The Rise of Low-tops: Nike Gambles with Athletes' Health

For years now, sneaker brands have pushed a trend that prioritizes style over safety — the rise of the low-top. And while it may look clean on a highlight reel, the consequences are starting to pile up. Literally.

Low-tops have quietly taken over the NBA, marketed as lightweight, “free-moving,” and performance-driven. But ask any real hooper: the lack of ankle and Achilles protection isn’t just noticeable — it’s dangerous.

The Body Count

Let’s look at the rising number of elite athletes who’ve suffered Achilles tears in recent years while wearing low-top sneakers:

• Kobe Bryant – Tore his Achilles in 2013 while wearing Nike low-tops. The very same player whose signature line helped popularize the trend.
• Kevin Durant – Suffered a devastating Achilles tear in the 2019 NBA Finals while wearing Nike KD 12s (a mid/low hybrid).
• DeMarcus Cousins – Achilles tear in 2018 while wearing low-top Nike Air Max Dominate.
• Klay Thompson – Though his injury list includes both the ACL and Achilles, the latter came during offseason training — in low-top Antas.
• Jayson Tatum – Recently rolled out his own low-top signature with Jordan Brand. Just months later, missed games due to ankle tweaks. The writing’s on the wall.
• Tyrese Haliburton – Tore his Achilles in July 2025 while wearing Nike low-tops. One of the NBA’s brightest stars, now facing a long road back.
• Damian Lillard – Tore his Achilles in international play, wearing Adidas. While not a Nike athlete, the injury still adds to the growing pile of evidence: the low-top trend is league-wide — and the results are consistently tragic.

The Issue Isn’t Just Nike — But Nike Set the Tone

Let’s be real. Nike didn’t invent low-tops, but they did glamorize them, push them, and normalize them in elite basketball culture. Their marketing made it cool. Their contracts made it profitable. But now? That gamble is costing careers.

And we’re not just talking about the big names. Younger players across college, G-League, and overseas circuits are buying into the hype — often without the medical teams and physical therapy to catch them when they fall.

It’s Time to Ask Some Real Questions

• Why are we still pretending ankle support and Achilles tension don’t matter?
• Why are the shoes getting lower while the injuries keep stacking higher?
• Who benefits from making players faster at the cost of being sidelined longer?

Let’s Propose a Real Solution

We’re not here to trash any brand. We’re here to protect the players.

Nike, you led the way. Now lead again — but this time, put health first.

Adam Silver, you’ve made strides in mental health and player empowerment. This is a matter of physical safety. Let’s get medical data involved. Let’s have footwear reviewed and cleared like helmets in the NFL.

The league doesn’t need another Achilles injury.
It needs accountability.