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Jordan Why Not? x Converse Pack: A new chapter in athlete sneaker collabs

Recently Jordan Brand has announced its upcoming sneaker release with Houston Rockets superstar Russell Westbrook as a collaboration with Converse entitled the “Why Not?” x Converse Pack.

The multi-sneaker release is set to feature an Air Jordan 16 with a Chuck 70, two of which Westbrook has expressed as being his favorite sneakers models. It should also be noted that the Chuck 70 has been one of Westbrook’s go-to sneakers in his infamous tunnel outfits throughout the NBA season pre and post-bubble.

 

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The details on the shoes draw from many of Westbrook’s inspirations as it features embroidered chains on the upper of both sneakers.

The design’s multi-faceted inspiration is influenced by Westbrook’s gritty play on the court, his love for leather jackets as well as chain nets that have historically been found on basketball courts within inner-city neighborhoods across America.

Jordan Brand x Converse

The sentiment that lies within the details of the sneakers’ design remains on-brand with Westbrook’s clothing line Honor The Gift, which was established in 2016. Serving as a representation of the hard work, resilience, and ambition of inner-city kids who strive for greatness to achieve their dreams regardless of the hardships they are faced with.

A unique aspect of the release is the inclusion of a Converse sneaker considering the fact that Westbrook is signed as a Jordan Brand athlete.

Jordan Brand x Converse

Of course, this is justified as the Jordan brand is under Nike’s umbrella, but this leaves a lot to question about the future of sneaker collaborations with JB athletes on sneaker models that aren’t strictly performance-based.

Russell Westbrook’s Jordan Why Not? X Converse pack is set to release on SNKRS and select sneaker retailers on October 2nd. What do you make of this release?

Jordan Brand x Converse

Do you think this pack will mark a new chapter for basketball athletes regarding lifestyle sneaker collaborations?

Overtime puts on for artists in their newest series “Paint Wars”

Sports and fashion are not mutually exclusive. In fact, their coexistence breeds some of the hottest material the world has to offer.

Overtime, the sports network built for the modern athlete, has just launched a new show called “Paint Wars,” in which the nation’s top sneaker customizers tackle different creative challenges.

Presented by Converse and hosted by Overtime Larry, each episode will feature three customizers engaging in new challenges with a blank Converse shoe as their canvas.

First off, Converse shoes are hot. Chuck Taylors are some of the sleekest shoes ever made. But the opportunity to take a blank shoe, a clean canvas, and create something new on it? A piece of artwork that you can take everywhere with you on the top of your sole? That is special, fam.

Fans of sports and fashion will get the chance to peep some of the most creative designers create new looks on “Paint Wars.” They will specifically be working on the Chuck Taylor All Star and Pro Leather, as well as the brand’s flagship performance hoops shoe the All Star Pro BB, the newly revealed Converse G4.

paint wars overtime

“We all look to express ourselves creatively – athletes included,” said Tyler Rutstein, General Manager and Head of Merchandising at Overtime.

Rutstein mentioned the loosening NBA sneaker color restrictions as an example of the world of sports welcoming in fashion with open arms.

“The vibrant colorways and customization on the court have become a game in itself. You don’t need to fit into any sort of bucket – you can like both sports and fashion. Overtime is a space where all of our fans can be inspired to watch, engage, create, and ultimately wear us.”

Iconic sneaker artist Sierato will act as a judge on the show. Sierato is currently featured on Overtime’s popular series “Trick my Kicks,” and is one of the hottest shoe designers in the game.

sierato paint warsHe has also collaborated with Overtime to launch an exclusive Overtime x Sierato apparel collection inspired by the series. Hoodies and tees are offered in Cloud Blue and Fire Red.

Chloe Pavlech aka “Overtime Chloe” will act as the second judge on “Paint Wars.” And each episode, a new popular sneaker enthusiast will act as the third judge, with stars such as Lil Pump, hip-hop illusionist Jibrizy, high school basketball phenom Julian Newman, and WNBA champion Natasha Cloud scheduled to appear.

Overtime’s partnership with Converse highlights the dedication of these iconic brands to combine two facets of the entertainment world together, sports and fashion.

There is no shortage of athletes who have broken into fashion. Collaborations, partnerships, even just showing love to one another is commonplace now in the world of entertainment.

Overtime and Converse’s unique collaboration on “Paint Wars” will showcase raw and innovative design right before our eyes, and help reject the notion that sports and fashion operate on separate planes.

Athletics and design boil down to creativity and entertainment. “Paint Wars” will give us both in surplus.