The Evolution of Chris Paul’s Signature Sneaker Line

The Evolution of Chris Paul’s Signature Sneaker Line

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Chris Paul, or “CP3”, has been taking the NBA by storm for the better part of a decade. Throughout his time in the league he has been seen as one of the top-tier point guards while playing with a hard-nose mentality every opponent and teammate has come to expect. CP3 is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, NBA Rookie of the Year (2006), 9x NBA All-Defensive Team, 8x All-NBA Team, and 9x NBA All-Star. With all of these accolades and achievements, Chris Paul has been doing it relatively under the radar in his own signature shoes.

Out of college, Chris Paul was the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft and originally signed a four-year, $600,000 a year deal with Nike. I mean who could forget Chris Paul being a part of Nike’s now famous “Second Coming” commercial from 2007? Paul eventually gravitated towards the Jordan Brand division under Nike, as Michael Jordan hand-picks his brand endorsers himself. Fast forward to 2019 and Chris Paul is releasing his 12th signature shoe with Jordan Brand, yes you read that right, his TWELFTH signature sneaker.

 

 

Jordan Brand and Chris Paul have been releasing iterations for the All-Star PG every year since 2008. His shoes fit the bill for fast, athletic point guards, who change direction quickly. Premier Jordan Brand schools like North Carolina, Marquette, Georgetown, Florida, Oklahoma, and California (before they switched to Under Armour) all get outfitted with CP3’s every season. Of course Chris Paul’s former school, Wake Forest, gets special Jordan Brand CP3 sneakers, even though they’re a Nike school.

 

     

Chris Paul is second only to Carmelo Anthony, in number of signature shoes under the Jordan Brand wing. Paul currently sits at 12 while Anthony and JB decided to halt their signature sneaker line after 13 models. Russell Westbrook is the only other current Jordan Brand signature sneaker athlete. It’s hard having a shoe do high numbers these days in the market when you’re competing with the likes of the Nike Lebron, KD, Kyrie, Kobe, and Paul George lines, Adidas Harden and Lillard shoes, as well as Steph Curry’s Under Armour series. Putting that aside, it is a major feat to have a signature sneaker line last as long as Chris Paul’s has.

CP has a new home this season with the Oklahoma City Thunder and will look to remain on the top shelf of NBA point guards while wearing his Jordan CP3.XII. Fan-favorites from Paul’s shoe line when it comes to both looks and on-court performance are the CP3.VI and CP3.VII respectively. In fact, Chris Paul’s signature sneakers have even graced NikeiD.com for complete personalization options. Five models in the line have also featured “AE” models to release after the initial launch run. These “AE” CP3’s are basically a takedown version of that year’s signature shoe and feature lighter weight materials and mesh for more ventilation. His new 12th model looks to be a hit as Paul has already been seen rocking a few eye-catching colorways. Look below to see the evolution of the Chris Paul signature sneaker line and to see just why MJ hand-picked CP3 to represent his brand.

 

Jordan CP3.I  (2008)

 

     

 

Jordan CP3.II  (2009)

 

       

 

Jordan CP3.III  (2010)

 

     

 

Jordan CP3.IV  (2011)

 

     

 

Jordan CP3.IV Advance  (2011)

 

        

 

Jordan CP 2’Quick  (2011)

 

 

Jordan CP3.V  (2011)

 

     

 

Jordan CP3.VI  (2012)

 

     

 

Jordan CP3.VI AE  (2013)

 

 

Jordan CP3.VII  (2013)

 

     

 

Jordan CP3.VII AE  (2014)

 

 

Jordan CP3.VIII  (2014)

 

     

 

Jordan CP3.VIII AE  (2015)

 

 

Jordan CP3.IX  (2015)

 

       

 

Jordan CP3.IX AE  (2016)

 

 

Jordan CP3.X  (2016)

 

     

 

Jordan CP3.X AE  (2017)

 

 

Jordan CP3.XI  (2018)

 

     

 

Jordan CP3.XII  (2019)

 

                 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 16, 2019 No Comments
Nike Zoom Freak 1s Get a New Colorway for Opening Night

Nike Zoom Freak 1s Get a New Colorway for Opening Night

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As the opening night in the NBA quickly approaches, there is no shortage of heat coming from its athletes. Back in July Nike drop the first signature shoe of League MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo dubbed the “Zoom Freak 1” as an homage to his nickname the Greek Freak. To celebrate the NBA return Nike Basketball is launching an upcoming “Opening Night” collection, which will include a “Noble Red” colorway of the Zoom Freak 1.

