Unstoppable, indefensible… These are the words we sometimes hear when commenting on the performances of Giannis Antetokounmpo, a master player with a singular style, whose physical strength is his greatest asset.
“One of the characteristics of his athletic dimension is the rapid transfer of energy from one leg to the other to maneuver his body in spaces”said Ross Klein, creative director of men’s performance footwear at Nike. “Giannis uses his foot as an accelerator and a brake. He also works the different angles of his foot as he walks to the basket, so we wanted to adapt the design to how he transitions from step to step.”
With this characteristic and unfailing determination, Giannis Antetokounmpo became an NBA superstar and won the Grail at the end of the last NBA Finals, with a Finals MVP trophy as a bonus. Nike had planned everything, unveiling at the heart of the event the “Zoom Freak 3”, a new concentrate of explosiveness faithful to the player.
Beyond its sole which combines comfort, cushioning and quality of support to perfection, the model differs above all from the Zoom Freak 2 by the presence of the strap covering the laces to ensure more support for the front of the foot. . The set reveals a reference model, suitable for all styles and which makes you want to devour the parquet floors.
GENERAL COMFORT
Insertion is facilitated by the presence of two zippers. Note the presence of side padding for advantages. For the rest, the insole is classic, the foot is well or even very well maintained but the general comfort is rather basic.
Rating: 8/10
CUSHIONED
One of the strong points of this Zoom Freak 3, with a molded midsole in which there are two Zoom Air units under the front of the foot which offers incredible sensation, cushioning and rebound.
Lateral supports and changes of direction are also absorbed without difficulty, another advantage which would be due to the light TPU reinforcement integrated into the outer part of the midsole.
Rating: 9/10
TRACTION
The model responds to one of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s strengths in terms of its traction. The unique layout of the outsole, entirely in molded rubber grooves, provides an exceptional feeling. The shoe literally “grips” the ground and offers the best guarantees, regardless of the power of the impulse or the violence of the change of direction.
The effect inevitably fades over time, but the layout and quality of the sole give a really positive overall feeling.
Rating: 9/10
SUPPORT AND STABILITY
This is the small specificity of this third signature shoe: a strap with Velcro molded in flexible TPU to cover the front part of the laces and thus reinforce the support and stability of the front of the foot, perfectly “wrapped”.
The combination of laces and strap also guarantees the best effect and the quality of the sole reinforces the whole on these points.
Rating: 9/10
FINISH AND LIFETIME
The “Zoom Freak 3” is resistant while remaining light. The bi-material upper, flanked by two inverted “swoosh” logos, also seems to be distinguished by its solidity. The number 34 appears on the bottom of the heel and the inscription “Freak” stands out at the base of the flexible TPU strap. The Giannis Antetokounmpo logo is clearly visible on the tongue with a contrasting color on the majority of colourways.
The finishes are classic, efficient, and do not overload a sleek model, and cut to withstand multiple stresses.
Rating: 9/10
VERDICT
Like the progression of the player, the “Zoom Freak 3” is undoubtedly the most successful version of the collaboration between Nike and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The comma brand has been able to respond to the physical and technical qualities of the Bucks star by offering a pair capable of withstanding his weight and the demands of his supports.
The two Zoom Air units under the forefoot and the general grip of the outsole represent the two big assets of this Zoom Freak, third of the name, a model with the DNA of an MVP who very quickly found his place on the market and should continue to make people happy.
Note : 17.6/20
Shoe weight (size 44.5) : 400 grams
Price : 124.99 on Nike.co.uk
Grading scale
– less than 10/20: not recommended
– between 10 and 15: faults that can stop some but qualities that will charm others
– above 15: pair approved and recommended!
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