Kicks Analysis 2016 #4: Shoes of Champions

All players want to be guards. That’s been a known fact for years especially in the kicks world where big man shoes just don’t sell. I can’t name a popular big man shoe in recent history… maybe Dwight Howard’s signature Adidas? See my point? Even the role of the big man is being redefined with the stretch forward like Draymond Green and Anthony Davis (but really, the Brow’s Air Max Audacity is not quite attractive).

So during the tournament, guard shoes were everywhere. Kobe 11 was pretty much on every Oklahoma Sooner player, even on rugged forward Ryan Spangler. Interestingly enough, a popular high top was made for a guard in the Kobe X Elite worn by #3 Josh Hart of Villanova.

Check out Wichita State and Arizona. I see Kobe X, Hyperlive, Kyrie 2, and LeBron Zoom Soldiers. The Zoom Soldiers are the closest big man shoes out there.

Speaking of LeBron James, there were very few sightings of LeBron’s actual signature line. Here’s a shot showcasing the usefulness of sturdy, hightops to protect your feet (and inflict pain on the opposition).

Several players wore Kevin Durant’s KD8. Love this Aunt Pearl makeup.

Another popular guard shoe was Kyrie Irving’s signature line. While the Kyrie 2 was quite common, the Kyrie 1 was well represented. Despite the retro cool grey Jordan 11 worn by #13 Isaiah Briscoe of Kentucky, there weren’t that may Jordan retros on court.

Lastly, Brice Johnson, the talented 6-10 forward from North Carolina, wore the Chris Paul CP3 line emphasizing the popularity of guards’ shoes.

So maybe the team with the best guard shoes wins it all?