The Top 10 Sneaker Brands by Minutes Played in the 2024-2025 NBA Regular Season
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There are many ways to measure success in the performance sneaker game: resale value, cultural cachet, and number of signature athletes. But when it comes to what matters most on the hardwood—actual minutes played—some brands pull way ahead of the pack. According to KixStats, the following ten sneaker brands led the league in total minutes worn by NBA players during the 2024-2025 regular season, and some may surprise you.
10. Curry Brand – 6,585 Minutes
Steph’s sub-label under Under Armour continues to carve out a niche with sharpshooters and high-IQ guards. Right now, two signature athletes are carrying the brand forward: De’Aaron Fox and Steph Curry. The Curry 12 and Curry Fox 1 have been staples on the court for Under Armour athletes throughout the year.
9. 361 – 8,316 Minutes
361 isn’t exactly a household name in the States. Still, it’s turning heads in the NBA locker rooms thanks to Nikola Jokic, who launched his signature sneaker, and other international pipeline players. The brand continues to build momentum with solid tech and global appeal quietly. Don’t be surprised if they creep higher on this list next season.
8. Li-Ning – 9,801 Minutes
Li-Ning has a firm foothold in the league with names like Jimmy Butler and D’Angelo Russell on the roster. The Way of Wade line still brings the flash, while their performance models keep hoopers returning. Call it a slow burn, but Li-Ning’s time is steadily ticking upward.
7. Skechers – 10,360 Minutes
The most shocking name on the list, Skechers, muscled its way into the rotation behind Julius Randle, Joel Embiid (don’t count on him for minutes, though), and Terance Mann. What started as a punchline quickly became a legitimate performance option. They may not be cool (yet), but they’re functional enough to rack up five digits of court time.
6. New Balance – 15,738 Minutes
From Kawhi to Jamal Murray and Tyrese Maxey, New Balance keeps building a well-balanced rotation (no pun intended). The brand’s focus on controlled growth and innovative cushioning tech is paying off in playing time, and as the roster of inline and signature models expands, expect to see more and more NB athletes in the league.
5. Puma – 16,010 Minutes
With LaMelo Ball and a growing stable of young talent, Puma continues to be one of the most aggressive new-era brands. The MB series is a hit with guards, and their footwear consistently shows up in second units and starters alike. The brand has gone from “Wait, they make basketball shoes?” to a legit mid-tier staple.
4. ANTA – 16,504 Minutes
With Kyrie Irving playing his first full season in his signature line with ANTA, the brand has exploded in popularity amongst NBA athletes, not only via Irving's ANTA Kai series, but also through Klay Thompson's signature lineup and an array of tech-heavy performance basketball models.
3. Jordan – 47,581 Minutes
Everyone wants to play like Mike, but those who can lace up Jordan Brand models are closer than any other NBA athlete. Signature athletes include Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Zion Williamson, but their roster has depth outside of the signature line. Retro influence aside, the on-court tech keeps players locked in and minutes piling up.
2. adidas – 66,817 Minutes
Despite some big-name exits in recent years, adidas is still clocking major mileage thanks to a spread-out roster and shoes that just work. With Anthony Edwards, James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Donovan Mitchell leading the charge, The Three Stripes aren’t going anywhere. Their performance line has also begun to generate hype off the court, especially via Edwards’ and Harden's lineup.
1. Nike – 347,045 Minutes
This isn’t even close. Nike remains the undisputed heavyweight, accounting for over five times more minutes than the nearest brand. With LeBron, KD, Ja, Booker, and Giannis (to name a few), The Swoosh’s grip on the league is still ironclad. The throne stays where it is until another brand builds a comparable roster.
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
