The first month of 2026 is officially done, and we’ve already seen plenty of sneakers hit the court in the NBA. January’s NBA footwear data from Kixstats shows that Nike continues to dominate the sport and the basketball sneaker market. At the top is the Nike Kobe 6, which has been worn by numerous players and has 14,287 minutes played, proving the Kobe sneaker line continues to be the go-to basketball shoe for many. The Nike Sabrina 3 followed with 5,915 minutes, while the Nike Kobe 4 (5,353 minutes) and Kobe 5 (4,667 minutes) kept the Mamba legacy going strong.
But we’re not here to talk about the shoes that are getting the most playtime, but rather those that have stood out from the rest. The flashiest and coolest of the lot.
Nike G.T. Cut 3 Turbo “Juju”
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has been in the news for his sneakers a lot in the last few months. And rightfully so. While he might not have a signature sneaker anymore, the kicks he’s been wearing in the game and off the court have made front page news. In Jan, those Nike G.T. Cut 3 Turbo “Juju” sneakers paid tribute to USC Trojans guard Juju Watkins.
Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “Knicks”
Just recently it was revealed that New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson rejected a signature shoe from Nike. Why? Well, it seems he prefers wearing Kobes and honoring his idol. Well, it seems to be working. Everyone is talking about his kicks, especially the Nike Kobe 3 Protro Low “Knicks”.
Jordan 40 “Paolo”
Jordan Brand still hasn’t shared a release date for the Jordan 40 that Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero spent last month quietly flexing. The player-exclusive “Paolo” colorway is bright, green, and, oh man, I’m sure these kicks would glow in the dark.
adidas Anthony Edwards 2 “Pink”
Anthony Edwards turned Christmas Day into a Liquorice All-Sorts sneaker rollout, dripping in pink and black. The 24-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves guard debuted the adidas Anthony Edwards 2 Pink, then kept them in rotation through January. You can grab them online for $130.
adidas Harden Vol. 10 “Weatherman”
What’s the weather forecast for January 2026? Well, all you have to do is look at Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams’ adidas Harden Vol. 10 “Weatherman” colorway to find out. The blue, purple, red, and orange color pattern makes the sneaker stand out up and down the court.
adidas Harden Vol. 10 “Hellcat”
The adidas Harden Vol. 9 “Hellcat” was something special. The clean red and black sneaker stood out. Now, LA Clippers guard James Harden is doing the same with the Vol. 10 “Hellcat”, a shiny all-black sneaker that takes the best parts of the 9 and elevates it even more. Expect to see these everywhere.
Nike LeBron 23 “Cleveland”
Nike has been dropping LeBron 23 sneakers in plenty of colorways in the last few months. Red, blue, gold, purple, whatever colorway is your favourite, they’ve got you. But it’s the Nike LeBron 23 “Cleveland” pair he wore against the Cavaliers that has so many sneakerheads smiling. The sneaker draws inspiration from the Nike LeBron 7 he wore during the 2009-10 NBA season.
Nike Ja 3 “Happy Ja-lidays”
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant rolled out a player-exclusive Nike Ja 3 that flipped the familiar “Daybreak” look into something louder on court: the Nike Ja 3 “Happy Ja-lidays”. You won’t find that pair online. What you can buy are the general-release Nike Ja 3 colorways, priced between $125 and $145.
Nike LeBron 23 “Oregon Ducks”
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James broke out a player-exclusive Nike LeBron 23 in an “Oregon Ducks” colorway that you’ll never own. That pair stays locked to LeBron. You can still grab general-release LeBron 23 styles for $210 at Nike.com if you’re fine settling.
Nike GT Cut 3 “All-Star”
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham keeps teasing what’s coming. His signature shoe is on the way, but he’s not waiting around. Lately, he’s been rolling out unreleased heat, including the Nike G.T. Cut 3 “All-Star” colorway that exists only on his feet for now.
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