Fashion and sports are always in a constant state of flux, with new trends emerging, and old ones being revived. One athlete who has managed to blend the past and present seamlessly is Devin Booker, whose debut signature shoe with Nike, the Nike BOOK 1, demonstrates this perfect fusion. A blend of iconic past elements with a performance core suited for today’s top athletes, the BOOK 1 tells a compelling story about the 26-year-old, who is an old soul at heart. From architecture to interior design, classic cars, and sneakers, everything around Booker mirrors his personality and preferences. The Nike BOOK 1 is no exception, as it intricately combines the legacy of Nike Basketball with the latest technology, encapsulating the essence of an athlete with a deep appreciation for the past and a vision for the future.
On the Nike BOOK 1, it was clear that Booker wanted to pay homage to Nike Basketball’s rich history by incorporating elements from the Air Force 1, Blazer, and Air Jordan 1. However, the cushioning package of the BOOK 1 is a far cry from the 1980s. It boasts an all-new Cushlon 2.0 foam midsole, a rigid TPU midsole wall, and a top-loaded Zoom Air bag at the heel, offering the perfect balance between retro aesthetics and modern-day performance.
The overall design and execution of the Nike BOOK 1 were profoundly influenced by Booker’s ’72 Chevy Blazer K5, one of his most cherished cars from his curated fleet. Nicknamed “Uncle Larry,” this vehicle is fully restored on the outside, but its engine has been replaced with a more contemporary, high-performance one. Similarly, the materials chosen for the BOOK 1 mirror Booker’s preference for utility-focused casual wear. The canvas, twill, genuine leather, and textured suede used in the shoe mirror his fondness for workwear-style clothing. The layered white lace loops, inspired by a book’s spine where all pages converge, is another delightful detail that adds to the shoe’s charm.
Due to its lifestyle sensibility, the Nike BOOK 1 is incredibly versatile in terms of off-the-court execution. Nike is expected to get even more creative with the model by incorporating more of Booker’s favorites into the sneaker. Set to arrive in the Spring 2024 season, the Nike BOOK 1 signature shoe will be available in four colorways, offering athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike a chance to wear a piece of history that is both stylish and functional.
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