Is Exclusivity Killing Signature Sneakers Or Inspiring In New Ways?

Some might disagree but it seems that the pre-game tunnel walk has become more important to the business of sneakers than the actual game being played on the court. Nearly every team has sold the photos and videos of players arriving at the arenas as a premier sponsorship opportunity. The Lakers call theirs "The Entrance" and it's sponsored by Beats. Not only does it typically showcase what a player is wearing from head-to-toe, but it usually showcases the player's choice of footwear with close-up shots.

The insider access that we now have as fans is unbelievable. Not only do we have cameras pointed at the players for every entrance, but we also have access to their own experience through social media. On top of that, when a high-profile collaborator like Virgil Abloh creates a pair of shoes for someone like LeBron, it's also shared to Virgil's accounts as he customizes the shoes. 

It shouldn't be any surprise that athletes like LeBron James have friends like Virgil Abloh, and exclusive sneakers come from that relationship. Especially considering that both are key parts of the Nike ecosystem. If we're keeping it one hundred, if anyone reading this wouldn't want exclusive sneakers from their massively popular designer friend, they probably aren't that great of a friend.

Everyone is a sneakerhead now and for better or worse, all of us have been programmed to want the exclusives. There is no shame in that. Find your grails, throw them in your Sneaker Throne, hit the lights, and admire them. That's what it's all about. Better yet, grab a friend and work your way to become the next LeBron James and Virgil Abloh so you can make your own exclusives. It really doesn't matter if it's on-court or off, it's inspiring the next generation that matters, and LeBron and Virgil have done it again.