In what is the basketball equivalent to being a made man in the mob, NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has just unveiled his first signature shoe with Nike.
Dubbed the Air Zoom Freak 1, the shoe features double-stacked cushioning under the heel, multidirectional traction on the rubber outsole, a soft foam midsole and a padded collar to help lock in the heel.
According to Nike basketball footwear senior creative director Ross Klein, the Zoom Freak 1 is perfectly suited to complement Antetokounmpo’s rangy movement on the court.
“He’s using space with great efficiency,” Klein said. “He uses length to take defender’s off of their position. In a euro step, for example, he can pull a defender one way and because his left step — the lethal step — is so long, he cuts a huge, almost two-step, advantage.”
The $120 Air Zoom Freak 1 (and Antetokounmpo’s initial apparel line) will be released on June 29. Both will bear a new signature logo which Nike created for Antetokounmpo that honors both Nigeria and Greece.
“To be honest with you, I never dreamed of having a signature shoe. Growing up, the goal was making the NBA; playing hard and helping your team win. This is a bonus,” Antetokounmpo said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NIQGa2fnKw
While in Athens to present his signature shoe, Antetokounmpo announced he will play for Greece at this year’s basketball World Cup in China.
Editor’s Note: RealClearLife, a news and lifestyle publisher, is now a part of InsideHook. Together, we’ll be covering current events, pop culture, sports, travel, health and the world. Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter.
Meet your guide
More Like This
Twice a week, you'll find guinea pig features, personal essays and expert interviews on living better — for however long you’re here. Subscribe to Champ now.
