Gilbert Watch: The Sneaker Champ's Complete 2010-2011 Season

A game-by-game look at all of Gilbert Arenas' sneaker selections from the 2010-2011 NBA season.

Gilbert Watch: The Sneaker Champ's Complete 2010-2011 Season

words // Brandon Richard

After a December 7th game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Gilbert Arenas (then of the Washington Wizards) made sports and fashion headlines across the world when he wore a pair of $395 Dolce & Gabbana hi-top sneakers on the court. It certainly wasn't Gilbert's first out-of-the-box sneaker selection of the season, but it did mark the night when we all realized that it was going to be a very interesting footwear year for the man now known as the "Sneaker Champ."

In fact, Gil's sneaker collection was the story of the year. Whether you were on the blog, forums, Twitter or Facebook, people could be found talking about his footwear choice after each game. Those discussions were particularly interesting when he wore something that we didn't expect to see. The Jordan CMFT Max Air 12; FILA Grant Hill; "Snakeskin" Air Jordan Retro 11 Low and PE colorways of the Reebok Question and Air Jordan XIII were just some of his kicks that really caught our attention throughout the season.

By my count, Gilbert wore 36 different sneaker models throughout the season. The brands he wore included Nike, Jordan Brand, Reebok, Under Armour, Dolce & Gabbana and FILA. He wore more different Nike Retro models than any other brand, but wore Jordans most frequently. Gil laced up all of the original 14 Air Jordans, excluding the I and III. He was slated to wear the "Cement" IIIs on March 1st against the Knicks, but sat the game out injured and never wore them during the remaining games. Three different Reebok and Under Armour models were worn, FILA once and D&G once. In total, he played in 75 games including the playoffs.

Sole Collector's Zac Dubasik caught up with Gilbert in a December game against the Cleveland Cavaliers to talk about his sneaker collection and decision to wear different pairs for each game. Gil said he was excited about his sneaker free agency because it reminded him of high school days when he could buy and wear anything that he liked. He also said that his collection consisted of 50 pairs, which I'd guess he sold himself short on.

Toward the middle of the season, Gil and his team launched a new sneaker micro-site called Sneaker Champ. The site features a calendar that recaps the shoe Gilbert wore in each game. Along with the site, Gil teamed with UNDRCRWN to launch a set of Sneaker Champ t-shirts.

In a mid-season blockbuster, Gilbert was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Rashard Lewis. Many hoped the move would be beneficial for both sides, but it didn't quite pan out that way. For the first time in his career, Gil was part of a 50-win team, but inconsistent minutes, inconsistent play and knee tendonitis plagued his time with the Magic. With the money that is owed to Gil, it's unlikely that he'll play in a different uniform anytime soon, so there are a lot of decisions the Magic have to make about their future moving forward.

Gilbert finished the season with a 6-game series against the Atlanta Hawks. Making an appearance in 5 of the games, Gil wore three different colorways of the Air Jordan XI, the Nike Air Trainer SC and the Air Go LWP. Playing on a team that had greater expectations than 6 playoff games, he probably had another trick or two up his sleeve, but it wasn't in the cards.

Nevertheless, Gilbert's game-by-game sneaker selections have been fun to follow throughout the season. It was something unlike anything we've seen in the NBA, especially in the endorsement era. Kobe Bryant had a nice run in 2003, but didn't break out as many pairs as Gil and was generally being sent shoes instead of pulling from his own collection. Gil is one of the most unique individuals in the league, and he once again showed us why this year.

Take a look at all of Gilbert's shoes from this season, beginning in November and ending last night. Keep checking Sole Collector for Nick's detailed performance-related post on Gil's kicks.

November 5, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 9 Premio

Gilbert Watch: November 5, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 9 Premio

November 6, 2010 - Nike Air Max Penny I "Orlando"

Gilbert Watch: November 6, 2010 - Nike Air Max Penny I

November 10, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 12 CDP "Taxi"

Gilbert Watch: November 6, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 12 CDP

November 12, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 12 CDP "Taxi"

Gilbert Watch: November 12, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 12 CDP

November 13, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 11 "Space Jam"

Gilbert Watch: November 6, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Space Jam

November 16, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 11 "Space Jam" & Air Jordan Retro 9 "Silver Anniversary"

