{"id":235592,"date":"2012-09-25T23:36:46","date_gmt":"2012-09-26T04:36:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nicekicks.com\/?p=235592"},"modified":"2018-08-27T12:21:45","modified_gmt":"2018-08-27T16:21:45","slug":"20under20-the-20-best-signature-shoes-from-1992-to-2012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/20under20-the-20-best-signature-shoes-from-1992-to-2012\/","title":{"rendered":"#20Under20: The 20 Best Signature Shoes From 1992 to 2012"},"content":{"rendered":"
Tons of classic sneakers have dropped in the last 20 years, but which kicks were the most important? In our newest series, #20Under20<\/em><\/strong>, we count down by category the best of the best from the last two decades.<\/p>\n To kick off #20Under20, we take a look back at the Top 20 Signature Shoes<\/strong> born between 1992 and 2012. Which sneaker tops our list? Read on to find out and tell us your favorite from the #20Under20 on Twitter and in the comment section.<\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Gary Payton Gary Payton<\/strong> didn?t get his first signature shoe until he was 30 years old. Well, some things are worth waiting for. The NBA?s smallest\/biggest trash talker became the Alpha Project darling with 1998?s “The Glove”<\/strong>. Pioneering Monkey Paw technology and introducing the short lived but incredibly innovative zipper upper (seen before only on the low top Worm), the Zoom Flight 98 was a technical juggernaut without sacrificing any style points.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Deion Sanders Bo Jackson sold training shoes as an athlete; Deion Sanders<\/strong> sold turf shoes as a personality. Splitting minutes between the secondary and the outfield, Prime Time stayed on his job and stayed in the highlights in not one, but two sports. Like Deion, the Diamond Turf 2<\/strong> was built for both occupations, locking down his fast feet but still flashy enough for the game’s greatest entertainer. Some would argue that the DT Max 96 was a better showcase of his personality, but its hard to ignore the popularity of his second signature and the milestone season he had wearing them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Kevin Durant Kevin Durant<\/strong> might be the most Jordan-like of any of the league’s countless Air apparents. Humble, hardworking, and quiet cool, the perennial scoring champ continues to play catch up with the rest of his peers in the jewelry department, but his kick game is already a step ahead of the pack. Playing as the Air Jordan 3 of the young star?s legacy, the Nike Zoom KD IV<\/strong> serves as the turning point in Durant?s sneaker career. Countless colorways and a long list of accolades add credibility to this claim, while the model’s overwhelming popularity and hardwood to hallway versatility point to longevity of the line.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Grant Hill These days, Grant Hill<\/strong> is known as the elder statesmen of the NBA. Classy guy, handworker, and league ambassador have always been descriptors for the Duke grad, but it?s easy to forget just how good he was. Basically LeBron before LeBron, G-Hill filled up the stat sheet and the highlight reel playing the point forward position like none before him. In 1996 his popularity peeked, leading the league in All-Star fan balloting for the second straight season (mind you, only his second in the NBA) by beating out Michael Jordan in fan votes. The Fila GH2<\/strong> was on his feet for both the ASG start in San Antonio and the Gold Medal win in Atlanta, also gracing the feet of countless fans across the country and the forever iconic Tupac Shakur.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Tracy McGrady The original T-Mac was a hit. Fans were thirsty for a Tracy McGrady<\/strong> sig after his Mad Handle endorsement and sudden immergence as the top scoring swingman in the league. While the first Tracy kicks moved fast in stores, as did its sequel, the T-Mac 3<\/strong>?is among the most memorable. At only three shoes in, his signature series proved more linear than any collection in recent history, appearing sleeker and flashier with each attempt. Patent placement was right on time with the baller status, streetball craze of the early 2000s, while the ASG mismatch was genius from a sales and style standpoint.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Charles Barkley Sir Charles<\/strong> has laced up his fair share of Nikes, but no Nikes are his Nikes more than the CB 94<\/strong>. Coming off a career best season and entering a post-Michael Jordan era, the ?94 Barkleys? were a statement for the brand and the athlete. From the bulky build to the elastic tongue, the design embodied Barkley and still performs on court.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Kobe Bryant Ask yourself: how many sixth men get a signature shoe? How many sophomores? From a young age, Kobe Bryant<\/strong> was special and adidas<\/strong> recognized that. Covering video games and starting on All-Star Sunday before he had a first-string spot on the Lakers, the Three Stripes capitalized off his blossoming star power with the KB8<\/strong>. As a result, the basketball world got a better idea of what Feet You Wear was all about, while the debut Kobe served as a launching pad for two progressive signature lines with German footwear company.