Do Big Men Sell Sneakers?

We analyze whether or not big men can sell sneakers by looking at the success of signature sneaker lines from basketball's best centers.

words // Zack Schlemmer

There’s an old mentality that has been used around the basketball sneaker industry for years: “big men don’t sell sneakers.”  Believers in this theory will argue that guards will always be more marketable, and in turn sell more sneakers than the less flashy centers.

Of course, in the history of signature sneakers, there are indeed many more shoes given to point guards and forwards than centers—we all know the successful signature lines of players like Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, Jason Kidd, LeBron James, and so on. But hey, guess what? There are also way more guards and forwards on each team, and therefore more opportunities for those player positions to get shoe deals. 

Since today is Shaquille O’Neal’s birthday—the most marketable center ever and the man that conflicts with the “big men don’t sell sneakers” hypothesis the most—we thought we’d take a look at the biggest names at the center position who have all had signature sneakers and try to settle this once and for all.

Shaquille O'Neal

Signature Models: Reebok Shaq Attaq I-IV, Shaqnosis, Dunkmob, Preacher, and then later, his own budget-minded Dunkman line.

Did they sell? Yes. His Reebok signature line was always a success, and still is today with retros of the Shaq Attaq and Shaqnosis. Even though his budget brand has no respect from sneaker heads, they are still a pretty decent low-cost option for those who can’t afford $100+ sneakers.

Verdict: The Big Diesel will always be a big part of sneaker history, and probably always be able to shoes.

 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Signature Models: adidas Kareem Abdul Jabbar, LA Gear Models

Did they sell? Yes and No. Kareem’s models with adidas go down as some of the most iconic hoops shoes ever from the brand, and they’re making a comeback this year beginning with the “Blueprint” version that’s already long-gone.  His LA Gear signature models from late in his career, however, are quite forgettable.

Verdict: Kareem led the way for big man signature shoes, and his adidas models are timeless. Overall, Kareem sold shoes.

 

Hakeem Olajuwon

Signature Models: Various models from Etonic, LA Gear and Spalding

Did They Sell?  No. Hakeem the Dream is one of the greatest centers the game has ever seen, but the sneaker community will probably never respect his random assortment of signature models from small name and budget brand sneaker companies.

Verdict: His Etonic model was quality footwear at its time, but Hakeem’s models from second-tier brands like LA Gear and Spalding were never big sellers.

 

Patrick Ewing

Signature Models: adidas Rivalry, Conductor and Attitude, EWING Brand

Did They Sell? Yes. Big Pat apparently never heard about big men not being able to sell sneakers, because he started his own damn brand. He was actually the first player to do so, even before Michael Jordan.

Verdict: Ewing Brand sneakers were big on the east coast throughout the late 1980’s and early 90’s, and the legacy lives on with the newly resurrected Ewing Athletics brand that’s been dropping a steady flow of great colorways of classic models for the last couple of years. Add to that his mid '80s adidas models, and Patrick has definitely sold plenty of shoes.

 

David Robinson

(Unofficial) Signature Models: Nike Air Command Force, Air Force 180 High, Air Unlimited

Did They Sell? Yes. OK, so The Admiral never actually had his own official signature shoe bearing his name, but we felt he could be included in this conversation for the models that will always be very closely associated with him. We’re not sure why Nike did him dirty and never gave him an official sig; He endorsed the brand throughout his entire career and the models he did wear were some of the biggest, baddest and coolest Nike basketball shoes ever.

Verdict: Put Mr. Robinson’s name on any of the three models mentioned above, and we’re pretty sure Nike would have sold even more pairs. 

 

Dikembe Mutombo

Signature Models: adidas Mutombo I and II

Did They Sell?  First model, yes. Second model, not really. The first Mutombo model from adidas is a certified classic, enjoying a resurgence in popularity now upon its first-ever return. His toned down second model, however, remains mostly forgotten.

Verdict: The first Mutombo model sold relatively well back in 1993, and was sought out by collectors for years until it finally made a comeback last year. Definitely a seller. 

 

Alonzo Mourning

Signature Model: Nike Air Alonzo

Did They Sell? No. The big and bulky Air Alonzo reads more like a boot than a basketball sneaker, so it’s no wonder why they weren’t a big seller.  One of the most obscure signature shoes of Nike’s history, the Air Alonzo never saw a very wide release, so it wasn’t very easy to get a pair even if you wanted them, anyway. Even with its rarity, the Air Alonzo is really only sought out by the most hardcore Nike basketball collectors. We can’t see them ever getting a retro edition.

Verdict: Overall, we’ll have to say that Alonzo didn’t sell sneakers. But we wonder how a Zo sig would have done if one came out while he was with the Charlotte Hornets at the height of his popularity. 

 

Tim Duncan

Signature Models: Nike Total Air Foamposite Max, Air Max Duncan I and II, Various adidas Signature Models

Did They Sell? Mostly Not. Everybody knows the Nike Total Air Foamposite Max (which isn’t even officially his signature shoe), but after that, the popularity of his signature line takes a nosedive.

Verdict: We all know Timmy is one of the best players ever fundamentally, but that doesn't necessarily make for exciting, which isn’t good for sneaker sales. But perhaps his shoes would have sold much better if they were all as cool as the Total Air Foamposite Max.

 

Yao Ming

Signature Model: Reebok High Post

Did They Sell? No. Yao Ming was an international sensation, but somehow it never translated to sneaker sales. His only signature model, the High Post, is pretty forgettable.

Verdict: Reebok wasn’t exactly at the top of their game during the Yao Ming years, which may have a lot to do with his signature sneaker’s underperformance at retail.

 

Dwight Howard

Signature Model: adidas Howard 1-4

Did They Sell? Not Really. Dwight was the NBA’s poster boy early in his career, but he’s lost a lot of his popularity after changing teams three times in three years. We wonder how much longer his signature line will continue.

Verdict:  All of Dwight’s adidas signature shoes have been pretty good performers on court, but don’t have much cross-over appeal casually.  The current public opinion of him doesn’t help much, either.

 

Results: Inconclusive.

Out of ten of the best centers to have signature sneakers, five have been able to sell sneakers, and five haven’t. But throw in other big men's signature lines not at the center position, like Kevin Garnett and Charles Barkley, and you have even more success.

We would like to suggest that overall, the designs themselves are what sells the shoe, not who is endorsing them. The sneaker community really doesn’t care if it’s a signature shoe for Anthony Davis or Nate Robinson.  We’re going to buy whatever looks good and performs well.