Backed by the Jordan Why Not Zer0.2, Russell Westbrook has entered the conversation as one of the truly elite signature sneaker athletes in the NBA. Uniquely built, aesthetically pleasing, and formidable on the court, Brodie's latest sneaker was arguably the best in the performance basketball space last year.
"Russ is super involved," said David Cin, senior design director at Jordan Brand. "Every color, every detail, he will pick out. It's amazing actually what he remembers, he will ask about everything."
Now, as an encore, Westbrook and the Jordan Brand are set to roll out the Why Not Zer0.2 SE, a lighter weight version of the model, ripe with the same winning formula with eyes toward summer hooping.
"I wanted to deconstruct it, and make it a little bit lighter than the regular 0.2 version," Westbrook said. "It's also a bit lower cut."
Highlighted by its deconstructed upper, Russell worked with the design team to remove outer layers, exposing foam and creating an attractive jagged look, as well as adding a semi-translucent midfoot window. Function wise, the SE opts for a Zoom Air unit and open-holed mesh for breathability.
As far as the colorways are concerned, Westbrook looked toward his love for travel, with one version in particular coming anchored a bright myriad of colors and a luggage tag-inspired heel loop.
"I like to travel, here to Paris, and the Summer is very busy for me," Westbrook said. "Between that, the Asian Tour, family vacations, it's a lot of places. That is one thing I am always inspired by."
Look for the first "City Tour" colorway of the Why Not Zer0.2 SE to release at select hoops retailers around the globe on August 1st.