If you grew up watching the NBA in the 90s, your memories are probably a blur of green and white jerseys, ear-shattering dunks, and a specific pair of sneakers that looked like they were struck by lightning. Shawn Kemp was a human highlight reel. He didn't just dunk; he tried to break the rim and the spirit of whoever was standing under it. Naturally, his footwear had to match that "Reign Man" energy.
The shawn kemp basketball shoes—historically known as the Reebok Kamikaze and recently rebranded as the Hurrikaze—are some of the most polarizing and iconic designs in sneaker history. While most brands were playing it safe with smooth leathers and subtle logos, Reebok decided to go loud. Really loud.
Honestly, it’s rare for a sneaker designed over thirty years ago to still feel modern, but these kicks managed it. They aren't just shoes; they’re a piece of 90s counter-culture you can actually wear.
The Design That Defined an Era
The story of Shawn Kemp basketball shoes starts in 1994. Designer Ricardo Vestuti was tasked with creating something for a player who played "above the rim." Vestuti actually admitted he wasn't super familiar with Kemp’s game at first, but he knew the shoe needed to be aggressive.
The result was the Kamikaze I. It featured huge, contrasting zig-zag panels that looked like a jagged EKG monitor. It was bold. It was chunky. It was exactly what the Sonics’ power forward needed to cement his status as the most explosive dunker in the league.
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By 1995, we got the Kamikaze II (now the Hurrikaze II). Designed by Jonathan Morris—the same guy who gave us Shaq’s "Shaqnosis"—this shoe took the zig-zag concept and turned the volume to eleven. The lines became more fluid, connecting the upper directly to the midsole. Kemp famously rocked these during the 1995-96 season when he led Seattle to the NBA Finals against Jordan’s Bulls.
Tech Under the Hood
You might think these are all show and no go, but the performance tech was legitimate for the time.
- Hexalite Cushioning: Reebok’s answer to Nike Air. It’s a honeycomb-style material that provides shock absorption without being too mushy.
- Aggressive Outsole: The traction patterns were built for power moves in the paint, which makes sense given Kemp’s 6'10" frame.
- High-Top Support: These shoes were built like tanks. If you’re a big man or someone who plays physically, the ankle support is surprisingly solid even by today's standards.
Why the Name Changed to Hurrikaze
In 2022, Reebok made a big move. They officially renamed the line from Kamikaze to Hurrikaze.
Basically, the brand wanted to be more sensitive to the historical context of the original name, which refers to the suicide pilots of World War II. While the name was originally meant to describe Kemp’s "suicidal" or fearless attacks on the rim, Reebok’s VP of Global Apparel, Portia Blunt, explained that they felt a responsibility to grow and acknowledge the impact of their words.
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The new name, "Hurrikaze," is a portmanteau of "Hurricane" and the original name. It keeps the storm theme (fits the Seattle weather, right?) while ditching the controversial baggage. You'll still see the old name on vintage pairs, but anything hitting shelves now will sport the new moniker.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Kicks
There is a common misconception that shawn kemp basketball shoes are strictly for "the old heads" or collectors. That’s just not true. While they definitely have that nostalgic pull, the 2024 and 2025 retro releases have been surprisingly popular with younger hoopers.
Why? Because they stand out. In a sea of sleek, knitted basketball shoes that all look like socks with soles, the Hurrikaze looks like a piece of architecture.
Another myth? That they’re too heavy to play in today. Sure, they aren't as light as a pair of modern Kobes, but they aren't bricks either. Kemp himself has said that the newer retro versions are actually lighter than the OGs he wore in the 90s. They’ve tweaked the materials—using better synthetics and lighter foams—so you don't feel like you’re wearing combat boots on the hardwood.
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Real Talk: Are They Worth Buying Now?
If you’re looking to pick up a pair of shawn kemp basketball shoes in 2026, you’ve got options. Reebok has been consistent with "OG" colorways, like the classic Seattle Sonics green and white, or the black and white "inverted" looks.
Here is the deal: if you want a shoe for serious, high-level competitive play, you might find them a bit stiff. But for streetball, casual gym runs, or just looking like the coolest person in the room, they are hard to beat.
The price point is usually around $120 to $160 depending on the release, which is actually cheaper than most premium signature shoes from Nike or Jordan Brand. Plus, the durability is insane. That thick leather upper can take a beating that would shred a modern knit shoe in one game.
Finding Your Pair
- Retail Drops: Keep an eye on the Reebok website or Foot Locker. They tend to drop "Seattle Alternate" or "All-Star" colorways every few months.
- The Resale Market: Sites like StockX or eBay are loaded with them. Because they aren't as "hyped" as Jordans, you can often find them for retail or even under retail if you’re patient.
- Fit Tip: Most people find they run true to size (TTS), but if you have a really wide foot, you might want to go up half a size because that zig-zag overlay doesn't stretch much.
Shawn Kemp changed the way the game was played with his raw athleticism. His shoes did the same for design. Whether you call them Kamikaze or Hurrikaze, they remain the definitive symbol of an era where basketball was loud, physical, and unapologetically bold.
To get the most out of your pair, prioritize the "OG" colorways if you're a collector, as those hold value best. If you're planning to actually play in them, look for the "Low" versions that occasionally pop up—they offer a bit more mobility for guards while keeping that classic 90s aesthetic.