IN FOCUS: JORDAN WHY NOT ZER0.1
I’ve always been on the fence with Russell Westbrook. I never liked the swagger he brought to the game, but you’ve got to give the dude props for doing what he can do on the court. Russell’s a unique specimen, whether’s it’s his playing style or his personal ethos off it. Behind each, there is balance between a meticulous attention to detail and a no fear attitude. That’s because since high school, both on and off court, Westbrook has followed a simple guiding principle: “If I face a challenge, I run at it — not away from it,” he says.
That outlook is captured by a personal mantra, “Why Not?” It defines how Westbrook plays, how he dresses and now, especially with his first signature performance shoe, the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1, how he shares his story.
“As a kid growing up in LA and standing in line to get other people’s shoes, you become aware of how fortunate you are to get sneakers,” he says. “To be able to sit here now and hold my own shoe is an honor.”
Crafted for the dynamic game and personality of the reigning MVP and fashion king, the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 is highlighted by its smooth vamp, which, fitting for Westbrook, offers dual purpose. First and foremost, it serves the MVP’s key footwear need: forefoot containment. Westbrook plays high on his toes, always ready to push to the hoop or convert a rebound or steal into a fast break. For this, he needs stability over the sole unit, such that no added movement minimizes response when shifting direction or getting maximum bounce to the rack. Combining his style, specific performance needs and Jordan Brand soul, the end result is a futuristic silhouette that features a fused mesh upper, full-length Zoom Air unit and a compression-molded pylon foam piece engineered for flight.
Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 “2-Way”
Behind the scenes, Westbrook works closely with Jordan designers and the Thunder equipment manager, Wilson Taylor, to ensure his feedback is clear and concise. “Russ is a detail-oriented guy. He picked up on every little thing [when testing the shoe],” shares Taylor. After every wear test, Taylor is responsible for relaying Westbrook’s thoughts back to the Jordan team. “After each test, he’d share some feedback. He’d tell me ‘see if they can do this. See if they can extend the padding here.’ It was a good process,” he says.
That part of the process, the dialing of the fit and feel, is elementary for Westbrook. He wants things comfortable. He wants supreme confidence in his tools, even if it requires getting into the weeds. “The biggest part is the amount of comfort and security the shoe provides,” he says. “It allows me to move and jump at a fast pace, something that I think is very, very important.”
Of course, looking good is important too. That’s where the second element of footwear design, adding personal style, comes into play.
Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 “Mirror Image”
Westbrook wore the PE version of the “Mirror Image” yesterday during their game against the Lakers. This colorway exhibits the pleasure Westbrook derives from sharing a narrative. Its upper is plastered with images referencing a heavily postered room, and shows how sporting icons are celebrated over generations. “Allowing me to have my own shoe is a great opportunity to tell my story, extend my Why Not? motto and explain the whole background behind it,” Westbrook says.
Although the “Mirror Image” colorway won’t drop in the PH, do make sure to hit your international connects for it when they drop on the 15th of January. The 2-Way colorway is scheduled to drop on February 15 in time for All-Star Weekend.
