Sole of the Warriors

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The best style and sneaker moments of the 2018 Western Conference Semifinals.

In the NBA, there's no better time to flex your style or debut new sneakers than the Playoffs. The stage is bigger and the lights shine brighter. All eyes are on you as the stakes grow higher each round, teams fighting to be one step closer to the ultimate goal. The postseason is when you bring all the fire you've got - on and off the court.

An accomplished team on the court, the Dubs are also one of the most fashionable squads, featuring a wide range of styles...

Some guys embrace the NBA's version of a runway by flexing the hottest labels, while others  keep it cozy in their Nike tech fleece (shout out KD). On-court, Stephen Curry returned to action after missing nearly six weeks with a knee injury and debuted two new Under Armour Curry 5 colorways. Kevin Durant swapped his favorite Nike KDX blue, black and yellow PEs for a yellow and blue pair featuring the famous Oaktree design that's featured on the team's "The Town" jerseys.

Check out more of the best sneakers and style from the Western Conference Semifinals below.

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Sole of the Warriors: Best of the Western Conference Semifinals

Shaun Livingston dishes on his love of Air Max, which teammate has the most impressive sneaker collection, and why he doesn't follow trends.

Whether it's  12amrun and Off-White, or laid-back in Nike tech fleece and Air Max, Shaun Livingston's style remains as consistent as his turnaround J. When it's time to pick an outfit for pregame, 13 years in the league has taught him to keep it cozy and appreciate the classics. Check out what S Dot has to say about not following trends, where his love of sneakers comes from, which teammate has the best style (the answer will surprise you), and more.

First sneaker memories are the Jordan 11s. I was in 6th grade in 1996, and my dad told me to go back to the truck and popped the trunk for me and there I saw a Jordan box. Before then I didn’t wear anything but, like, Adidas old school basics. It was the Jordan black and red, ’96 patent leathers. I mean, my eyes lit up. The box opened and it was like a glow in the box.

Are there any pairs you wanted as a kid that you still don't have?

I was very fortunate in high school to get a lot of Nikes and Jordans. Maybe the Jordan 11s, the white and black originals. When those came out there was no other shoe like it. Ever. The 1995 white and black classics - they changed the game. I remember there were people who were getting robbed, and this is in Illinois back when Starter jackets were in. So, Jordan 11s changed the culture, changed the game.

Jordan 1s are probably my most sentimental pair. The original red, white and blacks. Again, they’re debatable as the most influential shoe of all time. I mean, before that they were playing in Chuck Taylors and Converse. When those came it’s like a whole new idea of what a shoe should kind of look like to play in.

Probably about 50 pairs. I threw a lot out when my wife did spring cleaning. I thought about even getting rid of a lot of Jordans, but I’m gonna hold onto them.

Any pairs you could wear on court that would make Twitter go crazy?

Nah. I’m pretty simple. Again, it’s all about the basics. Jordan 1s, I’ve got all the pairs of Jordan 1s for the most part. I didn’t get the Off-White at first, those were hard. Plus, expensive. I don’t follow trends either because then they go out of style. That’s why I like the classics, because you can wear them forever. The Jordan 1s are forever. The Blazers are forever. I mean, Steve Kerr could throw on a pair of Blazers, and he’s old enough to be my dad. I’m saying that on record because he’s calling me old all the time.

I like to usually pick the shoes first, unless I have a centerpiece – like, I just bought a new jacket or just got something I want to wear. Consistently, if I had to choose, it usually starts with the shoes.

Do you have go-to pairs for certain events?

For sure. Casual, practice, plane, coming into the game... I’m definitely an Air Max guy. The Air Max 1s are my favorite. I like the 97s and the 90s, the Infrareds. I like the classics.

If I’m doing a big game in the Playoffs or something, I’ll do a designer shoe. I like a nice, dress, designer sneaker. YSL makes nice designer sneakers. Buscemi makes nice designers. I’m missing a shoe... Oh, Alexander Wang partnered with Adidas and they have a cool sneaker.

What's your go-to for family functions or date nights?

Nike Blazer for sure. Low tops and high tops, depending on summer or winter. Definitely the most comfortable shoe I own.

How do you decide what outfit you’re going to wear to a game?

It all depends on the mood. It’s all about how you wake up. Of course, if it’s a bigger game maybe try to get dressed up. Last year I was – again, being in the league 13 years, I told Ian Clark, "man, it’s sweats all the way up until the playoffs" – but my wife has influenced me to start dressing up a little more. I may throw some Off-Whites in there.

