The NBA Christmas game-worn sneakers of their favorite players are a source of great fandom. This year is no exception, as players donned their signature shoe hues on Christmas Day.
The league has made sneakers a major component, and fans are obsessed with them. Some of the most devoted sneakerheads keep an eye on every pair that gets a new hue launched.
LeBron James wore the LeBron 7 on Christmas Day in 2009. At Staples Center, James showed off the two as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 102-87.
In 2020, Montrezl Harrell chose a more elegant style for his sneakers. That night, when the LA Lakers and the Cavaliers faced each other, he donned sneakers with an Abominable Snowman theme.
A look at the 2023 NBA’s Christmas Day sneaker culture
Players take advantage of special nights to wear some of the most magnificent pairs. Some players take it to the next level by putting on outlandish colorways or designs.
Here are some of the best pairs of sneakers that the NBA stars wore in this year’s Christmas Day games.
#8. Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves recently signed a contract extension with the brand Rigorer. To celebrate the holidays, Reaves and the brand will be releasing a new AR1 colorway worldwide.
The new Iceman colorway, which features a winter-inspired colorway, will now be available this Christmas.
#7. Klay Thompson
As the face of the shoe brand Anta, Klay Thompson has had the privilege of wearing pleasant shoes. In the spirit of the holidays, Thompson had the Anta KT 9. The pair features a colorway that’s easy on the eyes.
The sneakers had a dominant white color, with hints of red on the laces and the logo to express Christmas. It also has a bit of blue to go along with the red.
#6. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic recently left Nike to be the face of 361°. The brand looks like they’re following its promise, as the two-time NBA MVP wore a special pair in their game against the Golden State Warriors.
The Denver Nuggets center will have his first signature shoe next year and the pair he wore tonight will be released on Dec. 28.
#5. Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum debuted his second signature shoe, Jordan Tatum 2, on Christmas Day when they faced the LA Lakers.
The colorway dominantly features green since he plays for the Celtics. But they added hints of red to the shoe.
#4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo wore the “Roses” Zoom Freak 5 tonight as they took on the New York Knicks. The pair is a tribute to his late father, Charles, who passed away in 2017. The shoe features the mantra: “I Am My Father’s Legacy.”
#3. Damian Lillard
Adidas and Damian Lillard had a bit of fun this Christmas. Lillard wore a custom Dame 8s against the Knicks tonight. The shoe had a festive design, with a doodle of Christmas lights.
#2. Jaylen Brown
All-Star forward honored the late Kobe Bryant in their game against the Lakers. Brown wore a custom pair of sneakers that feature Bryant and his late daughter, Gigi.
Going along with the Christmas spirit, the red shoes take the second spot for the league’s Christmas Day sneakers.
#1. LeBron James
LeBron James wore a special Christmas Edition LeBron 21 against the Celtics. The pair has a glossy red colorway that goes well with the holiday season.
