Alright, let’s talk about this whole Devin Booker shoe thing, the “Book 1”. I’ve been watching Booker play for a while now, slick player, really smooth. So when word got out he was getting his own signature shoe with Nike, my ears perked up. You always get curious, right? See what they cook up for a guy like him.
Getting Started: The Hype Train
First thing, you see the leaks online. Grainy photos, rumors flying around. Is it a hoop shoe? Is it more lifestyle? Everyone’s got an opinion before the thing even officially exists. I remember seeing the first proper images and thinking, “Okay, that’s… clean.” Maybe a bit too simple for some folks used to wild designs, but I kinda liked the old-school vibe blended with something new. It felt different.
Then the hype machine really kicks in. Limited drops, special colorways announced. You know the drill. Suddenly, it’s not just about liking the shoe, it’s about the chase. That’s where things get messy these days.
The Actual Attempt: My Process
So, release day comes for one of the first colorways. I actually set an alarm, which I don’t do often anymore. Felt like I was back in my younger days trying to snag some limited release.
- Prep: Got the SNKRS app ready the night before. Checked my payment info, shipping address. Made sure the phone was charged. Basic stuff, but you gotta do it.
- The Wait: Woke up, grabbed coffee, opened the app a few minutes before the drop time. Stared at that countdown timer. Always feels longer than it is.
- The Drop: Timer hits zero. Tap tap tap. Enter the draw. And then… you wait again. That little spinning wheel, the “pending” message. It’s honestly kinda stressful, haha.
- The Result: And… nope. Got the “Sorry, didn’t get ’em” notification. Shocker, right? It’s almost expected now with hyped releases. Didn’t even feel that mad, more resigned.
Tried again for another early drop, same story. It’s like you’re playing a lottery where the odds are stacked against you unless you’ve got bots or crazy luck. It reminds me of trying to get concert tickets for super popular bands. Hours of clicking for nothing.
Some Thoughts Along The Way
You know, the whole process got me thinking. Back in the day, you’d maybe line up outside a store. You’d talk to other people waiting, share the excitement or frustration together. Now it’s just you versus an app. Feels less connected, more sterile. The shoe itself? I still think the design is interesting. It looks wearable off-court, which is probably what they were aiming for. Booker’s got that style, so it makes sense. But getting your hands on it? That’s the real challenge.
It’s funny, I remember a few years back trying to get a different pair, not even super hyped, just a specific color I wanted. Went to the store, they had one pair left, my size. Just walked in and bought them. Felt so simple! Now everything feels like this massive event, this big production. Maybe I’m just getting old, haha.
So, What Happened With The Book 1?
After striking out on the app a couple of times, I honestly kinda checked out for a bit. Decided I wasn’t going to pay crazy resale prices. That just encourages the whole messed-up system. I figured, maybe they’ll do a wider release later, or maybe a different colorway will be easier to get. Or maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t meant to be.
Saw some pairs pop up later, prices weren’t insane but still more than I wanted to pay just on principle. I did manage to see a pair in person someone else had. They looked solid. Good materials, nice shape. But the whole experience of trying and failing just left a bit of a sour taste. It kind of detached me from wanting them so badly.
So, the “devin booker one” practice for me was more about navigating the modern sneaker release game than actually getting the shoe. It was a reminder of how things work now – lots of digital queues, lots of waiting, and often, disappointment. But hey, at least I got a story out of it, right? Still a Booker fan, still think the shoe looks cool. But the chase? I think I’ll sit the next few rounds out.
