As the dust settles on another thrilling Summer Olympics, the achievements of Team USA's basketball squads—both men and women—have once again etched their names in gold. This year, their journey to the top of the podium was marked by dominance and precision, with both teams remaining undefeated. Many players with signature sneakers received special gold medal iterations of their respective models to celebrate their triumph and honor their stellar performances.
Sabrina Ionescu's Nike Sabrina 2 (W)
Sabrina Ionescu, the dynamic guard who helped lead the women's team to glory, had her Nike Sabrina 2 reimagined with subtle yet impactful gold details. The sneaker is based on the USA Basketball colorway that just dropped, with the predominantly red upper remaining. However, what sets this edition apart is the golden Swoosh and S logo on the tongue, which gleams against the sneaker's backdrop.
Anthony Edwards' adidas AE 1 Low
Although he wore his other Team USA-inspired adidas AE 1 Low, Anthony Edwards saw his adidas AE 1 Low get its gold medal treatment following the team’s victory. Straying from the traditional red, white, and blue, the AE 1 Low is draped in a luxurious gold and black colorway. The metallic gold upper symbolizes victory, while the black accents add a touch of sophistication, making this pair not only a tribute to Edwards' on-court heroics but also a statement piece off the court.
LeBron James' Nike LeBron 22
A living legend and one of Team USA's most decorated athletes, LeBron James received a fitting tribute with the Nike LeBron 22. Unlike the others in the collection, the LeBron 22 is coated in metallic gold, from the upper to the midsole and even the laces. Accenting hits of obsidian are found on the trim of the Swoosh and LeBron’s signature on the heel. Another added detail is the subtle safari print on the sole unit, which Nike has included in many Olympic-inspired sneakers.
Kevin Durant's Nike KD 17
Kevin Durant, whose sharpshooting and leadership were pivotal in securing the gold, saw his Nike KD 17 receive a special edition that balances subtlety with opulence. The sneaker retains its familiar Team USA-inspired white, navy, and red color scheme but is elevated with gold details on the tongue and heel tab. These touches of gold add a regal quality to the KD 17, celebrating Durant's contributions while ensuring the sneaker remains versatile and wearable.
Devin Booker's Nike Book 1
Rounding out the gold medal-inspired sneakers are Devin Booker's Nike Book 1, which pays homage to Team USA's colors with an obsidian upper complemented by gold details. The sneaker, which debuted this year, has quickly become a fan favorite, and this gold medal-inspired edition has added to the allure. The gold Swoosh stands out against the deep navy, creating a striking contrast that mirrors Booker's ability to shine in clutch moments. This edition of the Book 1 is a fitting tribute to the young star's first Olympic gold and his bright future in the sport.
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
