Latest news with #KDs
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Napheesa Collier Signs With Jordan Brand After ‘Meaningful' MJ Pitch
Napheesa Collier has swapped Nike properties, trading in the Swoosh for the Jumpman. The Minnesota Lynx star has signed a multiyear deal with Nike subsidiary Jordan Brand—the apparel company inspired by NBA legend Michael Jordan. Collier, a four-time WNBA All-Star, had been with Nike for the last five years, regularly playing in player-exclusive Nike Kobes and KDs. Advertisement More from But it was time for a change, she said, citing the investment Jordan Brand is making into the women's game. Jumpman branding, for example, has appeared on game uniforms for the last two WNBA All-Star Games as part of Nike's partnership with the WNBA. 'Jordan has [its] own identity, [its] own athletes and does things a different way,' Collier said in a video interview. 'There's a big separation.' In February, the Jumpman himself made an in-person recruiting pitch to Collier while she was in Miami for Unrivaled's inaugural season. Collier said the Hall-of-Famer highlighted UConn and Lynx legend Maya Moore, the first woman basketball player to sign with the company, and the apparel giant's potential to elevate her personal brand. Advertisement Jordan made a point to say that his company would continue to support her regardless of her sneaker decision. It was a conversation she described as far more about the brand's ethos than money or merchandise allotment. 'It's his brand but he doesn't need to be on the ground doing these things,' she said. 'So, for him to come to the meeting and do that was really meaningful. It was awesome.' The Jordan Brand business has become a top performer for Nike, surpassing $7 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024. Collier is switching to Jordan Brand as women's basketball is experiencing unprecedented growth in viewership and cultural influence. The 28-year-old has put together a decorated career since being drafted in 2019, leading the Lynx to the WNBA Finals last season. But the WNBPA executive committee vice president and co-founder of new 3-on-3 league Unrivaled has also been one of the league's most important voices off the court as a catalyst pushing for increased player wages amid collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Advertisement Collier, who officially signed with Jordan Brand last month, spoke with Jordan again after turning down the other shoe brands that had expressed interest during her sneaker free-agency period. Collier said she's happy to finally be on the same team as Moore, who officially retired in 2023. The Missouri native joins the Jordan Brand women's roster of 12 WNBA players that includes Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard and Las Vegas Aces guard Dana Evans. Collier's move coincides with Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally leaving Jordan Brand for Adidas. 'This is a partnership that I want to have for the rest of my career,' Collier said. Stars across the WNBA are dropping signature shoes; this month, Aces star A'Ja Wilson released her own sneaker, the A'One, which sold out in minutes. The three-time MVP is the 13th WNBA player to have a signature shoe. Advertisement When asked if Collier could be the next, she hinted that she and Jordan Brand may have something in the works. 'You'll have to stay tuned,' she said. Best of Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
NBC News
15-04-2025
- Sport
- NBC News
The best basketball shoes for every type of player
Basketball isn't just a game of points — it's a choreography of hard stops, vertical takeoffs, and pivots so sharp they could slice through parquet. And if your shoes can't keep up? You're not just compromising your game — you're gambling with your knees, ankles, and maybe even your dignity. Sure, you could wear your running shoes on the court. You could also wear loafers to a track meet. Doesn't mean you should. So, what should you be lacing up? We asked actual basketball players and trainers who know the difference between performance and puffery. Below, they break down exactly what to look for in a pair of basketball shoes — and share the styles they swear by. How we selected the best basketball sneakers To find the best basketball shoes, we asked experts what key criteria you should prioritize when shopping. Here's what they said: Ankle support: 'This is a big deal because you're constantly landing, cutting, and changing direction,' says Adam Kemp, a former professional basketball player who played in Europe and a certified personal trainer. 'If your shoes don't lock in your ankles properly, you risk sprains or worse.' The shoes on our list all have padded collars to provide ankle support. Traction: 'Slipping around on the court can wreak havoc on ankles and decreases the amount of control you have navigating around other players,' says Mike Julom, a certified personal trainer and founder of This Is Why I'm Fit, a fitness resource guide. Rubber soles with traction grooves are important to keep you from slipping on the court. Cushioning: There is a lot of jumping in basketball and you'll want a soft place to land to avoid joint pain. Both of our experts strongly recommend looking for shoes with adequately cushioned soles. 'I know a lot of guards love to hoop in Kobe's because they are low profile and lightweight,' says Kemp. These sneakers also have a breathable mesh upper and additional traction on the soles at the forefront and heel. Nike uses their proprietary React foam in the midsole for comfort and great responsiveness so you can move quickly when needed, according to the brand. The outsoles of these shoes feature a circular pattern that provides grip and traction on the court, allowing you to stop quickly without sliding, according to the brand. The shoes also have lightweight cushioning in the soles and a padded collar around the ankle for stability. Also fun: They come in three bright color combos that will grab attention on the court. 'I know a lot of people who prefer KDs for their mix of mobility and cushioning,' says Kemp. There's an Air Zoom cushioning unit at the forefoot to boost responsiveness and Nike Air cushioning at the heel for comfort, according to the brand. The outsole has contours that go in different directions to provide traction and extra padding at the ankle for support. You need a super-responsive shoe if you make quick stops and sudden pivots. This sneaker has extra support cushioning at the midfoot for lightweight energy return as you move, according to the brand. The rubber outsole has grooves for traction and the upper hugs the ankle for support. Comfort and support are most important, but that doesn't mean looks don't matter. These black, sleek shoes feature holographic details, including a velcro strap that runs across your midfoot for extra security and stability. These court shoes are also lightweight and have an internal midfoot shank plate for stability. Can you wear any pair of sneakers to play basketball? Regarding basketball, it's best to stick to sneakers made explicitly for the sport. 'You definitely can't just throw on any pair of sneakers and expect to play well — or safely,' says Kemp. 'Basketball shoes are engineered for a very specific type of movement: jumping, sprinting, landing, and lateral cutting.' If you don't wear a shoe that provides stability and support, it is much easier to injure yourself. 'I tried running shoes once, and they wore out real fast and slipped around way too easily,' explains Julom. 'Real basketball shoes keep your foot locked in and absorb way more impact.' Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.
