P-ROD 1 " Bred"

NIKE SB

P-ROD 1

Introducing a new reissue of P-Rod's first signature shoe with Nike SB, following the first reissue of the white and black version a few months ago. This time, it returns to one of the most iconic colour combinations in the range, the ‘Bred’..

True to the 2005 model, this version highlights the iconic combination of Medium Grey, Varsity Red and Black colours, a perfect blend of authenticity, timeless style and respect for the original design that has marked the history of this cult model.

Who is it?

P-ROD

The son of comedian and actor Paul Rodriguez Sr., Paul discovered skateboarding at the age of 12. He quickly developed a fluid and technical style that caught the attention of the Californian scene. His innovative approach and perfectionism quickly helped him stand out from other skaters his age.

In the early 2000s, Paul joined the City Stars team, where he appeared in videos that have since become cult classics, such as Street Cinema. His career really took off when he joined Girl Skateboards and Plan B Skateboards, two major brands that exposed him to an international audience. His ultra-technical style and total commitment enabled him to dominate competitions, notably the X Games, where he won several gold medals.

In 2004, Paul signed a historic contract with Nike SB and became the first skateboarder to have a signature model with the brand. Since then, he has launched more than ten signature models (P-Rod 1 to P-Rod 10), each of which has become a treasured item for collectors and sneaker enthusiasts. The P-Rod 1, released in 2005, remains one of the most iconic pairs in skateboarding history. It symbolises the perfect blend of technical innovation, urban style and performance.

Beyond the podiums, Paul Rodriguez has left his mark on skateboarding culture thanks to his consistently positive attitude and love of the sport. From his first tricks on the streets of California to the creation of his own brand, his journey now inspires entire generations of skateboarders around the world.

Everyone really needs to laugh... If you don't laugh, you won't live long.

Paul Rodriguez

ZOOM P-ROD 1 "BRED"

The Nike SB P-Rod 1, released in 2005, was born out of a unique collaboration between Paul Rodriguez and the Nike SB design team, led at the time by Sandy Bodecker. This model became iconic because it marked a break with the skateboarding trends of the time, while reflecting P-Rod's personal vision.

In 2004, Nike SB sought to establish itself in skate culture. After a tentative start in 2002, the brand recruited Paul Rodriguez, a young street skateboarding prodigy who was already well known. At just 19 years old, P-Rod became the first Nike SB skateboarder to get a signature model — a rare privilege previously reserved for basketball players such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Inspired by basketball and luxury

It is important to note that Paul Rodriguez was involved in every stage of the design process for his shoe. He wanted a shoe that stood out from the standard skate shoes of the time, which were often very simple and minimalist. He took inspiration from Nike's basketball silhouettes, notably the Air Jordan 1 and Air Zoom Air Generation, and wanted to give it more elaborate lines and a more high-end design than classic skate models. It incorporates luxurious details: premium leather, reinforced stitching, and meticulous finishes, such as the addition of the ‘PR’ monogram embossed on certain areas, providing a strong visual signature reminiscent of the monograms of the great haute couture houses.

But what P-Rod definitely didn't want was just a nice-looking shoe. Technical performance was a non-negotiable requirement for Paul Rodriguez. So, at just 19 years old, he submitted a detailed list of what he expected from a shoe. This included protecting riders from impact, which led to the development of Zoom Air technology.

For the colourway we are interested in today, the ‘bred’, Paul Rodriguez has further emphasised the tribute to basketball culture. The word ‘bred’ is a contraction of “black” and ‘red’. It refers to trainers featuring a combination of black and red that has become legendary, particularly in the history of Air Jordan.

the ‘Bred’ colourway

The Bred colourway was introduced with the release of the Air Jordan 1 in 1985. At the time, the NBA imposed a strict dress code: players' shoes had to be predominantly white to match the team's uniform. When Michael Jordan wore a pair of black and red Air Jordan 1s (the colours of the Chicago Bulls), the NBA deemed them to be in violation of the rules and decided to ban them. Nike immediately seized the marketing opportunity: every game Jordan wore the Bred, the NBA fined him $5,000. Nike paid the fines to keep the buzz going.

The result was that the Air Jordan 1 ‘Bred’ became iconic, associated with rebellion, daring and Michael Jordan's unique style, which perfectly matched the spirit of Paul Rodriguez and skateboarding.

When it was released in 2005, the P-Rod 1 marked a turning point for Nike SB. It blurred the lines between sneakers, performance, skateboarding and fashion. It paved the way for the entire P-Rod line, which will include ten signature models by 2021. Today, the P-Rod 1 is considered a cult classic, as much for sneaker collectors as for technical skateboarders.

Find this piece of skateboarding and sneaker history in an exclusive reissue at the shop from 9 September.