The Rise of Chinese Sneaker Brands in The NBA

The NBA's sneaker world has long been dominated by Brands like Nike and Adidas, but right now, Chinese athletic companies are giving the heritage shoe brands a run for their money. In this video, I explain how Chinese sneaker brands like Anta, Li-Ning, and Peak are making huge waves in the NBA.
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[@aaggsmyhoopt2428]

I'm surprised you never mentioned Nikola Jokic signing with 361 Degrees. I mean seriously a Chinese brand just managed to sign a 3 time MVP and recent NBA champion. That's really big deal when talking about their hold on the market.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Yeah I was in the dark about what shoe he rocked with. To be fair, Jokic isn't one to do big promos for his shoes haha my bad on that one though

[@aaggsmyhoopt2428]

@@NachoAverageFinds yeah they designed the whole BIG3 series around him. They just dropped a few PEs recently.

[@DeitrichThomas]

I wouldn't wear this brand

[@alucardbrahmstone6659]

@@DeitrichThomas your reason is?

[@soapcang696]

@@alucardbrahmstone6659 Probably a deep resentment/fear of anything and anyone that's Chinese origin being coded in his DNA.

[@aldennguyen6732]

D Wade was not the first player to sign a partnership deal with a Chinese brand. Before him, there were Baron Davis, Shane Battier, Ron Artest, Luis Scola. But yes, none of them had a significant impact on the market like DWade

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Yes you’re right. He may have been the first dude with a personal brand in China though

[@RampagingChipmunk]

⁠@@NachoAverageFindsStephon Marbury?

[@fanwu7015]

KG also

[@therealest297]

NachoAverageResearch. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@DreChampProductions]

Rondo and KG were with Anta too

[@ZsStudio]

i'm big fan of li-ning shoes, they are cheap (in China of course) well made, comfortable even their low end one are good.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

I like their low tops

[@2kislife256]

You didn't mention Nikola Jokic who recently signed by 361 degree chinese brand

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Yeah that was an oversight on my end. Sorry

[@andrewmcbryantjordan2287]

​@@NachoAverageFinds I think you need to make a part 2

[@josephtanner3929]

For jokic ?? Definitely not just mention it on the thread

[@FyrFytr998]

Another heater of a video. One more thing the Chinese have on the American brands is their dedication to outdoor hoops. Their rubber and foam stands up to outside play way better. I haven’t seen that kind of craftsmanship since the 90’s from Nike Air Raid and Darwin’s and Reebok BlackTops.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks bro!

[@user-ol6ty2rd3n]

Different situations,Most our basketball courts have cement or rubber

[@dickkwan184]

fun fact is before 90's CN, most basketball court material is cement. Especially PEAK is good for this court.

[@FyrFytr998]

@@user-ol6ty2rd3n right, my Point being is that the brands in the states focus solely on indoor play, neglecting the fact that kids are gonna blow through their shoes playing outside. Whereas Chinese brands have been known to use tougher materials for longer lasting outside play.

[@Austin-xu1ws]

@@FyrFytr998 Totally agree, growing up in China, I owned several pairs of Nike basketball shoes, those shoes were considered a luxury back in early 2000 in China. It only lasted 3 months on the outdoor courts, it was really devastating to a teenage boy. So I went back to those Chinese brands, and it lasted forever. Of course, it wasn't as comfortable as Nikes, but it kept going.

[@bigbabbyist]

Anta Kai 1 is soooooo fire I have a pair on as we speak

[@thomas_the_cat]

i mean, everything's basically made in china anyway... nike, adidas, UA, jordans, new balance, you name it... the difference is these US brands marks up the price a lot higher, so people are starting to look at these cheaper chinese brands which are actually catching up in terms of quality

[@andreward8268]

Facts!!!!

[@waifubreaks1572]

Adidas is German, New Balance still has shoes made in the US

[@keiming2277]

@@waifubreaks1572 I have three recent Japan Adidas jersey from three recent WC, the Brazil and Russia WC jersey were from China but Qatar WC jersey was from Vietnam

[@yomommastupid]

@@waifubreaks1572 as a brand yes ! but where do you think they manufacture...before they had factories in China now they are moving to Vietnam ! cost of production in Europe and USA is getting too high.