You know what’s funny, my wife probably has a better shoe collection than all the guys on the team. She has all the Jordans I named, all the Blazers, all the Nikes; but I’m gonna take some ownership in that with my influence. She influences me and I influence her.
We’re definitely gonna get a collection for our daughter. Once we figure her size out we’re definitely going to get her a shoe collection.

Has living in the Bay influenced your style at all?

I think my style has been kind of consistent throughout. Definitely living in Los Angeles, the Bay, Chicago and just different places. Looking at New York and just how eccentric and how different it is, the culture is different.

Andre is the easy choice, but I’m gonna give  Zaza some love. For a big guy, you know it’s not easy for big guys to get it right. Nice cardigan, nice trouser collection. I mean, he surprises you. Obviously, he’s European, so that’s behind it. Plus, it’s easier to do it when you have a stylist. I don’t’ know if he has a stylist or not, but I know some guys have stylists. You know, it’s like getting a cheat code to the test.

Nick Young - his style is something else, too. As a matter of fact, shout-out to his brand. He has a brand, I don’t know if you know that, called Most Hated. So, I support the brand. We support our teammates.

Who is the biggest sneaker guy on the team?

Nick is up there, but I’d probably go Andre just because he always gets the Jordans before anybody. He doesn’t wear them as much anymore because he’s getting old, dressing up in suits and everything. You go check his closet and all the Jordans that get released, he gets them early.

Nick Young has probably got a mean collection. I’m sure Draymond has a mean collection, but my bet would go with Andre.

If you could trade sneaker collections with anyone on the team, who would it be?

Draymond. Classic with that twist. Plus, we’re from the same era so it’s definitely more my style, culture-wise.

Top 5 pairs everyone should have in their collection?

Start with Jordan 1s. The original red, white and black.

A pair of Air Max 1s for sure. You can wear them with anything. Black, white sole with the gum bottom.

After that I’m going Nike Blazers, of course. High or low tops, it doesn’t matter, but get a pair to dress up or down.

From there I’m gonna go – I’m not really a Vans guy. Vans are more of a California thing. I would wear Vans, but it’s more of the MacAdoo, Nick Young type – but I’m gonna go with the Nike SB collection.

Basketball shoe - I’d go Hyperdunks. You’ve got to go with the Hyperdunks if you’re going to play.

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Sole of the Warriors: Shaun Livingston

The best style and sneaker moments of Round 1 of the 2018 NBA Playoffs.

The Warriors' style has been on point all season, so it's only right that the squad stepped it up for the postseason. Check out the best outfits and kicks below:

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Sole of the Warriors: Best of Round 1

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Best Style and Sneakers of Round 1

The best style and sneaker moments of the regular season.

The NBA Playoffs are here and the Warriors quest for back-to-back titles officially begins. Everyone brings their best every night - on and off the court. This is the stage to flex your style and show off your hottest kicks. While we wait to see what the Dubs rock this postseason, let's look back at some of their best sneakers of the year.

Jordan Bell reaches Level 9000 in return from injury

Draymond Green flexes in Off-White Hyperdunks on Opening Night
Stephen Curry debuts the Curry 5 on his 30th birthday
 Kevin Durant continues Aunt Pearl's legacy with KDX 
 Patrick McCaw pays tribute with KD IV "Scoring Title"

Check out more of the best sneakers and style moments of the 2017-18 regular season in the gallery below.

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Sole of the Warriors: Best of 2017-18

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In May, we caught up with Kevin Durant as he celebrated the release of his tenth signature shoe with Nike, the KD10. Now, four months later, KD and Nike are making sneaker history with the latest colorway. The KD10 "Numbers", a tribute to the Warriors' "Strength In Numbers" mantra, is the first Nike Basketball signature shoe to feature a team logo.

We asked Kevin how it feels to make history, be inspired by the Bay Area, have Nike become the official jersey sponsor of the NBA, and pay homage to "The Town."

So, how does it feel knowing that your signature shoe is the first one to have a team and NBA logo on it?

It's pretty sweet. Once the league got the Nike deal I was excited that we would be able to bring some cool stuff to the floor through my shoes. I'm definitely excited for these Strength In Numbers to drop. I'm looking forward to the reaction to the stuff we drop all year; not just for me, but for all Nike athletes.

What does Strength In Numbers mean to you?

It means that you can't win anything, you can't be successful unless you have a great team around you – a great group of people that you rely on, that you learn from. You know, we've got a number of those guys in this organization, so definitely that's what it means to me when it comes to Strength In Numbers.

