Anthony Davis has established himself as a top-tier player in the NBA throughout his career, earning numerous accolades such as 8 All-Star selections, 4 All-NBA honors, 4 NBA All-Defensive team appearances, and winning an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Despite his success, the one thing missing from Davis’ impressive resume is a signature shoe, which he expressed interest in after winning the title in 2020. Despite being a Nike endorser since entering the league in 2012, there have been ongoing rumors about the possibility of a signature shoe featuring his trademark unibrow. However, a sports marketing executive in 2019 shed light on why Davis has yet to receive a signature shoe and why it might not happen in the future.
“You look at a guy like Curry with the quick smile and the boyish face and the assassin’s shot, and he’s got the total package,” NPD Group’s Matt Powell said. “LeBron is the face of the Nike brand. Harden has his own style and personality. Davis, while he’s on the court, is an amazing athlete, but I wouldn’t call him a particularly marketable personality.”
In a realm propelled by individuality, Anthony Davis starkly contrasts the contemporary NBA. Despite being an extraordinary and distinctive presence on the basketball court, he remains enigmatic when it comes to sharing details about his personal life with the general public. AD maintains a low profile on social media, refraining from engaging in activities that attract attention, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. He chooses not to interact with the media, avoiding the dissemination of memorable statements or provocative viewpoints.
“Even in high school, at Kentucky, I was always a quiet guy. Outside the locker room, we can talk and kid all day. But I’ve always just been a real laid-back guy,” Davis once said.
Anthony Davis came closest to having his own signature shoe when Nike introduced a special edition of the Nike Air Audacity known as “The Brow” for the NBA All-Star game in 2016. This shoe featured Davis’ distinctive unibrow, which is prominently displayed throughout its design.
Subsequently, AD has predominantly sported Kobe sneakers. He commenced with the Nike Kobe 4 Protros and subsequently embraced the Kobe 5 Protros, notably the illustrious Gold 5s that adorned his feet throughout the 2020 NBA Finals. During 2021, Davis predominantly favored the Nike Cosmic Unity design, while in the most recent season, he predominantly laced up LeBron James’ LeBron 20s.
“As a kid, you always want your own sneakers,” Davis said. “You go on “NBA 2K” and create your own shoe and do all those things. So, honestly, it is a goal of mine, but I know it’s not given. It has to be earned, and if Nike comes to me and wants to give me a signature shoe, I would be more than happy, and it will be a dream come true. I just have to keep working, and hopefully, that time comes.”