A reflective "3M" heel panel could be distracting for both in-arena spectators and TV viewersKANYE WEST
Kanye West has debuted his "first-ever Yeezy basketball sneaker" with Adidas, but the NBA league office would not approve the "current version of the sneaker on court because of its gleaming, reflective-material heel," according to sources cited by Nick DePaula of ESPN.com. While the "monochromatic sneakers won't violate the league's footwear color restrictions, the issue is the reflective '3M' heel panel," which the NBA may "find potentially distracting for both in-arena spectators and television viewers." The league office has "yet to receive and formally review the new Yeezy basketball shoe in person." However, a source said that the version West shared online would "not be permitted on court as is." Alternative versions of the shoe that "don't incorporate the reflective material would likely be approved." In an Instagram post, West explained that his shoe was "been in development for over three years and undergone nearly 300 sample updates." The new model is expected to "finally make its much-anticipated debut" this NBA season. Adidas non-signature athletes like Jazz G Donovan Mitchell, Lakers F Brandon Ingram, Warriors G Nick Young, Wizards G John Wall and F Kelly Oubre Jr. could be seen "potentially wearing the shoe" in early '19 (ESPN.com, 10/1).
