Donovan Mitchell Discusses His First Low-Top Signature Sneaker, the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is getting his sixth signature sneaker and his first-ever low-top with the D.O.N. Issue 6.

Arriving amid a period of resurgence for Adidas Basketball, the D.O.N. Issue 6 sees its mesh upper take on a Three Stripes motif similar to that used in the Predator soccer boot series and a hidden lockdown system beneath wrapping around the entirety of the midfoot. Lightstrike Pro foam, the same material used in Adidas’ top-of-the-line super shoes, makes its first appearance in Mitchell’s signature line through an application at the forefoot, while the heel features Lightstrike foam.

Because the mesh is unadulterated, it allows the shoe’s distinct parts to stand out much like the technology on Anthony Edwards’ AE 1 and James Harden’s Harden Vol. 8. A wavy overlay tops the upper around the eyestay and wrapping 30 degrees behind the shoe, while the sole unit is anchored by a midfoot shank in a warped oval shape similar to the shapes of the D.O.N. Issue 5. The color-blocking is also relatively straightforward like the other new signature models from Adidas, with the exception of the pink and blue gradient version that also features neon green accents.

The Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 will release July 1 through Adidas and select third-party retailers for a price of $120. Ahead of the launch of the sneaker, Mitchell spoke with Footwear News about is latest kicks in a Times Square Bowling alley in New York City where he was filming a forthcoming commercial.

What were the priorities for you in the process of designing this shoe?

The biggest thing for me was changing into a low-top. That wasn’t even my decision, but it was shown to me. That’s how the process goes because I’m not really into the intracacies. I’m moer just like, “Show me and I’ll say yes or no.”

When they showed me that, there was no need for tweaks, additions or anything subtracted. I was just like, “That’s the one.” Shout out to the design team for creating it. It’s fire, man, I’m excited. The technology is different with the Lightstrike Pro, but having something lighter and futuristic was something I wanted to do. It’s been awesome.

Was it an adjustment for you to switch to a low-top?

Obviously, I havent worn anything besides my own shoes in eight years. So it was definitely an adjustment at first, but it was quick and easy and very comforting. When I first put it on, it felt comfortable like I had my regular shoes on. To have this be a part of my line, moving forward, it’s something that I truly want to continue to push and continue to build off of. I think this is a phenominal start.

Did you play much in low-tops before you got your signature line? We saw the trend of low-top basketball sneakers start maybe 15 years ago with Kobe Bryant.

Yes and no, I kinda switched it up. I don’t remember playing at a high level in low-tops. I did in Louisville for maybe my first year. They probably don’t even make the shoes I wore then, but after that it was all mid-tops.

It’s kind of novel to look back now on how concerned people were then when low-tops are so common now. There was this fear that you’d break your ankles.

Now it’s the preferred option. The technology, the way it’s been made, it’s just as secure as the high-tops were back in the day.

How different does the Lightstrike Pro foam feel?

I think it’s just lighter — being able to move quicker and jump higher. You don’t feel like you have a shoe on your foot. I can just kind of go out there and just hoop without any thoughts.

And then is the mesh upper kind of deceptive? It looks plain without overlays but packs the internal band.

You don’t really know what’s in it until you feel it. When I put the shoe on, I felt locked in tight and secure, and you don’t even realize what’s on your feet. On top of it looking as dope as it does, you put the shoe on and it feels evern better than you’d expect.

Does that predominate mesh externally make a difference in how it feels?

We’ve had trials and errors and in the past there’s some that hae been competely soaked from sweat, and then I’ve had too breathable. These are right in the middle. I’ve worn these through the entire playoffs, and that’s the highest intensity you’re every going to play in.

Adidas Basketball has been getting a lot of praise this year for Anthony Edwards’ AE 1 and James Harden’s Harden. Vol. 8. What have you thought of this new era for the brand?

I think it’s dope. It’s creating a lot of noise, we’re creating a lot of attention. To be a part of the lineup and be one of the headliners is special, but I want to continue to push forward. You don’t just want to do one shoe, you want to build and build and build.

We’ve seen a longer rollout for the D.O.N. than is typical, beginning with the NBA All-Star Game in February. Have you had any eagerness to just get the shoe out there already?

Everybody has been dying for it. Everyone has been asking me for ’em. I’ve been keeping my Adidas people busy just because I’m trying to send some out. But I’m also like, “No, you gotta go buy ’em too.” It’s been hectic, it’s been crazy, which is good. I’d rather that than nobody asking me for anything. So I’m excited that it’s coming out soon. It’s been a while, and I’m exited.

Do you think the buzz around this has been any different than past models?

I would compare these to the 2 and the 3. I think this one for sure has the most excitement because it’s the low-top. The low-top is more fitting for everybody and you can wear this around, not just for basketball. The look is definitely what makes this more appealing.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.