Is there any specific reason for the design – a white shoe with blue and gold accents?

The white is just a classic look and we wanted to go with something vintage but new. It gives it a flare of being a home game shoe, but then you find the small details in the shoe that give it color and flavor, and swag. So, it’s a cool dynamic.

If you could put a personal Kevin Durant mantra on a shoe, what would you pick?

Just have fun. That’s always one of the things I try to preach to myself. Sometimes I tend to think too much and take the fun out of it. So, just write "have fun" on the side of my shoes and live by those words.

Last time we talked, I asked if there was any inspiration from the Bay for the KD 11...

This is home now. I'm sure I'll be using a lot of inspiration throughout the Bay Area to bring life to my shoes, and represent where I play and where I live right now. You never know. There might be some cool activations with the fans that have helped me bring out the kicks, especially with the new Nike NBA Connected Jerseys. I'm looking forward to maybe doing something with that throughout the Bay Area, throughout Oakland and San Francisco just doing some drops here and there. The opportunities are kind of limitless and I'm just trying to use them the best way possible.

How excited are you that Nike is now the official jersey and apparel sponsor?

So excited. Swoosh belongs in the NBA so to see every player wear the swoosh on their jerseys, their shorts, socks, warmups – it just makes me happy. Nike has come a long way and now they're doing it the right way; taking over football, basketball in two major sports. That's huge.

As one of the faces of Nike, Durant has been busy this preseason.

On September 15, Nike and the NBA officially launched their partnership by unveiling new Statement Edition uniforms for every team. One of the strongest declarations was made by the Warriors, who honor their heritage and history in Oakland with "The Town" proudly displayed above a new team crest, which employs Oakland's family Oaktree.

Durant was the star of the show, modeling the Warriors' new alternate threads, which he can’t wait to wear on the court. Yes, the uniforms look incredible, but for the team it is more than a jersey – it's a statement that Oakland will forever be part of the Golden State Warriors.

"Man, just being a player and playing against this team I always knew coming into Oakland every game – and now being a part of this organization and this community driving through Oakland to go to the games every day – you know how tight the community is with this team," Durant said. "The fact that we play in Oakland, everywhere I go there are so many fans from Oakland around the country, they're just so excited about the Warriors. It's good that we get to recognize them, show them that we care and appreciate them.  We wouldn't have won the championship without them. We wouldn't be successful without them. I'm glad we pay homage to them."

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Sole of the Warriors: Kevin Durant - Part II

On a team where three players have their own signature shoe, who would guess that an undrafted guard from Belmont would be the biggest sneaker guy on the team? Well, if you follow Ian Clark on IG this comes as no surprise. Whether it’s on the court, the team plane, walking into the arena, or out and about, Ian’s always got some fire on his feet. He dishes on the inspiration for his collection, the story behind his shoe plane photos, his go-to pairs, and more.

It started when I was a kid. My aunt used to buy me Jordans when I was really young. She would come and surprise me on my birthday or things like that. I think my first pair of Jordans was in the fourth grade or fifth grade. I can’t remember. My dad bought them for me and they were white and gold. They were trainers at the time. They came with, like, shoe cleaner and everything. I had the whole shebang. I was taking care of them faithfully, making sure they didn’t get dirty. I didn’t want to wear them a lot but I had them in my house to just look at them.

From then on, I just liked shoes. Also, being able to play professional basketball you start getting shoes through the team and things like that. So, I started to see different things that I like and started to wear them.

No, I don’t. It was a long time ago. I haven’t even seen them come back out.

Mostly Jordans. I usually go after shoes that I couldn’t get as a kid, instead of ones that just came out. There’s actually one pair I saw this weekend - the Jordan 12 "Flint Grey". I wanted them bad because I had been looking for those. So, probably those and the Jordan 17 "Lightning". Those are the only two shoes that I’ve been looking for that I haven’t got yet. Other than that, I think I’ve mostly got everything that I wanted.

How do you organize your shoe collection?

I have two closets at my house. One of them is strictly shoes and jackets. I just use it to hang the jackets and the shoes are just stacked on top of each other. Then in my personal closet still has shoes everywhere, but it’s mostly clothes.

I have a lot of shoes back home that I didn’t bring with me [when I moved here]. My dad, he handles those when I’m not home, which I don’t mind at all. My brother and I are close to the same size, so usually I'll either get two pairs that I like and give him some or if its shoes I haven’t worn and I know he would like them, I'll give them to him because I know they’ll just sit in my closet. One thing I try to do, especially when we’re going out somewhere, is find something that I haven’t worn in a while to keep them fresh in my mind or I'll forget about them.

