NBA Christmas Day Sneakers to Watch: What Your Favorite Players Will Be Wearing In-Game
More than 10 players with a signature shoe will take part in the NBA’s 2024 slate of Christmas Day games, so the annual tradition of special-edition sneakers won’t lack for reasons to look down at the feet of the league’s big stars.
It isn’t just the blockbuster brands that’ll be taking part either. Aside from the usual suspects in Nike, Jordan Brand and Adidas, a number of smaller brands will have something to contribute to the festivities. Anta has its biggest hit yet in Kyrie Irving’s first model for the brand, 361 Degrees just launched Nikola Jokic’s debut shoe and Jaylen Brown just got his own, the 741 Rover, by launching a brand himself.
Below, you’ll find all the Christmas Day sneakers expected to be worn this year. Those confirmed come by way of leaks, which still leave a good deal of surprise for the shoes that have been kept locked down. Footwear News will keep you up to date on any new information, and you can also find the history of NBA Christmas sneakers by clicking through the link.
LeBron James: Nike LeBron 22 “Xmas”
Release Date: December 26
Price: $180
SKU: HV5148-600
LeBron James will extend his record for most Christmas Day games by playing in his 19th this year, and he’ll do so with a pair of mismatched Nike LeBron 22s that pays homage to his most iconic sneaker of all. The colors are borrowed from James’ famous Nike LeBron 8 “South Beach,” while fuzzy white shoe laces invoke snow alongside snowflake graphics.
Anthony Edwards: Adidas AE 1 Low “Christmas”
Release Date: TBD
Price: TBD
Leaks haven’t offered a concrete promise of what Anthony Edwards will wear for Christmas this year, as a SKU that surfaced earlier was used for both the “Nick’s Gift” edition released last week and an even bluer pair (pictured here) with not much more info. The young superstar could wear either shoe — or opt for something entirely different as a surprise.
Kevin Durant: Nike KD 17 “Christmas”
Release Date: December 26
Price: $150
SKU: FZ1525-400
Ice is the theme for Kevin Durant’s Christmas sneaker this year, as the blue and white KD 17 features a cracking graphic around the Swoosh to break up the otherwise calm look.
Nike Ja 2 “Christmas”
Release Date: December 19
Price: $130
SKU: FV6070-002
Nike has played a lot with texture in the short life of Ja Morant’s second signature sneaker, including a debossed tree print on the upper with gold detailing invoking tree toppers.
Devin Booker: Nike Book 1 “Nightmare Before Christmas”
Release Date: December 19
Price: $140
SKU: FJ4249-102
Consider it an alternative Christmas for Devin Booker, whose first sneaker for the holiday invokes Halloween and the Tim Burton classic.
Austin Reaves: Rigorer AR 2 “Snowman”
Release Date: December 21
Price: $100
Austin Reaves’ second signature sneaker just launched this month, and for Christmas he’ll wear a “Snowman” edition in an icy blue and white colorway with a fuzzy Rigorer scope logo on the heel invoking snow.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.