[@yomommastupid]

not nessarily China but Asia as a whole yes...many brands moved out of China to Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Philipines

[@alifnovaldi5195]

I think besides the Chinese population and market potential, Chinese shoe brand rise is also helped by shoe companies building their production factories in China, making them able to studying their technology

[@NachoAverageFinds]

It’s a win win

[@mrdylaninthebox]

agree! One more thing, Chinese companies bought some western brands, especially their r&d department. Companies like Anta and li-Ning spent tons capital and human resources on R&D the last decade, technical breakthrough means stronger product power.

[@spankbuda3769]

Blacks are in the position that they're in because they want to be in this position.

[@troywest1724]

That’s actually not on accident. And that’s why this entire beef between the Western world and China is a farce. Imagine the U.S. allowing some “ghetto” person to create business with China? That’s unimaginable. Doesn’t that go against foreign policy?

[@lucky889s9]

I think more because most of the players and us as consumer, are really getting sick of Nike. Trash shoes with cheap quality that cost more than 150 dollars are ridiculous

[@a1sauce775]

Finally a video that involves China but no hard injections of politics except for the topic at hand. What a refresher. I own two pairs of Jimmy Butlers and they are amazing, it’s light and durable.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Glad you enjoyed it man! Trying to keep it positive on this channel

[@CarlaJenkinsTV]

But it is political. The CBA and Chinese brands are only signing deals with Americans and NBA players because the US is the #1 economy. In a way, the Chinese understand that they're #2.

[@a1sauce775]

@@CarlaJenkinsTV What do sneakers have to do with foreign policy? Is it political when European luxury brands market themselves in America and China? Is it political when Mcdonalds, Burger King, Starbucks operate in China? Why is it only political when China does something and not the US? I think you drank way too much of the Red Scare kool aid.

[@de132]

​@@a1sauce775 I'd argue all international business is "political". European brands courting a luxury crowd in the US or US companies doing business in China is, for a ham-fisted conclusion, political.

[@a1sauce775]

@@de132 When I buy something from France, I dont think about the French government. When I buy something from Japan, I dont think about the Japanese government. Just like when I bought two pairs of Jimmy Butlers shoes, I didnt think about the Chinese government. I just want a good product. How hard is that not to understand? The video was clearly just about sneakers.

[@danimalman3]

Li ning has been on it as far as performance for years. I remember trying the Li Ning Turningpoint which was Evan Turners shoe. They were amazing. Some of my favorite shoes of all time. I also found some of Baron Davis's shoes, and they were nice too.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

That's what I hear from some of my friends who hoop. They're amazing

[@annamundun]

Interesting subject and well made as usual, don't usually comment on videos but I thought I'd let you know! Love from the Netherlands

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Well it makes my day to get a comment for you then. Thanks so much!!

[@cajokolo]

@annamundun also in NL. Glad to find other fans in this part of the world 🙌🏿

[@cajokolo]

Great video and info (going beyond bball and sneakers). Thank you fam!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Really appreciate it

[@0ldMatty2]

Love this channel! Thanks for this video!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks Matty 🙏

[@kevinlu1335]

Prior to leaving Nike, Kyrie also wasn't satisfied with the direction his 8th signature shoe was going - he publicly commented on a kyrie 8 leak claiming that he wasn't happy with it and had no input in its design. Issues with Nike were already bubbling.

[@newpickupsstore]

Truue. Lot of people aren’t aware of this and think the nike break up came out of nowhere

[@CarlaJenkinsTV]

Kyrie wasn't the only one. Vanessa Bryant made the same comments about her late husband's Kobe signature shoe line.

