5 Basketball Shoe Companies That You Probably Never Heard Of

Under the massive shadow of Nike and adidas, there're more than a few hidden gems (companies) you need to know before your next new hoop shoe purchase.

We scoop up a list of 5 basketball shoe companies you most likely never knew existed. And if you do know all of them, you can be called a true sneakerhead hooper.

Let's dive into the list!

1. 361

Have you ever thought about what Aaron Gordon or Spencer Dinwiddie are wearing on the hardwood? It all comes from the 361 Degree brand, established in 2003.

As of right now, Aaron Gordan is on his third signature shoe, which also offers low and pro iterations of the 361 AG3. Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie is just getting his feet warm with his first signature shoe - 361 DVD1/SD1. Yeah, sounds like a CD, right?

2. K8IROS

Spencer Dinwiddie is one of the very few professional hoopers in the world to possess his own sneaker brand - K8IROS. It makes Spencer Dinwiddie the only NBA player to have active basketball signature lines with two different companies at once.

The K8IROS has put out two silhouettes, one of which - K8IROS 8.1 is one of the first basketball shoes to be sold as NFT. All proceeds from the launch went to the Dinwiddie's Family Foundation to support the younger generation.

3. ETHICS

Another NBA player from Indiana Pacers, Langston Galloway has been a student of footwear his entire life. He knew it was time to cement a legacy for himself, his family, and the game of basketball, and this is how The Ethics brand came to life.

While the company is counting its first years, Ethics joins the basketball shoe market with one, but hopefully not only one - Ethics lgONE model.

4. RIGORER

This sounds more like an airsoft brand's name, right? But there is some truth to that as the Rigorer's logo and most of the shoe names do have some battlefield spirit, like Rigorer Sniper or Rigorer War Ender shoe names.

What's even more interesting is the main face and athlete of the Rigorer brand is Austin Reaves from LA Lakers. He doesn't have his signature line yet, but he separates from the crowd as the only player to wear Rigorer products in NBA.

5. QIAODAN

Despite the brand's controversial logo and name for which Qiaodan had a complicated court fight with Michael Jordan itself, their basketball shoe lineup is going strong and is worth your attention.

Hands down, the main Qiaodan brand achievement is making their first NBA endorsement deal with Keldon Johnson, which allowed us to set our eyes on his first signature shoe - Qiaodan KJ 1.