Created for Luka Dončić, the Luka 1 features an IsoPlate system with full-length Formula 23 foam, designed to create separation with the step-back.
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Prior to Russell Westbrook gaining signature sneaker status the flagship Jordan Brand line was seen as Westbrook’s sneaker. Westbrook was piling up triple doubles and an MVP in the 28, 29, and 30. Those models never resonated with the sneaker community in the U.S., but they were some of the best basketball sneakers ever created. One of the reasons those models were cherished by ball players was the Flight Plate Technology. The tech was so revolutionary because it utilized Zoom Air directly under the foot supported by carbon fiber. Westbrook loved the tech so much, when Jordan Brand updated the model for 29 and 30, Westbrook had player exclusives that switched back to the original 28 Flight Plate. This is important because in the Luka 1 Jordan Brand relied heavily on information pulled from the Flight Plate. They developed the IsoPlate to cradle the foot and provide stability and like Zion’s first signature model, Jordan Brand focused on max cushioning with a new, more eco-friendly foam named Formula 23. Luka didn’t get a remake of previous Jordan models. Luka’s signature is an advancement of tech supported by classic design.
The model looks a lot like the Air Jordan 11 IE on first glance, but where the IE is breathable with mesh in critical areas Jordan Brand went back to the root of when Nike Basketball really began to shine. In the 08 Hyperdunk Nike Flywire was introduced. Jordan Brand had their parallel version of Flywire in Flightwire. In recent models of the flagship Flightwire is utilized because traditional materials like leather haven’t been featured on Jordan’s hoops shoes. The engineered mesh tends to be fused with Flightwire to provide strength but retaining the lightweight construction. Tech advancements are always important, but the real question, “Is it wearable off the court?” is probably the only thing on the mind of the sneaker world.
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Luka has the handles to crossover and step back, but will the Luka 1 spark a return to basketball by sneaker culture? I recently wrote a post on the Nike Basketball G.T. Series. The three-model collection featured a shoe named the Cut. That model was a surprise hit at retail and in resale. I bring up the model because the Luka feels a lot like the Cut. It’s a low-cut basketball shoe with a midsole design allowing for interesting color combinations. Combined with the Air Jordan 11 IE aesthetic (although the IE isn’t a hugely coveted sneaker by the culture), there is some street appeal in the sneaker, but a colorway more exciting than this first look will be needed. If a cool grey or concord look was to make an appearance the Luka might attract a much different consumer than the Zion 1 which appealed more to kids than teens and old heads. Jordan Brand has an interesting dilemma on their hands. Their signature stars are on the tail ends of their careers. They haven’t really built a legacy of championship success. Chris Paul, Melo and Westbrook have no championship legacy after countless years in the league. Their concepts are these to manufactured moments. Those don’t sustain. Jordan Brand is resting their hopes on their new wave of athletes Zion and Luka and eventually Tatum. One has to wonder if the pedigree of Jordan Brand is forced to rely on retros because today is sans victory and defining moments. Most would say its design, but winning Chips is a fantastic remedy.