Donovan Mitchell is one of the best stars in the NBA.
Adidas awarded him his signature shoes thanks to his promising career and impressive playing style.
The Adidas D.O.N. (Determination Over Negativity) Issue is one of the most striking shoe lines that I have seen in the NBA.
These low-top sneakers perform really well, showcasing outstanding gameplay and excellent bounce on the hardwood.
In this article, I will review the best Donovan Mitchell shoes.
- Adidas D.O.N. Issue #1
- Adidas D.O.N. Issue #2
- Adidas D.O.N. Issue #3
- Adidas D.O.N. Issue #4
- Adidas D.O.N. Issue #5
Donovan Mitchell’s History With Adidas
2017 will always be a good time in history for Mitchell when he officially became one of the league’s rising stars.
His unforgettable performance as a rookie caught the attention of Adidas and awarded him with his own line.
The Story Behind Donovan Mitchell’s Adidas D.O.N. Issue
Let’s look back at the humble beginnings of Mitchell and how he got the world’s attention.
Early Childhood
Mitchell was destined to be an athlete even at a young age. His father was a former Minor League Baseball Player, so he’s been around the world of sports his whole life.
His world got even bigger when Mitchell’s father served the New York Mets team as the Director of Player Relations.
The locker rooms of most Major League Baseball teams became his second home.
One can only assume that Donovan Mitchell is no stranger to competition and strategy, even at a young age.
During his high school years, Mitchell already showed a promising set of skills that could get him drafted to be part of an NBA team.
College and First Few Years in the NBA
Mitchell had a great start in his college career when he started playing for the University of Louisville.
He wore the number 45 on his jersey, paying homage to one of his idols, Michael Jordan. (Fun Fact: Jordan wore the number 45 during his return from his first retirement in 1995.)
Mitchell wore the number well and continued performing incredulously in college basketball.
In 2017, he heard his name called by no less than the NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver. During his rookie season, he signed a four-year contract to play for the Utah Jazz.
Mitchell signed shoe deals with Adidas the same year, eventually naming the D.O.N. issue after him.
Donovan Mitchell Shoes Before The Adidas D.O.N. Issue Release
Before Adidas named Mitchell his own line, Donovan Mitchell had some of his favorite pairs from Adidas.
Adidas Dame 4s
Who could ever forget the Adidas Dame 4s?
It comes from a great line of predecessors, but better. I have witnessed outstanding performances from Mitchell while sporting the Adidas Dame 4s for the Utah Jazz.
The shoes provide a great cushion and bounce. The sole also provides great traction, regardless of where you play. Plus, they are very durable and hold their shape well.
Regardless of your position in the team, the Adidas Dame 4s is a great all-around pair that you can use while honing your basketball skills.
Adidas Pro Bounce
The Adidas Pro Bounce is one of the most well-balanced basketball shoes that I’ve experienced.
It guarantees an excellent foot cushion without compromising the court feel. Traction is astonishing, as well as its support features.
The only issue with the Adidas Pro Bounce is it isn’t recommended for players with wide feet. Not to mention, many players don’t recommend playing with these shoes outdoors.
Adidas Crazy Explosive
The Adidas Crazy Explosive is definitely a stunner. This high-top shoe is made of premium materials and feels like it.
It’s perfect for all players, regardless of their position in the team! The sock-like fit supports the ankles and down to the foot.
The sole also offers cushioning that won’t strain your feet even after a long game.
However, some players have a hard time with the high-top design feeling a little restrictive, especially if they’re not used to the design.
A Complete Timeline Of The Adidas D.O.N. Issues
The D.O.N. Issue shoe line has seen a lot of revamping over the years. They’ve been a staple in every game Donovan Mitchell has been in, and it’s become revolutionary.
What remained consistent is the shoes’ flashy and striking design you can spot from afar.
1. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #1
The Adidas D.O.N Issue 1 was first released in 2019. The first Issue was intended to improve Mitchell’s game by addressing any issues he had with his current pair
Safe to say, Issue 1 enhanced many features and skills in how Mitchell played.
Many fell head over heels for the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 1 because of its wide soles and outstanding stability. There’s less fatigue felt on foot, especially after coming from a high shot.
2. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #2
A year after Issue 1 came out, Issue 2 was released. It retained the original design but added new elements to make Issue 2 a worthy buy.
This low-cut shoe sports a bounce element, making running around the court a breeze. Players can test their athletic performance and challenge their speed as they sprint across the courts.
3. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #3
With Issue 3 coming out a year later, fans have turned to this shoe for their game.
It’s lighter compared to Issues 1 and 2, which makes it an easy pick for people looking for lightweight kicks.
However, if you’ve already got Issues 1 or 2, upgrading to Issue 3 might not be a wise idea. It retains all the features that I love from its predecessors but in a lighter body.
4. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #4
The D.O.N. Issue 4 is definitely an upgrade compared to its predecessors. Its traction makes it a great shoe to wear both for indoor and outdoor courts.
The wide base provides good stability that helps prevent you from slipping and sliding during a match.
5. Adidas D.O.N. Issue #5
With the shoe line running in its fifth year, there’s a lot of speculation on how the D.O.N Issue 5 might turn out. Spanning nearly half a decade, we can all expect many new changes to come.
Fans have speculated that Issue 5 might just be the best version yet.
Different Colorways Of The Adidas D.O.N. Issues
You can spot D.O.N shoes from a mile away because of their unique colorway options. It’s one way to spot Donovan Mitchell every game!
Marvel
The Marvel Colorway paid homage to some of our favorite heroes. Adidas first came out with the Amazing Spider-man Colorway, which stuck with the red and blue theme.
The Venom Colorway, Stealth Spider Colorway, and Iron Spider follow suit.
Both the Venom and Stealth Spider Colorways shared the same black base color. The only difference is that the Venom Colorway had red streaks, and the Stealth Spider had green streaks.
The Iron Spider, on the other hand, looks stunning in red, with some yellow streaks as an accent.
Lego
Who could ever forget the Lego Colorway from D.O.N? Its bright yellow color looks exactly like our favorite yellow Lego pieces.
This shoe definitely adds a lot of personality to its user, very fitting to how Donovan Mitchell captured the NBA and its fans.
Crayola
Issue 2 D.O.N. shoes graced us with its vibrant Crayola Colorways. The pair looked so vibrant, striking, and alive.
Its rich color options definitely looked good on Donovan Mitchell and became eye candy for many shoe enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Mitchell already showed much promise from childhood to his first rodeo as a rookie with the Utah Jazz.
The Adidas team definitely made a great pick when it named Donovan with the D.O.N. shoes that capture his personality and playing style.
Choosing any of the Adidas Issues will always be a great pick for basketball enthusiasts.