Paul Rodriguez 4
is proud to announce the global launch of the on the 21st of August. This year Nike brought Paul to New York to hit the streets and spend time in the studio with one of his idols, hip-hop legend Nas. The result is a sixty-second commercial, directed by Nike SB's own Jon Humphries, following Paul's journey through iconic New York City skate spots accompanied by Nas' music and a voiceover from the man himself. You can check out the vid , along with a preview of the shoe! Check out some screen shots below.
PRESS RELEASE
Created with the needs of one of the world's best skaters in mind, the Nike SB Zoom Paul Rodriguez 4 fuses a pure skateboarding aesthetic with state-of-the-art innovation. Available in High and Low variations, the fourth Paul Rodriguez model reflects a new chapter in his life. Lightweight, resilient and cleaner than previous designs, the Zoom Paul Rodriguez 4 is totally accessible, but with a fresh approach to skateboarding footwear entirely. As the first Nike SB rider to get a signature shoe, Paul's got a reputation for excellence, and this design continues that perfectionist streak, connecting with the new P-Rod apparel line effortlessly.
Built to take the constant impact that skateboarding dishes out, cushioning is a priority. That's where the need to retain board feel but protect the wearer-skate footwear's constant quest-fits in. "I just wanted to cut off any excess fat. Strictly a performance skateboarding shoe," says Paul, "I'm trying to reach the perfect compromise where you have cushioning, but not too much so you still have plenty of board feel, so it's kind of a challenge."
Zoom Air technology-Nike's ever-evolving slimline air bag that's been in each Paul Rodriguez design to date-takes the weight, but the diamond-flex technology allows the fully cushioned sole unit to flex like never before. Slitting the rubber with tactically placed grooves creates a subtle takedown of established Nike Free performance, offering maximum movement without compromising the cleanliness of either silhouette.
The Zoom Paul Rodriguez 4 High expands on the hi-top variant of the Paul Rodriguez 2, but with an entirely new, uniquely angular look that mirrors the precise, pared-down paneling and outsole patterning. It's more than just a tricked-out variation of the Low-additions like the heel counter complement the sleeker approach but give it its own personality, while the unique toe piece unifies both shoes.
As Paul enters a new phase in his life and career, he feels he's grown up. The shoes capture that, "It reflects this time in my life. I'm past all the flashiness and all the fanciness. Now it's back to the roots and being a pure skater."
Simplicity doesn't necessarily jettison detail, and Paul's personality is projected across the shoe: The leather swoosh embedded in the outsole is a low-key luxury touch and Paul's continued interest in ancient Egypt and the Aztecs is reflected in the lines across the shoe and present on the sockliner.
"Attention to detail is what Nike does best. At first glance I thought it was a simple shoe, but there's a story to be told," Paul explains. "With this one, it's from scratch. There's nothing out there really like it, and I'm proud of it." Available 8/21/2010.