Nike Book 1

Book 1

Nike collaborated with NBA superstar Devin Booker in the early 2020s to create a basketball trainer that reflects his passion and expertise. By late 2023, the Nike Book 1 was finalised, with a release set for spring 2024. Seamlessly blending style and function, the shoe has left a significant mark on basketball and sporting culture.

Classic Nike basketball shoes like the Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1 and Blazer were used as inspiration for the Book 1, producing a timeless look which Booker envisioned as a “future classic”. Engineered for fast, agile players, it incorporates a full-length Cushlon 2.0 foam midsole for lightweight cushioning and a top-loaded Zoom Air unit in the heel for responsiveness. A sturdy midfoot shank enhances lateral stability, while the TPU sidewall cages improve balance. The herringbone outsole offers omnidirectional grip, and flex grooves boost mobility and speed. The player is also afforded excellent court feel, especially below the forefoot, thus facilitating precise control.

The upper of the Nike Book 1 combines durable materials, including leather, twill, canvas and suede. Strategic padding provides firm lockdown and, once broken in, exceptional comfort. Plush cushioning around the back of the foot complements the protective rigidity of the heel counter, ensuring optimal performance.

Booker’s collection of vintage cars, especially his 1972 Chevy Blazer K5, which he had fitted with a modern engine, also influenced the design. Like the Chevy’s retro exterior, the Book 1’s upper conceals cutting-edge technology. Its sophisticated look resembles a lifestyle sneaker, while its overlays subtly pay homage to the past designs it is based on.

Captivating details across the shoe tell the story of Booker’s life and career. The heel pull is reminiscent of the pages of a book and its lower part the spine. His birth year, 96, appears there beside the words “Chapter One” so that it appears like the book’s title. His family’s initials have been woven into the rear of the tongue patch, and the insole has a barcode with numbers referencing his jersey, his hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, his school years at Moss Point High and the city of Phoenix, where he plays.

Since its 2024 debut, the Book 1 has been released in various colourways, some honouring Nike shoes like the Air Max 95 and the Air Jordan 11, others celebrating Booker’s life, such as his support for Detroit sports teams. Each colourway retains a classy aesthetic that is both vintage and contemporary at the same time. When paired with its high-performance features, which are ideal for dynamic players like Booker, this makes the Nike Book 1 an outstanding choice for both the court and everyday wear.