Knicks: Julius Randle Reveals Reason for Ditching Nike

(Photo : Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK - Julius Randle (#30) of the New York Knicks speaks at a press conference during media day at the MSG Training Center on October 02, 2023 in Tarrytown, New York.

New York Knicks big man Julius Randle  from the shoe giant Nike, opting instead to sport a less conventional shoe brand for the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season.

During the team's media day, the 28-year-old was spotted rocking basketball shoes from Skechers, a brand mainly associated with lifestyle and running shoes.

Julius Randle in the new Skechers basketball sneaker. Unexpected development.

— SLAM Kicks (@SLAMKicks)

Speaking about the move, the two-time NBA All-Star explained the reason behind the shift, calling it bigger than basketball.

"The opportunity to not only kinda trail-blaze a new shoe that's coming into the basketball game but opportunity to build with Skechers, do things outside the box that I might not get a chance to do at Nike or a Jordan," the 2021 NBA Most Improved Player stated.

The former Kentucky player recognized the significant potential of Skechers,  as the fourth-largest shoe brand globally.

He noted their established market presence in the lifestyle category and their current efforts to expand into a different consumer base, such as sports.

Other Skechers athletes

In the NBA, apart from Randle, Los Angeles Clippers forward Terrence Mann is also among the company's endorsers.

The 26-year-old  Skechers shoes during practices and media day.

On the other hand, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane  a boot deal with the brand, which is reported to be a lifetime agreement.