NBA All-Star Weekend is being hosted by Chicago this year, for the first time since 1988. Like every year, the Three Point Contest, the Slam Dunk Contest and Sunday’s All-Star Game are headlining a weekend full of fun events meant to celebrate the best the NBA has to offer, as well as give Chi city a chance to showcase its basketball heritage for all the world to see.
In addition to the official All-Star events, sneaker brands are readying a host of limited and special-edition releases. Every year, brands use NBA All-Star Weekend to launch special-edition colorways of on-court footwear, as well as special edition (and sometimes highly limited) lifestyle sneakers that are often highly collectible.
To help you sort through all the releases, we’ve put together a roundup of the best NBA All-Star Weekend sneakers below.
When is NBA All-Star Weekend
NBA All-Star Weekend begins on Thursday, February 13 with the annual NBA on TNT American Express Road Show and culminates in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 16.
What brands are releasing sneakers at NBA All-Star Weekend
Each year, sportswear brands use the festivities to launch special-edition sneakers and collaborative collections. Big players such as adidas and Nike typically serve up All-Star Weekend releases, while brands with a smaller basketball market share, such as New Balance, PUMA, and Reebok, use the weekend as a chance to present their latest and greatest footwear. Sometimes, brands also release non-basketball sneakers, using the event as a springboard and to get eyes on their special-edition launches.
The best sneakers releasing as part of NBA All-Star Weekend
Off-White™ x Nike Air Jordan 5
Release Date: February 15 Editor’s Notes: Virgil Abloh’s latest Jordan Brand design is the hottest All-Star Weekend drop this year. With the Air Jordan 5 celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Off-White™ founder has given the iconic silhouette his own twist.
Nike New Beginnings Pack
Release Date: TBC Editor’s Notes Nike’s “New Beginnings” pack consists of two silhouettes that ushered in Michael Jordan’s era of NBA dominance: the Nike Air Ship PE and the Air Jordan 1 High. The Nike Air Ship is the sneaker Michael Jordan wore early in his rookie season, before the Nike Air Jordan 1 was released. Contrary to popular belief, it was the Air Ship, not the Air Jordan 1, that was “banned” by the NBA for breaking league uniform code.
Nike Basketball All-Star Collection
Release Date: Febraury 13 to 15 Editor’s Notes: Nike Basketball’s NBA All-Star 2020 collection consists of the brand’s top players’ signature sneakers in special colorways, led by LeBron James’ LeBron 17 in a Space Jam 2-themed “Monstars” iteration. The sneakers will be released starting February 13.
Pusha-T x adidas Dame 6
Release Date: February 14 Editor’s Notes: Damian Lillard’s sixth signature sneaker is adidas’ first basketball shoe to feature LIGHTSTRIKE technology, a super light midsole. This version is created in collaboration with longtime adidas ambassador Pusha-T.
Nike Air Jordan 1 “NC to Chi”
Release Date: February 13 Editor’s Notes Jordan Brand is blessing the ladies with a color-blocked iteration of the Air Jordan 1, scheduled to release just ahead of Valentine’s Day. The “UNC to Chicago” 1s pay homage to Michael Jordan’s collegiate and professional careers at the University of North Carolina and in Chicago with the Bulls, respectively.
Nike Air Jordan 10 “Wings”
Release Date: February 12 Editor’s Notes The Wings Air Jordan 10 was created in partnership with Chicago-based high school students, giving them an inside look into the footwear and apparel industry. This particular design takes inspiration from one of Chicago’s most famous architectural landmarks.
adidas Pro Model 2G Shelltoe
Release Date: February 10 Editor’s Notes In celebration of the Superstar’s 50th anniversary, the adidas Pro Model 2G is brought back in a nod to the shelltoe’s basketball heritage.
adidas D Rose 1
Release Date: Editor’s Notes Derrick Rose might not be taking part in All-Star Weekend but his sneakers most definitely will be. His first signature sneaker with adidas, the D Rose 1, will be relaunched in two colorways: the colors of Rose’s High School and a white version with rose detailing.
Sheila Rashid x Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid
Release Date: March 2 Editor’s Notes Part of the “Collaborators Collection” for All-Star Weekend, the Sheila Rashid x Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid features very distinct color blocking on the toe and mixes tumbled leather with rough suede. This gives the sneaker a much more premium look and feel.
Nike Air Jordan 3 Red Cement (Both versions)
Release Date: Editor’s Notes The iconic Air Jordan 3 is given a all-red, cement makeover and arrives in two styles. The first features Nike Air branding on the heel and will be available worldwide, while the second features Nike Chicago branding on the heels and will only be available in the host city.
adidas All-Star pack
Release Date: February 14 (Harden Vol 4), February 28 (D.O.N. Issue 1) Editor’s Notes adidas’ All-Star pack comprises the Pro Model 2G as well as signature models from Damian Lillard, James Harden, Derrick Rose, and Donavan Mitchell.
Nike Adapt BB 2.0 OG
Release Date: February 16 Editor’s Notes Nike has updated its first performance self-lacing sneaker, the Adapt BB, making it easier to put on by removing the Flyknit shroud, opening up the collar, and integrating a stretchable ballistic mesh throughout the upper. The Adapt BB 2.0 was debuted by Ja Morant and will likely be on show during All-Star Weekend.
Don’t Be Mad x New Balance 992 and OMN1S
Release Date: February 14-16 Editor’s Notes Chicago-based designer Joe Freshgood’s ‘Don’t Be Mad’ label has unveiled its full collection with New Balance. The collection is dubbed “No Emotions Are Emotions’ and comprises both a 992 and Kawhi Leonard’s signature OMN1S sneaker, as well as a range of apparel. It will be available at a pop up in Chicago.
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