Something New: Luka Doncic's Latest Signature Comes In Two

Recent events beg the question: are Dallas-area therapists or the designer of the Jordan Luka 4 having a better run? Luka Doncic, who was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in perhaps the most shocking 'where were you when' trade in sports history, debuted his latest signature shoe last month against his former team. Dallas’ trade not only stripped the Mavericks of their franchise player and hopes of a championship but also coincidentally (or not) ushered in Luka's new signature sneaker era. Doncic, famous for only rocking the Jordan Luka 1 despite having released follow-up models, has consistently donned the Luka 4s since unveiling them. In the official announcement from Nike, we got a look at what may have swayed Luka to change his ways and a brand new secondary Luka model as well.

The Luka 4 is visually in line with his previous models, as it is low-top with a textile weaved upper. The model also features Jordan Brand’s patented IsoPlate technology, a design element that complements Luka’s stop-and-start pace style of play by providing lightweight lockdown and support. Where the Luka 4 stands above the previous iterations is the incorporation of Zoom Air, which is a first for the Luka line. The forefoot Zoom Air unit is paired with a Cushlon 3.0 foam midsole for maximum comfort and a smooth ride throughout the foot. The Luka 4 also brings back one of Doncic’s favourite aspects of his first signature shoe, the Flightwire cables that add additional containment. Luka declared, ‘The Luka 4 gives me a new tool to help me play my best’.

In an exciting addition to the Luka line, Jordan Brand also announced the Luka .77. Previously thought to be a lifestyle sneaker, the Luka .77 is specifically designed to be worn on outdoor courts. Getting its name from his jersey number, the .77 is inspired by Luka’s childhood experience hooping outside in the streets of Slovenia. The model comes with full-length rubber and high-abrasion mesh, ensuring it is built to handle the beating the playground courts throw at it. With the .77, Doncic joins many of Nike’s flagship signature athletes with a primary and takedown signature line. Both sneakers offer storytelling details, a welcome sight in the signature shoe landscape of today. The Luka 4 features a compass with the initials ‘L-U-K-A’ in the place of ‘N-E-S-W’, a nod to his love of wristwatches. In addition, one of the debut colourways ‘Gone Fishing’ is inspired by his favourite offseason pastimes.

Both the Luka 4 and Luka .77 will drop on April 8. The Luka 4’s price tag is $130 and the .77 comes in at $100.