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Paul George, one of the NBA's best two-way players, is known for his signature line of Nike shoes. Since the debut of the PG 1 in 2017, the PG line has been a hit among NBA players and fans. The PG 2.5 and PG 3, in particular, were popular choices for players, while the PG 4, 5, and 6 were considered less impressive redesigns. Despite the varying reviews of his signature line, Paul George's shoes are notable for combining high-performance technology with appealing aesthetics. While George has worn his own signature models, he has also been seen wearing Kobe Bryant's Nike Kobe sneakers, both early in his career and more recently as a nostalgic tribute.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paul George's signature shoe line with Nike | PG 1, PG 2, PG 2.5, PG 3, PG 4, PG 5, PG 6 |
| Year of debut | September 2016 |
| Popularity | PG 1, PG 2, and PG 2.5 were popular among NBA players |
| Least popular shoe | PG 3 |
| Paul George's favourite shoes | Kobe Bryant's Nike Kobe sneaker line |
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What You'll Learn
Paul George's signature shoe line with Nike
In September 2016, six years into his career, George finally debuted his first signature shoe with Nike: the PG 1. The shoe quickly became one of the most popular in the NBA, and George followed up with the PG 2 in February 2018, which introduced a radical redesign. The PG 2.5 brought back the beloved midfoot strap, and both the PG 2 and 2.5 were wildly popular.
The PG 3, however, was less of a hit, despite solid performance reviews and an appealing aesthetic. George then moved on to the PG 4, 5, and 6, which were considered relatively underwhelming redesigns. Even so, the PG 6 has been one of the most liked and worn pairs of shoes by NBA athletes, including George's teammates Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris Sr., Robert Covington, and Amir Coffey.
The design of the PG 1 included a remake of George's personal logo, which was his initials "PG" in the form of a bowtie. George and Nike described the logo as "a reminder of his unique blend of simplicity and sophistication." The logo also represented George's love for fishing, which he adopted through bonding with his father.
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The popularity of the PG 1, PG 2, and PG 2.5
Paul George's first signature shoe with Nike, the PG 1, debuted in September 2016 and quickly became one of the most popular shoes in the NBA. The shoe featured a lightweight, low-cut design with Zoom Air cushioning and mid-foot straps. The PG 2, released in February 2018, introduced a radical redesign, while the PG 2.5, a hybrid of the PG 1 and PG 2, brought back the beloved midfoot strap and was released in 2018. While the PG 2 and PG 2.5 were wildly popular among NBA players, the PG 3 was less of a hit, despite its solid performance reviews and appealing aesthetic.
The PG 1 was well-received by players, who appreciated its comfortable fit and performance on the court. Some players noted that the shoe ran true to size, unlike its predecessor, which was short and tight. The PG 1 also received praise for its aesthetics, with some players expressing their love for the launch colorway. The PG 2 built upon the success of its predecessor by offering a more typical design while retaining the popular mid-foot strap. This shoe was also praised for its traction, stability, and overall solid performance.
The PG 2.5, a hybrid of the PG 1 and PG 2, brought back the highly requested midfoot strap and combined elements from both shoes. This shoe was well-received by players who appreciated the combination of performance and style. The PG line was known for its lower cost, with prices ranging from $60 to $80, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers. The PG 1 and PG 2.5 were so popular that Nike announced plans to retro the shoes, bringing them back into the market due to high demand.
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The underwhelming performance of the PG 3, PG 4, PG 5, and PG 6
Several basketball players use Paul George's signature shoes, the PG line, including Russ and Aquaman. The PG 3, PG 4, PG 5, and PG 6 have received mixed reviews, with some praising their performance and others finding them underwhelming.
The PG 3 received positive reviews for its cushioning, fit, stability, and traction. However, some users found the colour blocking bland and the shoe needed a little break-in time to feel fluid.
The PG 4 received mixed reviews for its traction, with some users reporting that they slipped while playing on dusty courts. The containment of the shoe was also questioned, with some reviewers claiming that you slide off the footbed. However, others found the containment to be good, with no issues reported.