[@lucky889s9]

Yeah, screw Nike

[@I.am_Groot]

What he did was trash the brand in public because he felt they were not catering to all of his ideas. Unfortunately for Anta the Uncle Drew skill set is not what it once was and though I dig the line they have created with him not sure he elevates their brand on any real level. To be fair he did not leave Nike they left him so I doubt it would have been Anta that signed him if he was not desperate for a big money deal and none of the major brands wanted him at that point

[@I.am_Groot]

@@CarlaJenkinsTV Not quite the same but VB did have some issues with what Nike wanted to do and they worked it out which is something Kyrie does not seem to be able to do.

[@Mr.Lam.]

Footlocker and other North American retail chains should at least have some Chinese brands on their shelves. More and more HS ballers are rocking li Ning and anta. This would help footlocker a bottom dollar.

[@marknemeth267]

Foot Locker sucks anyways, they only store the trendy and popular brands. And overpriced as hell. But anyways, Foot Locker? More like Foot Fucker! (haha). I had a terrible experience at one of their stores here in Hungary. I wanted to buy a pair of Air Maxes and I have found an awesome-looking one under the sales section. I tried them on and they were so comfortable...so I went to the register where the girl apparently had no idea that these were on sale... then it turned out that some smooth-brains have put the wrong price tag on the shoes (a pair of Converse shoes were on sale, not the Air Maxes). So, from then on, I swore not to enter any Foot Locker store ever again. They can rot in hell for all I care. This is just my opinion.

[@I.am_Groot]

Is that an Anta choice though? I feel that shoe brands in general are trying to focus more online sales than in store presence

[@hallamdyal5730]

They definitely should have Li-nig, An'ta ,peak and they should bring back K1X or KX1 in the united States.

[@Wholistic_Wellbeing]

This is one of the best information videos I've watched on KZbin and ive been here since 2012

[@kevincabral03]

Love these documentary type content of sneakers from your channel. 👌

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks Kevin!!

[@ignaciomartinez1612]

This channel is pure gold.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

🫡🫡🫡

[@caribbeanj]

Another excellent video

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thank you!

[@alee9071]

I tried a pair of Anta for the first time and now they are my fav sneakers to wear, for playing or just everyday wear! Great design, stability, good price, and super comfy!

[@giogiogiogi0]

You forgot the 361 Brand with Aaron Gordon and their recent signee, The Joker! But it's okay and this was a informative content. It's been awhile! More power!

[@shomittrey6642]

Aslo XTEP the Jeremy Lin endorsed basketball shoes

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Yeah I know! I actually did not know about Jokic’s shoe contract until very late into the process

[@vlada]

​@@NachoAverageFinds😂

[@dingo.D]

Love the "Nachos" videos :)

[@kobe8034]

Glad I clicked on this video. very informative

[@JayTechZM]

Great video as always! Another Chinese brand that may be lesser known is 361°, Anthony Gordon's been rocking them and they have gotten great reviews!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Absolutely should have mentioned 361. Thank you Jay!

[@lucky889s9]

And Nikola Jokic

[@mentazm]

Interesting subject as always

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks for stopping by Brodie

[@Imhim247]

I miss them cool basketball ads and commercials back in the day

[@Matt_will]

Ball with the li Ning yushuai 17 low currently after copping a pair on sale here in Australia. Initially I was doubtful they would perform as well as the traditional shoe brands, but having played in them for 2 months now they are an incredible shoe with great performance. I’ll most definitely be getting more in the future.

[@playboicarti5939]

where'd you get yushuai in australia?

[@Matt_will]

@@playboicarti5939 throwback store. Unsure they have stock now but I know they have a lot of the Jimmy butlers and way of wades on there currently

[@user-sn3ee7sn7x]

户外篮球更需要的😂

[@benmickeyds]

This is a really cool video !

