Devin Booker’s season of Player Exclusives is slowly coming to a close, but he might’ve saved his very best for last. In Phoenix’s one and only game at Madison Square Garden this season, Booker wore a special Nike Book 1 PE inspired by the original 1997 colorway of the Air Force 1 Jewel Swoosh, stamping the Book 1 as the grand master of the Player Exclusive game.
The Air Force 1 Jewel is a unique variation of the ’82 model that features a new-look logo that was considerably smaller than the standard Swoosh logo. Not only was it shrunken in size, it had a bubbled, jewel-like appearance that eventually became the nickname for this style of the Air Force 1. That Jewel swoosh eventually made its way onto other models such as the Cortez and Air Max 1, bringing energy to once forgotten models.
Given the Nike Book 1’s resemblance to the Air Force 1, translating the original 1997 Jewel Swoosh NYC appearance was a fluid transfer. Booker’s on-court shoes features the same dark navy blue upper with white laces/midsole and the translucent orange on the Swoosh logo. The iconic John Jay-designed Nike NYC logo appears on the fore-foot. This latest PE pays homage to the classic design that has influenced many other sneaker models over the years.
In addition to this PE, Booker sported a different pair for the pre-game shootaround; the colorful “What The PJ” was also given to former teammate PJ Tucker who has received several player-only Book 1 colorways since. The attention to detail and storytelling behind each Player Exclusive sneaker adds a unique touch to the on-court fashion statement made by NBA players like Devin Booker.
As we look forward to the next season of Player Exclusives and special edition sneakers, it’s clear that the Nike Book 1 has solidified its place as a standout silhouette in the world of basketball footwear. With its nods to classic designs like the Air Force 1 Jewel Swoosh, this latest PE worn by Devin Booker showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation and style on and off the court.
Stay tuned for more updates on exclusive sneaker releases and player collaborations, and be sure to check out the latest from Skidge for all your footwear needs.
