Nike debuted a mockup of the new kicks that Victor Wembanyama would wear at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris at a pre-game event. Despite its striking differences from the consumer model, the sneakers are sure to turn heads—and maybe not in a good way.
Wembanyama, a standout for the San Antonio Spurs, was the most talked-about rookie in the NBA when he joined the league. Although it was difficult to fathom before the arrival of the French sensation, some have said that Wembanyama had even more buzz as a rookie than King James (Lebron).
In his first year on the team, Wembanyama lived up to the expectations. He averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 blocks per game, ranking him second in the league in defensive Player of the Year voting.
With his current role as a brand ambassador for G.T. Hustle 3, the Olympian has established himself as one of Nike’s most prominent athletes.
Although Wembanyama has debuted Nike’s G.T. Hustle 3 sneakers, his trademark sneaker may be on the horizon. If the Nike prototype is any indication, Wembanyama’s trademark shoe will become one of the brand’s most distinctive offerings.
After Nike revealed the sneaker prototype in Paris, NBA fans were not happy with it.
The design takes its cues from Wembanyama’s “love for science fiction” and the “bismuth stone” he wore throughout draft night.
Some fans have already compared the shoe to a “Cinderella slipper,” while others likened it to an alien marshmallow.
Barstool Sports was more succinct – “the shoe stinks.”
A large portion of the NBA fan base clearly does not approve of Wemby’s new sneakers, it seems.
With a historic rookie season under his belt, this sneaker has the potential to be a landmark in his career if he continues to perform at a high level while donning it.
Or, it can make him a laughing stock.
