SI.com's Jarrel Harris noted in honor of Warriors G Stephen Curry’s 30th birthday yesterday, Under Armour officially "unveiled his latest signature sneaker, the Curry 5." The sneaker launch fell on March 14, which also happens to be a "math geeks favorite day of the year, Pi Day -- hence, the first colorway title." UA only released "314 pairs of the Pi Day colorway" yesterday for $130 (SI.com, 3/14).
BANNER YEAR: Adidas North America President Mark King said that the company has "successfully diversified beyond the Originals line that led the brand's resurgence in recent years." He added that running and training have both "emerged as important new franchises." King said that Adidas "tripled its market share during the year in the running category," led by the "popular 'UltraBoost' line of shoes." He added that the college basketball scandal has had "no impact on Adidas' popularity with consumers" (Portland OREGONIAN, 3/15). The WALL STREET JOURAL's Stephen Wilmot notes Adidas still has "room to run in the U.S." Macquarie analyst Andreas Inderst said that Adidas' market share in athletic footwear is "roughly 11%, compared with more than 20% outside the U.S." (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 3/15).
