Patty Mills and Under Armour announce culturally-inspired signature shoe collaboration

Callan Morse Published September 13, 2023 at 2.00pm (AWST)

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Patty Mills x UA Flow FUTR X3 basketball shoe is inspired by Mills' Torres Strait heritage. (Image: supplied, Speak Communications)

Boomers star Patty Mills and sportswear company Under Armour have revealed details of a culturally-inspired basketball shoe.

The Patty Mills x UA Flow FUTR X3 basketball shoe is the first product collaboration between the four-time Olympian and Under Armour.

The signature shoe's design acknowledges and celebrates generations of Indigenous history and traditional knowledge of the natural world.

Passed on by his family and Meriam Elders from Mer in the eastern Torres Strait, the design draws inspiration from Mills' connection to the sea and relationship to his family's totem, the Murray Island green turtle.

*The Patty Mills x UA Flow FUTR X3 is inspired by Mills' family totem, the Murry Island green turtle. (Image: supplied, Speak Communications)*

First drafted the the NBA by the Portland Trailblazers in 2009 and having won a NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, Mills said the shoe's design is representative of both his culture and basketball career to date.

"I put a lot of heart and soul into designing these. My totem has become a symbol of protection and strength to help me navigate through my basketball journey," he said.

The resilience of the Murray Island green turtle has a significant meaning, migrating long distances between feeding grounds and the places where they hatched. The turtle has inspired Mills' family and Indigenous community for many generations.

*Previous to wearing the Flow FUTR X line, Mills has competed on-court in Under Armour's Clutchfit Drive 3, Charged Controller, Drive 4 and HOVR Havoc designs. (Image: supplied, Speak Communications)*

The Under Armour FUTR X basketball shoe range has been a long-time staple for Mills on the court, and the design intentionally incorporates gold detailing, signifying the gold standard he holds himself to.

The collaboration between Mills and Under Armour follows his partnership with Australian bag producer Bellroy, who produced a range of sustainably produced travel products showcasing Mills' Torres Strait heritage and culture.

The Patty Mills x UA Flow FUTR X3 will be available at Under Armour brand houses, at Rebel and Foot Locker stores nationally from Tuesday 19 September.