Since moving from Syracuse in 1963 and changing names, the Philadelphia 76ers have brought a brand of basketball to The City of Brotherly Love that’s continued to rivet. From 1967’s NBA Championship led by Wilt the Stilt to 1983’s title over the Showtime Lakers, the Sixers have long possessed a unique mix of Hall of Fame talent and true to its city toughness.
In the 1990s and 2000s, this hybrid of flash and grit was embodied by #1 Draft Pick Allen Iverson. Even as the franchise looks to make good on The Process in the 2020s, the team is hungry to win with stars like Joel Embidd and Tyrese Maxey leading the way.
While plenty of players have worn the name Sixers across their chest, which roster members past and present have worn the best heat on their feet? Here at SoleSavy, we’re all about a good rotation. In celebration of our partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers, see our lineup of the franchise’s best shoe stars over the course of their history.
PG: Allen Iverson
(Image via Nice Kicks)
Best Kicks: Reebok Question, Reebok Answer 1-14, Reebok Question 2 & 3
The Philadelphia 76ers have hosted giants like Wilt Chamberlain and high flyers like Julius Irving. However, none have had a hold on the city – or the sneaker game – like Allen Iverson.
The 1996 #1 Draft Pick and a signature star since Day 1, Iverson owned the city of Philadelphia by playing with his heart on his sleeve and changed the course of culture through the sneakers on his feet. From the introductory Question to later Answer models, AI’s footwear and apparel range with Reebok was worn all over the world. To this day, Iverson and his sneakers remain iconic and instantly recognizable.
SG: Nick Young
(Image via Nice Kicks)
Best Kicks: OG Nike Air GP II, Nike Zoom Flight V iD, various Nike Air Foamposite Ones, Air Jordan 3 “Doernbecher,” Air Jordan 21 “CDP,” Air Jordan 6 “Carmine,” Nike Kobe 8 iDs
Nick Young played all of 59 games for the Sixers, but boy did he make them count. In Philly, the legend known as Swaggy P put on for the blue and red by bringing out an array of spirited Nike iD creations based on the then-new Kobe 8 and the archival Zoom Flight V.
On top of that, he regularly rotated retro releases from Jordan Brand and the Foamposite franchise, matching his team tones with the best of them. His most notable wear, however? Rocking the OG Nike Air GP II from 2000.
SF: Tobias Harris
(Image via Nick DePaula)
Best Kicks: Nike Zoom Kobe VI PEs, OG Nike Zoom Kobes
Over the course of his time in Philly, Tobias Harris has worn some of the best Nike Zoom Kobes ever released, ranging from “Orange County” 6s to “Moonwalker” 9 Elite Lows. What’s been even better? The Kobe sneakers Tobias has rocked that won’t ever be released.
In the last few seasons, Toby has pulled out an insane assortment of Nike Kobe Protro PEs. His best may be the “Cheetah” 6s which draw from the famed OG Kobe 7s, though his pastel pair might be a close second.
PF: Charles Barkley
(Image via NBA TV)
Best Kicks: Nike Air Force II, Nike Air Alpha Force, Nike Air Force 180, Nike Air Force V
During his days in Philadelphia, Charles Barkley was not a role model nor a signature athlete. However, he was an NBA All-Star and Nike’s unashamed leader of the Force Camp.
By bullying his way through the paint in the toughest shoes from the Swoosh, Sir Charles positioned himself to be the brand’s most marketable big man for much of the ‘80s while starring in Philadelphia. He did it all in red, white, and blue Force favorites that still ooze with nostalgia.
C: Moses Malone
(Image via CGTN)
Best Kicks: Nike Air Force 1 Low, Nike Blazer, Nike Legend Hi
By the time Moses Malone arrived in Philadelphia he already had two MVPs, multiple All-Star nods, and rebounding titles to his name. By the time he left, the Sixers had their second NBA Championship and Moses had his third MVP trophy.
As the frontman on a star-studded Philly team, Moses was also the marquee man for the new and growing line of Nike Basketball shoes. Famously, the big man made Nike Air Force 1s his own on the court, lacing low tops despite his 6’10 stature.
BENCH: Julius Irving
(Image via Britannica)
Best Kicks: Converse Pro Leather, Converse StarTech, Converse Spectre Hi
There are not many teams that Julius Irving comes off the bench. And certainly not many tied to Philly where he helped bring them their second championship.
Nevertheless, #6 takes the sixth man role on this sneaker squad. The ultimate pitchman for Converse, Dr. J led launches for the Chevron that are still sold today and even outfitted Michael Jordan during his amateur days at North Carolina.
BENCH: Tony Wroten
(Image via NY Daily News)
Best Kicks: PSNY x Air Jordan 12, Air Jordan 10 “Cherry,” Air Jordan 8 “Doernbecher,” Nike Air Penny 1, Air Jordan 15 CDP, Nike Total Air Foamposite Max, Nike Zoom Flight the Glove, Nike Kobe 9 Elite, Nike Kobe III “Prelude,” Nike LeBron 6 “Yankees,” OG Air Jordan 19, OG Air Jordan 21 “Red Suede,” Air Jordan 5 “Toro Bravo,” Air Jordan 11 “Silver Anniversary”
The tale of the tape checks out: Washington Huskies alum prove some of the most fearless pros to rock heat on court. Nate Robinson famously led this charge with Tony Wroten proving this thesis all over again.
During his days in Philly, Wroten rocked anything and everything from Nike and Jordan. OG performance pairs like the Jordan 19 and 21 turned heads quickly, while Prelude Pack Kobes and Total Air Foamposite Maxes showed wild range.
BENCH: Andre Iguodala
(Image via NBA)
Best Kicks: OG Nike Air Foamposite One, Nike Hyperdunk PEs, Nike Zoom Kobe 1, Air Jordan 12 Low “Taxi,” Nike Air Huarache 2k5
When closing out the Sixers all-time sneaker squad, many marquee names could take the eighth spot. There’s Jerry Stackhouse who wore his own signature line of FILAs in Philly, Maurice Cheeks who laced Blazer PEs from Nike or even Toni Kukoc who regularly rocked “Concord” 11s during his short stay with the Sixers.
While those names and the likes of Mike Scott and Chocolate Thunder deserve consideration, at the end of the day Andre Iguodala gets the nod. By bringing out the OG Nike Air Foamposite One in his Rookie Challenge debut, the other AI proved a prowess for nostalgia and the moment that still stands true today.
