Small is the Gate and Narrow the Road

Orlando, FL - It is basic human nature to seek recognition, and the world of sports is no different. Everybody wants to be remembered, and in the basketball world a prime standard of a cemented legacy is of course: a signature shoe. Roughly 80% of players (at least in the NBA and its affiliates) will never be given the opportunity (and the platform that comes with it) to have a signature shoe; making those big brand sneaker deals the ultimate elusive, yet enticing target. Having a signature shoe not only cements your name in the minds (and feet) of generations to come, but also provides a platform to tell your story; in a creative, unique, and lasting way.

We always say that we’re in the business of telling stories, and as always, we’d be remised if we didn’t share one of those stories that just deserves to be shared.

Within that 80% of players was Jonathan Isaac. Drafted number six overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, he had a very promising career (and high expectations) ahead of him. A torn ACL, recovery setbacks, a hamstring injury, and an abductor injury have cost Jonathan to miss substantial time in the last six years of his career. Part of human nature in these situations is to experience frustration, discouragement, and doubt. Faith’s role is to provide hope.

And that is exactly where Jonathan’s new shoe, the Judah 1, was born. In the midst of the storm, Jonathan found hope in his faith. He found comfort in the God that upheld him when human nature spelled defeat. That is the story that these shoes tell, in their very own unconventional way.

Jonathan took the road less traveled and veered away from the limelight of big brands. When there was no platform for his story to be told, Unitus was born. A value-based brand that built a platform for Jonathan to share his story in a creative, unique and lasting way: the Judah 1s.

The shoe itself is built to perform at the highest standards while disrupting what we’re used to seeing on court. The shoe features prime materials that guarantee the necessary performance. Key points include a dual density midsole, an Ortholite sock liner, and a herringbone traction pattern for stable cuts and movement.But more importantly (and the truly disruptive aspect) each colorway of this shoe features key Bible verses that Jonathan personally selected for the impact they had in his road to recovery.

That exactly is the value of this story. A shoe that not only looks good but will also equip you to fight the battles in your mind during tough times is truly a trailblazer. A shoe that will hold you up physically, but also lift you up spiritually is unheard of. The Judah 1 is the fruit of Jonathan Isaac’s struggle, and for many people out there experiencing the same oppression of doubt, discouragement and frustration, this shoe and its powerful message can truly be special.

The Bible says “…small is the gate, and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:14). Your journey may be filled with adversity, and at times it may seem like a narrow road. But when you find hope, you find life. This is the story of Jonathan Isaac. A story that is now cemented in the Judah 1.

The Judah 1 is now for sale on Unitus’ website in 5 different colorways, each featuring a different Bible verse in the heel of the shoe.