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Dikembe Mutombo Blunt branding? No added identity was necessary on the debut signature for basketball?s seven-footer with seven names. The adidas Mutombo<\/strong> saw logo overload and conventional colorways play the background to vibrant print and homeland inspiration. Such a story matched Dikembe Mutombo<\/strong> more than the rainbow paneling or golden accents seen on his Denver duds, while the tribal tongue tagging proved bolder than any trefoil. Though the shoe doesn?t jump over its peers in innovation or retro lore, it stands the tallest of all in regard to authentic expression.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Larry Johnson Selling sneakers with a cross-dressing granny? Try pitching that to the Chuck Taylor-era execs at Converse<\/strong>. Around 1992, the Chevron rebranded their basketball line by replacing the conservative campaigning of the Weapon with Larry Johnson<\/strong> and eventually the Aero Jam<\/strong>. The edgy REACT Juice technology and in-your-face athleticism of LJ offered tangible endorsement to the masses, pairing perfectly with the oddball advertising and beloved expansion team colors.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Shawn Kemp Imagine Blake Griffin?s athleticism with JR Smith?s theatrics and you have Shawn Kemp<\/strong> and an understatement. The high-flying, showboating Sonic was full of unbounded passion and personality, but somehow Reebok<\/strong> managed to capture it all in his second signature, the Kamikaze II<\/strong>. Utilizing space in a manner most designers wouldn?t dare, Kemp?s second shoe brought aggression and energy to a relatively simple silo void of breakthrough technology. Vectors outnumber the helter-skelter Kemp tagging on this model 3-to-1, but we all remember whose shoe it was.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Kanye West The original Air Yeezy served as a time capsule for the internet era?s streetwear explosion as well as a blaring announcement on which stars sport the real influence in regard to sneaker endorsement. Its sequel, the Air Yeezy 2<\/strong>, proved that it wasn?t a fluke. Less dated and more progressive, Kanye West<\/strong>‘s second Swooshed signature avoided the sophomore slump, causing commotion at every launch spot and forcing many outlets to rethink their policy on release date product. Much like Jordan?s industry influence in the early 90s, Yeezy?s power is seen today, with more sportswear brands cutting checks to rappers than record labels.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Kobe Bryant The Kobe IV brought under-the-ankle sneakers back in the arena, but the Kobe V<\/strong> made them a staple. Worn in iD and inline variations by NBA peers and amateurs alike, the Black Mamba?s fifth sneaker with Nike<\/strong> proved his most impactful, pushing performance to new heights and breaking norms on how low a basketball shoe could be.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> LeBron James As lines and bank accounts build up in anticipation of the LeBron X+, it?s easy to forget that the King James franchise was flat in impact only a few years ago. Even though the young Cavalier was making history on the hardwood, his shoes suffered in sales, chasing the off court popularity of the Air Jordan series but missing the mark at retail. The Nike Air Max LeBron VII<\/strong> was the turning point in the series, ditching the desire for denim endorsement and ultimately earning just that. Sleek build and Flywire construction pushed performance, while Air Max cushioning and a patent leather mudguard catered towards casual wear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Michael Jordan Remember when being really good at basketball was a great way to sell sneakers? Michael Jordan<\/strong> does. The Air Jordan 7 saw endorsement at the highest level, with MJ taking home a gold medal and NBA championship in his seventh signature. Sure, a good design helped too. The AJ7 was the first and only Air Jordan to incorporate Huarache technology, a well-played performance and aesthetic enhancement. The model can also take some credit for the birth of the modern day colorway as we know it, introducing shades of green, bronze, and purple to the blunt black and red Chicago motif.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Ken Griffey, Jr. More tee ball than Tee Party, Ken Griffey Jr<\/strong>. won over the young American vote in ?96 by captivating fans that weren?t even followers of America?s game. Overwhelming charisma, effortless athleticism, and youthful style made for the best write-in race since Eric B, as Junior?s sneaker campaign caught up with the best in basketball, backed by cross promotional ads from brand brother Penny Hardaway. To this day, the Nike Air Griffey Max<\/strong> still leads the standings as the best cleat to casual crossover, enjoying a strong start in its election year and still scoring votes through retro and hybrid glory.