Ayrton Oneill
Skechers, the third-largest footwear brand in the United States, has made waves in the basketball world by signing deals with several NBA players. In 2023, the company enlisted New York Knicks power forward Julius Randle and Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Terance Mann as its first professional athlete endorsers for their inaugural basketball shoe line. Joel Embiid, a reigning MVP, was also spotted wearing Skechers during practice, and a deal with the brand was later finalized. These moves signal Skechers' entry into the competitive basketball shoe market, dominated by Nike and Adidas. With their affordable pricing and focus on performance and comfort, Skechers basketball shoes are gaining traction among professional athletes and challenging established brands in the industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of NBA players signed | 3 |
| Names of NBA players signed | Julius Randle, Terance Mann, Joel Embiid |
| WNBA players signed | Rickea Jackson |
| NBA player who wore Nike his whole life | Julius Randle |
| NBA player who left Under Armour | Joel Embiid |
| NBA player who signed a deal with Skechers | Norman Powell |
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What You'll Learn
- Julius Randle, Joel Embiid and Terance Mann are ambassadors for the brand
- Rickea Jackson is the first WNBA athlete to sign with Skechers
- Clippers scorer Norman Powell has also signed a deal
- Skechers is the third-largest footwear brand in the US
- The shoes are known for their comfort, performance and style
Julius Randle, Joel Embiid and Terance Mann are ambassadors for the brand
Julius Randle, Joel Embiid, and Terance Mann are ambassadors for the Skechers brand. In June 2023, Randle, a power forward for the New York Knicks, entered a partnership with Skechers. He was impressed by the design team's openness to his input and desire for feedback. Randle has since helped shape models like the SKX Resagrip and the SKX Float.
Center for the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid, has also been linked to Skechers. After Team USA's triumph at the Olympic Games in Paris, Embiid received a unique pair of gold Skechers SKX Float shoes. The left and right shoes feature alternating color-blocking of gold and black, with his "Trust the Process" mantra on the uppers.
Terance Mann, a shooting guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, has also collaborated with Skechers to create the SKX Nexus x Terance Mann "FSU" colorway. The shoe pays homage to his alma mater, Florida State University, with a gold and garnet color combination and feather detailing on the upper to commemorate the Seminoles mascot. Mann debuted the shoe during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in March 2025.
These athletes are helping to shape the future of the Skechers brand in the basketball market, bringing their own unique styles and performance needs to the forefront of the shoe design process.
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Rickea Jackson is the first WNBA athlete to sign with Skechers
Skechers, an American multinational footwear company, has been making waves in the basketball world by signing deals with professional basketball players from the NBA and WNBA. In October 2023, Clippers guard Terance Mann and three-time All-Star Julius Randle became the first players to sign with Skechers. They were soon joined by 76ers star Joel Embiid.
In July 2024, Rickea Jackson, a rookie with the Los Angeles Sparks, became the first WNBA athlete to sign with Skechers. Jackson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is a rising star in the WNBA with a bright future. She is known for her versatile scoring, averaging 11.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in her rookie campaign with the Sparks.
Jackson's signing with Skechers is a significant step for the brand as they continue to make inroads into the performance basketball market. Skechers' VP of Product Development & Merchandising, Greg Smith, praised Jackson, stating that she is "not only a rising star in the WNBA with a bright future in the sport, but she also believes in the brand and loves Skechers’ on and off-court product.”
Jackson herself expressed her excitement about being the first WNBA player to join the Skechers roster, stating that it was an "incredible feeling" and that Skechers is a "rising star in the sports world." As part of her deal, Jackson will be featured across brand campaigns, including in-store display imagery and upcoming footwear launches. She has already debuted the SKX NEXUS sneaker, a low-top hoop shoe designed for speed, stability, and support.
With Skechers' commitment to fit, support, and active collaboration with athletes, the brand is poised to make a strong impact in the highly competitive basketball footwear market. Jackson's signing is a testament to their growing presence in the world of sports and their ability to attract top talent.
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Clippers scorer Norman Powell has also signed a deal
NBA players such as Joel Embiid, Rickea Jackson, and Julius Randle have been wearing Skechers basketball shoes. In 2023, Randle was one of just two players signed to Skechers, the other being Clippers guard Terance Mann.
