker Models (2024–25 Season)

Key Trends

• Nike shoes dominate the NBA both in brand representation and in popular models worn on-court (nearly 60% of NBA players)
• Signature player shoes from active and retired stars maintain high demand and higher price tags in the open market, particularly when athletes broke sneaker uniform rules
• Most NBA players wear high- and mid-top sneakers for stability, but low-tops are still chosen for agility by some guards

In summary, NBA players predominantly wear signature and performance sneakers from top brands, mainly Nike, with retail prices mainly in the $110–$180 range but climbing higher for special releases or resale pairs.

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Current Pro Player Models Under $150

Additional New Releases and Sales For Sneaker Under $150

• Select models, such as the Curry 12 Team ($140) and Puma Stewie 4 (Breanna Stewart, $120), also fall well below $150 and are easy to find at large retailers or direct brand stores.

• Takedown and team versions, like KD Trey 5 and Giannis Immortality lines, frequently retail around $90–$110 and share tech with their flagship counterparts.

These models provide authentic pro-level features and are consistently offered new—and often on sale—for $150 or less from official brand sites and reputable sports retailers.

Proven Platforms for Player-Worn Shoes

Reliable resale platforms for authentic player-worn basketball shoes under $150 include SidelineSwap, The Players Trunk, and eBay, with SidelineSwap standing out for its focus on affordable used gear, strong buyer protections, and robust sports-specific listings. Direct NBA Store game-used shoe sections and The Players Trunk tend to feature higher-end memorabilia, but occasionally list pro-worn options below the $150 threshold.

• SidelineSwap: Major marketplace for pre-owned and clearance shoes, including player-worn items. They verify listings, offer secure payment, and consistently provide budget-friendly options for real athlete gear and occasionally NBA-worn sneakers.

• The Players Trunk: Specializes in direct athlete sales of game-worn, autographed, and team gear. They authenticate and vet items and sometimes offer pro-worn sneakers below $150, especially from college or G League athletes.