Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns laced up his famous Nike Book 1 sneakers during a Friday night game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. The Phoenix Suns won by a score of 131-128. Booker tallied 24 points and a career-high 15 assists. During the game, Booker wore the bright orange Nike Book 1 sneakers.
Booker’s trademark sneakers will be available in four hues next spring, with Nike now showcasing the orange “Clay Orange” edition. During a Complex Sneaker Shopping show, Booker revealed that only 500 pairs of the widely awaited hue would be created. The signature footwear will retail for $150.
Booker ordered Nike’s design staff to draw inspiration from a few pre-existing models for his unique style, including the Air Force 1, which appears to be the most obvious source of inspiration at first appearance; the Blazer; and the Air Jordan 1. Booker’s objective for his signature sneaker was to create something timeless.
The Phoenix Suns star was also inspired by the 1972 Chevy Blazer K5, which he rebuilt, modified into a lowrider, and called “Uncle Larry.” The vehicle has its original patina on the surface and a new high-performance engine beneath the hood.
The Book 1 sneaker features Cushlon 2.0 midsoles for greater stability and responsiveness, as well as a solid TPU sidewall for support. Nike’s Zoom airbag is then top-loaded at the heel, with a midfoot shank plate providing torsional rigidity.
The sneaker’s outsole features a herringbone pattern that provides more traction. The footwear includes numerous personalized details, such as a barcode on the insole with Booker’s jersey number and the area codes for his hometown, Grand Rapids, Mich., his high school in Moss Point, Miss., and Phoenix, where he currently plays. The words “BOOK” are branded on the sneakers’ tongues, while “CHAPTER ONE” is located on the heels.