Back in '97, Michael Jordan alongside Nike announced the launch of Jordan Brand – a first-of-its-kind move that turned Jordan's footwear line into a fully-fledged apparel company. The world of NBA player-exclusive sneakers exploded in popularity across the globe after that season and since then, memories of the biggest moments in recent NBA playoffs history are often tied to the sneakers worn by star players.

Continue on for a gallery featuring sneakers worn during the NBA playoffs' most iconic moments since 1997.

Air Jordan XII "Flu Game"

Michael Jordan 1997

As the legend went, MJ famously played a playoff game while he had the flu. More than 20 years later, Jordan revealed in the ESPN documentary, "The Last Dance" he'd actually contracted food poisoning

photography: Nike

Nike Air Flightposite 3

Antonio Daniels 2002

Nike created some iconic sneakers during the early 2000s, many of which have been re-released in original and new colorways. The Flightposite 3 tops the list of extremely popular models that have yet to receive a re-release.

photography: Nike

adidas Adizero Rose 1.5

Derrick Rose 2011

Before a string of injuries sidelined him for a few years, Derrick Rose was arguably the NBA's most explosive player. During the 2011 season, Rose won the league's MVP award and led the Chicago Bulls to a 62-20 record.

photography: adidas

Under Armour Curry 2 "Chef Curry"

Steph Curry 2015

This early low top signature sneaker of Steph Curry's was the subject of Internet ridicule for resembling something you'd see all the dads wearing in the stands of an AAU tournament. Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a 73-9 record that season, so he obviously laughed off the criticism, but they did lose the NBA Finals in 7 games to LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers.

photography: Under Armour

Air Jordan XIV "Last Shot"

Michael Jordan 1998

Jordan wore this sneaker during one of the most memorable moments in NBA playoffs history. Prior to his second retirement from the NBA in 1998, Jordan led the Bulls to a sixth NBA championship in a 4-2 defeat of Karl Malone and the Utah Jazz.

photography: Nike

Air Jordan XIV "Last Shot"

Michael Jordan 1998

Michael Jordan wore this color way of the Jordan XIV during what is possibly the most replayed game-winning shot ever. Against the Utah Jazz in game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, Jordan hit a go-ahead jumper with just 5 seconds left after shaking off a defender. This would mark Jordan and the Chicago Bulls' sixth NBA championship and the second of three Michael Jordan retirements.

photography: Nike

Nike Zoom Soldier I "Witness" PE

LeBron James 2007

In just his fourth NBA season LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first ever NBA finals appearance. Although they lost, the kicks worn by a generational talent on the way to his first NBA finals series were bound to stick around in the minds of all basketball fans. Nike went on to release a total of 14 Nike Zoom Soldier models between 2007 and 2020.

photography: Nike

Reebok Answer IV

Allen Iverson 2001

AI wore these classic kicks in the game where he famously stepped over Lakers point guard and current coach of the Clippers, Tyronn Lue. Although the 76ers lost the series to the Los Angeles Lakers, Iverson was named the league's MVP in 2001.

photography: Nike

Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4

Kobe Bryant 2004

Kobe wore the Huarache 2K4 during the 2003-2004 season after he signed a new sneaker deal with Nike. The Lakers did battle with a tough Detroit Pistons team, who took home their first NBA title since 1990.

photography: Nike

Nike Kobe A.D. PE

Isaiah Thomas 2017

Former Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas played game 1 of a series against the Chicago Bulls hours after his sister Chyna was killed in a car accident. He'd worn this player edition sneaker for most of the season, but added a tribute to his sister to the side of the shoe.

photography: Nike

Under Armour Curry 4 FloTro 'Vivid Lilac'

Stephen Curry 2022

These are the kicks Stephen Curry wore most often during the 2022 NBA Playoffs where he sealed his legacy as one of the all-time greats – He led the Golden State Warriors to a fourth league championship, and won his very first NBA Finals MVP award. Curry and his two teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green cite the 2022 championship as the most meaning full to them as a group.

Photography: Twitter/@NBAKicks