Few sports have contributed more to the world of sneakers than basketball.
It has created many of the most hyped silhouettes to date, the most notable coming from Michael Jordan's partnership with Nike. What began with the Air Jordan 1, which Jordan was allegedly fined $5,000 per game for wearing as it was initially banned by the NBA, has such a cult following that original pairs fetch millions of dollars on the secondhand market.
But basketball has a coveted history filled with iconic sneakers that goes way beyond Michael Jordan's famous footwear: Converse first gained notoriety for its Chuck Taylor basketball shoe, Nike designed classics like the Huarache, and Reebok had releases with legends such as Allen Iverson, Shawn Kemp, and Shaquille O'Neal.
There's such a rich history of sneaker releases to mine that it comes as no surprise that brands regularly bring back classic retro basketball shoes. From New Balance re-releasing its 550 model to the huge fanfare that Nike x Stüssy or Reebok x Maison Margiela get when re-interpreting the futuristic basketball designs of the 90s.
Selecting our favorite retro basketball shoes to upgrade our casual footwear rotation, check out the best pairs available to shop below.
Keep scrolling to see a list of the best retro basketball shoes.
New Balance BBW550BC
New Balance is best known for its running shoes, but when it released the 550 it made sure everyone remembered its history of creating basketball shoes. Shown here in a UNC colorway, it was an instant success for the American label with pairs selling out almost instantly.
PUMA Slipstream Mid Heritage
Launched in 1987 as a hi-tech basketball sneaker, much of the Slipstream's subcultural relevance came thanks to its adoption by hip-hop dance crews. The classic sneaker has since then become a mainstay in PUMA's collections and given experimental new looks such as the "wabi-sabi" one above.
Nike x Stüssy Air Penny 2
A shoe that was on the Christmas list of every basketball fan, the Air Penny 2 was Nike's hi-tech basketball shoe when it was first released in 1996. It's been brought back into the limelight in 2023, thanks mostly to a string of Stüssy collaborations.
Converse Chuck 70 Hi
While it might be associated more with skateboarding today, the Chuck 70 was initially created for basketball. The shoe is named after Mr. Charles “Chuck” Taylor, a former salesman for Converse who was the coach for the company's basketball team.
Reebok Question Pump Basketball Sneakers
Allen Iverson's first signature sneaker, the Reebok Question is one of the most iconic basketball shoes there are. Almost 30 years since it was first released, Reebok has been giving the model new relevance through a string of collaborations and new colorways.
New Balance BB650RCF
White Men Can't Jump (1992) is one of the most iconic basketball movies there is and it has a remake coming out this year. The new version features Jack Harlow in a lead role with the New Balance 650 on foot, upping its credentials as a classic basketball sneaker.
Patta x Converse “Four Leaf Clover” One Star Pro
Following the success of its Chuck Taylor sneaker, Converse's next move was to create the state-of-the-art One Star Pro in 1969. Today, the shoe is one of the brand's most popular models and has been the canvas for high-profile collaborations such as the Patta one above.
adidas Forum Low CL
Michael Jordan is best known for his Nike sneakers but, back in 1984, he opted to wear the adidas Forum for the Olympic basketball trials in the USA.
Nike x Off-White™ Air Jordan 1 Retro High 'Chicago'
The most famous retro basketball shoe on this list, the Jordan 1 needs no introduction. The pair above, created together with the late Virgil Abloh, might be the best re-working that the sneaker has ever been given.
FILA Grant Hill 1 OG
While Grant Hill's 19-year basketball career included countless memorable moments on the court, it also included him being the face of what is arguably FILA's best-ever sneaker.
Nike Dunk Low Retro PRM
Retro basketball shoes and skateboarding have a long history, to which the Nike Dunk is central. Although Nike didn't know it initially, the shoe's design made it perfect for skaters and its subcultural relevance is part of what makes the Dunk so popular today.
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