The new NBA season is proving to be a period of transition for signature sneakers. While superstar veterans such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry are still seeing their franchises grow, debut models are arriving for Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, and Scoot Henderson after several more firsts last season. Most unexpected among this young cohort is Austin Reaves, whose Rigorer AR1 sneaker will soon take on a color scheme for his Los Angeles Lakers.
After starting its run in two primarily white variants with colorful accents, Reaves’ debut model is dropping this week in a “Showtime” colorway with more overt ties to the player. The “rope embroidery” upper is mostly black with hints of purple and even more scant dashes of yellow. The white midsole hosts a subtle purple gradient at the toe and yellow TPU panels.
Watch on FN
On the tech front, these TPU panels are intended to prevent the foot from rolling. Also visible from the bottom is a semi-permeable plate made of TPU and carbon fiber for torsional strength, while the tongue boasts an bubble full of foam beads to ease pressure from the laces. The most delightful detail of all, though, has nothing to do with performance — a window on the shoe’s medial side spells out, “I’m Him!” as if it’s in lights.
Reaves is coming off a breakout season for the Lakers just a year after joining the team as an undrafted free agent. Landing a seven-figure shoe deal from Rigorer, a Chinese sporting goods brand started by a former Chinese Basketball Association player, only adds to the quickly building lore around the underdog.
The Rigorer AR1 “Showtime” will release Saturday, Oct. 28, through the brand’s website and select additional retailers. Pricing is set at $100.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
