From Newcomer to NBA Finals: Skechers’ Rapid Rise in the Sporting World

OG Anunoby capped off the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history, with a game-winning shot, soaring over Spurs’ defenders, in his new pair of Skechers.Not long ago, that sentence would have sounded almost absurd. Now Skechers is part of one of basketball's most iconic moments.When Skechers officially entered performance basketball in 2023, the move was met with equal parts curiosity and skepticism. The sport has long been dominated by a handful of powerhouse brands that have spent decades, and billions of dollars, cementing their place in the sport. Breaking into basketball’s inner circle wasn't supposed to happen overnight.For Skechers, the journey from outsider to Finals spotlight hasn't been fueled by hype. It's been built through athlete trust and a willingness to challenge long-standing assumptions about who belongs on the game's biggest stage. Skechers might be new to spotlight, but they’ve been quietly building their performance footwear for years. Every day. With athletes training in their sneakers, providing input, and crafting sneakers that have always been ready.Now, when the lights shine brightest, fans are starting to notice stars like OG Anunoby representing one of basketball footwear's most unexpected challengers. Skechers has quietly assembled a roster that includes Anunoby, Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Norman Powell, and Isaiah Hartenstein, alongside WNBA champion Jackie Young. These athletes have trusted Skechers to perform off the court, in moments away from the fans, and now the world is seeing them deliver in the highest-pressure moments of their careers. For Anunoby, that confidence comes down to what happens between the lines. “Skechers has helped me continue to play basketball at an elite level and I love these shoes,” he said. “I play quick and low to the court. I jump and move a lot. Skechers has the shoe to keep me comfortable, keep me protected and keep me playing my best every day.”Anunoby’s comments speak to a broader evolution for Skechers happening across professional sports. Athletes are increasingly choosing comfort and performance. The same company making noise in the NBA now finds itself represented on some of the world's biggest stages. One of the biggest soccer stars in the world and contender for the Ballon d'Or, Harry Kane, is preparing to captain England at the World Cup in Skechers. This comes fresh of record 58-goal season at Bayern Munich and leading Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title, while wearing his new boots.Jackie Young won a WNBA championship this year wearing Skechers. Matt Fitzpatrick has collected multiple PGA Tour victories in Skechers. Across sports, the pattern is becoming difficult to ignore.Skecher’s willingness to challenge convention is a big reason why players like Randle were drawn to the brand in the first place. “We have the opportunity to do exciting things outside the box in a positive and impactful way,” he said. “We’re trailblazing together with these amazing shoes. I love that.”Championships create heroes. They also create symbols. Anunoby's game-winning shot offered a different narrative. One where an emerging challenger earned a seat at the table, and arrived in the middle of basketball history.The NBA Finals will crown a champion. But for Skechers, it’s clear they’ve already won.Head to the official Skechers website to shop the latest athletic styles.Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast