Ever since Spike Lee's alter ego Mars Blackmon popularized the saying, "Money, it's gotta be the shoes," in Nike ads back in the 1980s, sneakerheads have been looking for the latest basketball kicks in the newest colorways. While most of the shoes on the market look great, there are only a few that live up to the hype on the court.
Jordan CP3.IV
Despite its namesake's departure from the court in 2003, Nike's Jordan brand continues to be synonymous with excellent performance footwear. The Jordan CP3.III was the first Jordan Brand sneaker to utilize innovative Podulon technology that helps maintains the shoe's cushioning and responsiveness. Placed under the forefoot, Podulon cushioning balances the wearer's movements for unmatched performance and stability during stop-and-start movements. The Jordan CP3.IV belongs on the same court as other great performance basketball shoes of the past, according to the website Nice Kicks. The Nike Jordan CP3.IV retails for $118, as of early 2011.
Air Jordan 2010
"The 2010 is exactly what an Air Jordan should be," according to Zac Dubasik at the website Sole Collector. He cites Nike's attention to detail and the high-quality materials in the Air Jordan 2010, which, he says, put it in a class of its own. The Air Jordan 2010 features superior fit and ankle support, excellent breathability and some of the best traction on the court. Stand-out NBA players such as Dwyane Wade, Joe Johnson and Gerald Wallace could all be seen sporting Air Jordan 2010s -- a testament to the shoe's on-court performance. The Nike Air Jordan 2010 retails for $170, as of early 2011.
Adidas TS Commander LT Team
With the TS Commander LT Team, Adidas proves that, when it comes to basketball shoes, it isn't all about Nike. Big men like Tim Duncan and Dwight Howard wear them on the pro court. The TS Commander LT features dual-midsole construction, perforated mid-foot breathability and all-around support. Reviewer Adam Heskett at the website Bescovery says the TS Commander LT Team offers the "three things anyone banging down in the low post would need:" strength, stability and durability. The Adidas Commander LT Team retails for $110, as of early 2011.
Nike LeBron 8 V2
The Nike LeBron 8 V2 is another high-performance shoe for big men. Reviewers at Nice Kicks gave it high marks for comfort, stability and durability. The LeBron 8 V2 relies on Nike's full-length Max Air unit for soft landings and a full-shoe inner bootie for support and comfort. The Nike LeBron 8 V2 proves that a shoe that is stylish and loaded with glitzy technology, can perform well too. It retails for $150, as of early 2011.
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