I’ve had a couple this year actually. Especially getting compliments from Andre… I’ve been to his house. I’ve been in both KD and Andre’s houses and they have a lot of shoes. Andre has been around this league for a long time, he has a lot of shoes — especially Jordans that are coming back out, but he has original pairs. He’ll bring them out here and there and I’m like "whoa." I got a couple throughout the year that a few of the guys have said something to me about. It feels kind of good coming from them. I don’t do it for anybody but myself, I just like shoes.

I don't. I just kind of put it together myself. When I’m getting dressed for games and stuff I usually start from the bottom up. So, I’ll start what shoe I want to wear and I’ll go from there. I don’t buy a lot of clothes, I’m usually in sweats. I try to dress up for the games. If I see something that I know I have a pair of shoes will match then I’ll get that shirt, or jacket. Just to compliment the shoes.

Hanging out on weekend I’m usually in Air Max. Other than Jordans I usually wear Air Max. I love them. I love how they feel. Air Max 97s are probably my favorite. I like the Air Max 95s too, I have a lot of pairs of those. I usually wear the Air Max Plus or the 97s. If I’m really getting comfy, if I’m not wearing any socks, I put on Prestos. Those are comfortable to me. I try not to wear a lot of Jordans when I’m walking around, hanging out or on an off day.

I’ve noticed you’ve been wearing a lot of Jordan 4s lately.

Yeah. Lately, I’ve been coming up with a lot of those. They’re probably my favorite, just because of how they feel on my feet, plus they have a large variety of colors. So, I’ve got a pair that I’m probably gonna wear to Game 1. I’ve been saving them for a while now. I recently found them in my size maybe about a month and a half ago, but I haven’t worn them yet. I’ve been saving them.

It’s more whatever I’m comfortable with at the time. I felt comfortable with the Zoom KD 9s at the beginning of the year, then when the PG 1s came out I rocked with those for a little while. Then the Zoom KD 10s came out. I like how those feel on my feet so I’ll probably stick with those for the rest of the summer.

For in-game you’ve been wearing a lot of KDs and PG 1s lately.

Yeah, Zoom KD 9s. Actually, my first games in the league I was wearing Kobes. A lot. I think last year they felt a little different. I got some ankle problems, so I kind of switched it up with the shoes I was wearing. So I went back to the Hyperdunks. I started wearing those and they felt good on my feet throughout the playoffs and stuff like that.

This year is actually my first year wearing KDs. So, it felt good. I like the colorways they have. The PG 1s felt good as well. I’m trying to wear both of those right now.

Do you remember what pair you were wearing when you had your best game of the season so far?

Yes. It was in San Antonio. I wore the Hyperdunk ’08 “Triple Black”. I actually recently found those during the season. I can’t remember what city we were in, but I found them. I actually like those a lot because I played in them in AAU. Maybe my last year of AAU, we played in Florida at the Nationals and they gave us a pair. They were really light. One of my favorite pairs of shoes to play in.

What’s the story behind all the shoe pictures on the plane?

Oh B-Rush and I started that last year. I did it a couple times just because I like to put my feet up, to be honest. I really wasn’t going by the shoes. We would get out of practice and be on a road trip somewhere and I’d just want to recline and put my feet up, and stretch my legs out. He and I started doing that, and then after it became kind of a religious thing where I would always do it. So I started doing that, and then B-Rush would do it a little bit, and he actually did it while he was in Minnesota. So, people would kind of laugh and JaVale and the guys would try to make fun of it, but it was cool. I still do it.

If you could have any of your teammate's shoe collection, who would it be?

Let’s see... I think everybody should have a pair of Jordan 1s. It’s hard to say what color. I have the "Top 3", which are my favorite at the moment right now, but I would say any pair of retro Jordan 1s.

A pair of Jordan 4s, for sure. I think everybody should have a pair just cause I like how they fit on your feet.

Air Max 97, personally. I feel like at least you need to have both of those.

A pair of Jordan 12s. My personal favorite for the games, but those are a must. Everything else can trickle in, but those are a must.

Sole of the Warriors

Sole of the Warriors: Best of the Western Conference Semifinals

Sole of the Warriors: Shaun Livingston

Sole of the Warriors: Best of Round 1

Best Style and Sneakers of Round 1

Sole of the Warriors: Best of 2017-18

Sole of the Warriors: Best of 2017-18

Sole of the Warriors: Kevin Durant - Part II

Sole of the Warriors: Ian Clark