The direct answer is yes: Trae Young has had his own signature shoe line.
During his high-profile partnership with Adidas from 2018 to 2024, the All-Star point guard released three official signature sneakers—the Adidas Trae Young 1, Trae Young 2, and Trae Young 3—alongside budget-friendly performance variations.
However, his footwear story underwent a massive strategic shift in late 2024 when he concluded his Adidas partnership and signed a multi-year deal with Jordan Brand.
Today, Trae Young stands at a unique crossroads in basketball footwear history: transitioning from a headline signature star with Three Stripes to an ambassador wearing Jumpman flagship performance models and high-profile Player Exclusives (PEs).
This comprehensive guide breaks down Trae Young’s entire sneaker lineage, analyzing his college roots, the rise and end of his signature line with Adidas, his landmark leap to Jordan Brand, and what the future holds for his court footwear.
College Origins: The Oklahoma Sooners & Pre-Draft Hype
Before Trae Young became a household name in professional basketball, his footwear journey began on the collegiate court with the Oklahoma Sooners.
The College Footwear Choice
As an explosive freshman point guard leading the NCAA in both scoring and assists, Young laced up the Nike Kyrie 4 during his electric 2017–2018 collegiate season.
His sharp handle, deep shooting range, and quick court movement aligned well with the low-profile, responsive traction design of Kyrie Irving’s signature sneaker line.
The 2018 Draft Class Bidding War
Young’s historic season at Oklahoma propelled him directly into lottery pick status for the 2018 Draft, where he was selected 5th overall.
Coming out of a Nike-sponsored collegiate program, he instantly became one of the most highly sought-after rookie prospects for major footwear manufacturers vying to land the next elite point guard.
The Adidas Signature Era (2018–2024)
Prior to entering the 2018 Draft, Trae Young elected to sign a lucrative multi-year footwear contract with Adidas. This move placed him alongside an elite group of dynamic guards tasked with representing the brand’s basketball division.
Becoming the Face of Laceless Innovation (2018–2020)
Before launching a dedicated signature sneaker bearing his name, Adidas utilized Young as a primary featured athlete for their high-end performance models.
- Early Rotations: During his initial NBA months, Young rotated through models like the Adidas Harden B/E 2.
- The N3XT L3V3L Era: Young quickly became the primary ambassador for the futuristic, laceless Adidas N3XT L3V3L. He showcased iconic color variations, including red and yellow iterations, blue and white models, and the fan-favorite ‘Ice Trae’ PE.
- All-Star Showcase: At the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, Young officially debuted the laceless Adidas N3XT L3V3L 2020, cementing his status as one of the brand’s premier marquee athletes.
Trae Young Adidas Footwear History
├── Early Years (2018–2020): Harden B/E 2, N3XT L3V3L, N3XT L3V3L 2020
├── Signature Models (2021–2024): Trae Young 1, Trae Young 2, Trae Young 3
└── Budget Line Extensions: Trae Unlimited (2 Editions)
The Official Signature Line Launch: Adidas Trae Young 1 (2021)
In the summer of 2021, Adidas officially elevated Young to signature athlete status with the rollout of the Adidas Trae Young 1.
- Debut Colorway: The line kicked off with the celebrated ‘Ice Trae’ Trae Young 1 on June 25, 2021, highlighting his cool-headed playoff performances and iconic celebration.
- Tech Specifications: The Trae Young 1 integrated Lightstrike cushioning with Boost technology in the heel, providing an ultra-lightweight setup tailored for rapid accelerations and quick pull-up jumpers.
Evolution of the Main Line: Trae Young 2 & Trae Young 3
Building on the success of his debut model, Adidas expanded his signature catalog with annual releases:
- Adidas Trae Young 2: Released with an emphasis on adaptive fit, featuring an extended sock-like knit upper paired with dual-cushioning setups designed to absorb impact during quick stops.
- Adidas Trae Young 3: Introduced with a heavily stylized 3D-molded midsole design aimed at optimizing court feel and lateral stability. The silhouette catered specifically to guards who rely on rapid direction changes, featuring custom releases like the November 2023 ‘@jpdxcustoms Custom’ edition.
Secondary & Budget Lines: The Trae Unlimited
To cater to outdoor ballers and price-conscious consumers, Adidas also introduced two budget-friendly variations under the Trae Unlimited line.
These shoes offered durable rubber outsoles and accessible price points while retaining Young’s signature branding elements.
The Strategic Pivot: Leaving Adidas for Jordan Brand (Late 2024)
After six years, three signature models, and two budget-line extensions, Trae Young’s partnership with Adidas came to an end in 2024 upon the expiration of his contract.
Why the Transition Happened
In professional basketball footwear, contract expirations present rare opportunities for top-tier stars to evaluate their market positioning.
While Adidas was shifting its basketball focus toward new signature athletes, Young sought a fresh brand identity to support the next chapter of his career.
Signing with Jumpman
In late 2024, Young officially signed a multi-year deal with Jordan Brand. Joining the Jumpman family placed him in an elite fraternity of high-profile NBA stars alongside Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Zion Williamson.
The Jordan Brand Era: Flagship Models & Player Exclusives
Unlike his early days with Adidas, Young’s transition to Jordan Brand did not immediately begin with a brand-new signature sneaker. Instead, the brand strategically deployed him as a key ambassador for their flagship game shoes.
Lacing Up the Air Jordan 39
Upon joining Jordan Brand, Young immediately transitioned into wearing the Air Jordan 39 on court. The Air Jordan 39 features full-length ZoomX foam combined with a full-length Zoom Air unit, giving the point guard elite energy return and responsiveness tailored to his high-volume offensive workload.
Stepping into the Air Jordan 40 & Custom Player Exclusives
During the 2025–2026 NBA season, Young elevated his footwear presence by showcasing the Air Jordan 40.
Rather than wearing standard retail inline colorways, Jordan Brand supplied Young with exclusive custom Player Editions (PEs) tailored to his team colors and personal style:
- Air Jordan 40 ‘PF Blue Suede’ (Debuted October 24, 2025): Features a premium blue suede upper with refined detailing for game nights.
- Air Jordan 40 ’40-23 Stealth’ (Debuted December 21, 2025): A sleek, dark-toned colorway highlighting the connection between Jordan’s iconic 23 and Young’s court presence.
- Air Jordan 40 ‘SL Metallic Copper’ (Debuted March 5, 2026): Incorporates metallic copper highlights across the midsole and heel structure.
- Air Jordan 40 ’40-20′ (Debuted March 12, 2026): A custom PE honoring key career milestones and scoring performances.
Final Summary & What Lies Ahead
Trae Young’s footwear journey showcases a complete transformation in modern sports marketing. From rocking Nike shoes as a college sensation to leading an innovative signature line with Adidas and now headlining flagship releases for Jordan Brand, Young remains one of the most influential sneaker figures in professional basketball.
Whether Jordan Brand eventually awards Young his own Jumpman signature line or continues to build his identity through high-end Air Jordan 40 PEs, sneaker collectors and hoops fans will be watching his feet closely every night he steps on the court.
