The partnership between rapper J. Cole and PUMA was announced earlier this year during NBA All-Star weekend. The first signature shoe of this multi-year partnership is unusually a basketball shoe. While many companies such as Nike and Adidas sign partnerships with artists, the signature shoes are normally lifestyle shoes. The closest thing that came close to an artist’s signature basketball shoe came in the form of collaborations like the Pharrell x BYW and the AJ 34 x Travis Scott.
Called the RS-Dreamer, its sole purpose is to suit styles on the court and off the court. “Over the years, basketball shoes have progressed greatly in their level of technology and comfort but have strayed too far away from designs stylish enough for cultural relevancy,” Cole explains. “The Dreamer hopes to change that reality. The highest level of on-court performance meets the highest level of aesthetic design for daily wear. Once again, you can hoop in the same shoes you wore outside.”
The shoe comes in a 5/8 cut with a disruptive cord lacing system and a combination of vibrant colours over the sleek black upper.
While its aesthetics suit everyday use, its technology stays true to basketball. Borrowing the RS technology from the running department combined with PUMA’s ProFoam allows energy return and responsive court feel.
The PUMA RS-Dream is set to release on July 31st for $125.
Source: Image via Puma
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