Zion Williamson Unveils First Jordan Brand Signature Sneaker “Zion 1”
Zion Williamson exploded onto the NBA scene in 2019 with a cult following second only to LeBron James. En route to molding his NBA career, Williamson signed with Jordan Brand one month before the 2019 NBA Draft. Today, Williamson, alongside team Jordan and the New Orleans Pelicans, have released images of Zion’s first signature shoe with the company entitled the “Zion 1.”
Zion Speaks on First Signature Shoe
Williamson sat down with Sports Illustration as he unveiled the design of his first sneaker. He spoke about the creative process and what fans can expect in future shoes down the line during the conversation.
“Words can’t really explain it. As a kid you just say it to put in the atmosphere like, ‘Hey, I want my own signature shoe’, but as you get older you see it is tough to get your own signature shoe,” said Zion to Sports Illustrated.
“Things have to really go your way, and I just want to thank Jordan Brand for the opportunity because I don’t think it has hit me yet.
Take a look at the shoes here:
FIRST LOOK: The Jordan Zion 1, the first signature shoe for Zion Williamson.
He’ll debut them on court *tonight* in Brooklyn — design features a ‘Z’ gesture on the upper. pic.twitter.com/6XZitaZhoE
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 20, 2021
Explaining Colorways of the Zion 1
Furthermore, Nike revealed that Zion would debut the sneakers tonight as the Pelicans take on the Brooklyn Nets.
So far, the sneaker has been shown in four different colorways; black and white, “ZNA,” “Noah,” and “Marion.”
For Zion, the black and white colorway represents building a solid foundation. “ZNA” defines Williamson’s smooth yet powerful skillset. “Marion” shines a light on Zion’s home of South Carolina. He explained further detail of the “Noah” colorway and why it will remain present throughout his sneaker renditions.
Zion Williamson explains the “Noah” colorway of his Jordan Zion 1 — a tribute to his younger brother. pic.twitter.com/xDwMm2ImTs
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) April 20, 2021
“Noah has to be the most confident kid I’ve ever met in my life,” said Zion about his younger brother. ” He just lightens up whatever room he goes into. The room blossoms with colors. And that’s why you see so many colors on this shoe. It goes beyond just the little kid who scribbles. This is a colorway that I’m always gonna have. No matter what happens, I’m always gonna have a “Noah” colorway.”
The black and white colorway, entitled “Gen Zion,” is set to release this Friday on April 23rd. However, the drop will release in limited quantities at the Nike Community Store in Elmwood, Louisiana.
Fan Reactions
Initial thoughts of the shoe garnered mixed reactions on social media. Avid shoe lovers and collectors generally tend to stay away from “Team Jordans,” searching for retro sneakers instead. Some go as far as conspiring that Jordan Brand gives its endorsed athletes such as Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul afterthought designs.
I’m convinced Jordan Brand purposely makes their endorsed players signature shoe 💩💩so the demand never gets on MJ’s level.. these are 🗑🗑🗑
— T.O (@Owens718T) April 20, 2021
I’m convinced Jordan don’t want nobody beat his shoe
— Mr. Waternoose (@woody_LD) April 20, 2021
A smaller online vocal crowd voiced their belief that the shoe can break away from the average designs of its signature line elders, excluding Jordan.
Zion 1 has already created a polarizing rift between sneakerheads and Jordan supporters. As more colorways release, it’ll be interesting to continue hearing from passionate fans of sneakers and the game of basketball.
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