Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin primarily wears the Air Jordan 39, having recently transitioned into early Player Editions of the upcoming Jordan 40.
As a premier athlete for the Jordan Brand since his rookie season in 2020, Toppin utilizes the latest flagship performance technology to support his explosive playing style.
His rotation includes various silhouettes like the Jordan Luka 1 and 2, alongside his high-flying appearances in the Air Jordan 36.
From the specialized ‘Pink Lemonade’ AJ 39 to his custom ‘Girl Dad’ designs, Toppin’s footwear combines elite court performance with deeply personal storytelling.
What Basketball Shoes Does Obi Toppin Wear Currently?
Toppin is currently a lead face for the latest Jordan Brand flagship models, ensuring he stays at the forefront of basketball sneaker innovation.
In the 2025-2026 season, he has been spotted frequently in the Air Jordan 39, notably during his last tracked game against the Detroit Pistons.
He has also begun integrating the Jordan 40 into his game-night rotation, showcasing several exclusive designs that are not yet available to the general public.
| Shoe Model | Notable Features / Colorways | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Air Jordan 39 | “Pink Lemonade”, “A Ma Maniére” | Primary Game Shoe |
| Jordan 40 | “Ferrari” ($512), “Metallic Copper” ($222) | Early Player Editions |
| Air Jordan 38 Low | Full-length Zoom Air Strobel | High usage in 2024-25 |
| Jordan Luka 2 | Lateral stability for step-backs | Occasional rotation |
The Foundation of the Jordan Brand Endorsement
The professional journey for the high-flying forward has been defined by his commitment to the Jumpman, a partnership that began almost immediately after he entered the league.
Transitioning from the University of Dayton to the NBA
Before turning professional, Toppin was a standout for the Dayton Flyers, where he primarily wore Nike team models such as the Zoom Freak 1.
His explosive athleticism caught the attention of major brands, but it was the Jordan Brand that secured his signature shortly after he was drafted 8th overall by the New York Knicks in 2020.
This deal marked a significant shift from standard retail Nike models to custom-built performance gear designed for the league’s elite.
Role as a Headline Brand Athlete
Toppin is not just another player on the roster; he is a headline athlete for the brand. This status grants him access to “tier-one” perks, such as exclusive Player Editions (PEs) and the opportunity to debut new models like the Jordan 40 before they hit retail shelves.
His rotation is carefully curated to include the flagship numerical series and signature models from teammates like Luka Dončić, proving his versatility as a brand ambassador.
Technical Specs: Why Toppin Prefers Low-Top Models
For a power forward standing 6’9″, Toppin’s preference for low-top sneakers is a strategic choice designed to maximize his specific on-court advantages.
Ankle Mobility for Explosive Leaps
Despite his size, Toppin prioritizes ankle mobility over the heavy structure of traditional high-top big-man shoes.
Low-top models like the Jordan Luka 1 and Air Jordan 38 Low allow him the freedom of movement required for quick lateral slides and his trademark fast-break sprints.
This flexibility is essential for a player whose game relies on being the first person down the court for a rim-rocking finish.
Zoom Air Strobel Impact Protection
Landing from high-altitude dunks requires elite-level impact protection to preserve a player’s joints over an 82-game season. The flagship Air Jordan line utilizes Zoom Air Strobel units, which place the cushioning directly beneath the footbed.
This technology provides a “bouncy” feel that aids in explosive liftoff while mitigating the force of heavy landings, a feature Toppin has utilized in over 90 games wearing the Air Jordan 39.
A Deep Dive into Iconic Player Editions (PEs)
One of the most exciting aspects of Toppin’s shoe game is his use of Player Editions, which allow him to express his personality and history through colorways that fans rarely see in stores.
- Air Jordan 37 Low “Girl Dad” PE: A deeply personal model featuring a black, pink, and gold color scheme. It is dedicated to his daughter, Remi, and includes custom gold cursive script on the tongue.
- Air Jordan 35 Low “Courts” PE: This shoe features a bold, multi-colored geometric pattern. The design is a direct tribute to the asphalt public basketball courts found throughout New York City, where Toppin honed his skills.
