OG Anunoby currently wears Skechers Basketball footwear, primarily alternating between the SKX Nexus and SKX Reign models.
After signing a landmark multi-year endorsement deal in July 2025, Anunoby solidified his place in history as the first player to ever wear Skechers during an NBA Finals series, eventually leading the New York Knicks to the 2026 Championship.
While he spent his early career rotating through Nike’s LeBron and Kyrie signature lines, his transition to Skechers has redefined his on-court identity.
Today, Anunoby serves as the premier face of the brand’s basketball division as they develop his first signature shoe.
What Shoes Does OG Anunoby Wear Right Now?
As the premier defensive anchor for the New York Knicks, OG Anunoby requires footwear that can withstand his high-intensity lateral movements and explosive verticality.
His current rotation with Skechers is meticulously curated to provide the specific performance benefits needed for his versatile role on the court.
The Skechers SKX Nexus: Built for Speed and Precision
The Skechers SKX Nexus has become Anunoby’s primary choice when he needs a low-top silhouette that prioritizes court feel and agility. This model is specifically engineered for speed and responsive transitions during quick defensive rotations.
A defining feature of the SKX Nexus is the integration of a torsion plate, which provides the necessary rigidity for high-speed maneuvers without sacrificing flexibility.
Furthermore, the inclusion of a Goodyear performance outsole ensures that Anunoby maintains elite traction on the hardwood, a critical factor for a player known for his lockdown defensive capabilities.
During the 2026 NBA Finals, he famously wore a special “NYC Blue” Player Exclusive (PE) version of the Nexus, which gained legendary status after he used its superior grip to execute a game-winning tip-in during Game 4.
The Skechers SKX Reign: Stability for the Modern Forward
When Anunoby anticipates a matchup requiring more physical play or maximum ankle support, he switches to the Skechers SKX Reign.
This mid-top model is built around the concept of elevation and heavy traction, catering to players who spend significant time crashing the boards or exploding toward the rim.
The SKX Reign features a full-length carbon-infused plate, a premium technology designed to maximize energy return during explosive leaps.
This model also gained massive social media attention when Anunoby debuted the “Foreman” PE in Game 3 of the Finals.
This particular colorway was styled to mimic the appearance of classic wheat-colored work boots, blending high-performance technology with a distinct New York cultural aesthetic.
The Evolution of OG Anunoby’s Footwear History
Anunoby’s journey through various sneaker brands reflects his growth from a promising defensive specialist in Toronto to a cornerstone champion in New York.
His early years were dominated by industry leaders, but his recent shift represents a strategic move toward becoming a brand figurehead.
| Era / Timeframe | Brand | Specific Shoe Models Worn | Key Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 – Present | Skechers | SKX Nexus, SKX Reign | Wore “NYC Blue” PE for 2026 Finals winner; Signature line in development. |
| 2024 | Nike | LeBron NXXT Gen, LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD | Wore these extensively immediately after being traded to the Knicks. |
| 2021 – 2023 | Nike | Kyrie 7, Kyrie Low series, Kyrie Infinity | His mainstay rotation during his final seasons with the Toronto Raptors. |
| 2017 – 2020 | Nike | LeBron signature lines, Paul George (PG) 2.5 | Go-to shoes during his rookie contract years and early career growth. |
| College / Early Pro | Misc. | Adidas Dame 3, Nike Kyrie 3, Nike Kobe AD NXT FF | High-performance models used during his time at Indiana and early NBA stint. |
Why Did OG Anunoby Leave Nike for Skechers?
The transition from Nike to Skechers in July 2025 was viewed by many analysts as a calculated move to secure a more prominent role within a brand’s marketing ecosystem.
While Nike boasts a massive roster of superstar athletes, Skechers offered Anunoby the opportunity to be the face of an emerging performance basketball division.
This partnership proved mutually beneficial almost immediately, as Anunoby’s success in the New York market provided a massive platform for the brand.
Breaking the “Swoosh” Tradition in the NBA Finals
For decades, the NBA Finals have been dominated by a select few legacy brands, making Anunoby’s choice to wear Skechers a historic outlier.
By becoming the first player ever to wear the brand during a championship series, he effectively challenged the status quo of performance basketball marketing.
This move signaled to other professional athletes that alternative brands could provide the necessary technology to compete at the highest possible level.
The success of this partnership culminated in Anunoby winning the 2026 NBA Championship, forever linking the brand to a title-winning legacy in the world’s most famous arena.
