kawhi leonard shoe toronto

People aren't sure they like Kawhi Leonard's new sneaker

Kawhi Leonard may have delivered nicely at yesterday's All-Star Game, but his new sneakers are getting less than a standing ovation.  

New Balance recently dropped the teaser for the Raptors star's signature New Balance OMNI1s, and the 27-year-old player was spotted wearing them during All-Star weekend.  

While the shoe itself is pretty understated—not unlike the player himself—social media's had some pretty strong reactions. 

Coming in six different colourways, the standout part of the sneaker is definitely Kawhi's name printed on the back in what appears to be a Times New Roman-like font. 

It's not the most interesting looking detail, but at least it's not in Comic Sans? 

For some people, it's the fact that they're New Balances that ruin the shoe. Hard to compete with that Nike-owned Jordan loyalty. 

For Toronto fans, the fact that there's a Raptor skeleton inside the sole makes the shoe worth it.

That's comforting, considering Toronto's atrocious weather doesn't seem to be sitting with the L.A.-born player.

The sneaker may not have lots of charisma, but it sort of fits with the entire Kawhi package—a.k.a the off-brand laughgiant hands, and no-nonsense attitude.

Lead photo by

@sportsmancave


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

Toronto Blue Jays selling super-cheap tickets for less than $10 each

Toronto traffic forces NHL team to walk to game against Maple Leafs

Former Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet goes viral after altercation with refs

This group of friends is making skateparks in Toronto more safe and inclusive

Runner turns Toronto map into a giant cartoon animation

Here's how to get tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games in Toronto

William Nylander models for new Toronto Maple Leafs collab with OVO

Toronto's free outdoor skating rinks are about to open for the season