Monta’s Signature Shoe Waits In The Wings

by Chris O’Leary

Monta Ellis may still have some time on the IR before his return, but when he’s able to come back, he’ll do it with something special on his feet.

One of four And1-sponsored players in the Association, Ellis was the first player the company turned to when they put together their Tribute Collection.

Ellis used some of his free time this season to help design the ME8: a shoe that pays tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With a love that runs deep for MLK, Ellis worked with And1 lead designer Sean O’Shea to come up with something ME8 Tributespecial for the company’s first-ever limited edition sneaker.

To mark Dr. King’s year of birth, there will only be 1929 pairs of these shoes made. The shoe will retail for $129.99 and will go on sale on Jan. 19—Dr. King’s birthday and Dr. King’s national day of observance.

The shoe will be available at the following spots across the U.S. (sorry everyone else—check eBay if you’re interested): New York City, Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Birmingham Alabama, Jackson Mississippi, Washington D.C. and Oakland.

With his status still up in the air, Ellis may not be able to wear the shoes on Jan. 19, when G-State hosts the Wizards. Fellow And 1 signees Rafer Alston and Marquis Daniels will wear specially themed shoes of their own on the 19th though, to commemorate Dr. King.