Basketball enthusiasts worldwide know the importance of a good shoe. It's not just a style statement on or off the court; it's an embodiment of one's passion, dedication, and the spirit of the game. adidas, a global powerhouse in sportswear, has continuously celebrated this spirit by crafting basketball sneakers that are not only visually stunning but also technologically advanced. These sneakers provide players with unparalleled comfort and performance, crafted specifically to meet the needs of top athletes in the game.
Star players on adidas’ roster include the likes of Damian Lillard, James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, and Derrick Rose, all of whom have multiple signature sneakers under The Three Stripes.
Below, we dissect each signature athlete’s latest releases from adidas and have curated a handful of products currently available on adidas.com right now. Make sure you sign up for adidas adiClub to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible when shopping with adidas, and check out everything adidas Basketball has to offer here.
Damian Lillard
The Portland Trail Blazers' point guard, Damian Lillard, has not only made waves with his on-court prowess but also with his adidas signature sneakers. His series encapsulates his journey, values, and his deep-rooted connection to his hometown of Oakland. The latest release under the Dame line is the adidas Dame 8 EXTPLY, an “Extended Play” on his Dame 8 design. Highlights of this model include its Bounce Pro midsole, internal bootie construction, TPU propulsion plate, and durable construction.
James Harden
The Beard, as he's popularly known, James Harden's shoes are a reflection of his dynamic playstyle. His signature line with adidas is a testament to his versatility on the court, featuring both style and substance, much like the player himself. The adidas Harden Vol. 7 is the pinnacle of the series with its advanced construction including Lightstrike and Jet Boost cushioning. This not only makes the sneaker ultra-lightweight but provides optimal comfort for on-the-court play. Also adding to its performance is the bootie construction, providing a secure fit when underfoot.
Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers has showcased his unique style and dedication through his signature line with adidas. His adidas D.O.N. Issue series is almost set to unveil its fifth iteration with the D.O.N. Issue #5. Though this version of Donovan’s line has yet to be released, and its tech specs remain under wraps, the D.O.N. Issue #4 is still one of the best sneakers from adidas’ lineup. Internally, the sole unit features Lightstrike Strobel cushioning for a super-light, yet, energy-returning feel while the Lightlock upper provides the ultimate lockdown with its snug fit. You can’t forget the outsole’s traction which is designed by Donovan.
Trae Young
The Atlanta Hawks' sharpshooter, Trae Young, is another fantastic talent who has partnered with adidas. His signature sneakers emphasize agility and precision, echoing his playstyle of sinking deep threes and dishing out flashy assists. Currently onto the third iteration of the adidas Trae Young series, the adidas Trae Young 3 celebrates Trae Young’s futuristic style of play while optimizing motion and stability. The engineered mesh on the upper pairs perfectly with the neoprene bootie inside and the dual-cushioned sole unit. Cushioning includes Boost and Lightstrike, which delivers responsiveness to the wearer
Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose, former NBA MVP and one of the most resilient players in the league, has had a longstanding signature line with adidas. Elements of his journey, challenges, and successes are infused in his designs and offer fans more than just a basketball shoe, they bring forth a piece of history. Though there hasn’t been a new design from the duo since the Dame 11, adidas and Rose have brought back OG designs with performance upgrades. Included in this is the adidas adiZero Rose 1.5 Restomod, which keeps the original look intact while incorporating modern tech like Lightstrike cushioning.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
