5 Top Signature Basketball Shoes: Sneakerheads On A Budget
Duane Beckett
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I’m a 42-year-old man-child who loves nerdy collectibles. But I’m not planning on cranking out a list of NBA players with the signature shoes I want. That would be insane!
Instead, I’m letting my stepson, a blossoming sneakerhead pick out the best basketball shoes ever (well, the signature basketball shoes are around his budget range of $100).
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But first…
What is a sneakerhead?
A sneakerhead is a sneaker enthusiast. However, these aren’t just people who like sneakers. They are serious collectors who trade, queue for, and hunt down sneakers. Building a collection of the best-of-the-best. Sneakerheads have serious knowledge about the subject matter.
These are the best NBA signature shoes on a $100 budget:
5. Adidas J Wall 1 – $90 to $100
Signature Player: John Wall
Year of Release: 2014
The next pair of shoes on my stepson’s list are the J Wall 1. According to sneakerhead information: Adidas gave Wall his own signature shoe after his January 2014 All-Star game.
4. FILA Ninety6 Grant Hill 2 – $75 to $85
Signature Player: Grant Hill
Year of Release: 1996
According to sneakerheads: This was Grant Hill‘s second signature basketball shoe under the Ninety6 brand. In my opinion, they have the 80s Back to the Future vibe and as it’s Fila, my stepson rates them highly (anything Converse, Vans, or Fila, he’s all over).
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3. Jordan CP3 VII AE – $80 to $120
Signature Player: Chris Paul
Year of Release: 2013
Confused? Jordan sneakers – but the signature player is Chris Paul…
FACT: Air Jordan is a stand-alone brand. However, it does remain a subsidiary of Nike, Inc.
Sneakerheads info: The AE stands for Artisan Edition. These sneakers are a modified version of Chris Paul‘s CP3 signature basketball shoes. According to my stepson, these are the most affordable Jordan’s on his list (and the only ones available for about $100).
2. Nike Air Zoom GP – $100ish
Signature Player: Gary Payton
Year of Release: 1997
Famous trash talker Gary Payton, who won the NBA Championship with the Miami Heat back in 1996 got these signature shoes the year after.
Sneakerheads info: The Nike Zoom GP features a buckle-over lace design that’s unmistakable.
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1. Reebok Shaqnosis – $100 to $150
Signature Player: Shaquille O’Neal
Year of Release: 1992
An instantly recognizable basketball star like Shaquille O’Neal needs head-turning signature shoes, and Reebok delivered. These sneakers grab attention and are available for a little over $100!
(Which surprised me).
Sneakerheads info: These basketball shoes feature Reebok’s Hexalite technology in the forefoot and heel (I remember when Hexalite was the big thing from Reebok back in the 90s).
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In Conclusion
The variety of signature basketball shoes is mind-blowing. And my stepson’s list of sneakers could cost him over ten thousand dollars as some are priced at $1,500. Yet that’s the price of being a collector.
My advice to him (and all future collectors), start with the easy-to-get items and build slowly. Collect for fun and passion – and never bankrupt yourself in the process.