Los Angeles Sparks All-Star forward Candace Parker unveiled her new Adidas Player Edition shoe Saturday by hosting a fan event that featured a training workshop and a question-and-answer session.
Around 135 people were on hand at the Century City Adidas store for the rollout of the Candace Parker Exclusive Pro Bounce basketball shoe. It is the third Adidas performance edition shoe for the two-time WNBA MVP, and features an orange and white colorway to pay tribute to Parker’s late coach at Tennessee, Pat Summitt.
“Left foot, right foot, breathe,” was Parker’s favorite motto of Summitt’s, and is the motto of the new shoe. Parker said the words have been a guiding light.
“‘Left foot, right foot, breathe’ is something that coach Summitt always preached,” Parker said. “Whenever things get tough, you just have to put one foot in front of the other, breathe and repeat. That’s how I’ve been able to get through life’s ups and downs. Remembering that message.”
Parker began the event by leading a workshop in which she discussed and showcased her training routine, with skill and drill demonstrations. She then answered questions about her playing career and her lifelong “position-less” basketball approach. Youth and their parents then wrote down inspirational messages to their past or future selves, which were posted on the store windows.
“I’ve always wanted to do things differently, and to do things the way I feel is best,” Parker said. “That created different opportunities for myself along the way. When I came into the league, there weren’t very many players that were 6-4 that could handle the ball or bring the ball up the court. Now, the next wave (of players) is position-less basketball, and it’s cool for me to be able to inspire that.”
The shoe has flexible cushioning and features a premium mesh upper side for lightweight stability on the court. A marbled outsole is finished with graphics specific to Parker.
She said it meant a lot to her to bring nine-year-old daughter Lailaa to the event.
