5 Surprising Facts Behind Obi Toppin's Viral Pink Air Jordan 39 Shoes

The vibrant pink sneakers worn by Indiana Pacers star Obi Toppin have become one of the most talked-about pieces of footwear in the NBA, transcending simple fashion to tell a deeply personal story. As of December 15, 2025, the forward continues to rock various shades of the bubblegum hue on the court, most notably in a Player Exclusive (PE) version of the cutting-edge Air Jordan 39. This bold choice is more than a style statement; it’s a powerful, public tribute to his family, a continuation of a heartfelt tradition that has captivated fans and cemented his status as the league’s premier “Girl Dad” sneakerhead.

Far from a random color selection, Obi Toppin’s commitment to the pink aesthetic is a direct nod to his daughter, Remi, a practice he started during his time with the New York Knicks and has proudly carried over to the Indiana Pacers. The shoes, which have been prominently featured in high-stakes games, including the 2025 NBA Finals, blend elite performance technology with a personal narrative that resonates far beyond the hardwood. Understanding the meaning behind the pink Jordan PEs reveals a heartwarming layer to the high-flying power forward’s on-court identity.

Obi Toppin: Biography and Career Profile

Obadiah Richard Toppin Jr., universally known as Obi Toppin, has carved out a reputation as one of the NBA’s most electric and athletic power forwards. His journey from an overlooked high school talent to an NBA lottery pick is a testament to his relentless work ethic and explosive talent.

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• Full Name: Obadiah Richard Toppin Jr.
• Born: March 4, 1998 (Age 27 as of 2025)
• Hometown: Brooklyn, New York City, NY
• High School: Ossining High School (Ossining, New York)
• College: University of Dayton (Dayton Flyers)
• Position: Power Forward (PF)
• NBA Draft: 2020 NBA Draft, 8th overall pick by the New York Knicks
• NBA Teams: New York Knicks (2020–2023), Indiana Pacers (2023–Present)
• Key Awards & Honors:
  • NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (2022)
  • National College Player of the Year (2020)
  • Consensus First-Team All-American (2020)
  • Karl Malone Award (2020)
• Family: Father (Obadiah Toppin Sr.), Mother (Roni Toppin), Daughter (Remi Toppin).

Toppin’s career highlights include a dominant run at the University of Dayton, where he earned National Player of the Year honors, and his memorable victory in the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Since joining the Indiana Pacers, he has become a key component of their fast-paced offense, showcasing his high-flying athleticism and consistent scoring ability, all while making a distinct statement with his footwear.

The “Girl Dad” Legacy: Why Obi Toppin Wears Pink

The most compelling aspect of Obi Toppin’s pink sneakers is the deeply personal motivation behind the color choice. The vibrant hue is not a random aesthetic preference but a direct and public tribute to his daughter, Remi Toppin. This tradition links him to a modern, heartwarming trend in sports culture, often referred to as the "Girl Dad" movement, popularized by the late Kobe Bryant.

The Origin: The Air Jordan 37 Low "Girl Dad PE"

The pink sneaker saga began in earnest during Toppin’s tenure with the New York Knicks. After the birth of his daughter, he received a custom Player Exclusive of the Air Jordan 37 Low. This specific model was a clear dedication to Remi, featuring unmistakable "Girl Dad" elements.

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• Bubblegum Pink Accents: The shoe featured striking bubblegum pink hits on the laces, stitching, and various trim elements.
• Personalized Details: Crucially, the PE included his daughter’s name, Remi, placed on the lining of the tongue, and even a small pink bow attached to the laces, solidifying the shoe's meaning.
• A Legacy of Love: By wearing this color, Toppin is visually celebrating his role as a father and bringing a personal, tender moment onto the highly competitive NBA court. This initial PE set the precedent for his subsequent footwear choices.

The pink shoes immediately caught the attention of fans and the media, not just for the bold color contrast against the traditional team uniforms, but for the powerful story of fatherhood it represented. It’s a way for Toppin to carry his daughter with him during every game, a unique form of personal expression within the strict confines of professional sports apparel.

The Modern Statement: Obi Toppin’s Pink Air Jordan 39 PE

Today, the focus is on a newer, even more high-profile iteration of Toppin's signature color: the pink Air Jordan 39. As a key athlete for the Jordan Brand, Toppin has been one of the select few players to debut and consistently wear the AJ 39, the latest flagship performance basketball shoe from the iconic brand.

His pink AJ 39 PE has been a constant fixture on the court, particularly during the Indiana Pacers’ deep playoff run and the 2025 NBA Finals. The shoe’s appearance in such high-stakes games amplified its visibility, making it one of the most-worn sneakers of the post-season.

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The Air Jordan 39 and the Pink Colorway

The Air Jordan 39 is engineered for elite performance, focusing on responsiveness, cushioning, and lightweight support. Toppin’s PE colorway masterfully integrates the vibrant pink into this high-tech design:

• Performance Focus: The AJ 39 features advanced cushioning technology, often involving a full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit or similar setup, designed to maximize energy return for players with Toppin's explosive jumping ability.
• The Pink Integration: While the exact color blocking varies in his PEs, the pink is generally used as a prominent accent color, highlighting the shoe's structural elements, laces, or outsole. This ensures the "Girl Dad" message is visible while maintaining a clean, athletic look that complements the Pacers’ blue and gold uniform.
• Exclusivity: As a Player Exclusive, this specific pink version of the Air Jordan 39 is not typically released to the general public. This exclusivity only adds to the mystique and desirability of the sneaker among collectors and fans of NBA Kicks On Court culture.

The continuous evolution of his pink PEs, from the Air Jordan 37 Low to the Air Jordan 39, demonstrates a strong commitment from the Jordan Brand to support Toppin’s personal narrative. It ensures that the "Girl Dad" theme remains fresh and relevant with the latest performance technology, creating a compelling blend of personal story and sneaker innovation.

The Cultural Impact of the Pink Sneaker

Obi Toppin’s choice of pink footwear has a significant impact on both the NBA and broader sneaker culture. It challenges traditional color norms in men's sports and provides a positive representation of fatherhood.

In the historically masculine world of professional basketball, where black, white, and team colors dominate, a player consistently wearing a bold, "non-traditional" color like pink stands out. This move contributes to the ongoing conversation about self-expression and identity in sports. For many young fans, particularly girls, seeing a high-profile athlete like Toppin proudly wear pink is a powerful visual affirmation.

Furthermore, the "Girl Dad" narrative has a profound resonance. Kobe Bryant’s embrace of the term, especially after his retirement, created a cultural touchstone for fathers of daughters. By carrying this torch through his footwear, Obi Toppin is not only honoring his own daughter but also connecting with millions of fathers who share that special bond. The sneakers become a conversation starter, shifting the focus from mere athletic performance to the personal values of the athlete.

The recurring pink PEs are a marketing and cultural success for Jordan Brand. They leverage a compelling, authentic story to create highly sought-after, exclusive products. The shoes are more than just gear; they are wearable symbols of love, dedication, and the modern athlete's willingness to share their personal life with the world. This is why when Obi Toppin steps onto the court, his pink Air Jordan 39s don't just flash—they tell a story that everyone wants to hear.