This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Much like Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo signed with adidas once in the NBA, though he started his rookie season in Nikes. While Patrick saw his share of striped sneakers, Dikembe received the official signature treatment from adidas with the aptly named adidas Mutombo. Denver hues graced his signature shoes, tying in his team colors with his African heritage.
photo via The Smoking SectionDeke doubled down in Denver with the launch of the adidas Mutombo 2. This model proved more modern and aggressive than the playful original, still packing a high-top build but focused more around the new Nuggets color scheme. Later moving to Atlanta, Dikembe would don other silos from adidas, namely the EQT BB Support.
photo via Upper PlaygroundThe late ‘90s would see Dikembe switch back to Nike. Still an All-Star, the center would rock team takes like the Nike Air Team Max Zoom II and Air Team Max Full Court. The latter would serve as a favorite for years to follow.
photo via Yao Ming Mania/Sports.163.comMutombo’s last NBA games were played in PEAK. Deke was one of many players on a Rockets roster that sported Chinese labels, benefiting from the exposure associated with teammate Yao Ming. Like other athletes, Dikembe traveled overseas as an ambassador of both the brand and the sport.
