Shaquille O’Neal’s Best Footwear Moments Over the Years: From Classic Dress Shoes to Reebok Sneakers
Amina Ayoud
Assistant Digital Editor
Shaquille O’Neal is, and will always be a star in the sports and footwear worlds.
Boasting a size 22 shoe, the former basketball phenom is an enigma. From athlete to DJ and sports analyst, Shaq has lived many lives and worn many hats, making a name for himself both on and off the court.
Shaq has a close relationship with the footwear industry. The four-time NBA Finals champion first signed a deal with Reebok in 1992, the same year he joined the Orlando Magic as the first pick of the NBA draft. The athlete’s partnership with Reebok saw the launch of his namesake basketball shoe known as Shaq Attack. In 2023, he was named president of the company’s basketball division while Alan Iverson was named vice president. In honor of Shaq’s stellar sneaker game, FootwearNews is recounting some of the basketball star’s best footwear moments over the years.
1997 3rd Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards in Los Angeles
at The Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles.WireImage
While attending the 3rd Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards in 1997, Shaq took a dapper approach to dressing, sporting glossy dress shoes fixed with silver hardware. Additionally, the basketball star wore a sharp gray suiting moment accompanied by a black bowler hat.
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2002 Athletes and Entertainers for Kids Shaqtacular VII in Santa Monica.
At the Athletes and Entertainers for Kids Shaqtacular VII, the former athlete wore a pair of black slip-on shoes featuring non-slip rubber soles and pull-tab detailing. Equally casual, Shaq wore black baggy basketball shorts and a white and black tank top. An Americana-inspired bandana sat atop his head.
2005 in South Beach Miami.
Burning rubber in Miami in 2005, Shaq donned a motorcycle in black and red sneakers in a chunky retro style. The silhouette appeared to be laceless, allowing the style to be slipped on. Endlessly casual and cool, the DJ wore light jeans and a funky graphic tee.
2009 Press Conference for ABC’s Reality Show “Shaq Vs.”
While promoting his show “Shaq Vs” in 2009, the famed athlete wore a pair of black loafers. The preppy style featured glossy black leather uppers, unique square toes, silver horsebit detailing and stacked block heels. In a similarly dressy style, Shaq wore gray slacks, a matching vest and a light blue button-down fixed with a satin tie.
2013 a Back to School Event in Washington D.C.
Repping himself while in Washington DC in 2013, Shaq wore his namesake Reebok Shaqnosis Retro sneakers in a hypnotic black and white wavy colorway. The lace-up oversized style was accompanied by gray baggy sweats and a graphic tee.
2017 Rehab Beach Club Pool Party in Las Vegas
In a polarizing style, Shaq donned a pair of all-black sneakers. The chunky style included lace-up closures, non-slip rubber soles and subtle red detailing. Simple and cool, the star styled baggy black basketball shorts and a white and black sleeveless jersey featuring eye-catching graphics. Additionally, Shaq wore a black baseball cap.
2021 Shaq-A-Claus Event in McDonough, Georgia
During his Shaq-A-Claus event in 2021, Shaq sported a pair of striking red and black sneakers with thick rubber soles, a chunky silhouette, a mesh overlay and black lace-up closures. Additionally, the influential former athlete wore blue slacks and a black polo shirt with white button closures.
2024 UK Launch of “Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop” in London
Looking extra dapper at the “Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop” UK launch in 2024, Shaq wore a pair of black futuristic shoes. The slip-on silhouette featured grooves that circled around the rubber upper. At the center of the set was Shaq’s footwear brand logo of a man hanging onto a basketball net. Accompanying his unique footwear, Shaq sported graphic trousers, a black tee, a large chain and sunglasses.
