25 Most Popular Basketball Shoes Worn By NBA Players In 2025

With the 2025 NBA offseason in full swing, the data team at Sportscasting.com has unearthed data from KixStats to reveal the most popular basketball shoes worn by players throughout the 2024-25 season.

Let’s uncover the most popular basketball shoes among NBA players in 2025, ranking them by how often players chose each particular shoe and how much time each sneaker spent on the court during the 2024-25 season.

25 Most Popular Basketball Shoes in the NBA in 2025

NBA players wore 281 different shoes during the regular season but not all sneakers are made equal. For the third consecutive season, the Nike Kobe 6 was the most popular basketball shoe among NBA players. Players chose to wear Kobe 6’s 3,115 times this season, 113% more than the next-highest shoe (Nike Sabrina 2). 

Nike has dominated appearances on the court for nearly four decades. Nearly 60% of NBA players are Nike athletes, so it comes as no surprise that the legendary swoosh appears on eight of the top 10 shoes on the list. The Air Jordan 39s and adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 were the only other shoes to sneak into the top 10.

Here are the most popular basketball shoes chosen by NBA players during the 2024-25 season.

Key Highlights:

• Nike Kobe 6 topped the list for the third consecutive year
• Nike Kobe 6 was chosen 113% more often than the next-highest shoe
• Nike Sabrina 2 was the second-most popular shoe in the NBA
• No LeBron sneakers finished among the top 20 in terms of player’s choice
• NBA players wore 281 different shoes during the 2025 NBA season

1. Nike Kobe 6 — 3,115

Designed by Kobe Bryant himself, the Nike Kobe 6s have long been the shoe of choice among NBA players. Released in 2010, the shoe’s technology was far ahead of its time, offering supreme stability and support compared to its peers. 

Considered one of the best basketball shoes ever created, the Nike Kobe 6 allows players the freedom of motion due to the low-top design. The shoes are designed to enhance agility on the court, allowing for quicker cuts and faster direction changes.  

The Nike Kobe 6s are by far the most popular shoe worn in the NBA, seen on the court 3,115 times this season, approximately 113% more than the next-highest shoe. It has topped the list of the most popular basketball shoes in each of the last three years.

The cost of the shoe varies depending on the colorway. Since Bryant’s death, Nike has released and relaunched some of his most popular colorways, like the Nike Kobe 6 Grinches. Fans can expect to pay at least $200-250 USD for a non-exclusive colorway. 

2. Nike Sabrina 2 — 1,462

Last season, the Nike Sabrina 1s became the first WNBA signature sneaker to land on the list of most popular shoes in the NBA, a testament to how far women’s basketball has come over the past two-plus decades. 

Released last June, the Nike Sabrina 2 emerged as a favorite among both fans and NBA players. The signature shoe of New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu has since become the second-most popular choice among NBA players, proving last year’s performance wasn’t just a gimmick. 

NBA players opted for the Sabrina 2s 1,462 times, behind only the infamous Kobe 6s, which have become notoriously expensive and hard to find for fans. Unlike the Kobe 6s, the Sabrina 2s are far more accessible and affordable. Fans can find a pair for around $130-150 USD on less popular colorways.  

3. Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut 3 — 1,416

One of the most consistent lines released by Nike, the G.T. Cut has been a beloved choice among NBA players and fans since its release in 2021. Ranked in the top three, the G.T. Cut 3 was the first Nike basketball shoe to feature the Zoom X technology, a popular running cushioning system. It was designed for quick cuts and sharp footwork, especially popular among high-usage guards.

The Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut 3 was released in 2023 and has provided players with explosive energy return and heel stability. The aggressive traction and lockdown fit have made the shoe popular among guards like Cade Cunningham, Jordan Poole, and Amen Thompson. In 2025, the Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut 3s were worn on the court 1,416 times, just shy of the Sabrinas 2. 

The only downfall would be the price and inability to wear the shoes outside. The Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut 3 performs best on hardwood, fully utilizing the shoe’s benefits on the court. In addition, fans will likely pay at least $190 USD for a pair. 

4. Nike Kobe V — 1,259

Another popular shoe from Kobe’s line, the Nike Kobe V is often considered one of the best Kobe models ever. The shoe caters to two-way players who value feel and control. The Kobe Vs features a few upgrades from the original model, with better traction, cushioning, and support. The shoes are worn by popular players such as Devin Booker, Malik Monk, and Alex Caruso, among others. 

Like many Kobe-branded shoes, they are expensive and hard to come by. Nike only releases a certain amount, which drives up the supply and demand. Depending on the colorway, some shoes are retailed as low as $190 USD. 

