[Guardian]How Hakeem Olajuwon tried and failed to stop the 90s sneaker killings

Ends with mentioning that the 'Akeem the Dream' shoes Etonic brought out last year retail for $120...

A far cry from the $35 Spaldings.

 

Discounted from $185 now:
http://dr34m.com/index.php/featured-product/dr34m-shake-shoe.html

 

I was so impressed with Hakeem's efforts back in the day, that I bought and used several pair of those Spaldings that Hakeem wore. It was crazy to think that one of the best players on the planet was on the court wearing $35 sneakers.

 

these use premium quality real Italian leather, hence the price. Better quality materials than Nike.

i wish spalding would bring these back. never got them back in middle school because I only get one pair a year and they came out after i got my one pair lol

 

Too bad that's not how people think, the more expensive the more desirable.

Jordan still makes like 100 million off his shoes

 

Man imagine if Dream's number was something random like 18. Couldn't sell DR18M.

 

This article basically talks about supply and demand and marketing.

Poor people don't make smart economic decisions.

 

Starbury still makin bucks in China, sellin shoes....

 

It was really a shame more basketball stars didn't follow suit with what Hakeem was trying to do; such a classy move by the Dream.

Didn't those Spalding's have the words "FINISH" and "STRONG" on the soles, or was that just a dream (no pun) I had?

 

I remember the Etonics and their cheesy commercials. But they were some of the most affordable shoes back then.

I'm not so sure it was an unselfish move, as it was a calculated move. I think the frame of thought was that kids of all ages could purchase the shoe, and they'd gain a bigger share of the market. Like the old saying says, (1% of 1,000,000 is still a lot of money). The cool factor of the "Jordan" and "Nike" brand with a lot more discretionary income from families due to less children allowed certain Luxury items. And high priced premium tennis shoes was one of them..... Back then if you had "Jordans", it was a status symbol, no different than if you drive a high end car today as an adult....

The strategy did not work out. But they get an "A" for effort.

 

I always loved Hakeem for this move.

crazy - the average millionaire doesn't buy designer clothes - its the lower, middle class and the super rich

 

I wore low top versions of Spalding cross trainers that are similar to build and stitching to Hakeem shoes. Out lasted all the name brand sneakers I wore as a kid and they were like $19.99 retail with real premium leather etc..... Same show now would easily be north of $80s based on the materials.

 

Being motivated enough to speak out about it and devote his time to it could be from unselfish motivation. Likely considering what we know about the guy. That the economics could have worked out doesn't detract from that - otherwise it couldn't be unselfish unless you're intentionally setting fire to money.

 

If Hakeem's shoes were priced at $150 instead of $39, I still don't think people would buy them. In fact, I bet sales would be worse.

It's not about how expensive they are as much as how desirable. If the only air jordans were only $50 they would sell even hotter.

 

Obviously the market didn't want the 35 dollar shoes because of the perception of the brand. 200 dollar Jordans are perceived as better and more sought after due to the high price. 120 is more affordable than 200 I guess.

At least the guy tried. The market rejected it.

 

I don't buy designer anything. Im poor as hell

 

Not if he was marketed correctly.

No, the reason why jordans are so expensive is the law of supply and demand.

People are willing to pay $200 then they'll charge $200.

Air Jordan shoes is the easiest economics story of the nba.

 

Shoes are very dependant on the brand. Jordan can afford crazy good advertising to develop the brand due to the 200 dollar price point. Hakeem's 35 per shoe couldn't afford that