NBA Players with Adidas Signature Shoes
While Nike and their Air Jordan brand dominate much of the basketball landscape, from jersey sponsorships to on court shoes, both expensive and affordable, to accessories, hoodies, and gear, there are a growing number of NBA players and athletes opting to sign with other major brands, including Under Armor, Reebok, Adidas, and Puma.
And while Nike remains the most popular basketball shoe brand amongst both athletes and fans alike, competition from Adidas is particularly stiff and formidable. In fact, many up-and-coming and veteran superstars are already signed with Adidas, providing the brand with the clout and influence needed to compete against Nike.
Below, we are going to look at, and review, which NBA players have signature shoes with Adidas and their best products which you can purchase now. And although Nike is a dominant player in basketball and in the NBA, the strides being made by Adidas should help them to compete and sign additional NBA players to their roster.
Why do NBA Players Sign with Adidas?
Although Nike is the powerhouse in professional sports, particularly in the NBA, more-and-more NBA players are opting to sign with Adidas, Under Armor, and Reebok. But just why are so many players signing with Adidas over Nike?
- More exclusivity – Nike, as a basketball powerhouse, has signed big name players such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. For other NBA players, competing against the likes of Jordan, James, and Bryant for name recognition can be difficult. Further, with such superstars on their roster, Nike may not be able to provide other NBA athletes with the time and attention they need to build their respective brand.
- More Advantageous Contract Terms – similarly, as so many NBA superstars aresigned with Nike, it can be difficult to compete, and come to terms, on a fair contract for other players. Truth be told, for many athletes, Nike can be picky on whom they choose and what contract they offer. Adidas, on the other hand, is looking to build up their roster of players and signed athletes, allowing those same athletes to compete on contract terms and financials.
- Additional Marketing Spend – as Adidas is looking to build their brand and influence within the sport of basketball, they may also be more willing to spend on additional marketing and advertising needs. This means that an NBA player who signs with Adidas will get more marketing and advertising done on their brand, ultimately helping them to establish a more global one.
- Kanye West – perhaps surprising to some, but the famous rapper and influencer Kanye West is a big draw for many NBA players. Kanye’s influence on shoe culture, with his Yeezy brand, has established him as one of the premiere shoe connoisseurs and his influence can help Adidas attract new talent to their rosters.
James Harden
James Harden is, perhaps, the biggest superstar to have a signature shoe deal with Adidas. Playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, Harden is a prolific shooter and has been called one of the best shooting guards in the NBA. James Harden was born in Los Angeles, California and played college basketball at Arizona State. In the NBA he has been awarded the NBA MVP in 2018 and is a 10x NBA All-Star, a 6x All-NBA First Team, and a 3x NBA scoring champion.
Harden’s signature shoe deal with Adidas totals over $200 million for 13 years and includes incentive opportunities based on sales. His signature shoes are a little more subtle than other players and aren’t as flashy as other basketball shoes.
Our personal pick for the best Harden Adidas shoes is the Harden Volume 5 Basketball Shoe. Filled with eclectic colors and a high-top for ankle support, these shoes will not only draw attention and interest, but will also keep your ankles and feet safe while playing the game.
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard plays for the Portland Trail Blazers and was born in Oakland, California. Nicknamed ‘Dame Time’ for his history of making big shots, Lillard was not heavily recruited after playing in high school and accepted a scholarship offer to play for Weber State.
In the NBA, Lillard was selected in the 1st round with the 6th overall pick. He is a 6x NBA All-Star, an All-NBA First Team, an NBA Rookie of the Year, and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Personally, we love the Adidas Dame 3 Basketball Shoes. Coming in a variety of different colors, the shoes are extremely comfortable and durable to wear. With a. tread pattern on the. Shoes, inspired by the first basketball courts he played on, these shoes also deliver great bounce and have a soft, cushioned sole to keep your feet fatigue-free.
Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell plays for the Utah Jazz and was born in Elmsford, New York. He attended and played basketball for the Louisville Cardinals and was selected by. The Denver Nuggets in the 1st round with the 13th overall pick in the NBA draft.
In his rookie year, Mitchell was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and won the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest. In addition, he is also a three-time NBA All-Star.
Our personal favorite Donovan Mitchell shoes are the D.O.N. Issue #2 Basketball Shoes. These shoes, quite frankly, look cool. With a jagged edge like line running through the middle of the shoe, it has a subtle yet sophisticated look to it. And with simple black-and-white coloring, the shoe is distinctly Adidas with a gold-plated logo on the tongue of the shoe.
Trae Young
Trae Young is one of the most explosive players in the NBA right now. Playing for the Atlanta Hawks, Young was born in Lubbock, Texas and played college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners. While in the NCAA, he became the only player to lead the league in both points and assists in a single season.
Nicknamed ‘Ice Trae’, he was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2018 NBA draft with the fifth pick overall. Later traded to the Atlanta Hawks, Young would go on to be a 2x NBA All-Star and an NBA All-Rookie First Team. Trae Young’s deal with Adidas pays him $1.8 million annually.
Our personal choice for the best Trae Young signature shoe? It would be none other than the Trae Young 1’s. Very simple in design, with a mix of black and white throughout, the shoe is most notable for its jagged lines and crevices throughout. Although not as high on the ankle as we prefer, the shoe makes a great addition to any basketball shoe collection.
Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose is the oldest active player with a signature shoe with Adidas. He signed a 14-year, $190 million deal with the company following his 2010-11 MVP season. He currently plays for the New York Knicks and was born in Chicago, Illinois.
Derrick Rose would attend the University of Memphis where he would lead the team to the NCAA championship game. He would forgo his remaining three-years at Memphis and opt for the NBA draft, where he was selected first overall.
Derrick Rose has some of the widest collection of basketball shoes on the market and his style veers between subtle and flashy. Personally, we love the D Rose 773 lii. With a high ankle top and Rose’s signature logo on the bottom of the shoe, the design incorporates interesting elements and colors to give the shoe a unique, one-of-a-kind look.