Sixth Year NBA player E’Twaun Moore is rocking with Q4. A week ago I was introduced to the brand via ex AND1 star Lance Stephenson. Moore is taking on a journeyman status in the league with the Pelicans.
The signing of Moore isn’t as big as Born Ready, but in the grand scheme of things this is a solid move by the startup out of LA. It’s an intriguing venture for a number of reasons. Basketball sales are down across the board and the North American market is notorious for being ridiculously loyal to the bigger brands. While the NBA has seen an increase of outside brands from China, Q4 is one of the few US brands attempting to crack the market. Brandblack has been the most prominent small brand with And 1 carrying a few players. New Balance exited the basketball arena a few years ago and K-Swiss left basketball on the cutting floor in 2005. Since that time Peak, 361, Anta, and Li Ning have all acquired more NBA players than any US based brand.
I like what Q4 is accomplishing, but I know first hand how difficult it is to launch a sneaker company. They have a big hill to climb, but gaining NBA endorsers helps.
The 495 Lo above is a player exclusive in the Pelicans colorway but could double as representing Moore’s alma mater of Purdue with the black and gold in the color scheme.