Devin Booker has stepped into a new realm of sneaker culture with his very own signature shoe from Nike: the Nike Book 1. This significant milestone in Booker's career will be marked by the release of various colorways, including the debut Clay Orange and upcoming Spring 2024 renditions like Light Orewood Brown and Ashen Slate. The journey of the Nike Book 1 is further accentuated by Booker's on-court appearances in special Player Exclusive (PE) versions, such as the Cool Grey and a unique Clay Orange PE, differing in construction from the retail releases.
Devin Booker Book 1's "Be Legendary" colorway takes cues from the Kobe 4 PE he wore during the Suns' 2021-22 playoff run. Both the Book 1's and Kobe 4 are inspired by the shoes Kobe signed for Devin Booker in Kobe's last game against the Suns. The message, "Be Legendary."
However, the latest purple-based "Be Legendary" colorway of the Nike Book 1 stands out, resonating deeply with Booker's history and connection with the Nike Kobe line. This particular design draws inspiration from Booker's own Kobe 4 PE from 2021. The story behind the "Be Legendary" tagline traces back to a memorable interaction between a young Booker and the late Kobe Bryant. In 2016, during Kobe's final game against the Suns, a rookie Devin Booker received a gift from Bryant: a signed pair of the Nike Kobe 11, inscribing them with the now-iconic phrase "Be Legendary." This moment began a special bond between the two athletes, especially in the sneaker world. Booker started his NBA journey wearing Kobe's Nike sneakers and continued to represent Kobe’s sneaker lineup until receiving his own.
The Nike Book 1 Be Legendary mirrors the aesthetic of Booker's beloved Kobe 4 PE. It features a striking all-over purple finish, complemented by black accents on the Swoosh, sockliner, and pull tab. The inspirational "Be Legendary" phrase is elegantly scripted on the lateral mudguard, encapsulating the essence of Bryant's legacy and Booker's tribute to his idol. Booker's affinity for these sneakers was evident in his game performance too. Wearing this PE Nike Book 1, he scored an impressive 31 points and led the Suns to victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While this pair will likely not be getting a retail release, the Nike Book 1 is set to arrive in a variety of colors over the coming NBA season and beyond. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on Booker’s sneaker line and more in the footwear world.
Images via Phoenix Suns
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
