ESPN: Damian Lillard Part of the Signature Shoe Takeover

Damian Lillard has seen his profile rise in six seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, going from Rookie of the Year to All-NBA First Team this season. His success led to his own signature shoe, and this year’s version, the Dame 4, became one of the most popular among players. Even Lillard noticed its increased popularity, Nick DePaula of ESPN details:

One of only three players with an Adidas signature model, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard noticed he was facing off against someone wearing his own shoe just five games into the season.

Austin Rivers donned an all-red version of the Adidas Dame 4 while putting up 16 points in a one-point Clippers win in Portland. A week later, Utah Jazz rookie phenom Donovan Mitchell dropped 28 points on the Blazers off the bench, all in a gleaming yellow pair of the Dame 4.

”So many players around the league are wearing it,” Lillard said of his latest model.

Once the opening jump ball goes up, Lillard said he doesn’t perceive any advantage or think much of another player wearing his shoe, other than to appreciate the support and added visibility -- given that he gets a royalty from the sale of every pair.

”I’m seeing it on a lot of younger athletes as well,” he said.

The shoe was by far the most popular of Lillard’s signature models to date, and it’s likely you’ll see more players wearing his shoes in coming seasons. Of the 21 players who wore the Dame 4 in 2017-18, 13 of them were in their first three years in the league.

Lillard averaged 26.9 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in his Dame 4 signature shoe this year, earning All-Star and All-NBA honors.