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Classic Chevrolets become sneakers
Most of us show love for old cars by spending huge sums on their repair and maintenance. Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has a bit more resources, so he simply collects classic Chevrolets and turns them into sneakers together with Nike.
The new Nike Book 2 Chevrolet collection consists of four designs inspired by Impalas from Booker’s personal collection, which he calls The Library. It continues last year’s Book 1 collaboration, when classic Chevrolet Blazers from the athlete’s garage became the inspiration for footwear. The previous series was completely sold out, so fans are now eagerly awaiting the new one.
Four Impalas from the star’s personal collection
The first to leave the garage is the Pretty Penny model, based on the 1959 Impala convertible from Booker’s collection. The color scheme of the sneaker echoes the paintwork of this Chevrolet. Booker himself admits that this very Impala once sparked his love for classic cars.
The other three pairs are inspired by his 1958, 1962, and 1963 Impalas. Nike and Chevrolet didn’t just pick four colors and stop there. Each pair features the model year of the corresponding car embossed on it, and details on the sneaker tongues reference the hood ornaments of these Impalas.
Even the packaging deserves special attention. The special boxes are styled after Chevrolet accessory packaging from the mid-20th century, with retro graphics. The set also includes a Heartbeat of America T-shirt that plays on Chevrolet’s famous advertising campaign of the 1980s and 1990s.
Premiere at Woodward Dream Cruise
“I’ve been a Chevrolet fan my whole life, and I really enjoy adding classic cars to my Library collection. Combining my Michigan roots and my passion for Chevrolet makes this project special,” Booker said.
And it’s in Michigan that the first sneakers will hit the streets. Pretty Penny will get an early release in Detroit on August 15 during the Woodward Dream Cruise festival. Around 40,000 classic cars are expected on the famous 16-mile (26 km) stretch of Woodward Avenue. The global release will take place on August 26, and the remaining three Impala-inspired models will go on sale in December.
Why this collaboration works
Automakers have attached their names to dubious fashion collaborations more than once. But this project looks organic because Booker actually owns these cars and genuinely admires them. There’s a personal story here, not just a logo on a sneaker. And unlike a flawless 1959 Impala convertible, these sneakers can be worn in the rain without fear.
It seems such automotive collaborations are becoming increasingly personal. Previously, brands simply put their emblems on clothing, but now stars bring something truly close to them into the design. And the only question is what a Nike collaboration with your garage would look like. For many, it would be a pair with an oil stain on the toe and a scratch on the heel.
