中文Skechers Makes Basketball History as OG Anunoby Wears Brand to NBA Championship
When the Knicks made basketball history this month, so did Skechers. Forward OG Anunoby became the first player to win an NBA championship wearing the brand’s Basketball footwear. That’s quite a feat, considering that Skechers is still relatively new to the game, having launched its first performance basketball footwear only three years ago.
A Championship First
The Knicks’ victorious playoff run marked the first time a player has worn the brand’s basketball shoes on an NBA Finals court. Anunoby, a two-time NBA champion, who has partnered with Skechers for a year, wore exclusive Player Edition (PE) styles throughout the playoffs and finals.
“Skechers has been an exceptional partner on this journey,” says Anunoby. “They truly put care into building footwear that meets my needs. They know I often switch things up mid-game, so having a consistent flow of options helps keep me comfortable and confident on the court.”
Exclusive Player Edition Styles
During the playoffs and finals, Anunoby wore several exclusive PE styles, including an SKX Nexus “Euro” PE, an SKX Reign Foreman PE for warmups, and—for his now iconic Game 4 tip-in—a SKX Nexus NYC Blue PE in blue and orange. “That was a nod to the city, my team, and most importantly, the best fans anyone could ask for,” says Anunoby.
It was also the kind of marketing magic brands dream of, the kind that creates instant credibility and cements a shoe in sports history. With its footprint in b-ball growing rapidly since launching Skechers Basketball footwear in 2023, the brand may well show up in more memorable moments on the court.
A Growing Athlete Roster
Along with Anunoby, Skechers’ athlete roster includes NBA stars Isaiah Hartenstein, Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Jabari Walker, and Josh Green, along with WNBA players Rickea Jackson, Kiki Iriafen, and 2025 championship winner Jackie Young.
“OG has driven awareness and excitement for Skechers Basketball and our position in this sport,” says Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “OG embodies the spirit of not only Skechers Performance but the entire philosophy of Skechers as The Comfort Technology Company.” Greenberg adds that a signature OG Anunoby shoe is in the works.
Marketing Magic and Authenticity
Anunoby debuted the SKX REIGN “FOREMAN” PE during warmups before Game 3 in the Finals. He also generated buzz when he gifted an autographed pair of the SKX NEXUS “EURO” PE to Knicks fan and Skechers Ambassador Martha Stewart after Game 2.
Anunoby wore the SKX NEXUS “NYC BLUE” PE in Knicks’ team colors during his iconic Game 4 performance, a tribute to the playoff run and the fans. He closed out the championship in a yellow pair of SKX NEXUS.
Skechers’ Growing Footprint in Basketball
The now-famous tip-in that secured the championship will be remembered not only as a defining sports moment but as a milestone in Skechers’ basketball journey. For a brand that entered the basketball footwear market only in 2023, reaching the NBA Finals within three years is a remarkable achievement.
Skechers has historically been known for lifestyle and walking shoes, not performance athletics. The brand’s move into basketball represents a strategic diversification, targeting a younger, more active demographic. The success of athletes like Anunoby wearing Skechers on basketball’s biggest stage validates this strategy.
The Power of Authentic Partnership
What makes Anunoby’s partnership with Skechers notable is its authenticity. Unlike endorsement deals that feel transactional, Anunoby’s collaboration with the brand appears genuine. He speaks about the care Skechers puts into developing footwear that meets his specific needs—a testament to the brand’s commitment to performance.
For Skechers, having an NBA champion wear their shoes to a championship is invaluable marketing. It demonstrates that their basketball footwear can perform at the highest level, silencing skeptics who might have viewed the brand as a newcomer with limited credibility in athletics.
What’s Next for Skechers Basketball
With a signature shoe for OG Anunoby in development and a growing roster of NBA and WNBA athletes, Skechers’ presence in basketball shows no signs of slowing. The brand has signalled that it intends to be a serious player in the basketball footwear market, not merely a novelty entrant.
As basketball fans and athletes witness the performance of Skechers footwear on championship stages, the brand’s credibility will only grow. In a market dominated by Nike, Jordan, and Adidas, Skechers is carving out a distinctive space—one defined by comfort technology applied to high-performance athletics.
The 2026 NBA championship will be remembered for many reasons, but for Skechers, it marks the moment the brand arrived in basketball.
Source: Footwear Plus Magazine (June 18, 2026)
