Image via Complex Original
The NBA tunnel has been turned into a runway for players in recent years—more so than even before. Not only are superstars making sure they play well each night on the court, they are arriving to the arena looking good too. Of course, that means that the rare and limited pairs of sneakers aren't just being laced up on the hardwood anymore.
A look down the tunnel at any arena around the league on any given night during the season is guaranteed to provide a look at some great shoes. Popular Nike collaborations like the Travis Scott x Nike Air Force 1 or Virgil Abloh's extensive Off-White x Nike collection are a given, but those aren't the only pairs you can expect to see. Sometimes its a friends and family colorway you wish you could own, or an obscure throwback that you don't see everyday. PJ Tucker and LeBron James both frequently populate the list. This week, Tucker is even featured three time for breaking out pairs like the highly-coveted "Red October" Air Yeezy II and "Gibson" Nike SB Dunk Low from 2008. James also impressed with the super rare black "Kobe" Air Jordan III.
Take a look at our picks for 10 of the best sneakers that walked through the NBA tunnels this past week below.
Nike Air Yeezy II 'Red October'
Player: PJ Tucker
Date: Dec. 25
Location: Chase Center (San Francisco)
Air Jordan III 'Kobe Bryant PE'
Player: LeBron James
Date: Dec. 28
Location: Moda Center Arena (Portland)
Off-White x Nike Dunk Low 'University Red'
Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Date: Dec. 26
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City)
Nike SB Dunk Low 'Gibson'
Player: PJ Tucker
Date: Dec. 28
Location: Toyota Center (Houston)
Air Jordan III 'Black Cement'
Player: Lou Williams
Date: Dec. 28
Location: Staples Center (Los Angeles)
Nike SB Dunk Low 'Tie-Dye Raygun'
Player: Tristan Thompson
Date: Dec. 28
Location: Target Center (Minneapolis)
Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low 'Green Lobster'
Player: Isaiah Thomas
Date: Dec. 28
Location: Capital One Arena (Washington D.C.)
Nike Air Force 1 'Cocoa Snake'
Player: PJ Tucker
Date: Dec. 29
Location: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans)
Louis Vuitton LV Trainer Low
Player: Austin Rivers
Date: Dec. 28
Location: Toyota Center (Houston)
Nike Dunk Low 'Viotech'
Player: Josh Okogie
Date: Dec. 28
Location: Target Center (Minneapolis)