We’ve spent a ton of time in the past week and change on the newly unveiled slate of Nike EYBL PEs, with the Kobe 8, Sabrina 2 and GT Hustle 3 all entering the canon in celebration of the Nike Basketball Academy. However, these exclusive colorways are a year-round proposition, emerging in a steady stream surrounding a stacked calendar of youth events. The latest to hit the newswire is the Nike Book 1, crafted for the girls’ nationals tournament and clad in resplendent all-yellow.
While any of the ultra-limited footwear inherently celebrates the youth hoopers in question, this colorway equally reads as a celebration of Book himself. The lenticular jeweled Swoosh sports a host of iconography that alludes to Booker’s personality & playing career; an open book, tumbleweeds, cacti and a pair of shades spread across that graphic section. Most notably, Booker’s Cane Corso appears suspended in that Swoosh as well as emblazoned on the heel, already lending his name and look to the publicly-released Book 1 “Haven.”
The tonal outfit continues with a translucent yellow sole underfoot, with some glittering sparkles suspended within. Finally, some atypical branding notes close out the design, both recognizing girls’ EYBL 10th anniversary on the heel and collar, as well as tying into Booker’s personal ethos with an insole tag that breaks down the abstract makeup of the perennial All-Star.
Though solely gifted to attendees and participants of that July tournament, of course a few pairs have already slipped into public hands. However, there will be no wide release for this pair, remaining exclusive to those youth athletes and perhaps the odd collector who shells out a premium to grab a runoff pair. Catch a closer look at this PE that emerged via that exact scenario, included in the gallery just ahead.