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Steve Caballero Koston, Busenitz, Janoski, and Rodriguez dominate the current skate climate, but Caballero<\/strong> has been a constant. Vans<\/strong>? first signed skater still stands as the most influential on the brand and arguably the most innovative in his industry, owning the designer\/endorsee title before Kanye and demanding a lowtop pre-Kobe. The Half Cab<\/strong> saw Steve take the power in his own hands; cutting the top off his self designed signature and ultimately influencing his fans and his brand to do the same.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Michael Jordan Following up the no flash, all function AJ 12, the Air Jordan 13<\/strong> restored flavor to the franchise. Popping with hologram branding, reflective mesh composition, and animal inspiration, the model stood out in a flashy period for shoe sales. CEO Jordan?s new kicks still stuck to business though, introducing refined innovations such as hidden lacing and suede wrapped midsoles.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Penny Hardaway How many shoes move from cult classic to clich?? The Nike Air Foamposite One<\/strong> proved truly ahead of its time, peeking ten years after its inception and currently gliding on one of the strongest retro runs in sneaker history. Though Penny Hardaway only wore it on the NBA hardwood for a matter of weeks, Eric Avar?s design proved a benchmark in innovation, transforming over time from oddity to all-we-see.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Allen Iverson In 1996, Philadelphia won the lottery by acquiring the draft rights to Allen Iverson<\/strong>, but Reebok<\/strong> hit the jackpot by signing him to a sneaker deal. The Vector made the most of their relationship with the most influential basketball player this side of MJ, pushing lifestyle as much as performance in a long line of AI sneakers and apparel. To this day, the Question<\/strong> still stands as the best and most important sneaker from the athlete (and arguably the brand), selling out in shops back in ?96 and being met with a resounding ?yes? every time it re-releases.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athlete:<\/strong> Michael Jordan The Air Jordan 11 hit the hardwood before they hit Eastbay, caused fines after only a few wears, and starred in the opus of athlete-driven motion pictures. Not even the sharpest cats in Nike?s marketing department could?ve mapped that out. Because Michael Jordan<\/strong> snuck the samples into the ?95 Eastern Conference semis, fans would have to wait six whole months until they could rock them. Since then, the demand is yet to cease and the following continues to increase with each retro drop. Number #1 then and still number #1 now.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tons of classic sneakers have dropped in the last 20 years, but which kicks were the most important? In our…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2415,"featured_media":236394,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[618],"tags":[],"cultivate_rss":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n20. Nike Air Zoom Flight 98 ?The Glove?<\/h2>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1998<\/p>\n19. Nike Air Diamond Turf 2<\/h2>\n image via sandersfan_2007<\/a>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Football\/Baseball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1994<\/p>\n18. Nike Zoom KD IV<\/h2>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 2011<\/p>\n17. Fila GH2<\/h2>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1996<\/p>\n16. adidas T-Mac 3<\/h2>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 2003<\/p>\n15. Nike Air Max CB 94<\/h2>\n image via nbacardDOTnet\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1994<\/p>\n14. adidas KB8<\/h2>\n image via abarbot\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1997<\/p>\n13. adidas Mutombo<\/h2>\n image via Mis Zapas<\/a>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1992<\/p>\n12. Converse Aero Jam<\/h2>\n image via Sole Collector<\/a>\/Kicks On Cards<\/a>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1993<\/p>\n11. Reebok Kamikaze II<\/h2>\n image via Basketball Forum<\/a>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1995<\/p>\n10. Nike Air Yeezy 2<\/h2>\n image via Kristian Dowling<\/a>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> None
\nYear:<\/strong> 2012<\/p>\n9. Nike Zoom Kobe V<\/h2>\n image via Rocket Sports<\/a>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 2009<\/p>\n8. Nike Air Max LeBron VII<\/h2>\n image via DNA Info<\/a>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 2009<\/p>\n7. Air Jordan 7<\/h2>\n image via SI Vault\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1992<\/p>\n6. Nike Air Griffey Max<\/h2>\n image via Mears Online Auctions\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Baseball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1996<\/p>\n5. Vans Half Cab<\/h2>\n image via Daily Rush<\/a>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Skateboarding
\nYear:<\/strong> 1992<\/p>\n4. Air Jordan 13<\/h2>\n image via Michael Jordan’s World<\/a>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1997<\/p>\n3. Nike Air Foamposite One<\/h2>\n image via Kicks On Cards<\/a>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1997<\/p>\n2. Reebok Question<\/h2>\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1996<\/p>\n1. Air Jordan 11<\/h2>\n image via SI\n
\nSport:<\/strong> Basketball
\nYear:<\/strong> 1995<\/p>\n