Nike has introduced - Giannis Freak 7, the latest addition to the Nigerian-Greek professional basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo's signature shoe range. Meticulously designed to support the ‘most lethal Euro step in all of basketball,’ this new silhouette caters to Giannis and other dedicated hoopers who push the limits of their game.
Boasting an innovative ‘Antetokounmpo’ traction pattern, the Giannis Freak 7 shoe range is designed to offer a rigid feel on its lateral side for sharp cuts and quick stops, while providing a smooth medial ride for seamless transitions. This allows players to create crucial separation and leave defenders behind.
Complementing this advanced traction is a full-length, wall-to-wall Cushlon 3.0 midsole. This groundbreaking feature delivers exceptional comfort and responsiveness, crucial for athletes who spend countless hours honing their skills. The midsole, outsole, and upper all incorporate mechanically engineered grooves, allowing for optimal flex and compression to enhance the Euro step's power and agility.
Emphasizing on the shoe's critical features, Antetokounmpo says, the Giannis Freak 7 offers an incredible grip and is stable enough to move side to side when I play. The shoe brings the performance I need to power my game in a design that reminds me of my heritage and how much I’ve worked to get here.
The shoe's upper part is inspired by both Giannis' heritage and Nike's design history, subtly referencing Greek sandals to provide superior heel lockdown and foot containment during sharp cuts. Giannis' surname is even spelled out in the traction pattern, and his signature logo is subtly integrated into the upper. The lead ‘Ignition’ colorway embodies the intensity Giannis brings to the court, designed to inspire young athletes to match his notorious work ethic.
Ross Klein, Senior Director-Men’s Basketball Footwear Product Design, Nike, notes, the show reimagines the iconic Greek sandal into a containment structure tailored for the demands of Giannis’ trademark and explosive Euro step. The silhouette fuses modern energy and fluid motion with the traction and lateral containment needed to perform at the highest level, he adds.
The Giannis Freak 7 also underscores Nike's unwavering dedication to basketball, its athletes, and the sport's vibrant culture. By actively listening to athletes at all levels, from EYBL to professional play, Nike is continually shaping the future of basketball footwear. Their industry-leading designs empower athletes to leverage their athleticism as a competitive advantage. Nike further enriches these footwear innovations with colorway stories, materials, and finishes that resonate with the bold and confident energy of the next generation of hoopers.
Through creating top-tier products for elite athletes and making them accessible to all who love the game, Nike champions the players at the heart of basketball, fueling its future and culture for current all-stars and the next generation alike.
