OKC Thunder Guard Russell Westbrook releases new sneaker with family flare
By Alex Mcewen
OKC Thunder starting point guard Russell Westbrook is a family man first, his new Why Not Zer0.2 sneaker was designed with family in mind.
On Tuesday night in Los Angeles, one day prior to debuting the sneaker on the court versus the Lakers. OKC Thunder guard Russell Westbrook revealed his new Why Not Zer0.2 sneaker to the public at an inclusive pop-up shop at the Jordan Brand store.
The event appeared to have hosted members from Westbrook’s youth basketball team, Team Why Not, of the Elite Youth Basketball League, (EYBL) presented by Nike. After the release of the shoe, Russ held a Q and A session with the fans in attendance.
Westbrook was joined by his wife Nina Marie and son Noah Westbrook to celebrate the unveiling of his second signature on-court sneaker. The shoe can be purchased now exclusively at the Jordan Brand store in LA. But, it will become accessible globally in men’s sizes on January 10, and all other sizes will be made purchasable later this month.
What makes this sneaker unique is it will be available in all sizes including, men’s, women’s, youth, toddler, and infant. Westbrook joins Warriors Steph Curry as the latest NBA athlete to release a shoe with women’s sizing in mind. Lakers current and retired players, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant released woman’s sizes and colorways in the past.
The shoe will be Westbrook’s first shoe available in youth sizing. It will also be the first time any Thunder player releases a sneaker available in female sizes.
Each pair of the Why Not Zer0.2, will feature the phrase Future History, on an outside tag. Westbrook explained how the tagline refers to how today’s youth will become tomorrows future, hence Future History was born.
The shoe also features the Westbrook family crest on its tongue and a black block on the mid-sole honoring Westbrook’s late best friend Khelcey Barrs III. Russ’ devotion to his late friend is well documented and the reason behind the wristbands he constantly dons.
The #WhyNot Zer0.2!!! Super proud of this shoe and excited that it will be available in full family sizing so every athlete, no matter their age, has a shoe they feel proud to play in. #whynot pic.twitter.com/J8YNPe0vXP
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) January 2, 2019
Westbrook’s rise in the sneaker industry could create a sneaker war in Oklahoma City. As recently as May of 2018 it was determined Russ’s teammate Paul George possessed the most popular sneaker among their NBA peers.
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