Anthony Edwards’ signature shoe deal lives on as Adidas has unveiled a brand new AE 1 shoe edition inspired by Team USA’s Olympic gold medal victory. Edwards and his signature shoe collaboration have set him on a collision course to becoming the eventual face of the NBA in a very short time.
Anthony Edward’s Signature Shoe: A Coveted Career Feat
The Signature Shoe
A signature brand shoe deal has to be one of the best bonus features for a basketball star in their playing career. It’s a coveted goal held by many players in the NBA and WNBA. No, it’s not a statistical record, an end-of-season all-pro award, an achievement of x number of games played to boast career longevity, and it’s surely not a championship, not anywhere close. However, a shoe deal is in its own category of personal career accolades and accomplishments. You know you’re a genuine, purebred superstar when you rock a signature shoe deal.
Some of the greatest NBA players have snagged signature shoe deals with Nike and Adidas, amongst other brands. At least 30 current NBA players have a signature shoe deal. Steph Curry, Lebron James, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Trae Young, Anthony Edwards—the list drags on. The WNBA also has its share of superstars with shoe deals: Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and more recently, A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark. Clark’s shoe has yet to be created, but she recently signed with Nike on a groundbreaking deal worth $28 million.
Antman & MJ
Following his Olympic gold medal victory with Team USA, Edwards, whose shoe deal lies with Adidas, was gifted a special gold medal edition of his shoe. The shoe comes from his AE 1 line, and more colors will come.
Edwards was a perfect choice for Adidas to partner with. The brash and exuberant Minnesota Timberwolves guard, who’s only four years into his NBA journey, is one of the most popular players in the world. Throughout the 2023-24 season, Edwards was the subject of the endless and exhausting comparison game played by sports media pundits. The man at the other end of that game? None other than Michael Jordan. I’m not touching that game. However, it is fair to point out that a player who matches the style, charisma, attitude, and confidence that Jordan possessed looks ready to take over as the face of the league. Edwards’ signature shoe collaboration only benefits him more.
Edwards is on the path to claim the ‘face of the league’ crown. With his striking similarities to Michael Jordan, his shoe deal with Adidas could be a game-changer for his career. Just as Jordan’s partnership with Nike propelled his career, Edwards’ deal could do the same for him.
A New Face
You can’t fault Edwards for claiming to be the number one option on Team USA as confidently as he did, even though he wasn’t. That’s not the point, though. The fact is, he wants to be number one and sees himself as number one. Edwards would carry being the face of the NBA in a way we have not seen. It all comes down to his infectious and contagious personality and how he handles himself on and off the court. When the 2028 Olympics come around, Edwards may have established himself as the best player in the NBA by then. That would make him the number one option and leader of Team USA.
As for his Adidas collaboration, his name and signature shoe have the potential to reach the world, much like Jordan and LeBron James. Edwards and his collaboration with Adidas brought a bold and unique style to the shoe game with its futuristic design and colorways.
The more Antman’s name, face, and game rise, the more so will his signature shoes. Will he reach MJ level? Again, I’m not playing. However, Edwards is crushing it on every level right now and heading straight for glory. As for his new AE 1 Olympic-inspired shoe? Glorious, much winning a gold medal itself.
