Nike basketball shoes are found in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles. They are made of different materials and many of them are specialized for specific purposes while playing on the court.

Nike basketball kicks are found in stores coast to coast. There are the Nike stores found in metropolitan areas and suburbs that usually keep up with all the latest styles. Additionally, there are outlet malls, local shopping malls, and sports shoes stores where Nike basketball sneakers can be found.

Nike traditionally produces and sells shoes connected to specific NBA players. Superstars, stars, and the elite players of the game all have signature shoes. Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony are current elite players playing ball in their own creation.

For 2011, the company will sell the Zoom Kobe VI, the LeBron 8, and the KD III. Each will have a multitude of colorways that will be released periodically in late 2010 and throughout all of 2011.

The Air Jordan series, from legend Michael Jordan, is still, however, the most sought-after shoe. The 25th version of the shoe dropped in 2010, continuing the craze that started the whole collecting craze. It is expected that the 26th edition of the Air Jordan will release in 2011.

The 1984-85 NBA season is credited with when the shoes with the swoosh began to become popular for NBAers to wear them. Until then, shoes were always white and adidas and Converse were as popular as Nike, if not more.

It all changed with the first kicks from Michael Jordan, the Air Jordan. It came in more than one color combination, including one that was mostly black and red that caused Jordan to get fined each time he wore them in an NBA game.

Another turning point in the industry was Air Jordan II, released the year after the first shoe. Before that point, shoes did not have updated models each year. It was not the norm that it is today. Air Jordan II was certainly a breakthrough in and of itself; dropping a year after the first shoe was innovative.

In addition to the player model editions of Nike hoops kicks, there are other popular models unrelated to specific players. Two of the most popular are the HyperFuse and the HyperDunk series. The HyperDunk is noted for weighing less than 12 ounces. The HyperFuse shoe is constructed of composite material that is light and strong.

A feature that many basketball kicks fans like is the NikeiD program. It is a feature found on its web site and in official Nike brick-and-mortar stores. This program allows customers to choose their favorite style of basketball shoe for personal creation.

Any part of the shoe, laces, heel, sole, midsole, swoosh can have a myriad of colors. Additionally, suede, different kinds of leather, mesh, and other special materials can be selected and applied to almost any shoe available. Customers can design a shoe with patterns, materials, and colors for a one of a kind shoe. The only limitation is the customer and his or her own sense of creativity and style.