The Sneakers You Need to Hoop in 2022
NBA season 2021-22 is well under way, and we’ve already seen plenty of heat on the hardwood. As we approach All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, it couldn't be a more perfect time to plan our all-important hoop rotation. From throwback retros to brand spanking new signature shoes, these are five sneakers you absolutely need to lace this season.
Nike Air Max2 CB 94
After habitually dipping in and out of circulation over the years, it looks like is back for another run in 2022.
A nostalgic drop for 1990s hoop-heads, Sir Charles’ model appears in a breathable nubuck upper punctured by polka-dot-like holes. Originally inspired by a straitjacket (an allusion to Barkley’s belligerent play style), the Air Max2 CB 94 of course features Nike’s patented Air Max unit down below.
He may not be a ‘role model’, but that doesn’t mean we can’t lace his killer kicks!
The adidas Dame 8
‘Dame Time’ may have slowed in 2022 thanks to some enduring back injuries and a struggling Portland Trailblazers unit, but that doesn’t mean we can’t expect a pile of inspiring colourways to grace signature sneakers this year.
Boasting a catalogue of some of the most creative colourways in the game, the latest Dame 8 landed in an impressive ‘4th Quarter KO’ rendition in December 2021.
‘This shoe is special to me because it reflects a boxer’s mindset – working hard every single day, putting in the extra hours during training and bringing the heat right down to the last second of every game,’ said Lillard on his new sneaker.
Set your clocks to Dame time and KO the comp!
Reebok Question Mid
legendary signature shoe from 1996 continues to power the imaginations of sneakerheads across the globe, the king of the still doing damage to our bank accounts all these years later.
A favourite among Iverson stans, the Reebok is still one of the greatest colourways of all time. The composition pays homage to Allen Iverson’s game-changing debut season (AI was named the 95-96 Rookie of the Year), the Philadelphia 76ers-inspired uppers taking cues from the team’s blue uniform.
(And yes, it’s also the colourway AI crossed-over Jordan in!)
Air Jordan 36
Still one of the most popular on the hardwood, the Air Jordan 36 combines a sleek design with all the technical nous from the Jordan hangar.
Favoured by silky ballers like Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic, the 36 pays homage to indomitable the cushioned lace cover and window on the outsole an ode to its progenitor.
While we can always rely on retro silhouettes, it’s nice to see the Jumpman put a strong foot forward on contemporary designs. Eye-catching in-line colourways and neck-cranking PEs certainly make this one of the better modern basketball sneakers we’ve seen!
Rick and Morty x PUMA MB.01
It’s been a long time between drinks for Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland’s Rick and Morty, so why not channel some intergalactic alcoholism while we wait for a fresh season?
Debuting the in October 2021, LaMelo Ball has been matching his flamboyant play style with neck-cranking colourways of his first signature shoe, the latest ‘Rick and Morty’ rendition arguably one of the best sneaker releases in recent months.
The first signature shoe from Puma Hoops since the basketball division was resurrected in 2018, this one is sure to get Schwifty. And remember kids: never drink and hoop (unless you’re Rick).
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