In recent years, NBA players have started to challenge the status quo by embracing innovative performance sneakers from emerging brands. While Converse once reigned supreme in the early NBA days, and Nike’s Jordan Brand dominated the ’90s, a new wave of brands like Lin-Ning/Way Of Wade, ANTA, and Rigorer are disrupting the market.
According to a press release from KICKS CREW, Li-Ning/Way Of Wade has seen a remarkable 560% increase in sales, securing the second-highest US market share for performance basketball shoes, trailing only behind Nike.
Specifically, the demand for Li-Ning/WOW sneakers, notably the WOW 10, has surged tenfold in GMV year-over-year on KICKS CREW.
Similarly, Rigorer, endorsed by LA Lakers star Austin Reaves, has made significant strides with its AR1 sneaker. Since its launch last summer, the Rigorer AR1 has solidified its position as one of the top-selling performance basketball shoes on KICKS CREW, surpassing brands like Puma.