The Zoom Freak 3 is About Stretching Space to the Rim

The Zoom Freak 3 is built for creating space through radical downhill angles. The shoe’s tech supports the dominant physicality that defines Giannis Antetokounmpo’s style of play and helps to progress his Euro step, which the power forward uses to warp the distance between his body and the basket.

“One of the hallmarks of his athleticism is transferring energy quickly from leg to leg to maneuver his body through gaps,” says Ross Klein, Sr. Creative Director for Men’s Performance Footwear at Nike. “Giannis works his foot like a gas and brake. He also works all different angles of his foot as he’s driving to the basket, so we wanted to contour the design to fit the way he transitions from step to step.”

To that end, two Zoom Air max units under the ball of the foot help absorb energy and provide responsiveness. The set-up is low to the ground, which means the foot is in closer contact with the floor, leading to tight control for searing downhill attacks. The engineered upper helps keep Antetokounmpo’s foot contained, while the strap helps lock down the forefoot, making sure his center of gravity won’t slide over the footbed. The outsole takes inspiration from one of Nike basketball’s most recognizable traction patterns.

The black and purple Project 34 colorway and the orange Freak colorway of the Zoom Freak 3 releases globally July 1 and in North America in August.