Devin Booker has one of the most enticing physical characteristics in the NBA. From his calm nature-pic-filled Instagram account to his classic automobile collection, his taste, like his game, is nuanced. It’s only natural that his first signature shoe matches his simple-yet-stylish demeanor.

The Nike Book 1, which the three-time All-Star will debut this season, looks more like an off-court sneaker 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 restored vintage cars, a ’72 Chevy Blazer K5 nicknamed “Uncle Larry.”

With a new signature sneaker and a new-look Suns team that includes a (healthy) Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, Devin Booker might have his finest NBA season yet. GQ chatted with the Suns star about how making shoes as a child prepared him for his new career as a designer, owning a life-size KD Fathead, and his unique 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: He is unequaled in terms of professional accomplishments. Since I was a child, sneakers have been a part of my life. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I used to do sketches and develop logos when I was younger. It’s tough to explain how everything came full circle and came to life.

I heard you used to make NikeID sneakers as a youngster but never bought them–is this true?

I used to do a lot of drawing, but when NikeID became famous, I just stopped. I’d make a bunch of NikeID sneakers but never sell them. I’d have a cart filled of various colors and designs, similar to a Christmas wish list.

Were there any signature shoes that meant a lot to you when you were younger? What was the first thing you remember wanting?

I was a fan of release dates. Every shoe introduced every year was recognizable to me. I was wearing a lot of KDs. Particularly in high school, which has now brought us full circle as teammates.

Is this information about you known to KD?

He’s aware of it. I’m always talking about it with him. I know he’s bringing back some classic looks this year. When I saw the colors he brought into the locker room, I said to myself, “Yo, this is nostalgia right here.” I would have fought for these a few years ago, and today I sit next to you.”

Please elaborate about Book 1. How active were you in the design process, and what was your role?

Extremely engaged. When we first started looking for a concept or word for the sneaker, the reoccurring theme was “future classic.” We needed something that will last at least 20 years. I wanted it to feel collected with all of the materials. It’s a classic silhouette, but I’m more interested in seeing how they perform. We’re striving to move beyond the court and design a sneaker. Not just a lifestyle shoe, not simply a basketball shoe, but something people can wear while playing basketball if they so desire.

Before you debuted your footwear, you were often seen on the court wearing Kobes. Specifically, Kobe 4s, 5s, and 6s. Did those Kobes inspire you to design a new sneaker?

All Kobe models inspired me, but especially the ones I’ve been playing in recent years—Kobe 4, 5, and 6. Eric Avar, a designer who began his career at Kobe 4, was part of the team. On [Nike] campus, they have something called Nike DNA, where they keep all the archival pieces—things that have never seen the light of day. It is my favorite room on campus. I just sit there like it’s a lesson. They studied everyone’s line, and I was in there with Eric, who dissected Kobe’s motive throughout his line. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. The sneakers are unquestionably not the same. Kobe requested that technology be incorporated in the design, and mine is on the inside with a traditional mold on the outside.