Consumer Reports test $15-Starbury sneakers

When it comes to sneakers, lots of them bear the name of basketball stars, like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Sometimes, the shoes can have star-power price tags of well over $100. But, NBA All-Star Stephon Marbury is bucking the trend with sneakers that cost a mere $15. Consumer Reports tested them in the labs and on the courts.

Both on the court and off, the sneakers kids wear these days go well beyond playing a good game.

"The sneakers make the person who they are," said Malcom Baker.

"It's just the style and the way you carry yourself," Janel Kerson said.

A group of high school varsity basketball players helped Consumer Reports size up the $15-Starbury Basketball shoes, endorsed by New York Knicks star point guard Stephon Marbury.

The players wore the sneakers for about two weeks to all their practices and games. Then, they answered questions about the Starbury's, as well as their current basketball shoe made by Nike.

"They're alright, you know, but on the court, they're not that great," said Kishon Newton.

"For me, the grip really isn't good," Nicholas Deleon said.

"Six out of ten said they wouldn't buy these shoes for basketball practice and games," said Todd Young of Consumer Reports. "But more than half said they would wear the Starbury shoe off the court."

Consumer Reports also tested cushioning, breathability, and flexibility, all of which are important factors when playing basketball.

The cushioning test, done at an outside lab, showed the forefoot cushioning was a bit too firm. But on the plus side, the heel cushioning was very good and the shoes had very good flexibility and breathability.

"They may not to be the best shoe if you're a serious basketball player. But, they do seem to be a well-made shoe, and for $15 dollars are definitely worth a try," said Young.

And looking good after the game doesn't hurt either.

The Starbury shoes are available exclusively at Steve and Barry's clothing chain nationwide, but not for long. Consumer Reports says that Stephon Marbury unveiled the Starbury II just last month. Interesting to note, Marbury doesn't just endorse the shoes, he wears them for every game.

This report is based on information from www.consumerreports.org.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•