UAAP 87’s Best Kicks on Court So Far
Since the late 90s, sneakers have grown homogenous to basketball by associating with the game’s legends and the culture it has fostered. From aspiring cagers hoping to be “Like Mike” or the Kid from Akron, sneakers are (probably) the most [feasible] touchpoints kids can have with their idols in the flesh.
A nation whose second language is hooping, Filipinos embrace their Western counterparts as they model their on-court style and approach to the game. Inching closer to their professional dreams whether locally or internationally, the UAAP stands as a mecca for amateur development, receiving a similar treatment through the latest footwear technologies. They channel the greatness that came before them through their kicks as we showcase our favorites so far from UAAP Season 87.
adidas Adizero Bounce Select 2.0 Low

(As seen on Harold Alarcon, UP Fighting Maroons) via Vyn Radovan
Adidas’ long lineage of the coveted Adizero model may have garnered a [backseat position], with the Three Stripes’ signature athlete silhouettes carrying most of their hooping division. However, this does not discount its catalytic Ultralight Lightstrike cushioning properties for explosive movements and agility. Made initially for the Windy City Assasin (prior to the adidas Rose line), the newest Adizero technology is a testament to the evolving guard, made for those who excel on both ends of the floor.
adidas Anthony Edwards 1 ‘The Future’/’Ascent’/’Georgia Red Clay’

(As seen on Mike Phillips, DLSU Green Archers, Jared Bahay, ADMU Blue Eagles, and Kenshin Padrones, NU Bulldogs) via Vyn Radovan
It’s safe to say that Anthony Edwards is right up there with adidas’ premiere cagers with his signature model thriving alongside Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, and James Harden. His first sneaker, the adidas AE 1, has generated a cult-like following—almost impossible for many to get their hands on. The current Complex Sneaker of the Year frontrunner embraces the 23-year-old’s on-court electricity, integrating an ultra-lightweight BOOST and Lightstrike midsole that glistens with flight. And hey, it’s also probably “your favorite hooper’s favorite hoop shoe.” Believe that.
ANTA Kyrie Irving KAI 1 ‘Jelly’

(As seen on Reyland Torres, UP Fighting Maroons, and Ian Espinosa, ADMU Blue Eagles) via Vyn Radovan
ANTA’s revolutionary emergence on the basketball sneaker landscape can be heavily credited to recently appointed Chief Creative Officer, Kyrie Irving, joining the Chinese multinational corporation in July 2023. Severing his ties with the Swoosh, he infuses his philosophies and storytelling on a shoe that perfectly complements his elusive playstyle. The ANTA KAI 1 symbolizes turning over a new leaf but exemplifies a similar flare and style.
Converse All-Star BB Trilliant CX ‘Fever Dream’

(As seen on Ice Danting, UST Growling Tigers) via Vyn Radovan
What better way to celebrate the league’s brightest stars than with a pair that was showcased during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend? Converse’s poster child, Shai Gillgeous-Alexander, suited up in the “Fever Dream” colorway—featuring a mismatched low-top shoe that embraces durability and bounce with its polyester upper and Nike Air Zoom unit. A pair beloved by its eccentricities that showcase a hooper’s style and flare on the hardwood.
Nike Kobe 4 Protro ‘Girl Dad’

(As seen on JC Macalalag, DLSU Green Archers) via Vyn Radovan
A testament to the late Kobe Bryant’s profound bond with his daughters, the Kobe 4 “Girl Dad” sports a bicoastal and black upper with metallic silver accents. At its release, it was the first Nike Kobe silhouette to adopt a lower-cut, as its performance retro (Protro) model incorporates a similar aesthetic appeal with high-performance functionality. Its easter eggs include the text “Girl Dad” inscribed on the inner tongue and a Total Orange insole that tributes the Black Mamba’s support for the W and women’s basketball worldwide.
Nike Kobe 8 Low Protro ‘Mambacita’/’Aqua/Radiant Emerald’

(As seen on Francis Lopez, UP Fighting Maroons, and EJ Galang, UE Red Warriors) via Vyn Radovan
The 00s-10s hoopers know the significance of the Nike Kobe line, especially from the Kobe 4 to Kobe 8 models. As he approached the tail-end of his illustrious 20-year career, he equipped the short-lived silhouette during 2012-13, as it was riddled by a torn Achilles injury late in the season. The Kobe 8 is still a mainstay in the present with its Protro makeover, incurring updated support and stability technologies in colorways that tribute Bryant’s familial relations and legacy.
Nike Sabrina 1 Nike By You ‘95 PHX ASG’

(As seen on Terrence Fortea, UP Fighting Maroons) via Vyn Radovan
Sabrina Ionescu’s challenger appears to be a go-to for this generation’s male and female hoopers. Now at the finale of the 2023-24 WNBA season, her first and second signature models channel her shot-creating and beyond-the-arc style of play through its full-length cushioning setups. While the community may opt to don her updated model, we look at UP Fighting Maroon’s Terrence Fortea for his Nike By You custom that tributes the NBA’s 1995 Phoenix All-Star game through its purple, orange, and mint hues.
PUMA All-Pro NITRO ‘PRO16 League’

(As seen on Jolo Manansala, NU Bulldogs) via Vyn Radovan
PUMA converges its long-lasting heritage with updated technologies through the All-Pro NITRO, a favorite of the game’s elite-level talent, such as Deandre Ayton, Dennis Schroder, and Kyle Kuzma. It combines NITROFOAM™ technology and an engineered mesh upper to provide superior responsiveness and cushioning, alongside a lightweight design.
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