5. Air Jordan 39 — 1,039

The Air Jordan 39 sits fifth on the list of the most-worn shoes this season. The only Jordan shoe on the list, the AJ39s are meant to make a statement. Primarily worn by guards and forwards, the Air Jordan 39s offer a lightweight, yet responsive cushioning shoe. The ZoomX foam conforms to the natural shape of the player’s foot, providing optimal cushioning without added weight. It also has a crash pad at the instep to keep the feet in place, preventing toes from slamming into the toe box. 

The Air Jordan 39s were seen on the court 1,039 times this season. NBA All-Star players like Trae Young, Bam Adebayo, and Paolo Banchero have worn them multiple times this season. 

6. Nike Kobe IV Protro — 1,001

Another rendition from the Nike Kobe line, the IV Protro have been popular amongst NBA players for decades. Like most of Kobe’s line, the shoes feature a low-top cut with Nike Zoom cushioning meant to provide energy returning responsiveness. The Nike Kobe IV Protro are especially popular among guards like Paul Geroge, Jalen Brunson, Kyle Anderson, and more. 

7. Nike Book 1 — 952

New releases rarely crack the top 10 in the first year, but the Nike Book 1 managed that and more. Launched in Winter 2024, the signature shoe from Devin Booker, known for his silky smooth jumper, has become one of the hottest new releases in the league.

The Nike Book 1 balances style and substance with Zoom air technology providing responsive speeds. The shoes have a very minimalistic flare along with added durability from the materials. Fans can purchase a new pair for approximately $180 USD. 

Outside of Booker, Andrew Nembhard, Franz Wagner, and Devin Vassell were among the players who wore the Nike Book 1 last season.

8. Nike KD 17 — 862

Built to ensure versatility and comfort, the Nike KD17 is a favorite amongst forwards. With Nike Air cushioning, the shoes are designed to provide a springy and responsive feel. There is also an outsole pattern that allows players to bend and deflect in different directions. The shoes were seen on the court 862 times this season, ranking as eighth most-worn shoes. 

The Nike KD 17s are worn by many past and present NBA champions, including Pascal Siakam, Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, and, of course, Kevin Durant himself. Unlike any retro Kobe sneakers, Nike KD 17s are very accessible, and fans can find a pair as low as $120 USD (depending on the colorway). 

9. Nike Kobe 8 — 833

The fourth Kobe shoe in the top 10, the Kobe 8 saw a return to the court in 2023. It was seen worn by players 833 times this year. Like many other shoes from Kobe’s line, the 8’s are lightweight and built for speed. The shoes are ideal for players that rely on mobility and feel. Due to the refreshed cushioning and streamlined design, it’s one of the lowest-profile shoes available.

10. adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 — 622

Donovan Mitchell’s latest signature shoe was the only shoe from Adidas to crack the top 10 this year. The Adidas D.O.N Issue 6 was released in the Summer of 2024 with one goal in mind: to provide a high-performance shoe with lightstrike cushioning, high-traction outsoles, and a bold design element.   

The adidas D.O.N Issue 6s are favored by high-tempo guards and confident defenders. The shoes are incredibly durable, which is an appeal to aggressive players. Worn by players like Jaden Ivey, Kyle Lowry, and Donovan Mitchell, of course. 

Check out the top 25 shoes worn by NBA players during the 2024-25 regular season.

Most Popular Basketball Shoes in the NBA by Minutes Worn

There were 569 NBA players who logged minutes during the 2024-25 regular season, according to Basketball Reference. 

Players wore 281 different shoes over the course of the year but only 12 pairs logged more than 10,000 minutes on the court. Among them, the Nike Kobe 6’s were the most popular, logging 63,189 minutes, 93% more than the next most popular shoe. The Nike Sabrina 2’s were second on the list with 32,822 minutes. 

Overall, the top 10 remained the same but the Nike Book 1 and Nike KD 17 did move up the ranks in terms of minutes played. 

Nike (15), adidas (5), Jordan (2), Puma (1), Anta (1), and New Balance (1) were the only brands to have shoes appear in the top 25.

Key Highlights:

• Nike Kobe 6 was the most popular shoe among NBA players by minutes worn (63,189), 93% more than the next-highest shoe
• Nike Sabrina 2 finished No. 2 on the list with 32,822 minutes worn in 2024-25
• Nike and Jordan had 17 of the top 25 most popular shoes in minutes worn (68%)
• Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, and James Harden all had more popular signature shoes than LeBron James
• Nike (15), adidas (5), Jordan (2), Puma (1), Anta (1), and New Balance (1) were the only brands to have shoes appear in the top 25

Here are the top 25 most popular basketball shoes in the NBA, ranked by minutes worn on the court this season.