When it comes to music, Dame Dolla may list Juvenile as his favorite rapper growing up, but the adidas Dame 3 has the Portland PG going Slick Rick. The art of storytelling is on full display on his third signature shoe, playing particular homage to his family and the people around him that helped him get to where he’s at.
“With this being my third shoe, it’s all about appreciation for the people that went out of their way so I’d be able to hoop growing up,” Dame said. “There were a lot of things that happened where if I didn’t have a strong support system – it probably would’ve drowned me. But my family helped me rise up, and now I want to inspire and encourage everyone else to do the same thing.”
Kicking off with the triple red “Roots” colorway, this bold makeup salutes his AAU days with the Oakland Rebels and his coach Raymond Young. While Dame is well known for his buzzer beating theatrics on the offensive side of the court, Young instilled toughness and discipline on defense by making his players practice their stance by carrying bricks in their hands. Trend and team colors aside, the red colorway reflects those days of practice and the strength built by carrying bricks.
From a performance standpoint, the Dame 3 continues the theme of TECHFIT construction on the upper backed by BOUNCE cushioning that plays to his ‘sit low, play fast’ style. While specs and design are catered to fit his game, his family, his city and his story are all at the heart of the shoe.
“Oakland taught him the good and the bad, toughness and determination,” explained his mother, Gina. “Raising Damian…our family did it as a team. He understands how to help others because that’s what he’s been nurtured in to. He’s going to make sure everybody knows there’s an opportunity out there for them to make it.”
Check out the adidas Dame 3 “Roots” in the photos below and look for these to launch on December 14th online at adidas.
adidas Dame 3 “Roots”
Release Date: December 14, 2016
Price: $115
