Converse has agreed to create a signature performance basketball footwear line available exclusively at JCPenney featuring professional basketball star Elton Brand. The EB1 retails for $65 and began reaching stores on Nov. 1. The shoe will roll out in additional colorways through spring 2009.
“Elton has proven himself to be a tremendous force on the basketball court. His work ethic, leadership, consistency and commitment to the community make him a great addition to the Converse basketball roster,” said Geoff Cottrill, chief marketing officer for Converse. “As a leading Converse retail location and a place where Elton shopped with his mom growing up, JCPenney makes this partnership a perfect fit to sell his signature footwear line.”
“I am excited to begin a partnership with one of the premier performance basketball shoe companies in the world,” said Brand, who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers. “Converse represents both tradition, originality, and is in position to change the game in performance basketball footwear. The EB1 is a durable, but fast and versatile performance shoe, which is perfect for my style of play. With the EB1 sold nationwide at JCPenney, kids can have a cool, affordable shoe that looks fly when they wear it to school, and then they can get on the court and put in some work.”
The shoe features a sleek midfoot strap for lockdown with a ventilated upper to enhance breathability and a molded sockliner to provide comfort. Brand's “EB” logo, which features his initials and the letter “D” that pays homage to his mother Daisy and his Dunbar Heights neighborhood near Peekskill, NY, is embossed on the midfoot strap.
