Devin Booker was one of the last NBA players to benefit from a signature line. The wait was considerable around the release of the Book 1which entered the global market last March, and which presented itself as a shoe that was somewhat out of the ordinary.
The Suns guard was at the origin of the guideline and Nike was able to collect all his ideas to create a model that stood out from the competition, being able to be worn both on and off the field. It was the player's wish, and the result lived up to his expectations. It's now up to the public to choose how to wear it.
“Basketball is my way of life. I live it every day. I wanted something that allowed me to wake up and wear the same shoe I wore before going to bed, on the field and at home. It was something important to me. Some people buy them just to wear them off the field. Others will buy it just to play basketball”, had declared the player during the pair's promotional campaign.
The upper is both simple and neat, with still plenty of cleverly slipped details. Above all, it pays homage to the models that marked Devin Booker's life, on and off the field, with pronounced nods to the Air Force 1 and the design of the Kobe line, the Kobe 4 in particular.
If this “lifestyle” side is the main uniqueness highlighted by the comma brand, it is on the performance aspect that the Book 1 will be judged above all. Fortunately, on a technical level, the pair is not to be outdone, notably offering good support, correct comfort and quality grip.
GENERAL COMFORT
It's better to aim for a half size larger to have the best comfort, as is generally the case with Nike models. The first sensation that emerges once the pair is on your feet is the support present at the collar thanks to its generous padding. This surrounds the base of the ankle well without compressing it too much.
General comfort is good even if the Cushlon 2.0 midsole focuses more on dynamism and rebound. For example, we are far from the comfort of the Air Jordan 39, but it is still correct. Ventilation isn't particularly a strong point either.
Rating: 8.5
CUSHIONED
The midsole would have benefited from a contribution under the forefoot to compensate for the rigidity of the Cushlon 2.0 foam. We therefore make do with the Zoom Air unit placed under the heel to contribute to good cushioning.
The whole remains correct, favoring a lively rebound for perhaps a little less comfort but which will suit “dynamic” rear profiles like a Devin Booker.
Rating: 8.5
TRACTION
The entire surface of the foot sticks to the ground of a rather classic herringbone rubber sole. The notches are quite deep, and the grip remains more than adequate, with well-pronounced contours to accommodate the most demanding lateral supports, starting on a curve curved on the inside of the foot and reinforced on the outside.
The design of the forefoot, however, makes forward starts perhaps a little less impactful than on certain competing models.
Rating: 8.5
SUPPORT AND STABILITY
The overall support of the shoe is very good despite the lack of reinforcement at the heel or any device present in this sense on the upper. The sole is quite thick and guarantees good support.
It's a bit the same thing for the stability of the model, which also benefits from the external contours at the level of the sole. We can also note the presence of a plastic plate under the middle of the foot to contribute to good stability.
Rating: 8.5
FINISHES AND LIFESPAN
Nike has pulled out all the stops to offer the Book 1 a style that is both unique and inspired by clearly identified models, the first of which being the Air Force 1. Devin Booker also wanted to pay tribute to the Kobe collection of which he is passionate. References to the Nike Blazer and the Air Jordan 1 were also mentioned.
The Book 1 has already been available in seven colors available on French soil, including the idea of snakeskin on the “Python” and “Rattlesnake” colors. The upper has been highlighted by multiple materials ranging from mesh to leather, nubuck, textured suede, twill or canvas.
If the “Swoosh” stands out prominently on the upper, we note numerous details to personalize the model, starting with this zipper whose interior refers to the pages of a book for this Book 1 “Chapter One”, as written vertically at the heel. On the zipper, there is also a “96” recalling his year of birth.
The inside of the tongue contains his family's “emblem”, where each member has drawn their own letter to form a logo that they have tattooed on themselves. Finally, on the insole of the left shoe, at the heel, we also find barcodes of the cities dear to the heart and history of Devin Booker.
Nothing particularly negative to report on the lifespan, whatever the materials used. The upper seems quite sturdy, and the same can be said about the sole.
Rating: 9
NIKE BOOK 1 VERDICT
Nike and Devin Booker succeeded in their bet by making this “Book 1” a dual-use shoe, responding to both the codes and the classic design of a “lifestyle” shoe, while guaranteeing impeccable technical characteristics on the basketball plan.
Inspired by the Nike Air Force 1, the pair has been reworked with a Cushlon 2.0 midsole which provides the dynamism necessary for profiles like Devin Booker. We would have appreciated a little more comfort on the forefoot but the essential thing is there. The grip and support also reach the market standard.
Book 1 also has a tribute side in its DNA that will attract the general public. Devin Booker is passionate and this mixture of genres sprinkled with his personal touches offers a unique model.
Note : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shoe weight (size 45) : 422 grams
Price : available at 150 euros on Basket4Ballers
Grading scale
- – minus ⭐⭐: not recommended
- – between ⭐⭐ and ⭐⭐⭐: faults which may stop some but qualities which will charm others
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐: approved and recommended pair
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: exceptional pair!
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