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thank you

[@lorddevil863]

Great video, very accurate and informative with in depth but highlights about the culture and shoes in China market. I bought a pair of limited edition Wiggins Peak 2, yellow smiley. It fits like a Lebron or like you said, not much of a difference between from Nike/Jordans.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

That’s dope! You gotta be the only dude to mention Wiggins so far haha appreciate that

[@michaelp9061]

What they did for Butler , Wade and Gordon was totally gem. I haven’t bought the new Kyries yet but I have heard some good reviews.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

I want the all black Kyries

[@johnamparado6298]

Hey Nacho, Great video ! have pairs from anta and lining from Klay's and D wade's line of shoes, bang for your buck and great performers! especially if their on sale.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

I hear they’re amazing for hooping 🔥🔥

[@johnamparado6298]

@@NachoAverageFinds they are especially the older models ! Anta kt 3 and kt 4 Lining way of wade 4 even if they are heavy, the all city 8’s that were worn by Dangelo Russell in his stint for the warriors

[@I.am_Groot]

They are making nice shoes and bringing cool styles so good on them

[@johnamparado6298]

@@I.am_Groot YES ! the shockwave 5 and its v2 and pro versions looks and performance wise are great !

[@deroncuthbertson]

I work for the Charlotte Hornets & when Gordon Hayward got traded I had to move his stuff from the locker room. I was given 3 pairs of his Anta shoes in size 14.5 They are the most comfortable basketball shoes that I have ever worn. I'm just disappointed because Anta doesn't sale size 14.5 online, it's player exclusive sizing. I would buy more Anta shoes if I could get them in my size.

[@gordonc3600]

Got a pair of Serious Players Only (SPO) recently, they have amazing traction and craftsmanship.

[@gerryfegan3608]

Those Wade 1s and the red and black ones are dope

[@Da-Jaun]

Great video

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks bro!

[@orlandowilliamson691]

Great video, some of those shoes are nice NGL.

[@MichaelLeiBarrientos]

The Kyrie Shockwave 5 was nicest shoes that I have

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Man!!! I want those all black ones. You're convincing me to shell out the money for em now.

[@rudyacosta645]

Another super hit video bro!!!! It hit home for me being a D Wade shoe collector since 2006 and now J.Butler and Karie!!!💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@NachoAverageFinds]

That’s awesome! The Kylie’s look dope

[@hoco27]

Bought my first Wade shoe after thorough research. It has blown thru my expectations. Its legit! traction and cushion especially. Also love they produce more colorways.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Congrats mang! Sounds like a good pick up

[@Beeman2892]

Rigorer is an upcoming chinese sneakers manufacturer

[@NachoAverageFinds]

I’ll have to check those out!

[@asapnope]

just ordered myself a pair of lining basketball shoes. So yeah they are really getting popular.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Let me know how you like em!

[@philipbanks2462]

Peace from Oakland Ca. Been fuckin with you left videos since deep in lockdown 💯

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Ayeeeee appreciate you man

[@davidvermaak5084]

I have a pair of anta kt's and love the comfort on those and price ways they so much more competitive than major brands

[@MultiRayman98]

You didn’t mention Rigorer,361, QD sports who probably would need a video on their own and SPO

[@hendrikkamerman6357]

Nacho bro, can you maybe do a explanation of why we use the term sneakerhead and where that terms stems from? Another banger vid btw

[@kalkhalinzhui1753]

I'm no Nacho, but I think it's because they're so passionate about sneakers that it's in their heads all day long. Either way, Nacho should definitely make a video about sneakerheads and the history of sneaker-related terminology.

[@alexthelizardking]

Good to see you fellows.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks my friend! Hope you’ve been well

[@william-uc2oy]

I have two pair of WOW AC12. They’re great. One pair of ANTA KAI 1. Green Gtail. Love them and I was all Nike since about 1986. Love the Kobe 9 and Kobe 6. The WOW and ANTA Kai 1 are just as good in my opinion. Both brands have done a really good job this year in the basketball shoe market. I’ve nothing but very positive thoughts and comments regarding the shoes.

[@march0202]

Good piece

[@pimpwitnohoes]

Nice one, Bryzie. Very informative. Very well executed. Very well put together. Great script. Just great content, as always. Proud of you, my friend .

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thank you my bru

[@TkKirklandReal]

Good topic bro

[@user-sd5rc7hy3x]

Well, I am surprised that you did not mention the founder of the Li Ning brand, Mr. Li Ning. He is an Olympic champion and legend in artistic gymnastics.

