Skechers became the number-two footwear brand in 2015, but they might owe a lot of that to brands like adidas and Nike. The recent infringement lawsuit against the top mom brand isn't just a fluke, and several companies have filed against for infringement. Skechers has quite a history of borrowing designs. Regardless, they've turned their derivative styles into a multi-billion-dollar business. We've analyzed 10 of these models, and graded their execution based on how close they came to the original design.
Skechers became the number-two footwear brand in 2015, but they might owe a lot of that to brands like adidas and Nike. The recent infringement lawsuit against the top mom brand isn't just a fluke, and several companies have filed against for infringement. Skechers has quite a history of borrowing designs. Regardless, they've turned their derivative styles into a multi-billion-dollar business. We've analyzed 10 of these models, and graded their execution based on how close they came to the original design.
Nike Air Max 95 / Skechers Energy – After Burn
Nike Price: $160
Skechers Price: $58
Execution: 2/10
Ever wonder what an Air Max 95 would look like if it would have been designed as a trail runner and marketed towards the Air Monarch set? Skechers has your answer.
Nike Air Max 90 Ultra / Skechers Skech-Air Varsity
Nike Price: $130
Skechers Price: $80
Execution: 6/10
Let’s get this straight. Skechers earned more than $3 billion in revenue last year, employs over 9,000 people, and no one caught the irony and put a stop to having a technology named “Skech-Air?”
Nike Free RN Flyknit / Skechers Flex Advantage 2.0
Nike Price: $130
Skechers Price: $75
Execution: 7/10
Earlier this year, Nike sued Skechers for infringement, alleging they had violated their Flyknit patent. Skechers responded not by claiming their design was original, but rather citing Dolce and Gabbana’s Fall 2010 collection as the true pioneer of knit footwear.
Nike Air Max 2014 / Skechers Sketch-Air Supreme
Nike Price: $180
Skechers Price: $105
Execution: 4/10
Supreme has done its share of shameful collaborations, but this wasn’t one of them. The “supreme” in the shoe’s name apparently is short for “supremely shitty,” in reference to its design, rather than a collaborative partner.
Saint Laurent SL/01 / Skechers Venice
Saint Laurent Price: $495
Skechers Price: $79
Execution: 8/10
In terms of money saved over the original, the Skechers Venice is best deal on this list. And considering the SL/01 isn’t a particularly original design in the first place, there are much more shameful options. Then again, if want a luxury shoe, and are even considering a pair of Skechers, the shame falls on you, not Skechers.
Nike Lunar Fire / Skechers Go Golf Pro
Nike Price: $125
Skechers Price: $140
Execution: 9/10
If you’ve ever wondered how much having a pro athlete’s name attached to a product increases the price, you now have your answer. This pair of Matt KucharSkechers actually costs more than the Nike version—and that money certainly isn’t going towards the faux-Flywireadorning its upper.
Common Projects Achilles Low / Skechers Santee
Common Projects Price: $410
Skechers Price: $95
Execution: 9/10
As far as accuracy goes, you might actually be able to slip these Common Projects lookalikes past someone. With the right amount false pretentiousness, these could be a viable option.
Vans x Star Wars Slip-On / Skechers x Star Wars The Menace
Vans Price: $60
Skechers Price: $60
Execution: 9/10
Skechers certainly isn’t the first brand to rip off Vans, and they won’t be the last. Who we’re most disappointed in here is Star Wars. Anyone willing to collaborate with Skechers clearly has no shame.
TOMS Canvas Classics / Skechers BOBS Plush
TOMS Price: $48
Skechers Price: $42
Execution: 10/10
It feels wrong to criticize a project that donates money towards animal shelters. We commend Skechers for their charitable contributions. But the level of un-originality exhibited here simply can’t be overlooked. Knocking off a product, name, and even a cause proves that Skechers can’t do something right without doing something wrong.
