Devin Booker has one of the most appealing looks in the NBA. His taste, like his game, is sophisticated, from his peaceful nature-pic-filled Instagram account to his classic automobile collection. It’s only natural that his first signature shoe reflects his understated-yet-stylish demeanor.

The Nike Book 1, which the three-time All-Star will debut on the court this season, resembles an off-court shoe more than the ones his teammates wear. That’s on purpose: the design is inspired by the Air Force 1 as well as one of his rebuilt old automobiles, a ’72 Chevy Blazer K5 dubbed “Uncle Larry.”

Devin Booker might have his best NBA season ever with a new signature sneaker and a new-look Suns team that includes a (healthy) Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. GQ spoke with the Suns player about how designing shoes as a kid prepared him for his new career as a designer, owning a life-size KD Fathead, and his one-of-a-kind off-court style.

Sports GQ: You’re the most recent NBA player to release a signature shoe. How exciting is it to be able to lace up your own shoes on the court this season?

Devin Booker: When it comes to professional accomplishments, he is unrivaled. Sneakers have always been a part of my life since I was a kid. I’ve always wanted to do that. When I was little, I used to draw sketches and design logos. It’s difficult to put into words how it all came full circle and came to life.

I heard you used to create shoes with NikeID as a kid but never buy them–is that true?

I used to draw a lot, but when NikeID became popular, I just let go. I’d produce a ton of NikeID shoes and never be able to sell them. I’d have a cart full of different colours and designs, sort of like a Christmas want list.

Were there any signature shoes that meant a lot to you as a kid? What was the first one you recall wanting?

I was a release date person. Every sneaker that was released each year was familiar to me. I had a bunch of KDs on. Especially in high school, which has brought us full circle now that we’re teammates.

Is KD aware of this information about you?

He is aware of this. I constantly discuss it with him. I know he’s reintroducing some old looks this year. I’ve seen the colors he’s bringing into the locker room and said to myself, “Yo, this is nostalgia right here.” I would have battled for these a few years ago, and now I’m sitting next to you.”

Please tell me more about Book 1. What was your role in the design process, and how involved were you?

Extremely involved. We began looking for a concept or term for the shoe, and the recurring theme was “future classic.” We wanted something that could live for the next 20 years. With all of the materials, I wanted it to feel collected. It’s a classic silhouette, but I’m more enthusiastic for people to experience how they perform. We’re attempting to transcend off the court and create a shoe. Not just a lifestyle shoe, not just a basketball shoe, but something people can rock around in while also playing basketball if they want to.

You were constantly wearing Kobes on the floor before debuting your sneaker. Kobe 4s, 5s, and 6s in particular. Did you get any ideas for your new sneaker from those Kobes?

I was inspired by all Kobe models, but especially by the ones I’ve been playing in recent years—Kobe 4, 5, and 6. Eric Avar, a designer who started at Kobe 4, was on the team. They have something called Nike DNA on [Nike] campus where they preserve all the archived pieces—things that have never seen the light of day. It’s my personal favorite room on campus. I simply sit there like it’s class. They dissected each person’s line, and I was in there with Eric, who dissected Kobe’s motivation all the way through his line. It was a very unforgettable experience for me. The shoes are certainly not the same. Kobe requested that technology be used in the design, and my technology is on the inside with a classic mold on the outside.