words_Brandon Richard
The NBA's All-Star Weekend is not only the biggest stage for the world's top basketball players, but the grounds for showcasing the best of the best in the world of sneakers. Several shoes have become legendary specifically because they were worn during All-Star Weekend. Michael Jordan's "Cement" Air Jordan III in 1988, Dee Brown's Reebok Pump Omni Lite in 1991, Vince Carter's And1 Tai Chi in 2000 and Nate Robinson's "Kryptonate" Nike Foamposite Lite in 2009 are just some of the shoes that have gotten their identity at All-Star Weekend.
This year, Nike, the Jordan Brand and adidas are the usual suspects on the scene. However, appearances from a couple newcomers take us back to a time when there was more of a variety of kicks on the court. Kevin Garnett will represent China's ANTA in his first year with the brand, while players like Kevin Love and JaVale McGee will compete in PEAK sneakers. Brandon Jennings will wear a cherry red colorway of the Under Armour Micro G Ice Low for the Rookie Challenge tonight. Reebok isn't new by any means, but John Wall is breathing new life into the brand's basketball range this year and will wear the Zig Slash in both the Rookie and Skills Challenge.
Before the 2011 NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off tonight, let's take a look back at some of the classic footwear moments in All-Star history.
The MVP of the 2003 game, Kevin Garnett takes flight in the And1 KG2.
In San Antonio, Jason Kidd looks to pass in the Nike Air Zoom Flight '95.
Greatest NBA All-Star head-to-head of all-time? Michael Jordan in the Air Jordan II defends Magic Johnson, wearing his classic Laker Converse Weapon.
Mitch Richmond shoots over Scottie in Minneapolis while wearing the Air Jordan IX in 1994.
One of the iconic images from NBA All-Star Weekend, Dee Brown's no-look dunk wearing the Reebok Pump Omni Lite in 1991.
Throwing down his signature dunk, LeBron James wears the "Wheat" Nike Air Zoom Generation in the 2004 Rookie Challenge.
Nate Robinson defies logic, catching incredible air in the "Kryptonate" Nike Foamposite Lite in the 2009 Dunk Contest.
Shawn Kemp rocks the Reebok Kamikaze II in the 1996 All-Star Game.
Chris Webber dunks in the infamous "Chrome" Dada CDubbz back in 2002.
The last time the All-Star Game was in Los Angeles back in 2004, Tracy McGrady wore a different colorway of the adidas T-Mac III on each foot.
Heat overload in 1995. Grant Hill wears the FILA Grant Hill; Shawn Kemp in the Reebok Kamikaze; David Robinson in the Nike Air Strong; and Dikembe rocks the adidas Mutombo II.
The "Human Highlight Reel" Dominique Wilkins reclaimed the Slam Dunk Championship in 1990 wearing the Reebok Pump Bringback.
The Admiral David Robinson laced up the Nike Air Unlimited for the 1994 game.
*Insert predictable 'White Men Can Jump' joke* 1996 Dunk Champion Brent Barry jams in the Nike Air Zoom Flight '95.
Dwight Howard's Superman persona was born wearing the adidas TS Pro Model in the 2008 Dunk Contest.
J.R. Rider put on a show in the 1994 Dunk Contest wearing CONS.
In MJ's final All-Star game, Kobe gives him a proper dunk tribute in the "True Blue" Air Jordan 3.
The original 'little man with hops' Spud Webb celebrates his improbable 1986 Dunk contest win in the City Wings by PONY.
In MJ's absence, Scottie Pippen became All-Star MVP in 1994 wearing the Nike Air Maestro he made famous.
It's ova! It's ova ladies and gentleman! Vince is half man, half amazing wearing the And1 Tai Chi in the 2000 Dunk Contest.
Kevin Durant made his All-Star debut last year in the Nike Zoom KD II.
The Taco Bell Titans clash in the 1996 NBA All-Star Game; Shaq wears the Reebok Shaqnosis, while Hakeem Olajuwon defends in the Spalding Hakeem the Dream.
to poster.
