Nike basketball shoes are designed and constructed in a myriad of styles, hues, materials, and sizes. And they all are created to deal with the rigors that playing ball can bring to a shoe.

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 creates, designs, and sells shoes that are specific to NBA players. These usually include stars, superstars, and those considered among the elite in the game. Players such as Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James are examples of megastars with their own shoe.

For example, in 2011, the sportswear maker will sell the sixth version of Zoom Kobe Bryant, the eighth edition of the Air Max LeBron James, and the third incarnation of Zoom Kevin Durant. As in the past, each of these lines is expected to be released starting in late 2010 and continuing throughout 2011 in a variety of colors and patterns.

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.

Until the 1984-85 NBA season, Nike basketball shoes were not all that popular amongst professional players. It had a niche, of course, but other brands, such as Converse and adidas, were as or more popular.

The initial Air Jordan shoe transformed an industry. The shoe was available in several color schemes. One model in particular, primarily black and red with very little white, caused the NBA to levy fines at Jordan for each time he wore them.

The Air Jordan II dropped the year following, which caused a sensation. Sneakers did not get updated each year. Although normal these days, it was not back then. Just on its own merit, AJ II was quite an innovative shoe. Being released so soon after the first model was bold.

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.

Many sneakerheads are really fond of the NikeiD feature. Found not just on the web site, but also in brick-and-mortar Nike stores, the program gives customers the tools to create their own basketball shoe.

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.