PAUSE Highlights: Stylish Basketball Sneakers For You To Consider

When it comes to fashion, there are few things more exciting than when style meets function. Until recently, basketball sneakers were only available on the court, but designers have taken note of this trend and developed sneakers that make a statement both on and off the court. Here, we take a closer look at six of the most stylish streetwear-inspired basketball sneakers.

_{Image Credit: @pjtuckersneakers}

The Off-White Air Jordan 1 was first released in 2017 as part of a collaboration between Off-White and Nike. The sneaker features a deconstructed design with exposed foam, mesh, and leather, as well as Off-White’s signature text on the side panels. As a result of its unique design and limited availability, this sneaker instantly became a favourite among sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike. The Off-White Air Jordan 1 quickly became a cultural phenomenon and has since been worn by celebrities and influencers around the world, and when NBA player PJ Tucker decided to rock a pair on court, the Off-White AJ1 confirmed that style and function have been the greatest duo since Virgil Abloh and Nike collaborated.

The Air Jordan 2 was first released in 1986. Designed by Peter Moore and Bruce Kilgore, this sneaker was the first Air Jordan sneaker to not feature the Nike swoosh. Instead, it sports a unique design with textured leather and a lizard skin pattern on the side panels. The Air Jordan 2 was also the first sneaker to be made in Italy, giving it a premium feel that sets it apart from other sneakers on the market. A cultural phenomenon which is a favourite of basketball and sneaker fans all over the world, the AJ 2’s unique design and cultural impact continue to be felt to this day.

Part of a uber succesful collaboration between Virgil Abloh’s Off-White and Nike, the Off-White x Nike Hyperdunk was first released in 2017. Featuring a deconstructed design similar to the Off-White Air Jordan 1, with exposed foam and Off-White’s signature text on the side panels, the Hyperdunk also dons unique design elements such as a translucent sole and Off-White’s signature zip-tie that is a nod to the brand’s industrial design aesthetic.

First released in 2020 as part of Kanye West’s collaboration with adidas, the adidas YZY QNTM features an eye-catching design with a reflective upper and a chunky, futuristic sole. A popular silhouette that’s sported by both basketball fans and fashion enthusiasts due to its unique design and limited availability, the adidas YZY QNTM also helped further cement Kanye West’s position as a major player in the sneaker industry as it would be the first time the YZY brand added a performance sneaker to his already extensive offering of sneakers.

The Off-White x Nike Air Jordan 5 takes the classic silhouette and adds Abloh’s signature street style flair. The sneaker features a deconstructed design, with translucent panels and a unique lacing system that wraps around the ankle. The sneaker also includes Off-White’s trademark zip tie and branding on the tongue. Its combination of basketball heritage and fashion-forward design makes the Off-White x Nike Air Jordan 5 is a prime example of the intersection of basketball, streetwear and high fashion.

The Nike Air Fear of God 1 was first released in 2018 as part of a collaboration between Nike and Jerry Lorenzo, the founder of the fashion brand Fear of God. Crafted with an innovative design with a high-top silhouette and a thick, chunky sole, Nike Air Fear of God 1 has a distinctive look that is popular, hard to ignore and will be sure to get you a couple of respectful nods from passersby.