New York Knicks forward Julius Randle has had his fair share of foot injuries. That’s why, in the summer of 2023, the three-time All-Star decided to make a big change in his wardrobe, particularly his choice of shoes. As someone who has worn Nike all his life, the 2021 Most Improved Player made the move to Sketchers, which Randle believes is the biggest reason why he’s avoided lower body injuries.
“Last year was a big year for me coming into the season. I wore one particular brand of shoe for most of my career, and I got injured. I was coming off a foot injury ahead of that season, a bad ankle injury, and for me to switch shoe brands going into my 10th year of my career coming off an ankle injury, that’s a pretty big leap. With the faith and trust in Sketchers, I knew I was making the right decision when they sent me the shoe,” Randle shared in a press conference held in Manila, Philippines, during his visit.
The type of shoe that matches his style
Randle’s sentiments here show that a player’s choice of shoes goes beyond the hype and design. It’s vital for every hooper to go with kicks that not just feel comfortable but also match their playing style. The 29-year-old has been drawn to Sketchers—which he became one of the first basketball endorsers for in 2023—because the shoe supports the power he operates with on the court.
“I’m a powerful player. I pride myself on being powerful but also ‘versatile in the rain’ is a shoe for a player for my size. Definitely for my position. It allows me to be durable and showcase my power as well as my versatility. It allows me freedom of movement on the court and just overall, it’s a great shoe,” Randle added.
The Knicks forward, who averaged 24.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 7.0 rebounds in 46 games last season, was part of the All-Star team. Unfortunately, though, the two-time All-NBA team awardee suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, which significantly affected the Knicks ’ championship hopes. After getting his foot issues in order, Randle hopes to do the same with his upper body, and there’s no better time for him to do it now that New York has loaded up in the summer.
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Big season ahead for Randle
The pressure will be on Randle this coming season to once again meet expectations and, more importantly, remain healthy throughout the season. The Knicks made one of the biggest moves in the league this offseason by acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for a loaded package consisting of Bojan Bogdanovic, Shake Milton, and Mamadi Diakite, along with four unprotected first-round picks and one protected pick. Bridges joined the core: Randle, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby .
Remember, this is the same Knicks team that went on a nine-game winning streak after landing injuries got in the way. The hope is for New York to build off this current core of theirs, which Randle knows starts and ends with him and JB. The All-Star is laser-focused on snapping the 51-year championship drought and bringing the city of New York back to basketball glory.
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