In 2006, Starbury Sneakers were introduced as an affordable line of sneakers created by NBA superstar Stephon Marbury. He created the line to help kids who may not be able to afford high-priced athletic shoes.
Marbury's on-court persona belies his off-court beliefs in terms of community activism. One of the areas he felt he could make a difference in lower and middle class communities, especially in urban areas, was to design and produce quality sports clothing and sneakers at a much lower and affordable pricing structure than major sports brands such as Nike, Reebok and Adidas. He first wore his Starbury I sneakers during the 2006-07 New York Knicks season and sold the sneaker for $14.99 through Steve & Barry's Sporting Goods stores. One year later, he introduced the Starbury II, and the company will soon produce the Big Ben sneaker, to be endorsed by Ben Wallace.