Hoop dreams: Adidas plans to 'Boost' its basketball game

Adidas could function as official apparel provider for the NBA, but when it comes to basketball shoes, Nike rules. Adidas is working to change that. On Sunday, the German footw Mens Nike Free 5.0 White Black.ar and clothing manufacturer announced that it is bringing its progressive Foster technology in its running shoes. Chicago's Derrick Rose and Portland's Damian Lillard unveiled the D-Rose 5 Boost and the Crazylight Boost kicks, available Oct. 23 and Sept. 1, respectively, for $140. "It's made up of a really different type of foam to help maximize energy return and responsiveness," said Chris Grancio, head of Global Basketball sports promotion for Adidas. First introduced to the running world in 2013, Foster technology has thousands of capsules that offer players with soft, lightweight cushioning, Adidas says. "I broke my foot in co nike free run 3 uk.lege, so having the ability to have a comfortable shoe that is light and also supportive, that is actually helpful with the way the game is played," Damian Lillard, the Portland Trailblazers All Star Point Guard told CNBC. At merely 11.6 ounces, the Crazylight Boost is Adidas' latest effort to take on Nike, which continues to dominate the NBA. "The general tendency in the market is players going lighter and lighter," Grancio said. Despite the new shoe, Adidas has a steep road to climb. The company has merely 3 percent retail market share in basketball, compared with Jordan Brands' (owned by Nike) 58 percent and the 38 percent of Nike in 2014, based on SportsOneSource. "The class is really dominated by Nike. It's very hard for a smaller brand to get room on the shelf," said Matt Powell, an analyst from SportsOneSource. Basketball footwear continues to be a bright spot for the industry, as sales have grown -to- date at a time when the overall footwear market is down. With that same time's basketball shoe sales down 20 percent, Adidas has struggled, during it. One important reason behind the decline?Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose. Adidas' greatest paid NBA athlete was sidelined by knee injuries for much of the previous two seasons. Rose signed a 13-year deal with Adidas in 2012, reported to be worth more than $185 million. Shoe sales last year were according to SportsOneSource, a figure that pales in comparison to the $300 million this past year Lebron James pulled in for Nike. Adidas isn't merely making moves with its footwear and technology, nonetheless. "We are really bullish these signings will help us grow the basketball business," Grancio said. The signing of Wiggins marks the first time Adidas has signed the No. 1 draft pick since 2008, when the brand signed Rose. "They clearly are putting lots of energy into basketball," said Powell, but he pointed out that Adidas did not sign any of the players for big money up front. Wiggins' deal with Adidas is reported to pay at least. Will technology and the new signing be enough for Adidas to compete in the NBA versus Nike in basketball footwear? Perhaps not yet. "It's not a game changer," Powell said. "Hike has been well received in the running class, but we'll have to wait and see if it can translate in basketball." <img src="http://www.5bby.com/image//data/Nikefree/best-price-for-mens-nike-free-run-2-black-dark-red-running-shoes-143.jpg" alt="Nike Free Run 2