For one weekend each year, the NBA All-Star festivities transform into more than just a basketball showcase—it becomes a cultural moment where sports, entertainment, and sneaker fashion collide. While the on-court action may not be as intense as it once was, the sneaker world continues to steal the spotlight, with brands unveiling exclusive designs, eye-catching colorways, and innovative technology to captivate fans. Brands like Nike, adidas, and Jordan use the event as a prime opportunity to push their latest releases, while players turn the hardwood into a runway, flaunting statement-making kicks. From limited-edition drops to unexpected collaborations, NBA All-Star Weekend isn’t just a celebration of the game—it’s a defining moment in sneaker culture.
With the event approaching, we take a look at some of our favourite All-Star Weekend sneaker moments.
2000: Vince Carter and the AND1 Tai Chi
Vince Carter’s performance in the 2000 NBA Dunk Contest would forever change the way the event was viewed. His gravity-defying dunks—most famously the elbow in the rim slam—electrified the crowd and set a new standard for creativity and athleticism. But beyond his performance, Carter also made a lasting impact on sneaker culture by wearing the AND1 Tai Chi. At a time when Nike and Jordan Brand dominated the basketball shoe market, AND1, known for its streetball roots, found itself in the spotlight. The Tai Chi’s bold two-tone design became instantly recognizable, and Carter’s legendary dunk contest put the brand on the map in a way no marketing campaign ever could. To this day, the 2000 Dunk Contest is remembered not just for Carter’s dominance, but for the moment AND1 briefly stood toe-to-toe with sneaker giants.
2001: Iverson’s Year
Many consider the 2001 NBA All-Star Game one of the greatest ever played. Allen Iverson not only took home All-Star MVP honors but went on to win the league MVP that same season. His electrifying fourth-quarter performance, where he led the East to a dramatic comeback victory, remains one of the defining moments of his career. This game was also significant for its aesthetics—it marked the second-to-last year players wore their team jerseys instead of special All-Star uniforms and was the final time fans experienced the unique low-angle courtside camera shots that added to the game’s raw intensity.
2003: Passing of The Torch
Now, we all know that the Jordan 3 itself holds a legendary place in both sneaker history and in All-Star history, famously worn by Michael Jordan during his unforgettable 1988 Dunk Contest performance. But during the 2003 NBA All-Star Game, the late Kobe Bryant made a statement not just with his game but with his footwear, lacing up the Jordan 3 'True Blue' in a nod to MJ’s legacy. This moment was especially significant as it would be Jordan’s final All-Star appearance, creating a symbolic passing of the torch between two of basketball’s greatest icons.
2012: The Galaxy Collection
The 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend was a defining moment in sneaker culture, largely due to the release of Nike’s now-legendary Galaxy collection. Featuring cosmic-inspired designs on the LeBron 9, Kobe 7, and KD 4, the pack instantly became one of the most hyped All-Star sneaker drops of all time. However, the true standout was the Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy”, which sent sneakerheads into a frenzy. With its glow-in-the-dark sole and deep-space aesthetic, the Foamposite became an overnight grail, leading to chaotic in-store releases, skyrocketing resale prices, and a moment that cemented the All-Star Weekend as more than just a basketball showcase—it was a global sneaker event. The Galaxy pack’s impact still resonates today, representing the peak of limited-edition storytelling and the power of hype in sneaker culture.
2016: Northern Lights
The 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend was a historic event, marking the first time the All-Star Game was held outside the United States, as Toronto played host to the league’s biggest stars. This was a defining moment for Canada’s basketball culture, solidifying the country’s growing influence on the sport. The weekend was highlighted by Kobe Bryant’s final All-Star appearance, where he was honored with a tribute celebrating his legendary career. The Slam Dunk Contest was regarded as one of the greatest in history, with Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon’s raising the bar to new heights. As for sneakers? Nike would come out with a limited-edition collection inspired by Canada's basketball heritage, featuring exclusive colourways of the Kobe 11 Elite, Hyperlive, LeBron 13 Protro and KD8.
2024: Steph vs. Sabrina
Last but not least.. is the 2024 NBA All-Star. The inclusion of Sabrina Ionescu and the WNBA in The All-Star Weekend was a landmark moment for basketball culture, further elevating the visibility of women’s sports. Ionescu, stepped onto the court in her signature Nike Sabrina 1 to take on Stephen Curry in a highly anticipated three-point contest. Her participation not only showcased the elite shooting talent in the women’s game but also underscored the growing influence of WNBA athletes in sneaker culture. The Sabrina 1, already one of the most popular performance basketball shoes, gained even more attention as she competed against one of the NBA’s greatest shooters ever. This crossover event proved that signature sneakers for women’s players belong on the same stage as those of their male counterparts.
