The Kmart Al Harrington Protege Sneaker
Move over Starbury because there’s a new sheriff in town. Well, actually it’s a new sheriff at Kmart. Al Harrington of the New York Knicks gets his own sneaker called the “Protege A3H”. The Protege shoes are sold exclusively at Kmart for a grand total of $34.99. Basketball parents on a budget make some noise! Surely you get what you pay for, but for $34.99 hopefully the Protege quality is better than Starbury quality. Take that Stephon.
Peep the kicks after the jump…
Kmart Al Harrington Protege A3H Sneaker
we don’t even have kmart down here anymore….even if we did it’d be a big N-O on these!!!
I’m good on these but I like his movement.
there’s no way. i appreciate the message, it’s correct, yet at the same time we need to ensure we teach kids to reach for the stars. the youth needs to go big in life/career, so they can afford the $200+ sneakers if that’s what they wanna do. this message is good, it’s the person, not the gear that makes you…just as long as folks don’t knock Nike/AJ’s/etc… the best is the best, plain and simple.
I THINK THIS IS COOL. THESE ARE PROLLY NICER THAN BOW WOWs STARBURY. LOL. I COULDNT ROCK BUT I DIG WHAT HE IS DOING
When I was a kid I wanted to buy the most expensive sneaker because it was expensive, it was a status symbol. But as I grew up and reflected on past sneakers, I really started to appreciate the craftsmanship and design that went into creating an Air Jordan. Then when info came (either through the internet or books) about who designed the Air Jordan, I started to become a fan of Tinker Hatfield. While Air Jordans have always been expensive and cheap sneakers have always been around, a new conundrum has arisen; that Air Jordan retro’s are sometimes poorly made, and that affordable sneakers are being made better than before. I actually think having well made affordable sneakers is a great thing for kids that can’t afford Jordans. In fact with some genius marketing I’m sure these sneaker company’s can erase the negative image of what a cheap sneaker used to be, thereby allowing kids not to be embarrassed of owning “cheapies.” For example they could start by bringing in guest designers like Tinker to design sneakers, kinda like what H and M does. They could also start making them a limited run like SB’s to create hype. And finally I would really love to see a sneaker company start a factory in North America, just to create more jobs for people here.
This is a good idea for kids; I can’t see any grown people rockin’ these joints. I’m all for kids shooting for the stars and putting themselves in a situation to be able to afford the higher priced shoes, but that’s just not going to happen to everyone unfortunately. I agree with 23edge though. Interested to see how they hold up for what they designed for…
Actually saw them at Kmart today and decided to try them on. I was surprised that they were comfy right out of the box. I remember back in the day when I wore Spaldings since my parents couldn’t buy me Nikes. Spaldings back then were never really comfortable to me, I’m surprised that these are.
My only gripe would be the traction on the soles. It looks like it’ll wear down pretty fast. Overall the Protege A3H is decently built. Fit’s a little wide in the toe box but the strap locks down the foot pretty well.
Does it have to be from the streets?
that is the worst strap design i have ever seen on any brand shoe……….agree?????
Um your all way too quick to judge. I was skeptical too at first but I bought a pair of the proteges and not only were they more comfortable than ANY sneaker I’ve ever owned they’re gorgeous as well. The performance of playing in them was amazing. I really gotta hand it to al harrington. This company rocks!
I just wanted to say that I think it’s wonderful what you are doing. Also, stay encouraged because you will never have 100 percent of people agree with you or support you on anything that you do. I thank you for paving the way for other athletes to do the same thing for our youth.
I think that is nice for you to make shoes for poor people but they are kind of hot and kind of ugly but i would buy them.
Your shoes are actually nice. And you’re doing a good thing for the community.Keep it up.
Hello Mr. Harrington,
Thank you for creating a sneaker that is inexpensive and cute. I think that more players should start buying in, because we are now in a recession and that shows that you care about your fans and their pockets. I wanted to know are you going to make a shoe for girls? I hope that you keep this mindset and I will be asking my mother to buy me a pair. Thank you, again.
I really appreciate what you’re doing for the youth of America. Thank you for making affordable and high quality looking sneakers for America’s youth. Thank you for giving back to the community.
