PAISABOYS x Nike SB P-Rod 1 Is Something Exotic

Los Angeles-based brand PAISABOYS is lending its creative vision to Paul Rodriguez's first-ever signature shoe with the Swoosh: the Nike SB P-Rod 1.

As with so much of its work, the independent imprint's first sneaker collaboration with the Swoosh draws inspiration from Mexico—specifically the pointed boots and thick, big buckle belts constructed out of exotic animal skin (we're talking ostrich, alligator, python, shark, and lizard). These items are famously produced in cities like León, Guanajuato and are status symbols, often worn by fans of regional-wear for special occasions.

A quick glance at the SB P-Rod 1 by PAISABOYS, which arrives in a "Green Apple/Bright Cactus/Varsity Red/Imperial Blue/Speed Yellow/Black" color scheme, reveals the use of at least three different exotic animal-inspired panels. The multi-colored ensemble evokes images of Rodriguez's "What The Paul" SB Dunk Low from May 2021.

Rodriguez stepped out with PAISABOYS co-founders Joey Barba and Javier Bandera while wearing the retail version of their collaborative Nike SB during ComplexCon LA. There, the trio gave attendees a glimpse of the previously-rumored project. All three figures accompanied the in-person preview with content uploads to Instagram, with the PAISABOYS co-founders sharing a bit behind the design through multi-image Instagram Carousels.

The LA label's recognizable barbed wire logo appears on the tongue and insole; the former takes after the glossy belt buckles previously alluded to, which sometimes include encased scorpions. An off white-colored, Air-assisted sole unit sets the stage for a medley of hues throughout the upper, allowing vibrant hits of red, blue, yellow, and green, and scale textures to revel in the spotlight.

By comparison, a Friends & Family-edition of the PAISABOYS P-Rod 1 favors a combination of white tones that make for a deceptively-simple collaboration. Close inspection, however, reveals ostrich and other exotic animal-inspired panels across the top-half.

One "hidden" detail found on Barba and Bandera's take on the original P-Rod Nike design is placed behind the tongue. Revealed through the aforementioned social media posts, a blue leather label reads "Every Paisa Is A Star." The co-founders have previously featured the message on other product, which gets at the idea that every paisano—literally "countryman," but more nuanced—has the ability to and does shine even if others (particularly society-at-large) don't see it.

The phrase derives from the 1974-film and song titled Every N***er Is A Star. Directed by Calvin Lockhart and scored by Boris Gardiner, the project aimed to reclaim the racial slur. (Kendrick Lamar famously sampled the song on "Wesley's Theory," the opening track of his 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly.)

With PAISABOYS, Barba and Bandera have been championing their Mexican ancestry since 2016. A co-sign from Nike over the last few years has earned them worldwide visibility, but their culturally-charged designs and marketing are still best enjoyed by paisas—folks who've historically had to advocate for themselves in the face of systems that exclude them from progress.

Stay tuned for firm launch details for the PAISABOYS x Nike SB P-Rod 1. It's almost certain that a limited Nike.com will take place after an initial release in Los Angeles and through the Paisaboys.com web store.

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