- Air Jordan 36 “Slam Dunk” PE: Engineered specifically to shine under the bright lights of the 2022 Slam Dunk Contest, this highly reflective model celebrated his victory in the competition.
- Jordan 40 “Ferrari” PE: An early look at the upcoming flagship, this red-heavy colorway has an estimated market value of $512 due to its rarity.
- Air Jordan 39 “A Ma Maniére”: A sophisticated collaboration from the “While You Were Sleeping” collection, which Toppin has worn in high-stakes games with a 60% win rate.
Performance Data: Stat-Tracking Toppin’s Footwear
Analyzing the numbers reveals a fascinating correlation between Toppin’s footwear choices and his on-court success. While he rotates through many models, certain shoes have become synonymous with his best performances.
| Performance Metric | Statistical Insight | Associated Shoe Model |
|---|---|---|
| Career High Points (42) | Scored on April 10, 2022 | Air Jordan 36 |
| Highest Win Percentage | 75% Win Rate (21-7 record) | Air Jordan 35 Low |
| Most Games Played | 96 Tracked Games | Air Jordan 39 |
| Shoe Closet Value | $1,375 (Tracked Models) | Jordan Collection |
Toppin’s consistency is evident in his usage of the Air Jordan 39, which accounts for over 21% of his tracked brand usage. However, the Air Jordan 35 Low remains his “luckiest” shoe, statistically speaking, providing the highest win-loss ratio during his tenure in the league.
The Evolution of the Toppin Sneaker Timeline
Toppin’s shoe history serves as a roadmap of his professional growth, transitioning from a collegiate star to an established NBA veteran.
The Early Professional Years
In his rookie year with the Knicks (2020-2021), Toppin experimented with various silhouettes to find his fit within the Jordan Brand family.
He spent significant time in the Jordan React Elevation and the Jordan Why Not Zer0.4, Russell Westbrook’s signature line. These shoes provided the stability he needed as he adjusted to the physicality of the NBA game.
Cementing the Legacy in Indiana
Since joining the Indiana Pacers, Toppin has leaned more heavily into the flagship Air Jordan series.
His 2024-2025 season was dominated by the Air Jordan 38 Low, a shoe he wore for 75 games while establishing himself as a key rotational piece for the Pacers’ playoff runs.
This era also saw him embrace the Jordan Luka line, utilizing the Luka 1 for 56 games to take advantage of its low-to-the-ground feel and lateral support.
Frequently Asked Questions about Obi Toppin’s Gear
What is the most expensive shoe Obi Toppin has worn?
The Jordan 40 “Ferrari” Player Edition currently holds the highest estimated market value in his tracked collection at approximately $512.
Does Obi Toppin have a signature shoe?
No, Obi Toppin does not have his own signature shoe line. However, as a headline athlete, he is a primary wearer of the Air Jordan flagship series (35 through 40) and often wears Luka Dončić’s signature shoes.
Why does Toppin wear mismatched or neon shoes?
Toppin is known for his aesthetic flair on the court. He often steps away from traditional team colors, preferring striking neon hues and mismatched schemes like the “Pink Lemonade” AJ 39 to stand out during game nights.
Can you buy Obi Toppin’s “Girl Dad” shoes?
Most of Toppin’s most famous designs, including the “Girl Dad” AJ 37 Low and the “Courts” AJ 35 Low, are exclusive Player Editions and are not released for general retail.
Conclusion: The Future of the Jumpman and Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin has successfully carved out a niche as one of the most exciting footwear athletes in the NBA.
By blending high-performance flagship models with deeply personal storytelling through his Player Editions, he has created a sneaker legacy that mirrors his explosive playstyle.
As he moves fully into the Jordan 40 era, fans can expect even more innovative designs and bold colorways that push the boundaries of basketball fashion.
Whether he is winning dunk contests in the Air Jordan 36 or leading the fast break in the Air Jordan 39, Toppin remains a vital component of the Jordan Brand’s modern identity.
His preference for low-top mobility and maximum cushioning ensures he stays healthy and highlight-ready, making his footwear rotation a must-watch for fans and sneakerheads alike.
