San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama speaks to reporters last summer prior to his rookie season getting underway. Credit: Meradith Garcia

Nike’s prototype Victor Wembanyama shoes, unveiled in Paris this week ahead of Friday’s Olympic Opening Ceremony, aren’t exactly earning slam-dunk reviews.

The introduction of the Wemby kicks follows May’s release of the Nike G.T. Hustle 2. However, some online fans are complaining that the new laceless white shoes with an orange base resemble slippers more than basketball court-ready footwear.

“They almost look like soccer cleats,” social media user @ sportey_Birdey tweeted.

Meanwhile, Dailey Caller sports and political columnist Andrew Powell described the shoes in a Tuesday editorial as “absolutely garbage.”

“This is incredibly disappointing considering the incredible marketing that was done that kick-started the Nike x Victor Wembanyama partnership,” Powell wrote.

There may be a reason for the odd design, however.

The prototype Wemby shoe is inspired by the Rookie of the Year’s “love for science fiction,” according to a tweet from Washington Post NBA reporter Ben Golliver. Wembanyama also reportedly requested a low-profile design because the Spurs player likes to walk barefoot, Golliver added.

Wembanyama reportedly signed his endorsement deal with Nike while he was still playing with France’s Metropolitans 92 team in 2023. The pact is reportedly worth more than $100 million.

The 7-foot-3 phenom will play his first Olympic game for France in a matchup against Brazil on Saturday.

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This article appears in Jul 3-9, 2024.

Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...