Skechers Hooks Up Joel Embiid With Gold Sneakers to Celebrate His Gold Medal With Team USA

Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images; Skechers

Joel Embiid and Skechers have joined in on the Olympics tradition of celebrating a gold medal in basketball with sneakers to match.

Skechers linked up with Embiid Wednesday to gift him a personalized gold version of the Skx Float, the model he’s favored since joining the brand in April. The black and gold sneaker features a healthy amount of sheen and is inscribed with his “The Process” nickname through a handwritten graphic above the toe. Embiid’s full name also appears on the heel, and the sneakers were presented to him in a gold box.

Embiid is Skechers’ biggest star in basketball, and his deal with the brand comes as part of a broader push into performance footwear that’s included Harry Kane as the headliner for its soccer offerings. Rumors of Embiid signing with Skechers persisted through the whole of last season until an official announcement was made shortly before the postseason began.

The Skx Float is one of two sneakers Skechers launched last fall for its introduction to performance basketball. The low-top makes use of lightweight and responsive super critical Hyper Burst foam in the dual-density midsole, as well as a Hyper Burst Pro sockliner. Goodyear rubber is used for the outsole, and the upper is rendered in a perforated mesh with TPU placements holding the foot in place.

Julius Randle and Terance Mann, who preceded Embiid in joining Skechers, have both worn the Skx Float regularly as well.

In his prior deal with Under Armour, which lasted for five years before expiring in October 2023, Embiid received just a single signature sneaker that released in 2020. It’s not yet clear if he’ll get another to call his own for Skechers.

During the Olympics, Embiid averaged 11.2 points, good for sixth most on the team, as well as 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists in just 16.8 minutes of action per game. His best performance came in the tense semifinal against Serbia and regular NBA MVP rival Nikola Jokic, as Embiid contributed 19 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.