Gilbert Watch: November 16, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Space Jam & Air Jordan Retro 9 Silver anniversary

November 17, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 11 "Space Jam" & Nike Air Max 3/Air Garnett III

Gilbert Watch: November 17, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Space Jam & Nike Air Garnett III

November 19, 2010 - Nike Air Max 3/Air Garnett III

Gilbert Watch: November 19, 2010 - Nike Air Garnett III

November 21, 2010 - Reebok ATR Make It Rain

Gilbert Watch: November 21, 2010 - Reebok ATR Make It Rain

November 23, 2010 - Jordan CMFT Max Air 12

Gilbert Watch: November 23, 2010 - Jordan CMFT Max Air 12

November 25, 2010 - Jordan CMFT Max Air 12

Gilbert Watch: November 25, 2010 - Jordan CMFT Max Air 12

November 27, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Low IE "Argon Blue"

Gilbert Watch: November 27, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Low IE Argon

November 29, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 11 "Silver Anniversary"

Gilbert Watch: November 29, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Silver Anniversary

December 1, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 5 "Raging Bull"

Gilbert Watch: December 1, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 5 Raging Bull

December 3, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 10 - "Ice Blue"

Gilbert Watch: December 3, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 10 Ice Blue

December 5, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 9 "Citrus"

Gilbert Watch: December 5, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 9 Citrus

December 7, 2010 - Dolce & Gabbana Hi-Top

Gilbert Watch: December 7, 2010 - Dolce & Gabbana High-Top

December 8, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 2 "University Blue"

Gilbert Watch: December 8, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro II University Blue

December 10, 2010 - Nike Air More Uptempo

Gilbert Watch: December 10, 2010 - Nike Air More Uptempo

December 14, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 13 "Flint"

Gilbert Watch: December 14, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 13 Flint

December 16, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 6 Low & Under Armour Micro G Supreme

Gilbert Watch: December 16, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro VI Low & Under Armour Micro G Supreme

December 20, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 12 "Nubuck"

Gilbert Watch: December 20, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 12 Nubuck

December 21, 2010 - Nike Air Max Penny I "Orlando"

Gilbert Watch: December 21, 2010 - Nike Air Max Penny I Orlando

December 23, 2010 - Nike Air More Uptempo

Gilbert Watch: December 23, 2010 - Nike Air More Uptempo

December 25, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 9 Premio

Gilbert Watch: December 25, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 9 Premio

December 27, 2010 - Nike Air Max 3/Air Garnett III

Gilbert Watch: December 27, 2010 - Nike Air Garnett III

December 28, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro 11 "Space Jam"

Gilbert Watch: December 28, 2010 - Air Jordan Retro XI Space Jam

December 30, 2010 - FILA Grant Hill

Gilbert Watch: December 30, 2010 - FILA Grant Hill

January 3, 2011 - Nike Zoom Flight 95

Gilbert Watch: January 3, 2011 - Nike Zoom Flight 95

January 5, 2011 - Reebok Question PE

Gilbert Watch: January 5, 2011 - Reebok Question PE

January 7, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 8 Low "Chrome"

Gilbert Watch: January 7, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 8 Low Chrome

January 8, 2011 - Under Armour Micro G Lite

Gilbert Watch: January 8, 2011 - Under Armour Micro G Lite

January 12, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 14

Gilbert Watch: January 12, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 14

January 13, 2011 - Nike Air Max CB34 "Glass Blue"

Gilbert Watch: January 13, 2011 - Nike Air Max CB34 Glass Blue

January 15, 2011 - Nike Air Max 2 CB '94

Gilbert Watch: January 15, 2011 - Nike Air Max 2 CB '94

January 17, 2011 - Nike DT Max '96

Gilbert Watch: January 17, 2011 - Nike DT Max 96

January 19. 2011 - Nike Air Penny II

Gilbert Watch: January 19, 2011 - Nike Air Penny II

January 21, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 9 "Silver Anniversary"

Gilbert Watch: January 21, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 9 Silver Anniversary

January 22, 2011 - Under Armour Micro G Lite

Gilbert Watch: January 2, 2011 - Under Armour Micro G Lite

January 24, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 6 "Oreo"

Gilbert Watch: January 24, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 6 Oreo

January 26, 2011 - Nike Air Max Penny I "Phoenix"