Nike Zoom Freak 1 Noble Red Opening Night BQ5422-600 Release Date

photo credit: atmos Tokyo

The logo highlighted with a gradient midsole and speckled reverse Swoosh and dressed in a Noble Red, Blackened Blue, and Bright Crimson color scheme. This colorway was originally spotted on the feet of Giannis’ brother during Nike’s launch event for the Zoom Freak 1 in Greece. 

Nike Zoom Freak 1 Noble Red Opening Night BQ5422-600 Release Date

Photo credit: atmos Tokyo

We can expect Giannis to be sporting this shoe opening week as the Bucks take on the Rockets in Huston on Oct. 24, at 8 pm. It is set to release in Japan on October 17th and globally on October 27th at select retailers and Nike.com price tag is set at $110 USD.

 

Oct 10, 2019 No Comments
Literally ‘Walk on Water’ With these Special Nike Air Maxes

Literally ‘Walk on Water’ With these Special Nike Air Maxes

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Matthew 14:25 – “Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.”

We already know the Air Max bubble on Nike’s historic sneakers is second-to-none. How about one-upping that and filling it with actual holy water? Well that’s exactly what Brooklyn-based creative label MSCHF did. They took an all white pair of Air Max 97’s and basically customized them to fit the bill as if they were doing a collaboration with Jesus Christ himself.

 

           

 

The self-proclaimed ‘Jesus Shoes’ by MSCHF were made to kind of poke fun at collaboration culture. “We wanted to make a statement about how absurd collab culture has gotten. We were wondering, what would a collab with Jesus Christ look like?” The shoes have been filled with 60cc of holy water and then dyed a more blue-ish tint so it can be further visible. The pair also features the bible verse Matthew 14:25 on the lateral side as well as a steel crucifix acting as a lace lock ornament. The water injected into the shoes is directly from the River Jordan and actually blessed by a priest. The heel of the right shoe says “INRI” which stems from the Latin phrase ‘Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum’ which means ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.’

 

           

 

The ‘Jesus Shoes’ come equipped with red insoles as paying homage to the Vatican in addition to also being scented with Frankincense. Let it be known that this release is in no way affiliated with Nike and is a pure custom done by the Brooklyn company. This release sold out within a minute on October 8th, with seemingly everyone wanting to be able to ‘walk on water.’ The original retail price was $1,425 (again a nod to the Matthew 14:25 Bible verse), but now fetch a price of around $3,000 on StockX. Are you feeling holy enough to wear shoes that are this blessed?

 

     

 

 

Oct 10, 2019 No Comments
New Balance is Bringing Pizza To The New York City Marathon

New Balance is Bringing Pizza To The New York City Marathon

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New Balance is all about victory, after having a hand in delivering the Larry O’Brien trophy to Toronto, Canada, New Balance is eager to deliver more trophies to winners. Except this time the trophy is pizza. Starting October 11th, New Balance is partnering with  L’Industrie Pizzeria in Williamsburg to deliver pizza to runners that log their miles via the Strava app. Runners can redeem their points for pizza at the special NB Pizza Co pop up shop in Murray Hill at 47 East 34th Street. No matter where you are, you can log your runs in preparation for the New York City Marathon and have pizza waiting upon your arrival. Here’s how your logged miles translate to slices and when you can pick up your ‘za: 

 NB Pizza Co. Hours of Operation:

Friday – 5:30-9PM (Oct. 11th, Oct. 18th, Oct. 25th, Nov. 1st)

Saturday – 9AM-9PM (Oct. 12th, Oct. 19th, Oct. 26th, Nov. 2nd)

Sunday – 9AM-9PM (Oct. 13th, Oct. 20th, Oct. 27th)   

Race week hours are:

Thursday, October 31st – 5:30-9PM

Friday, November 1st – 9AM-9PM

Saturday, November 2nd – 9AM-9PM

Sunday, November 3rd – 3PM-9PM

Monday, November 4th – 9AM-5PM

New Balance isn’t just bringing pizza. They’re also bringing an exclusive pop up shop to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The expo will feature a unique shopping experienced modeled after New York’s famous storefront shopping experience, where guests and runners can cop New Balance gear exclusive to the New York City Marathon. 