The PG 5 was praised for its lightweight design, responsiveness, and traction. However, some users reported that the materials felt cheap and lacked durability, with rips occurring within a few months of use.
The PG 6 received mixed reviews for its durability, with some users reporting that the shoes caused them pain. The lacing system was found to be effective, but the placement of the extra eyelet was questioned. The shoes were also described as lightweight, with minimal break-in time, and sufficient padding. However, the breathability was only described as "OK", and the mesh material was difficult to clean.
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Paul George's early career preference for Kobe Bryant's sneakers
Paul George's preference for Kobe Bryant's sneakers dates back to the early stages of his career. George joined the NBA in 2010, signing with Nike, and became known for wearing shoes from Kobe Bryant's signature line. He was often seen sporting the Kobe 4 Protro and Kobe 5 Protro, which are recent reiterations of Bryant's older models in partnership with Nike. The Kobe 4 Protro, in particular, holds a special place in Kobe sneaker history with its 'Draft Day' colourway, honouring Bryant's selection by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft.
George's affinity for Bryant's sneakers continued even after he launched his own signature shoe line with Nike in 2017. The PG1, PG2, and PG2.5 sneakers from his line were well-received by players and fans, but George still occasionally reverted to Kobe sneakers as a nostalgic tribute. This blend of innovation and nostalgia in his footwear choices reflects George's smooth and steady gameplay, where he takes his time to make precise moves on the court.
Despite the success of his signature line, George's preference for Kobe sneakers persisted. In late 2022, fans noticed him returning to Kobe sneakers, coinciding with Nike's debut of new signature lines for other players. This shift back to Kobe sneakers continued into the 2023-24 season, where George stepped onto the court in the Nike Kobe IV Protro shoes. The choice to wear sneakers from his late mentor's line was seen as a display of self-assurance and a tribute to Bryant.
George's early career preference for Kobe Bryant's sneakers showcases his admiration for the legendary player and his footwear. While he has since established his own successful signature line with Nike, his occasional reversion to Kobe sneakers highlights the enduring influence of Bryant's iconic shoe collection.
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Paul George's post-Nike contract footwear choices
Paul George's signature shoe line with Nike, which debuted in September 2016 with the PG 1, came to an end in 2024. The PG 1 was quickly followed by the PG 2 in February 2018, which introduced a radical redesign. The PG 2.5, PG 3, PG 4, PG 5, and PG 6 were subsequently released, with the PG 2 and PG 2.5 being particularly popular among NBA players. Despite the line's overall success, Nike decided to discontinue it after the sixth model.
Following the end of his contract with Nike, George has been seen wearing Kobe's shoes, specifically the Nike Kobe line. He has also expressed interest in Iverson sneakers, specifically Allen Iverson's Reebok sneakers, and his father has revealed that he preferred Converse shoes when he was younger. There are speculations that George might sign a deal with Converse, which would be a significant move for the brand in the modern era.
George's decision to wear different shoes could be a strategy to test out various options before settling on a new signature deal. As a versatile player, he prioritizes comfort and performance in his footwear choices, and his post-Nike choices reflect his preference for well-known and respected brands.
While George's next move in terms of footwear endorsements is unknown, his influence in the basketball world will likely result in continued interest in his shoe choices.
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Frequently asked questions
Many NBA players have worn Paul George's signature shoes, with the PG 1 and PG 2.5 being particularly popular.
Paul George, also known as 'PG13', plays for the Philadelphia 76ers. He was drafted in 2010 by the Indiana Pacers.
Paul George's first signature shoe with Nike, the PG 1, was released in 2017.
Paul George's signature shoe line combines high-performance technology with cool colours. The shoes are designed to be comfortable and bouncy, perfect for versatile, two-way players.
Paul George's contract with Nike ended after the release of the PG 6, and he has since been seen wearing Kobe Bryant's Nike sneakers. It is rumoured that he wanted to get used to different shoes and that Nike is replacing him with Book.