Skechers has been making inroads into the Nike-Adidas basketball shoe monopoly, with Puma, Anta, and New Balance also making similar moves. Skechers is the third-largest footwear brand in the US, known for its affordability and availability in stores such as Shoe Carnival, Kohl's, and DSW.
Powell's deal with Skechers was officially announced in February 2025. As part of the deal, Powell competed in the 3-Point Contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend, wearing the SKX Nexus sneaker. The SKX Nexus is a performance basketball shoe retailing for $100 for adults on the Skechers website. The deal with Powell makes strategic sense for Skechers, as he is their third player in the Los Angeles market, joining Mann and Jackson.
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Skechers is the third-largest footwear brand in the US
Skechers is a well-known American multinational footwear and apparel company, founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg. It is headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California. The company started by focusing on men's street shoes, with its early products being utility-style boots popular in grunge fashion. However, it quickly expanded to include women and children, offering casual and athletic styles, and went public in 1999. Skechers is now the third-largest footwear brand in the US and worldwide by sales, and its shoes are priced between $75 and $150. The company has approximately 5,000 retail stores in over 120 countries.
The brand has a strong presence in the basketball shoe market, with its products being worn by professional players. In October 2023, Clippers guard Terance Mann signed with Skechers, followed by Joel Embiid three months later. Embiid left Under Armour after five years and joined Randle and Mann at Skechers. In June, the company added Los Angeles Sparks rookie Rickea Jackson, making her the brand's first WNBA athlete. Clippers scorer Norman Powell has also signed a shoe deal with the brand.
Skechers' success in the basketball market can be attributed to its ability to offer affordable yet high-performance shoes. With most basketball shoes from competitors like Nike and Adidas priced at over $100, Skechers fills a gap in the market for more price-conscious consumers. The company's strategy of leveraging its brand recognition among young consumers and marrying its family sector with performance shoes has paid off, attracting players and consumers alike.
In addition to its basketball line, Skechers has expanded into various other sports, including running, golf, and soccer. The brand has featured endorsements from athletes such as distance runner Meb Keflezighi, professional golfers Brooke Henderson and Matt Fitzpatrick, and England national football team player Harry Kane. The company also sponsors the Mohun Bagan Super Giant, one of India's oldest and most successful football teams.
While Skechers has faced some controversies, including allegations of profiting from forced Uyghur labor, it remains a popular and recognisable brand. In May 2025, it was announced that the company would be acquired by private equity firm 3G Capital for $9.42 billion, making it the footwear industry's biggest buyout. Despite challenges and a volatile macro environment, Skechers continues to be a significant player in the footwear market, both in the US and worldwide.
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The shoes are known for their comfort, performance and style
Skechers basketball shoes are worn by star athletes like Joel Embiid, Rickea Jackson, Terance Mann, and Julius Randle. The brand is known for its affordability, with all of its basketball sneakers priced at $100 or less.
Skechers basketball shoes are designed for maximum comfort, performance, and style. Each pair features advanced foam that's soft yet supportive, allowing players to fake, pivot, and sprint while still feeling cushioned. The shoes also offer lasting, durable traction with their Goodyear performance outsoles, suitable for any type of court.
The SKX Nexus, worn by Terance Mann, promises "speed, stability, and support." It achieves this balanced performance through a torsion plate in the midsole cushion, a cleverly designed forefoot outsole for fast cuts, and a lockdown ankle for stability when shooting.
The SKX Reign, launched with Julius Randle, features the Hyper Burst Pro sock liner, delivering responsive and durable performance. The shoe also includes a full-length carbon-infused plate for added spring and stability.
The SKX Float, worn by Joel Embiid, provides a stable base for players looking to perform moves like the Philadelphia 76ers center. The off-white and blue colorway of the SKX Float was launched by Embiid on November 15.
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Frequently asked questions
Some NBA players that have signed with Skechers and are expected to wear their basketball shoes include Julius Randle, Terance Mann, and Joel Embiid.
Los Angeles Sparks rookie Rickea Jackson was the first WNBA athlete to sign with Skechers.
Some styles of Skechers basketball shoes include the SKX Resagrip and SKX FLOAT.