[@YICHEN1949]

Kevin Garnet was with Anta in later of his career. Shaq was with Li Ning in later of his career. Stephon Marbury was 361° degree when he become city legend of Beijing.

[@DreChampProductions]

Nike didn’t terminate Kyrie’s contract, it was up for renewal and they didn’t renew it. That’s why he was still wearing the because he was technically under contract. Anta made him Creative Chef Officer, he wasn’t signed, he can sign players too. He already signed his dad, Derrick Jones jr and Daniel Gafford to Anta.

[@lucky889s9]

Uncle drew living large. Too bad he choked on the finals

[@I.am_Groot]

They fired Kyrie it was not as simple as just not wanting to renew him. He cost them million$ the year before calling his own shoes trash and then when the suspension hit they lost even more money. His title is likely more ceremonial though I am sure his deal with Anta lets him have a lot of creative control which is for sure a reason for ballers to go outside the Nike / Adidas / Etc so they can do their own thing on a deeper level.

[@DreChampProductions]

@@I.am_Groothis title is more than just ceremonial, I have videos on my channel that talks about it. He’s in charge of the of Anta US, that’s why he’s able to sign people and put on events like they had at the BET Awards. And the whole firing thing, his agent talked about what happened in an interview.

[@I.am_Groot]

@@DreChampProductions When dude signed his pops it started to look sus and to be fair Kyrie is not the player he once was so Anta may have trouble getting enough return on their investment but who knows he could have a nice career after basketball working with them getting their brand up. The shoes are fire I know that part is solid

[@Nzambi237]

Your speakers at the back look sick

[@someones_here]

Love the Way of Wades. I have the All City 11s and they’re super durable and protective. And they don’t have the pointed toe box… 😂 I’m get the next Anta x Kyrie’s with the next hoop season.

[@ConcaCon]

I wonder if Asics (Japanese, I know) will ever make their basketball shoes widely available again. I've seen some amazing reviews of the Gelburst and Nova Surge lines.

[@lucky889s9]

Selling running and walking shoes are more profitable for them. More people walking than hooping

[@I.am_Groot]

It feels like they are not trying to expand I don't get why that is but maybe with Anta and other brands being more present the market is harder to break into right now

[@Sabundy]

It's a good question. Because by all accounts ASICS make very good basketball shoes. ASICS also makes very good football ⚽ boots. Which they are only now for the first time expanding outside of Japan by selling in Australia (they have stated plans to start selling their football boots more widely in Asia). So it does make one wonder if they will do the same for their basketball shoes

[@PaulNat360]

I Look Forward To You Guys Doing A Feature/Video About Skechers Basketball Sneakers…

[@djcaps0615]

Tony Parker's signature shoes with Peak was a classic ⭐

[@PRMBALLIN_CLAN]

I love watching your guys videos and I hope you make a video about crocs ❤❤❤

[@marklai6497]

Love my kai 1s. And before it came out i was planning on wow sof or wow 10.

[@Pauly-fs9np]

For anyone wondering how the shoes feel, I recently tried basketball shoes made by a Chinese brand (PEAK), and they are cheap and made of high-quality materials. Very underrated shoe brand and if you're on a budget, Chinese shoes might be for you.

[@oocinom]

Anta is super high quality and fire colorways.

[@xxpaulwangxx]

wade's shoes are actually really popular of volleyball players in the US which is kinda crazy

[@balukas8255]

Man Chinese bb shoes performance are on point

[@TheNFA20]

Hey Nacho, Who makes those speaker stands???🔥🔥🔥

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Yamaha HS7s 🫡

[@lakshmivallabh6936]

Was at that Clippers game 0:20!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Rip the 213 era bro :-(

[@lakshmivallabh6936]

@@NachoAverageFinds don’t remind me man AHHHH 😔 IT HURTS!

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

As a badmintok player, li ning is phenomenal and I'm glad dwade made shoes with them

[@guchumbogo]

Rigorer brand has also been growing steadily

[@eduardocaro381]

great video!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks Eduardo!

