First look: Austin Reaves set to release new Rigorer AR1 colorway ahead of 2024-25 NBA season
LA Lakers star Austin Reaves is preparing to release the latest colorway of his signature Rigorer AR1 shoe with Global Sneaker Marketplace KICKS CREW later this week ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. A press release sent to Sportskeeda's Evan Bell from KICKS CREW, revealed an Aug. 17 release date with the colorway set to go on sale at 8:00 a.m. Pacific.
Just like past iterations of Reaves' signature AR1 shoe, the all-new colorway, dubbed 'Year of the Dragon', will be priced at $100 on KICKS CREW's website, and Rigorer's site.
While it had been a quiet summer for Reaves and Rigorer after a rough end to the Lakers' championship hopes last season, the latest iteration marks the 10th release from Rigorer and Reaves after the LA star released his first signature shoe with the brand last summer.
Now, on the heels of Reaves debuting the AR2 shoe during his summer tour in China, the once undrafted guard is paying tribute to his fans from China with his new 'Year of the Dragon' colorway.
The shoes are arguably one of the most unique collaborations between Austin Reaves and Rigorer, with a multi-colored upper sitting atop a white midsole that features a vibrant design.
Check out some photos of the shoes ahead of the Aug. 17 release below, courtesy of KICKS CREW:
Austin Reaves expresses support for Chinese fans ahead of AR1 'Year of the Dragon' release
While many NBA athletes who attempt to release their own signature shoes find mixed success, Austin Reaves and Rigorer have been crushing it. As previously mentioned, the upcoming Year of the Dragon release on Aug. 17 will mark the tenth colorway released by Austin Reaves and Rigorer.
While the shoes have been a hit in the US, Reaves has received a ton of support from his Chinese fans, which is something he and Rigorer have used as inspiration when designing the Year of the Dragon colorway.
In the aforementioned press release from KICKS CREW, Reaves said:
“The success of the AR1 line wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of our fans in China. I am grateful for all the support I receive worldwide and am thrilled to incorporate global cultures and events into my signature line."
The support from his fans in China was felt during Reaves' recent overseas tour this summer, where he debuted his second signature shoe, the Rigorer AR2.
The shoe, which appears to be a more slimmed-down version of the AR1 with lighter materials, was teased in a multicolor pink-light green watermelon colorway, as well as a light blue colorway somewhat reminiscent of the Iceman colorway of the AR1s released last Christmas.