Official, Exclusive Release Pics of the Jordan VII 'Bordeaux' and Westbrook 0

It's that time of the year again. The time when Jordan Brand steps up and releases a string of crazy sneakers to help spice up those already scorching-hot summer months.

Two of the most anticipated drops to come out of the Jordan camp have to be the Air Jordan VII "Bordeaux" and Russell Westbrook's first signature shoe, the Westbrook 0. Here now is an official and extensive look at two hyped Jordan Brand releases.

Image via Jordan Brand

Westbrook 0

Russell Westbrook is one of Jordan Brand's perennial athletes in all aspects. He has become one of the game's biggest enigmas ever since his NBA Finals appearance in 2012.

Without Kevin Durant by his side for a good portion of the 2014-15 NBA season, Westbrook really came into his own. He averaged 28.1 points. 8.6 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game, lining up spectacular plays along the way.

It might have taken a few seasons, but the powers that be at Jordan Brand—I imagine sitting in some Plexiglas Jumpman-shaped tower—finally decided to give Westbrook his own sneaker.

Considering he doubles down as a fashion mogul, his first signature sneaker—the Westbrook 0—is more of a lifestyle shoe than a basketball one.

Image via Jordan Brand

The shoe is constructed from a savory cut of premium leather. Embossed gator-like details across the toe cap give the Westbrook 0 its genuine signature look.

This really is a big step for Jordan Brand. Instead of simply tossing Westbrook a basketball, performance-based shoe, it decided to let him walk his own path.

Westbrook matters in the world of fashion. His work with stores like Barneys and eccentric wardrobe choices have inspired Tumblrs dedicated to his style.

You'd think with luxury garments being an everyday occurrence for Westbrook that his shoes would veer into a crazy price range. Not so fast. The $130 tag on these bad boys is right in line with most of the kicks out there today.

The sneakers look ravishing on-foot. The way the embossed patterns meld with the simple leather base proves he knows what he's doing.

Image via Jordan Brand

The biggest question mark about this whole "lifestyle" approach is how the shoes will sell. Consumers have been predisposed to wearing basketball shoes as casual sneakers. This time around it's different.

Look for the Westbrook 0's to be released in a variety of colorways over the next few months. The roll-out should be one of Jordan Brand's biggest signature pushes in recent memory.

Air Jordan VII "Bordeaux"

Image via Jordan Brand

Jordan Brand's latest retro comes in the form of a VII. The "Bordeaux" colorway returns for the first time since 2011 on July 18.

Easily one of the most popular versions of the Air Jordan VII, there's no reason to think that this "Bordeaux" release will stick around shelves for long.

Very few colorways of the Air Jordan VII stack up to the "Bordeaux." That vino, "red wine on a balcony in Italy" burgundy sprayed across the tongue, combined with a black and grey upper is rare but welcomed.

These VII's are also part of Jordan Brand's "Remastered" collection. Essentially that means the company uses some of the best materials around to preserve the shoe's original look and feel.

Image via Jordan Brand

Unlike the Westbrook 0, the VII "Bordeaux" will be priced at a staggering $190. Sadly, these days that's become the cost of doing business for any of the "Remastered" Jordans.

Jordan Brand has continuously found ways to promote its products. Countless sneakers surface on a weekly basis. Despite all of that saturation and chaos, the Air Jordan VII "Bordeaux" is one of the colorways you'll always remember because of its honesty.

It doesn't try too hard. The hues work, dancing around together to give this Jordan silhouette a vivacious look.

More than anything else, both of these sneakers are a testament to Jordan Brand's desire to keep consumers on their toes. The decision to blast out lifestyle shoes like the Westbrook 0 could be the first real sign that things are changing out here.

Change is good, though, right? 

All Nike/Jordan product information via News.Nike.com, unless noted otherwise.