[@jupiterchua]

Dwade also had his Jordan signatures models

[@fritzkleinsonbaba389]

KG also donned Anta in his playing days

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Oh wow I did not know that

[@Koreanbbq13]

All of my basketball shoes right now are Li-ning and i never regret using it. I used to wear Nike before. But Li-ning was way more fit to me as a player

[@TheKing-sm9ks]

At the end of the day all those sneakers are being made in some sweatshop in Asia. Including the "American" brands.

[@jmed412]

Li Ning was an Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics in 1984.

[@raijinrasetsuii8820]

Pls note that Spurs legend Tony Parker was well known to rock Peak TP signature shoes.

[@presto111man]

Don't forget Starbury

[@Bankolito]

you forgot about 361 Degrees and Rigorer

[@andreward8268]

6:15 forgot the extra zero 😂

[@NachoAverageFinds]

My bad

[@shoresy6943]

Jeremy Lin's Xtep shoes are very comfortable. Their running shoes is also sturdy.

[@DengAbior]

Great video bro. You think Kyrie and basketball all together is why Nike took such a big hit this year.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

It was definitely out of pocket on Nike’s end to terminate him. Think it was a big misunderstanding

[@Relaxingsounds647]

They need to make lifestyle sneakers

[@russellbell8973]

It's not that complicated. Li Ning likely offered him significantly more money, probably including a % of the total sales, than what he was receiving. Reportedly he got a % of ownership as well. Wade would have went to the highest bidder, everything else was secondary including shoe design.

[@jhnbryl]

No love for 361°?

[@Oriental-perspective]

即使是在中国，361也是一个小品牌。anta和lining是前两强。剩下的什么x-tep

[@junwei.23]

Don't forget about XTEP, 361 Degrees and Rigorer

[@zar6842]

Given how nothing compares to the performance of WOW10 in the Market right now,

[@bmoneyy]

1:48 do u make beats bro? I see the speakers

[@cajokolo]

tted that fam! =)

[@NachoAverageFinds]

I make music yes

[@RJ10_214]

You do know Carmelo Anthony was the first brand Jordan athlete as well as the face not DWade right but nice vid either way

[@HappywifeHappyLife00]

Li Ning shoes are great and worth the price too!

[@davidtharp2125]

I bet Klay is being payed the difference if not close to what he wanted on the back end for teaming up with his fellow Anta rep running mate on Dallas…Great marketing if you ask me…

[@TheStefanp10]

KG was the first baller I remember rocking Anta kicks

[@Jpriv32975]

Don’t forget Jokic signed with 361 recently

[@Jack-eo1nr]

Man, these Chinese brands plus Puma & Sketchers getting into basketball is a breath of fresh air. Forget Nike, Jordan & Adidas for the mean time.

[@2hurt2healmedia]

Li-Ning is taking risks in design and tech.The new stuff looks dope as well.

[@amx1820]

I bought a pair of what I thought was a refurbish 'white & black' Jordan 1 low, but after checking the quality thoroughly and scanning the QR code it was Qiaodan🤦🏽‍♂️😅

[@GodSonBlessed]

D Wade and other superstars signed with Chinese brands more than a decade ago. They still didn't make headway into the American Market.

[@TheMILVSCR]

I really like a few models that Anta and Kyrie have introduced, but I currently don't own any. Do you think they'll ever be as desirable, both physically and monetarily as most Jordan models? Just a curious question for Nacho and the rest of your fan base.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

No it's no where near the level of desirability that Jordans have but they do perform just as good on the court. Maybe even better...

[@symptomofsouls]

Kyrie's might simply because he's Kyrie, but I doubt other shoes/brands will

[@MlGHTY1]

I own Li-Ning shoes, they are actually pretty good, better than I ever expected

[@papi-sauce]

hold up, kyrie 2 and 3 insoles where basically cement. great traction but zero cushioning

[@dorotejorescanin6453]

12:26 can someone tell me which shoes are those kids wearing

[@trejoseph9837]

Anta been cooking with Klay for sometime now