Don’t hit the court without tying on a pair of this season’s new kicks.

1 CONVERSE EB1 MID With solid ventilation, heel support (and spring), and a snug fit courtesy of the midstrap lockdown, Elton Brand’s new shoe is probably the fastest and best-looking shoe you’ll find south of $70 anywhere. $65, www.jcp.com

2 REEBOK ATR TALKIN’ KRAZY Customized for trash talkin’, these superlight sneaks are hewn from a dry-erase upper that alone could inspire White Men Can’t Jump II. Just make sure your game can back up your mouth. $80, www.champssports.com

3 JORDAN CP3.II These colorful high-tops designed for Chris Paul offer tight-fitting gore-strap crosses in the tongue, foam material that molds to the foot and acts like built-in ankle braces, and flex grooves on the forefoot to help facilitate a killer crossover. $118, www.jumpman23.com

4 CONVERSE WADE SLASH MID A blend of Dwayne Wade’s first and fourth signature shoes, the Slash Mid is light and great for quick runs. The slick patent-leather toe and reverse-fit Velcro tabs also add a nice blend of fashionable functionality. $80, www.converse.com

5 NEW BALANCE 905 With New Balance’s patented Zip cushioning in the heel, LockDown Liner, and Lightning Dry technologies, the 905 provides maximum heel support along with a near-custom, swamp-foot-resistant fit. They’re also great for endurance. $105, www.newbalance.com

6 ADIDAS TS BOUNCE COMMANDER Worn by Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan, these bad boys boost your ups with a springy TPU (thermo plastic urethane) midsole, while a midfoot strap and torsion system bar keep your arches snug and fully supported. $110, www.shopadidas.com

Take Flight with NikeID Bespoke// For more than 25 years, sneaker-heads have traveled the globe to track down rare editions of Nike’s iconic Air Force 1. Now they can literally create their own at the brand’s recently opened boutique in New York City. The program, aptly named NikeID Bespoke -- think Savile Row-like tailoring for the sneaker set -- “completely unlocks” the shoe’s design, according to spokeswoman Demetria White. With 31 customizable parts (outsoles, linings, the Swoosh) available in 82 iconic materials (denim, waxed canvas, reflective 3M synthetics, or the elephant-print leather made famous on the Jordan IIIs) you can get sneaks that match your tux, car, or the classic orange Nike box, as one person is doing. “We designed one shoe to resemble a rain boot,” says Izzy, Nike’s premier design consultant, who uses color theory while discussing creative options with his clients. “There’s a science to it. But I definitely want them to leave satisfied, so I always keep it as honest as possible.” (Translation: He’ll be the voice of reason if you cross the line from creative to ugly.) After a two-hour consultation you’ll have your kicks -- complete with shoehorns, Izzy’s sketches, and, of course, laces with silver- or gold-plated tips -- in just four weeks.

$820. Appointments available Sundays and Tuesdays only; Nike Sportswear at 21 Mercer; www.nike.com