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New York Knicks: Puma Clyde vs. Starbury- the battle of Knick kicks

By Sam Friedman

NEW YORK - JANUARY 02: Stephon Marbury #3 of the New York Knicks waits for a free throw against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - JANUARY 02: Stephon Marbury #3 of the New York Knicks waits for a free throw against the Sacramento Kings on January 2, 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /
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Two of the most iconic sneakers of all-time came from the New York Knicks. During different eras in New York City, it was a fashion statement when wearing these shoes.

We are in the biggest sneaker culture boom of all time. There has been no better era to affiliate as a  ‘sneakerhead’. With limited drops having almost every day, the shoe market has never been more rigorous.

From Jordan brand sneakers, to limited edition signature shoes, to they bevy of ADIDAS shoes that seem to come out every day, we are certainly in the golden age of kicks

Before the current sneaker revolution, the only sneakers available were the ones you found in Foot Locker. However, before now, player’s signature shoes were all the rage.

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In New York specifically, there have been some amazing signature shoes. The “Linsanity Hyperfuses“, and the “And1 Spree’s” were both incredible sneakers.

But, two sneakers reign supreme as the premium foot wear of New York Knicks. Walt Frazier’s, Pumas Clydes, and Stephon Marbury’s, Starburys

One on One

This isn’t the most fair battle. The Puma Clyde’s were the first signature shoe ever released. The Clyde’s are so fashionable, they are still sold 45 years later. So many color ways and styles, the look never goes out of style.

It’s hard to compete with the most timeless shoe, outside of Jordan. Frazier has received a lifetime sponsorship through Puma. That’s how successful these shoes have been. Even this writer has two pairs.

However, when the “Starbury’s” came out, the pandemonium in New York couldn’t be matched. Those bad boys littered every court from Dyckman to the Seaport.

$14.98 for shoes designed by Stephon Marbury?

That didn’t sound possible during the time. My coach went out and bought the entire team sneakers one day. All 12 of those size six Starbury’s, probably would’ve cost the same amount as a pair of Kyrie Irving signature shoes today.

Also, not to mention all the of the amazing things Marbury was able to do for different communities during the Starbury Reign. Marbury’s shoes sold in 120 different cities, giving kids a chance to get nice sneakers, at a less than premium price.

Next. Halas would bring much needed effort to Knicks. dark

So, the debate is, the Puma Clyde’s longevity vs. the financial impact of the Starbury shoes. Which do you think was more impactful?

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