7. Jordan B’Loyal-

These joints are clean. Heavily influenced by the Jordan VI, (one of my favorite “J’s”) these wrecked havoc on my domepiece. A few members of our inner circle felt these were pretty average on the court, and while they aren’t close to perfect in many aspects, you’ll grow to love the shoe’s luxurious design.

6. adidas TS Lightspeed

Wait…all FIVE adidas signature players are wearing the same shoe? Yes. I had my doubts that one shoe could peform for both C. Billups and KG, and whether the adidas marketing department was sane. Whatever it was, these got my attention–adidas was reverting back to ‘team ball’ (It Takes Five & Basketball is A Brotherhood) in a day where breaking your man down solo is en vogue. I haven’t gotten much of a chance to hoop in these yet but first impressions were positive. The shoe fits like a glove, the ankle padding is plush, and the adiPRENE+ cushioning provides awesome comfort. I’ve heard from a few people that these are the most comfortable sneakers adidas has ever produced.

5. Nike Zoom Kobe 2 Ultimate/ Nike Zoom Kobe 2 Strength

New year, same old love hate. In 2K7, Kobe still had his detractors (I cannot believe that a 45 second incident could ruin a man’s image–if you know what I mean) and a faithful following willing to purchase anything released in his name. While the latter informed the online community that his new shoes were the illest things to ever be created, I disagree. There were simply too many cosmetic issues to christen this shoe as the bomb. Many hoopers experienced excuriating Achilles pain with the plastic yellow piece on the Ultimates, while the straps on both were prone to come undone on both models. But the Free-Zoom is incredible, so try these if you have an ideal foot shape.

4. Jordan XXII

You can get with this, or you can get with that. “This is where it’s at” is your decision. With the XXII, MJ&Co came at ballplayers with interchangeable cushioning by way of I.P.S. pods (Independent Podular Suspension). One pod has Zoom Air, while the other has enscapulated air, allowing the wearer a custom fit. I don’t think I’ll ever be sold on this concept, but the rest of the XXII is butter. The upper provided coverage like Gary Payton (without the trash talk), while the heel counter kept everything out back on lockdown. And while I simply cannot support the skyline XXII PE’s or the Omegas, if you find the intial colorways, you live in Oregon, or your name is Feets Malone, you’re in luck.