Devin Booker has been teasing his first signature sneaker over the past week through a series of behind-the-scenes videos, but it’s Drake that’s given us the best look yet at his Nike shoe.
The Canadian artist and friends to basketball players everywhere wore the Nike Book Chapter 1 for his tour stop in Phoenix. Debuting in an all-orange colorway, the low-top sneaker features a snakeskin texture for its overlays and bears a strong resemblance to the Air Force 1. The choice of materials could be a nod to Kobe Bryant, aka the “Black Mamba,” who was a well-publicized mentor to Booker and who’s own signature sneakers Booker has worn frequently throughout his career.
The appearance of the Book Chapter 1 on Drake‘s feet suggests not just synergy among Nike endorsers, but that the shoe may just be the one to break the long-running trend of contemporary basketball sneakers failing to establish lifestyle appeal. Although basketball is historically pivotal to sneaker culture, new models have been largely relegated to the court for the past decade or so. Retro models such as the Air Jordan line or New Balance 550 are ubiquitous in everyday settings, but it would be refreshing for something that’s truly new to take hold within the scene.
Watch on FN
Release details for the Nike Book Chapter 1 have yet to be revealed, but will likely come sooner than later now that the rollout process has begun. The NBA season is also just over six weeks away from commencing and could provide a rough time peg for the shoe to drop.
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.
