The line comes from the arcade basketball game NBA Jam, voiced by Tim Kitzrow, whose energetic commentary became part of the game's identity. The question plays on the long-running joke that a player's shoes explain a spectacular performance, an idea made famous by sneaker culture around Michael Jordan. Clips of the line later circulated on soundboards and in short gaming and sports edits, where it is used as a quick reaction to a dunk, a lucky shot, or a new pair of trainers. Its short length and instantly recognisable delivery keep it useful as a punchline.
About this sound
Tim Kitzrow asks 'Is it the shoes?' in this short NBA Jam voice clip. Creators use it to joke about sneakers, skills and lucky gear in gaming edits.
This is a one-second voice line in which NBA Jam announcer Tim Kitzrow asks, 'Is it the shoes?' in a bright, teasing tone, as if he cannot believe what he has just seen on the court. The delivery is quick and punchy, with a rising inflection on the final word that makes the question feel playful rather than serious. It lands like a joke about talent, footwear, and the idea that a great pair of sneakers can make a player unstoppable. Listeners picture a big dunk, a lucky shot, or a sudden run of form, and the clip turns that question into a light-hearted challenge.
