10 Best Classic Basketball Shoes

The 10 best classic basketball shoes are shoes that appeal to both the basketball athlete and the non-athlete.  The ten best classic basketball shoes have stood the test of time, and have grown in popularity rather than declined. Check out the following classic basketball shoes, and see if you don’t agree they are classics both on and off the court. 

1. Air Jordan lll by Nike. This classic basketball shoe is regal, and was designed by Tinker Hatfield. This 80’s decade classic basketball shoe was named 2003 Retro Shoe of the Year.
2. Air Jordan Xll by Nike. This is the shoe Michael Jordan wore during the infamous “flu game.” While seriously ill, Jordan led his Chicago Bulls to a win over the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals Game 5 on 6-11-1997.
3. Chuck Taylor All Star Classics by Converse. This basketball classic shoe is the best selling basketball shoe in the world, even outselling the illustrious Nike MJ shoe line.
4. Center Hi by PF Flyers. This basketball shoe classic hearkens back to the 1950’s decade, and with its classic styling and workmanship still remains a favorite in 2010.
5. The Reebok Pump. Nearing the end of 1980’s, Reebok introduced the Pump to counter the runaway effect of Nike in the basketball shoe arena. Nike had Air Jordan as their spokesman, and now Reebok had a shoe that increased shoe air pressure. The original Reebok Pump is a rare and coveted basketball memorabilia.
6. Nike Air Force 1. Another basketball classic of the 1980’s the Air Force 1 was Nike’s first athletic shoe to address shock absorption on a hard surface with the introduction of air technology.
7. Nike Air Flight One. This classic made its début in 1995, and was also Penny Hardaway’s first entry into the basketball shoe arena. Michael Jordan donned the shoes briefly after coming out of retirement.
8. Jordan Melo M3 by Nike. These beauties features Nike’s air insole cushioning from heel to toe with a leather and suede uppersole.
9. The Question by Reebok.This classic basketball shoe would have ranked higher had it not been for its similarities to another classic basketball shoe, but this is a great looking shoe with great design, even if it has been seen before.
10. Pippen 1 by Nike. The first prerequisite of a classic basketball shoe is that it protects the wearer from injury, then comfort, and last but not least, innovative styling. The Pippen 1 has all three qualities that make it a classic.

 These basketball shoes have demonstrated their classic designation status by their appeal both on and off the basketball for three decades.