Kicks

Joel Embiid Officially Signs Sneaker Deal With Skechers

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is the latest NBA All-Star to sign with Skechers.

Pat Benson

Joel Embiid wears the Skechers SKX Float.
Joel Embiid wears the Skechers SKX Float. / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 109-105 on Tuesday night. Not only was it a statement win for Philadelphia, but 76ers center Joel Embiid made his long-awaited return to action after missing two months with a knee injury.

Embiid provided 24 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. With all eyes on him, the reigning NBA MVP used the opportunity to officially announce his new sneaker deal with Skechers. The 7-footer laced up the Skechers SKX Float in the "white/black/orange" colorway. The hoop shoes are available for $140 in adult sizes on the Skechers website.

Embiid's sneaker deal does not come as a huge surprise to anyone in the footwear industry. In October, reporting indicated that the 76ers center was nearing a deal with the Los Angeles-based brand. Over the past several months, Embiid has worn Skechers basketball shoes in practice but never in a game - until now.

It cannot be overstated how big of a victory this signing is for Skechers. Before the NBA season started, Skechers established a foothold on both coasts by signing New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann. But adding a 7x NBA All-Star to their roster is a game-changer.

Even better, Embiid has expressed interest in playing for Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Players and brands lobby hard to obtain highly-coveted spots on the United States Men's National Basketball Team. There is a chance that Skechers could have representation on the best basketball team in the world.

While the details of Embiid's multi-year sneaker deal remain a mystery, it is safe to assume that Skechers plans to build around the big man. Embiid had a short-lived signature sneaker line with Under Armour and could eventually have another with Skechers. Stay locked into FanNation Kicks for all your footwear news from the sports world.

Further Reading: Scoot Henderson's PUMA sneakers get an NBA 2K collaboration.

Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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