On the day of the NYC Marathon, New Balance is turning it all the way up with a block party held at mile 16 of the race. Alongside New Balance will be the Brooklyn United drumline, DJ Cory Townes, Cobra Performing Arts Majorettes drumline and dance line, the Pinettes (an all-female brass band) and Ltrain Brass Band. Alongside, a raucous celebration at the last few miles of the race, spectators will also be able to receive some free New Balance swag including New Balance branded cowbells and foam sneaker signs. 

The TCS New York City Marathon will be held on November 3rd but you can start exchanging your points for pizza starting October 11th. Get ready to run because your pizza is getting cold. Gear up for your trip here.

Oct 8, 2019 No Comments
Kyle Kuzma Joins The Puma Family

Kyle Kuzma Joins The Puma Family

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PUMA is still on the hunt for new talent and they’ve pounced on their biggest prey yet. PUMA has officially inked Los Angeles Lakers Forward Kyle Kuzma to a multi-year shoe deal reportedly worth $15 million over 5 years. The acquisition of Kyle comes as a bit of a surprise especially after Kyle’s deal with GOAT and his position as a Kobe acolyte, even having a pair of the Undefeated x Kobe IV Protro dedicated to him. 

PUMA immediately capitalized on the reveal, erecting a billboard in Los Angeles with “KUZ” stamped over the PUMA branding. Rumors began to spread just recently when Kuzma was spotted at Lakers media day wearing a pair of the PUMA x Rhude Alteration sneakers. Kuzma joins a wealth of young talent including Terry Rozier, RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, Marvin Bagley, and 2018 number one overall draft pick Deandre Ayton.

PUMA basketball is back, baby. 

Oct 3, 2019 No Comments
Top 10 Kicks Worn for 2019 NBA Media Day

Top 10 Kicks Worn for 2019 NBA Media Day

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The 2019 NBA Media Day has officially come and gone and your top sneakerheads in the league did not disappoint with what was on their feet. Established veterans as well as NBA newcomers showed out in sneakers both new and old. There were many fresh faces to be seen in their new team threads. New teams mean new color options when it comes to players looking to match their kicks to their uniforms. Kobe IV Protro PE’s were seen in abundance on players like Anthony Davis, Isaiah Thomas, Devin Booker, and Trevor Ariza. Newly signed brand endorsers Zion Williamson (Jordan Brand), Kyle Kuzma (Puma), Jason Tatum (Jordan Brand), and RJ Barrett (Puma) were seen sporting the latest sneakers their respective companies had to offer. Signature athletes including Steph Curry (Under Armour), Damian Lillard (Adidas), and James Harden (Adidas) were all photographed wearing their brand new silhouettes for the upcoming season. Some players chose to bring it back to classic Nike basketball, sporting some of the brand’s and players’ most memorable signature sneakers – most notably Lebron James and Paul George. Trimming all of the sneakers worn on media day down to just 10 was no easy task. We looked for criteria like wearing something no one has ever seen before, wearing a shoe that is a classic plus has ties to the current team you’re on, originality, creativity, exclusivity, and something no one else would be seen wearing on media day as well. Look below to see the Top 10 Kicks Worn for Media Day and let us know what you think and who got snubbed.

 

**Honorable Mention** – Nike Adapt BB “Sneaker Reporter” Custom – Travis Singleton – Owner of Sneakerreporter.com

 

                

 

 

10. Nike Lebron 8 “South Beach” – Tristan Thompson – Cleveland Cavaliers

 

           

 

9. Nike Hyperdunk “Aston Martin” – De’Aaron Fox – Sacramento Kings

 

           

 

8. Nike Lebron X “What The MVP” – Moe Harkless – Los Angeles Clippers

 

           

 

7. Adidas Harden Vol. 4 “Collegiate Royal” – James Harden – Houston Rockets

 

           

 

6. Nike PG 1 “Blue Suede” PE – Paul George – Los Angeles Clippers

 

     

 

5. Jordan XIII “Ray Allen PE” – Kemba Walker – Boston Celtics

 

           

 

4. Nike Kobe IV Protro “Kings” PE – Trevor Ariza – Sacramento Kings

 

     

 

3. Jordan III “DJ Khaled Grateful” – PJ Tucker – Houston Rockets

 

           

 

2. Jordan 1 Travis Scott “Kings” Custom – Tyler Ulis – Sacramento Kings

 

     

1. Nike Lebron VII “Lakers” PE – Lebron James – Los Angeles Lakers

 

                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 1, 2019 No Comments