There are several rights of passage for an athlete, but when it comes to our arena there’s nothing bigger (or cooler) than getting your own shoe. While basketball has been the marquee market for said status over the years, as of late we’ve seen artists stealing the juice from the hoopers in regards to who has the best co-branded kicks.
All the while though, skateboarders have been doing all the work and play just the same — endorsing, wearing and often designing the shoes of their own namesake. Longtime staple of the French skate scene Lucas Puig is among the riders featured in adidas’ Away Days film to score a sneaker all his own. Leading up to the unveiling, we had a short convo with Lucas to hear about the recently released adidas Lucas Premiere ADV.
Nice Kicks: Looking back to when you first joined the adidas Skateboarding team, what drew you to that group?
Lucas Puig: I’ve always been a big fan of adidas — just the image and everything. I just felt really lucky because they have an amazing team and they have the best people working there. I was really proud to be a part of it so I just jumped on it.
Nice Kicks: When did the design process on the Lucas Premiere ADV start?
Lucas Puig: It’s been like a year, we’ve been working on it slowly. Now that it’s going to come out I’m really happy. I was CC’d on all the emails and I considered every little part that I liked or didn’t like. I can’t wait for the shoe to come out to see the reaction of the people.
Nice Kicks: What attributes were most important to you when working on the shoe?
Lucas Puig: I wanted a shoe that I could wear all the time, one that I was really feeling and not just a good skate shoe but a good lifestyle shoe. I like that the shoe is super thin and it fits with all the clothes.
Nice Kicks: The launch colorway is very unique, tell us about it.
Lucas Puig: I’m really into light pink and light shoes and they showed me the launch colorway and it was original and I was feeling it. Everybody loved it and for summer they’re going to be perfect. They’re going to be the right shoes for summer ’16.
Nice Kicks: Being white and suede they’ll be tough to keep clean. Are you the type to always have a fresh pair or wear them all the way out?
Lucas Puig: My shoes have to be broken in. I have to walk in them for a week and skate in them until they’re really not looking good, but that’s when I like them the most. I like when they’re really used and you can feel the board and everything. The shoes need a story. When they’re brand new they’re boring but when it’s a little bit old and dirty they’re better.
Nice Kicks: What other colorways do you have on deck?
Lucas Puig: There’s going to be some white ones, some blue ones, basically all the classic colors. Nothing too crazy, just something that you can wear all the time. I want to keep it classy.
The adidas Lucas Premiere ADV is available now at adidas.