Gilbert Watch: January 26, 2011 - Nike Air Max Penny I Phoenix

January 28, 2011 - Jordan CMFT Max Air 12 "Fresh Water"

Gilbert Watch: January 28, 2011 - Jordan CMFT Max Air 12 Fresh Water

January 31, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 5 LS

Gilbert Watch: January 31, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 5 LS

February 3, 2011 - Nike Air Foamposite One "Penny"

Gilbert Watch: February 3, 2011 - Nike Air Foamposite One "Penny"

February 4, 2011 - Jordan 6 Rings "Foamposite"

Gilbert Watch: February 4, 2011 - Jordan 6 Rings "Foamposite"

February 6, 2011 - Jordan 6 Rings "Foamposite"

Gilbert Watch: February 6, 2011 - Jordan 6 Rings Foamposite

February 8, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Low "Blue Snakeskin"

Gilbert Watch: February 8, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Low Snakeskin

February 9, 2011 - Under Armour Micro G Lite

Gilbert Watch: February 9, 2011 - Under Armour Micro G Lite

February 11, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 4 "Military Blue"

Gilbert Watch: February 11, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 4 Military Blue

February 13, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Low IE "Azure"

Gilbert Watch: February 13, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro XI Low IE Azure

February 16, 2011 - Nike Air Flight Falcon

Gilbert Watch: February 16, 2011 - Nike Air Flight Falcon

February 23, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 9

Gilbert Watch: February 23, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 9

February 25, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 6 "Olympic"

Gilbert Watch: February 25, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 6 Olympic

February 27, 2011 - Nike Air Trainer SC

Gilbert Watch: February 27, 2011 - Nike Air Trainer SC

March 3, 2011 - Under Armour Micro G Lite

Gilbert Watch: March 3, 2011 - Under Armour Micro G Lite

March 4, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Low IE "Cobalt"

Gilbert Watch: March 4, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Low IE Cobalt

March 7, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 13 PE

Gilbert Watch: March 7, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 13 PE

March 9, 2011 - Reebok Zig Slash "Capital Blue"

Gilbert Watch: March 9, 2011 - Reebok Zig Slash Capital Blue

March 11, 2011 - Nike Air Flight '89

Gilbert Watch: March 11, 2011 - Nike Air Flight 89

March 13, 2011 - Air Jordan 2011 "Space Jam"

Gilbert Watch: March 13, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 11 Space Jam

March 14, 2011 - Nike Air Max 3/Air Garnett III

Gilbert Watch: March 14, 2011 - Nike Air Garnett III

March 16, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 5 LS

Gilbert Watch: March 16, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 5 LS

March 21, 2011 - Under Armour Micro G Blur

Gilbert Watch: March 21, 2011 - Under Armour Micro G Blur

March 23, 2011 - Nike Air Foamposite One "Penny"

Gilbert Watch: March 23, 2011 - Nike Air Foamposite One Penny

March 25, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 9 "For the Love of the Game"

Gilbert Watch: March 25, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 9 For The Love of the Game

March 28, 2011 - Nike Air Trainer Huarache

Gilbert Watch: March 28, 2011 - Nike Air Trainer Huarache

March 30, 2011 - Nike Air Foamposite One "Pewter"

Gilbert Watch: March 30, 2011 - Nike Air Foamposite One Pewter

April 5, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 4 "Silver Anniversary" & Air Jordan Retro 13 "Flint"

Gilbert Watch: April 5, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro IV Silver Anniversary & Air Jordan Retro 13 Flint

April 7, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 7 "Chambray"

Gilbert Watch: April 7, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro VII Chambray

April 10, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 12 Low "Taxi"

Gilbert Watch: April 10, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 12 Low Taxi

April 17, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 11 "Cool Grey"

Gilbert Watch: April 17, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro XI Cool Grey

April 19, 2011 - Nike Air Trainer SC

Gilbert Watch: April 19, 2011 - Nike Air Trainer SC

April 20, 2011 - Nike Air Go LWP

Gilbert Watch: April 20, 2011 - Nike Air Go LWP

April 27, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 11 "Silver Anniversary"

Gilbert Watch: April 27, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro11 Silver Anniversary

April 28, 2011 - Air Jordan Retro 11 "Space Jam"

Gilbert Arenas wearing the Space Jam Air Jordan XI

images via ESPN