MANN on the STREET

Exactly one member of the 2023-24 NBA rookie class had built a legacy long before entering the league: Skechers. Last fall, the Los Angeles-based footwear giant launched its inaugural line of technical basketball shoes: the SKX Resagrip and SKX Float.

- BRANDON FRIEDERICH

To usher the kicks onto the court, Skechers tapped Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Terance Mann and New York Knicks power forward Julius Randle. The standout starters' consistently great performances helped lead their respective teams to the 2024 NBA playoffs, during which the Clippers clinched their first division title since 2014. Mann, who donned the speed-centric SKX Resagrip low-top last year, is poised to play in the yet-released Skechers Nexus, a court shoe featuring supportive Skechers Move Foam, a breathable mesh upper, lockdown ankle support and a grippy rubber outsole, courtesy of tire brand Goodyear. Ahead of the Skechers Nexus's NBA debut, Maxim caught up with Mann to discuss his ideal basketball shoe, streetwear tips and his award-winning charitable foundation.

What characteristics do you want in a perfect basketball shoe?

For me, basketball shoes should feel just as good as they look. With Skechers, I get the best of both worlds, and I don’t think about my feet at all. Its basketball shoes are comfortable, supportive and they look good on the court, so I can focus all my energy onto the game. Tell us about your experience playing in the Skechers Resagrip and SKX Nexus. Competing and training in them has been amazing so far. I started out with the Resagrip, and I’m looking forward to stepping out on the court this season in the new SKX Nexus. I can’t say enough about the comfort, innovation and style that goes into every pair.