If you’re a sneakerhead, then you know all about exclusivity when it comes to sneakers. There are also models which are retro and popular releases fans and collectors go mad for. However, there's another aspect of exclusivity in the sneaker world that often goes overlooked: or simply player exclusives (PE sneakers).

PE sneakers are unique versions of existing shoe models that are primarily designed for professional players or athletes. They are often created to match a team's colour scheme, but there's much more to know about these exclusive shoes. In this article, we'll explore what PE means in shoes, who wears them best, and whether they really make a difference on the court.

So What Does PE Mean In Shoes?

Whether you are a basketball fan or a sneaker fan, I am sure you have heard about what is called "PE" shoes. PE stands for ‘Player Exclusive’, meaning that these shoes are designed and created for a specific player. Consequently, these shoes aren’t for sale to the general public, and it’s no surprise that they are highly prized by collectors and fans alike.

For many years, PE shoes have existed, and basketball players have worn them. Take, for instance, Julius Irving, who played in Converse Pro Leather shoes that were taller than any other model you could find in retail stores. Clyde Drexler wore the PE sneakers from ROOS at the Slam Dunk Contest in 1987, and James Worthy wore his pair of New Balance 593.

Today, many NBA players are third names in shoe manufacturing brands; these shoe manufacturing brands supply the PE shoes they wear on the court. That’s not all; the most talked about PEs from 2021 include P.J. Tucker’s Nike Kobe 5 Protro PE, Zion Williamson’s Air Jordan 35 “Voodoo” PE, and Carmelo Anthony’s Air Jordan 35 “Carmerlot” PE.

That does not mean that basketball players are the only ones who wear PE shoes. Other athletes, including April Holmes, one of spring's paralympic sprinters, and baseball player Derek Jeter, have also worn PE shoes.

Of course, many celebrities also have player exclusives. Wahlberg himself wore a Jordan Formula 23 PE on his feet, and R&B singer Anthony Hamilton has a pair of Air Jordan 9s PEs in chocolate brown leather.

Colnect has also started to come under the radars of collectors and enthusiasts who value PE shoes for their exclusivity. Making them a great value product, but they have not been released to the mainstream. Hopefully, if you’re lucky enough to snatch up a pair of PE shoes, you know that you’re wearing a little slice of sneaker history.

So, Who Wears PE Sneakers Best?

When it comes to the world of Player Exclusive sneakers, the king of former times was none other than Ray Allen. The former NBA player, who signed with Jordan Brand when he was just a newcomer with the Milwaukee Bucks, is considered among the greats in the sneakerhead community. During his 18-year career with Milwaukee, Seattle, Ray Allen became the league leader in 3-pointers made, finishing his career with 2,973 scores. His shoe cabinet is a testament to his love for sneakers, particularly PE sneakers.

However, the current PE championship goes to the Air Jordan 31s. Released by Jordan Brand before the season started, this pair of sneakers has been worn by different players, including Frank Kaminsky, Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, and Mike Conley. The new design of Air Jordan 31s has facilitated the creation of some of the best PE sneakers for NBA players. It pairs flawlessly with every team colorway, creating a unique pair of shoes for each player.

Although some consumers and tennis fans are more apt to favour more traditional Air Jordan models, the Air Jordan 31s have garnered the most accolades around the globe for their streamlined style. Who wears these PE sneakers best? It’s difficult to tell: each player brings his or her own style to the court. And while there are many great Jordan 31s, I think it’s safe to say that these have quickly become a player's favourite for their plush, trendy, unstoppable, versatile comfort.

But If All Players Perfectly Match PE Sneakers?

PE sneakers are a great way for athletes to express their personal style and brand. However, not all of these designs get fan and consumer approval. If all players perfectly pair their PE sneakers, that doesn’t mean they’ll be popular with the wider audience.

A prime example of this is Steph Curry’s Curry 2 Low Chef shoes. Although they are a signature pair, they got mocked for their uninteresting look. Likewise, some of the sneaker designs for the Curry 1 PE were not in the classic Jordan PE sneaker tradition that sneakerheads love so much.

Curry's sneakers are under Armour, the brand that's still trying to assert itself in the market and start fresh. While the sneakers are odd and not terribly interesting, they do seem a little disaffiliated from the sneaker crowd simply because there is a lack of adequate focus on what the colorways represent.

When it comes to creating PE sneakers for athletes, brands should balance personal expression and market appeal. It is great to give players the freedom to design their own shoes, but on the other hand, you've got to realize what people want and what they like.

Conclusion

Finally, PE shoes remain popular today, with Jordan, Adidas, and Under Armour leading the pack. While the design of PE shoes has not changed significantly, they have become more widespread. Nowadays, a pair of signature shoes can be easily customized to be player-exclusive for all 30 NBA teams.

PE shoes used to be exclusive to selected players, but now they are everywhere. As a result, the PE shoe market seems to be less exclusive. It is considered an extended brand for shoe companies to market their original sneakers that stimulate the PEs. However, PE sneakers are expected to continue to be an important part of players’ aesthetics in the future.

The PE shoe market will grow overall as the players try to express themselves through their footwear. The future of PE sneakers looks bright as customization options become more accessible.