I would give them a shot…
I think that this will give the less fortunate a chance to have something that has the quality and durability of the more expensive shoes without the price tag that comes with the big brand names…
I love everything that the “protege” concept has created, but why K mart??? Why not target??? The K marts here in abq. are horrible! I went to try some on only to find they they only had boy sizes, and could not ship my size to the store. got online had every size but my 14’s.. Some of us high school players wanna ball up in these too! If they could get these sneaks selling at champs or foot locker for the same price, they would sell amazing!!! No Doubt about it, so even if they are cheap, your gonna feel good walking out with a pair of shoes from foot locker. As far as I’m concerned the quality of the boys shoes i was very well put together. If I could get my hands on some black stack jacks or a3h’s I would so hoop up in them, if anybody could help out lemme kno.
Do not buy these shoes i bought them just for the fun of it and i wore them at a bball camp and they were the HEAVEIST SHOES ON THE PLANET al harington nice try but nike is the best and u suck
do they sale protege’s in canada
For the record, the Starbury Two’s were actually very good quality sneakers. That swipe at the Starbury brand was in poor taste. I’ve bought 2 pairs of the Starbury Twos; I used the low-top as an everyday shoe and it lasted me over two years. I play ball a couple times a month and the high-top is as good as any basketball shoe I’ve ever owned. In fact it’s better than any Fila or adidas bball shoe I ever had, and as good as any Nike I’ve owned.
So I’m hoping Harrington’s shoe is at least AS GOOD AS the Starbury Twos.
I think they are awsome sneakers..I also purchased Starbury sneakers for my son when they were advertised but for some reason I believe these are more durable..we’ll see. over all I love the look of this sneaker line. Thanks Al Harrington
I think this is a great idea. I have a idea that I think would be very lucrative for the business, but with the same concept as the sneakers. Keep doing what you’re doing. I currently have 6 pair and they feel and play great on the court. Thanks.
I think he is doing a great thing with his ” PROTEGE “. It’s a well made shoe. I also belive in you get what you pay for. I’ve been buying jordans, nikes for some time now, i know a good shoe when i see one. And sometimes those shoe companies don’t makes there shoes like they use to. People should be happy with what they have, then with what they don’t.
I saw these shoes at Kmart and really liked the way they looked. I was surprised because I’ve never liked a pair of Kmart shoes before but I decided t buy a pair and I love them! The A3H is a great shoe that offers stability and cushioning on par with the major shoe companies. This wont be the last pair of proteges I buy.
I’m not a hoops player or a huge BB fanatic, but I know the sport and I know footwear. I’ve been working in the development and manufacturing side of the shoe business since starting with Nike in 1982 in Korea. I’ve since worked with Reebok, adidas, Asics, Airwalk and have consulted with several other brands while working on all kinds of shoes with factories throughout Asia. Guys & girls, I can GUARANTEE you that “price” or who the retailer happens to be does NOT need to be directly related to “quality”. You should be able to buy a great shoe product at a lower price; one that is durable, functional, and pretty darned comfortable without paying $100+ for it.
After having worked with several BB pro’s on custom shoes over the past 20+ years, and knowing well what kind of endorsement $$$ these guys make from every pair of shoes that some kid or their Mom buys, I cannot commend Mr. Harrington highly enough for what he is doing with Protégé. It is clearly targeted at “the average kid” and most especially for people who don’t at the moment have the bucks (regardless of their “aspirations”) to shell out for the high dollar big brand shoes. The Protégé designs are unique and pretty fantastic and the materials, construction and overall look of the shoes are pretty freaking awesome at that price, REGARDLESS of where they are made.
I live and work in Vietnam now, and I see the good stuff and the crap that roles off the lines every day, and I would be proud if I were able to say that I was working with Protégé. They have a purpose, a meaning, an obvious commitment, and are “real” to their people instead of blatantly trying to line their own pockets or worrying about how profitability might affect shareholder dividends.
I wish guys like Al would have been around when I was one of eight kids growing up in a poor family outside of Detroit. With a Mom who could only ever afford shopping at K-Mart or Goodwill Stores or Salvation Army on our income, I would have been thrilled to have shoes like Protégé compared to the truly cheap crapola of that time!!!
People, in this world of egomaniacs and greedy elitists who never seem to get enough of YOUR money, we should all be thanking God for guys like All Harrington who are willing to invest the time, effort, sweat and love into something like this for the common kid. Thank you, Al Harrington!