The journey has been a long one for Paul George as he has recovered from what can be viewed for many others as a career ending injury. Given his own Player Exclusive for Nike basketball shoes in the past, he is now officially a signature athlete. The 21st for Nike and the one of four active right now.
Paul George joins the ranks of Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. The growing list of signature shoe athletes for Nike Basketball continues to get better. While the Kyrie 3 is well underway, the Nike LeBron 14 was debuted by James himself and the Nike Kobe A.D. continues Bryant’s post-retirement signature line.
Nike is in good hands. Below is an official unveiling by the Swoosh with the Nike PG1 ‘2K’ being the color way leading the pack.
In Nike’s 44-year history, fewer than one percent of its endorsed athletes have been given a signature shoe.
Joining one of the most exclusive clubs in all of sport, Paul George will debut his first signature shoe, the PG1, this week on an international stage as Indiana plays Denver in London on Thursday, January 12.
He becomes Nike Basketball’s fourth active signature athlete, and the 21st basketball player to receive a signature shoe from Nike.
Blending George’s smooth personality with performance attributes, the PG1 is tailored to PG13’s two-way game. The lightweight, low cut PG1 is a true collaboration between George and designer Tony Hardman. The simple, highly functional silhouette features a distinctive forefoot strap anchored by Flywire cable loops providing a dynamic, contained feel, while a forefoot Zoom Air unit delivers low-profile, responsive cushioning.
Specific performance benefits of the PG1 include:
Forefoot strap with Flywire technology loop system provides adaptive support
Zoom Air unit under the forefoot and plush sockliner provide responsive cushioning
Full-bootie construction delivers a snug, 1-to-1 fit
Multidirectional scale-inspired blade traction provides ultimate court grip
The PG1 2K colorway connects to George’s love of gaming and his status as cover athlete of the video game NBA 2K17; the shoe features a unique sockliner. A bobber inspired lace lock serves as a special nod to his other favorite pastime, fishing.