Necessary Roughness

With Nike and Adidas handing out millions in endorsement money, I always knew that their shoes had enormous markup. I just didn’t know how much.

ABCNews reports that New York Knicks star Stephon Marbury has come out with a line of Starbury shoes that sell for $15 — instead of $200 Nike basketball shoes.

And Marbury wears the same sneakers on the basketball court that are sold in stores — proof, Marbury said, that he believes in their quality.

But will they do well? Will kids buy a low-priced sneaker?

Apparently yes. In city after city, kids and parents rushed in. Steve & Barry’s President Andy Todd told ABC News that the chain sold out two month’s inventory in just three days when the sneakers debuted last August. Seven months after the sneakers’ debut, Todd said, they continue to sell well.

Very cool. Starburys may also give kids a little protection against bullies willing to steal or harm to get rich shoes.

I wonder if they come in fifteens. They’d have to, right?