A fresh NBA season marks the arrival of new signature sneakers as brands equip their stars with the latest tech to power through 82 games and the playoffs in pursuit of a title. The diversity in today’s signature landscape stands out, with veteran lines like Curry, LeBron, and KD continuing deep into their 20th and 10th iterations, while rising stars such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and Ja Morant are just beginning to build their legacies. In this roundup, we focus on Adidas Basketball’s line up led by Anthony Edwards alongside James Harden, Donovan Mitchell and Damian Lillard.
AE 2
After a two-year-long wait, the predecessor to the AE1s, arguably one of the best first signature shoes and a leader in the recent trend of retro-futuristic basketball designs, has finally arrived. The AE2 continues to build on the design formula that made the AE1 popular. To reduce weight, the honeycomb panels have been modified into “articulated fangs” that wrap around the heel and forefoot, exposing more of the mesh underneath for added breathability. For cushioning, the AE2 features full-length Lightboost combined with Lightstrike, while underneath, blade-like traction patterns draw inspiration from Anthony Edwards’ logo.
Dame 10
Despite recent injuries and being waived by the Bucks, the release of Damian Lillard’s tenth signature shoe marks a major milestone, making him only the second Adidas athlete after Derrick Rose to reach ten models with the brand. The Dame 10 features a minimal, low-profile design constructed with mesh and sculpted overlays for lightweight support, while the midsole setup continues with full-length Lightstrike foam, reintroduced in the Dame 9 for a responsive yet stable ride. Staying true to Lillard’s commitment to accessibility, the Dame 10 maintains its tradition of remaining priced under $100.
D.O.N Issue #7
Now in its seventh iteration, Donovan Mitchell’s D.O.N. Issue line has become one of Adidas’ quieter signature series compared to its early prominence, yet it continues to evolve within the brand’s unified basketball design language. The Issue 7 refines the formula with a sleek, performance-driven silhouette highlighted by a zippable shroud that conceals the laces for a streamlined look and added containment. Underfoot, the shoe features Lightstrike Pro cushioning, delivering the ideal balance of court feel, responsiveness, and impact protection for Mitchell’s explosive style of play.
Harden Vol.9
The Harden Vol. 9 continues to refine the retro-futuristic design language introduced with the Harden Vol. 6, blending sleek aesthetics with performance-focused function. Like the AE1, it features moulded side panels for a clean, minimal look, while the gill-like vents enhance breathability and add visual depth to the upper. Cushioning remains a highlight, utilising a full-length Boost core encased in Lightstrike foam for responsive energy return and balanced stability. Underneath, the outsole employs a radial traction pattern with zonal circles around the ball of the foot, optimised for smooth pivots and multidirectional movement.
Images via Adidas
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