words // Brandon Richard
Now that the highly anticipated releases for this year's NBA All-Star footwear have come and gone, it's your turn to tell us which signature shoe is your favorite from the bunch. This year, special sneakers will be worn by eight of the NBA's biggest stars, including Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul.
Nike Basketball's "Galaxy" All-Star Collection is a tribute to the nearby Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island. The LeBron 9 and KD IV feature orange and silver-based looks inspired by astronauts from Ohio and Oklahoma, while the Kobe VII sports a an upper inspired by telescopic Supernova imagery.
The Jordan Brand took a more traditional approach, treating their three signature efforts to colorways inspired by the game's familiar red, white and blue patriotic scheme. Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony of the Eastern Conference were given blue-based styles, while new Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul will be wearing a red and white shoe that would also be a good look on the floor at Staples Center.
For adidas Basketball, inspiration came by way of the game's Orange County location and the area's famous oranges. Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose will be wearing High Energy colorways of their adiPower Howard 2 and adiZero Rose 2.5 signature sneakers, each accented by white branding and subtle hits of metallic gold.
That's your signature lineup for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. Let us know which shoe stands out above the others.
Nike Kobe VII - Kobe Bryant
Nike LeBron 9 - Lebron James
Nike Zoom KD IV - Kevin Durant
Jordan Melo M8 - Carmelo Anthony
Jordan CP3.V - Chris Paul
Jordan Fly Wade 2 - Dwyane Wade
adidas adiPower Howard 2 - Dwight Howard
adidas adiZero Rose 2.5 - Derrick Rose