Standing tall at seven feet, New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns faces unique daily challenges that come with being an NBA big man. One particular issue is finding shoes that fit his unusually large size 20 feet, as standard retail stores rarely carry sizes that large, forcing him to custom order footwear.
Such large feet can complicate finding the right balance between comfort and style. NBA players like Kevin Durant, who prefers a slim sneaker silhouette in his Nike line, highlight how shoe design isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially for athletes with wider feet like Towns.
Social media and teammates mock Towns’ oversized sneakers
Recently, a photo showing Towns wearing Nike Air Force 1 shoes sparked a wave of humor and jokes online. Since his feet are so large, many fans and even teammates couldn’t resist poking fun at the size and appearance of his sneakers.
Teammate Josh Hart humorously commented on Instagram,
“KAT got them size 48s on,”
referring to the huge scale of Towns’ footwear. Other fans added to the banter with remarks such as,
“Them ain’t air forces they’re air craft carriers,”
highlighting how exaggerated the shoe size seemed.
Jalen Brunson’s memorable locker room jab
Among those joining the playful teasing was Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who delivered a standout roast on The Roommates Show. Brunson nicknamed Towns’ shoes the “Titanic 1s,” making a memorable comparison to how Towns’ foot appears to sink deep inside the large sneaker.
Brunson did not stop there, critiquing Towns’ shoe-lacing technique, which he described as excessively tight for someone with such big feet.
“KAT had these shoes. He had these b****** laced up, like laced tight as h***. This man has some big a** feet and ties these shoes so d*** tight to the point they look like they’re suffocating,”
Brunson declared.
Impact on team chemistry and Knicks’ outlook this season
Though Brunson’s comments might sound harsh, they reveal the camaraderie and friendly banter within the Knicks locker room. Such interactions are vital for fostering strong team bonds as the Knicks push to overcome past obstacles and aim for greater success this season.
The ongoing relationship between Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, strengthened through humor and honest exchanges, shows promise for the team’s chemistry. Fans can take heart knowing that the players’ dynamic off the court may translate into better collaboration and performance on it.