Devin Booker continues to elevate his game, and his sneaker legacy. During a recent showdown at the legendary Madison Square Garden, the Phoenix Suns star dropped a cool 40 points while rocking a never-before-seen pair of his signature Nike Book 1s. But this wasn’t just any colorway. Dubbed the “NYC Jewel” PE, the design draws direct inspiration from one of Nike’s most iconic city-themed releases: the original Air Force 1 Mid “NYC Jewel” from 1997.
A beloved classic among collectors and NYC natives alike, the OG Air Force 1 Jewel stood out for its bold, translucent Swoosh and clean, crisp white build. Booker’s personal edition modernizes that spirit with a fresh twist: deep navy leather across the upper, crisp white laces and midsoles, and the unmistakable orange translucent Jewel Swoosh glowing on the side. A small “NYC” embroidery on the forefoot grounds the sneaker in its Big Apple roots.
The tribute wasn’t just in looks. Booker’s performance was as standout as his kicks—dropping 40 points, along with 4 rebounds and 6 assists, even in a hard-fought loss to the Knicks. After the game, Booker made one last move that left the crowd buzzing: gifting his signed pair to none other than Spike Lee, the NYC legend and lifelong Knicks fan. A perfect blend of respect, storytelling, and sportsmanship.
Unfortunately for fans, the “NYC Jewel” PE is just that, player exclusive. It won’t be hitting retail shelves anytime soon. But it stands as another example of how Booker and Nike are using the Book 1 silhouette not just to perform, but to tell stories. From nostalgic nods to city culture, to postgame moments that transcend the court, the Nike Book 1 is fast becoming more than a debut, it’s a platform for personality.
