words & images // Angel Navedo
John Wall zigged and zagged through the crowd at Foot Locker in Manhattan’s Herald Square yesterday for an event dedicated to the shoes that will occupy Wall’s feet for the next year.
The new Reebok Zig Encore had its official launch last Saturday, so yesterday was all about celebration, and Wall embraced the opportunity to bask in his moment. The Washington Wizards’ point guard had his “J-Wall” apparel line draped on Foot Locker’s racks while a new in-store ad campaign debuted on the monitors.
When it came time to discuss the Zig Encore, he went straight to business. The design incorporated about 75- to 80-percent of what Wall wanted in the shoe, but still “fit the style” of how he plays basketball.
“I wanted a regular bottom on it,” Wall said, referencing the ice-blue sole gripping the Encore’s zigs. “I wanted my shoe to be lighter, and I didn’t want it to be so high. I like playing in mid-cut shoes, so that’s what I wanted: lighter, regular bottom, and mid cut.”
At other times, Wall is quiet and reserved. Funkmaster Flex, the master of ceremonies and world-renowned DJ, tried to inject some of his iconic energy into the storefront, but was met with Wall’s mellow confidence.
It’d be easy to confuse Wall’s demeanor with disinterest, but it’d also be irresponsible.
Carried by his charisma, the 21-year-old studied the audience and chose his words carefully — not with caution, but for clarity. Nothing Wall said felt like a prepared statement.
“Coming where I came from, in a tough neighborhood, it’s a dream come true to be playing in the NBA and have my own shoe,” Wall said. “To be in this ad campaign, to see y’all come out here … it means a whole lot to me.”
He laughed, vibed to a few seconds of Meek Mill, and eventually swagged into the Dougie with a fan. It’s that contrast in his character, from still serenity to instant energy, which emerges without warning.
Giveaways, in the form of a raffle, are customary for sneaker events and launches. A fortunate group of fans hold onto hope that their ticket number will win them a free pair of shoes. There are always three winners, without fail.
Wall flipped that yesterday. After Funk Flex called up the randomly selected raffle winners, Wall decided he wanted to keep signing shoes and giving them away. The event organizers purchased a couple more pairs and made it happen.
Still not satisfied, Wall called all the kids up toward the stage for an impromptu group photo. It made a few of the organizers sweat – not just from a security standpoint, but because their schedules are meticulously planned.
It didn’t matter to Wall, though. He deviated from the script because the moment was important to him. Here’s the Washington Wizards franchise guard — from Raleigh, North Carolina — debuting his signature shoe in the heart of New York City.
Normally, athletes are swept away after a few pictures and autographs. But everything about this was different. It was Wall’s day, for his shoes and clothes, and he wasn’t letting the moment escape him.
Wall also credited 11-time NBA All-Star and former league MVP Allen Iverson with influencing his decision to sign with Reebok.
“Allen Iverson was my idol growing up,” Wall said. “Before I signed with Reebok, I went down there for a visit, Iverson came down and we spoke for like an hour or two. He told me why he chose Reebok, and how they treat you like family.”
Sneakerheads who also idolize Iverson likely noticed when Wall broke out AI’s Question Mid last season. Unfortunately, Wall admitted it might be difficult to bring them out again for a game.
“When you get your own shoe it’s tough to wear anything else,” Wall said. “I had a few customized Iversons for the Wizards I wore last year. I probably won’t wear them on the court, but I definitely got some I’ll wear around in the neighborhoods or at different events.”
