It’s entirely possible we’ll see a few folks lose their morals over a pair of Yeezy’s or some OVO Jordans this holiday season.
But the road to signature kicks is often paved with well-paid pitchmen, and these 13 people who revived major shoe brands are no exception.
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Photo: WENN
Wu-Tang Clan: Clark’s
Sadly, the Clan didn’t have an official deal with Clark’s. But you can be 100% sure there’s a link between the resurgence of Wallabees and a certain, nine-man collective from Staten Island. Respect to West Indians for always repping in Clark’s, too.
Game: 310 Motoring
Jayceon and the good folks at 310 Motoring made a valiant attempt to circulate the black dollar and capitalize off of his G-Unit fueled success, but it just wasn’t meant to be.
The Kardashians: Skechers
There were multiple lawsuits filed, but anyone dumb enough to think wearing some “Shape-Ups” would give them a donk like Kim or Khloe deserved to get injured.
photo: PNP / WENN
Allen Iverson: Reebok
After brief looks with Emmitt Smith, Shaq, and Shawn Kemp, A.I. put Reebok all the way back on the map with The Question.
photo: PNP/WENN
Michael Jordan: Nike
Before Mike, Nike was fighting hard to expand that market share. Some $19 billion dollars later, things are working out well for the Swoosh and the Jumpman.
Stephen Curry: Under Armour
We’re not saying people are running out to buy Curry’s kicks. But having the reigning MVP of a championship squad who is regularly in video game mode rocking your kicks is a good look.
Lil Wayne: Supra
Supra was never struggling thanks to looks from a range of folks including pro skaters and Heidi Klum. Adding Weezy was a curious choice, but a necessary one if the goal was to cross over.
photo: WENN
Grant Hill: Fila
Prior to all those injuries, Fila and Grant Hill combined to make some underground magic in the mid-‘90s.
photo: PNP / WENN
Stephon Marbury: And 1
And 1 struck marketing and karmic gold by using a mix of jaw-dropping mixtapes and Starbury as a pitch man to elbow their way into the shoe and apparel game.
Dwyane Wade: Li-Ning
You can be forgiven if you’ve never heard of the Chinese footwear company Li-Ning. They gave Dwyane Wade $12 million reasons to leave the Jordan Brand, and last we checked, that could mean millions of potential customers overseas.
