RJ Barrett has been around legends of Canadian basketball his entire life. His father is a former professional basketball player, his godfather is Steve Nash, you get it; but his homecoming tour with the Toronto Raptors is helping pave the way for a legacy of his own, and the release of his very own Puma All-Pro NITRO™ PE is the physical embodiment of his endless pursuit of Canadian basketball glory.
There’s a short list of Canadian-born players that have the unique opportunity of playing for the Toronto Raptors. RJ, though, finds himself on a list all by himself when you consider the accolade of having one of your Player Edition sneakers released to the public. And it speaks volumes that an Olympian, three-time FIBA medalist, and third overall NBA Draft pick still understands how important that really is.
“Having my own PE was definitely one of my accomplishments as a pro. Something that I’ve actually thought about quite often growing up. To be able to share that with with the world, inspire others and have kids wear the RJ Barrett PE’s, that for me is why I do it.”
The colourway is a clear callback to the now-iconic “Purple Dino” Toronto Raptors jerseys from the early 2000’s but also acts as a nod to the early stages of RJ’s love for basketball. Images of Vince Carter wearing purple and red are burned into the minds of anyone of a certain age from the Greater Toronto area, and there’s a long list of young Canadian NBA players who credit Vince’s stardom as a catalyst in their careers. While RJ’s ties to the game may run deeper than simply watching VC15 lighting up the Dunk Contest, the connection to Toronto’s basketball history through the shoe’s design story can’t be ignored.
Speaking of history, RJ seems incredibly aware of his responsibility to the game of basketball in Canada. It would be hard not to be as someone who’s been so close to the game all his life. As he continues to step forward in his career, and reaches new milestones-like his own PE- he can’t help but want to pay it forward to the next generation.
For me it’s more about my family, the fans and the kids who cheer me on every night on the floor. I’m trying to give back to them. So much of what I do and I’m able to do out there on the floor is a huge testament to the fans and my family and everyone who continue to support me and this game I play and love. So they are who the shoes are really for.
About the design of his shoe, RJ told us:
Aesthetics come into play for sure. Comfortability is definitely number one, but at the same time you can have both. You want to look good on the court as well and that’s definitely a huge part of it for me. It’s a huge part of your confidence and it just helps boost your game to the next level.
So let’s get into it.
First and foremost, Puma and RJ didn’t miss with the details. His very own work-mark featuring his initials RJB can be found on the tongue and the insole, along with the slogan MADE DIFFERENT on the medial side of the shoe. A speckled midsole (every sneakerhead’s favourite feature) contrasts against buttery soft purple suede. Bold shoes have become a trend in the NBA as of late, and the bright purple and crisp red accents will absolutely pop on court.
Of course, the sneaker is also packed with tech as well. A soft inner layer of NITRO™ foam provides cushioning and responsiveness, and a firm outer layer of NITRO™ foam delivers targeted lateral stability for all multi-directional movements. An engineered mesh upper offers breathability and comfort, while the cord lock-down lacing system in the forefoot gives you stability and support while you’re snatching mans’ ankles.
Incredibly-timed to release alongside the Toronto Raptors “GROAT” nights; which feature throwback jerseys and a (beautiful) retro-style court, RJ’s PE looks as though it could have been plucked straight from the hardwood in 2001 and fit right in with this season’s aesthetic.
The Puma All-Pro NITRO™ PE by RJ Barrett releases to the public exclusively at select Sport Chek stores on March 6th, 2025. SoleSavy will also be hosting a scavenger hunt around the city of Toronto to give fans the opportunity at grabbing a signed pair before the public release. Stay tuned.
