Nike has revealed Giannis Antetokounmpo’s second signature sneaker, the 'Zoom Freak 2', Sports Illustrated reported.
The Greek Freak’s latest kicks are based on his unique on-court movement patterns.
“What Giannis does in space is directly connected to his body proportions,” says Ross Klein, Senior Creative Director for Nike Basketball. “What’s different about his movements is that he’s causing so much pressure when he hits those steps, like the Eurostep, that we need to help propel him and contain him further near the toe.”
The new signature shoe honours his Nigerian roots. On the shoe you can find nods to his parents, Charles and Veronica. On the sockline you will find the words, “I am my father’s legacy”, and on the traction is a print of their roots and Giannis’ journey to the NBA.
“What is so cool to me as a leader in basketball is that they are not following anything else. They are not seeing and saying we kind of want a little bit of this or that, they work within themselves to be creators and they are going off of this like there is nothing else in their life besides this and it is so refreshing," Klein added.
The Zoom Freak 2’s outsole is decoupled, with the heel and forefoot connected by a supportive midfoot shank. This enables each piece to flex independently during these lightning-quick movements. High-wear areas are bolstered for extra support as well.
Giannis considers this shoe as “the most comfortable he has ever put on." “When I take long strides, with my power, I need a comfortable shoe. Having these air pockets in front allows you to have a good pace, which is important for a player like me," he added.
Another important factor in the shoe design was influenced by the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Antetokounmpo started his career wearing Kobe models and the Zoom Freak 1 design took inspiration from many of Bryant’s low-profile designs.
The 'Zoom Freak 2' will debut in a green/white/black “Naija” colorway that’s inspired by Giannis’s Nigerian roots on July 25. It will be available only in the U.S. via the Nike webstore.
It will then be followed by a “Black/White” zebra design on August 31, khaki green on September 18 and the white/grey on October 1.
Last year, Antetokounmpo debuted his first signature shoe, the ‘Zoom Freak 1’ created by Nike.