The Strategy Behind the Multi-Year Endorsement Deal
The multi-year deal signed in the summer of 2025 was not just about current performance but also about long-term brand building. Skechers utilized Anunoby’s reputation as a “winning player” to validate their entry into the performance basketball market.
From a strategic perspective, placing their flagship shoes on a player in the New York market ensured maximum visibility among fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike.
This alignment has paved the way for future retail expansions and the eventual release of consumer-facing products tied directly to Anunoby’s on-court achievements.
Technical Analysis of Skechers Basketball Technology
Skechers has invested heavily in research and development to ensure their basketball silhouettes meet the rigorous standards of professional athletes like Anunoby.
The technology integrated into his rotation focuses on three primary pillars: traction, stability, and energy return.
Torsion Plates and Goodyear Outsoles
In the SKX Nexus, the torsion plate serves as the backbone of the shoe, providing structural integrity that prevents the foot from twisting uncomfortably during sharp cuts.
This is paired with a Goodyear performance outsole, which leverages advanced rubber compounds to provide superior grip on diverse court surfaces.
For a player like Anunoby, who often defends multiple positions, this combination of stability and traction is essential for maintaining his elite defensive positioning.
Carbon-Infused Elevation and Mid-Top Support
The SKX Reign takes technology a step further by incorporating a full-length carbon-infused plate. Carbon fiber is highly valued in performance footwear for its ability to act as a spring, storing and releasing energy with every step.
This technology is particularly beneficial for forwards who need an extra edge in vertical spacing and rim protection.
The mid-top construction further complements this by providing a lockdown fit around the ankle, reducing the risk of injury during high-impact landings.
The Future of the OG Anunoby Signature Shoe
Following the monumental success of the 2026 championship run, the footwear landscape is preparing for the next phase of Anunoby’s partnership with Skechers.
The brand has officially confirmed that a dedicated signature line is currently in development, moving Anunoby into an elite category of NBA players with their own namesake footwear.
Designing for a Defensive Powerhouse
While details regarding the specific aesthetics of the upcoming signature shoe remain under wraps, it is expected to blend the speed of the Nexus with the power of the Reign.
Analysts predict the shoe will feature customized elements that reflect Anunoby’s London roots and his adopted home in New York City.
The “NYC Blue” and “Foreman” PEs have already set a high bar for storytelling through footwear, suggesting that the signature line will lean heavily into culturally relevant designs that resonate with basketball fans.
Retail Availability and the “NYC Blue” Pre-Order
Demand for Anunoby’s footwear reached an all-time high following his Finals heroics. To capitalize on this momentum, a limited-edition run of the SKX Nexus “NYC Blue” PE became available for official pre-order on July 1, 2026.
This release serves as a bridge between his current rotation and the upcoming signature line, allowing fans to own a piece of the footwear history he created during the Knicks’ title run.
The success of this drop is expected to influence the production scale and marketing strategy for his future signature releases.
Frequently Asked Questions About OG Anunoby’s Sneakers
What specific shoe did OG Anunoby wear for his 2026 Game 4 winner?
Anunoby wore a Player Exclusive (PE) “NYC Blue” colorway of the Skechers SKX Nexus during his iconic game-winning tip-in.
When did OG Anunoby sign with Skechers?
He signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Skechers in July 2025, after previously being a Nike athlete.
Did OG Anunoby ever wear Nike shoes?
Yes, for the majority of his early career with the Toronto Raptors and his initial stint with the New York Knicks, he wore various Nike models, including the Kyrie 7, Kyrie Infinity, and LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD.
Is there a signature OG Anunoby shoe available?
While not yet at retail, Skechers has officially confirmed that a dedicated OG Anunoby signature shoe is currently in development following his 2026 championship victory.
What was the “Foreman” shoe Anunoby wore?
The “Foreman” was a viral PE version of the Skechers SKX Reign that was designed to look like a classic Timberland work boot.
Conclusion: A New Era of Performance Footwear
OG Anunoby’s move to Skechers represents a significant shift in the NBA footwear hierarchy. By choosing performance over tradition, he has not only elevated his own game but also helped a new player enter the competitive basketball market with authority.
Whether he is locking down opponents in the SKX Nexus or soaring for rebounds in the SKX Reign, Anunoby’s footwear is now a symbol of championship-level performance in New York.
As his signature line approaches, the basketball world will be watching closely to see how this partnership continues to evolve.
