Giannis Antetokounmpo / Nike Zoom Freak 2
As the Bucks push through the NBA playoffs, Giannis Antetokounmpo is continuing to prove he is a freak on both ends of the floor. Complex AU takes a look at the way the Nike Zoom Freak 2 has been inspired by Giannis' unique range of motion to create something anyone can ball in. Catch the Nike Zoom Freak 2 now via footlocker.com.au
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a freak. If the pure physical tools of an agile 6’11” big man with a 7’3” wingspan weren’t enough, he also has the speed to beat you in transition, the ball handling skills of a guard, and an unbeatable command of the infamous Eurostep. His skillset is unheard of. Unprecedented. Unguardable.
It’s not just his unique skillset and physical power that sets Giannis apart though. With the release of the Nike Zoom Freak 2, Giannis is redefining the way we think about basketball shoes.
With it’s speed-first shape (check that pointed toe) and pronounced outrigger, the Zoom Freak 2 is a unique play on the standard basketball shoe. The design is inspired by Giannis’ unique movements on the floor, but the tech can be applied to anyone’s game.
Just as Giannis has smashed the conventional way a 6’11” forward plays, he is also making us reconsider the way basketball shoes look and feel. Let’s break down a few things that make the Nike Zoom Freak 2 a truly distinctive sneaker.
It's a Sneaker for Everyone
While you will unfortunately never be the physical specimen that Giannis is, the low-cut, lightweight framework of the Freak 2 means anyone can give these some burn at the local court; indoor or outdoor, man or woman, forward or guard, the sneaker is designed with Giannis’ versatility in mind and, as such, is broadly suitable for pretty much anyone.
That’s not to say this is just some standard no-frills basketball sneaker. The Freak 2 is designed for Giannis Antetokounmpo and is modelled specifically on the unique game of the Greek Freak. Giannis’ famed Eurostep is the inspiration behind many of the features in the forefoot, including the outrigger for stability and greater traction, segmented TPU wings on the lateral side for support as you hit that first step, and leather reinforcements on the medial side to lock in your foot as you slide into your second step.
Less (Zoom) Is More
The Freak 1 featured Zoom Air in the forefoot and heel. This time around, Nike have switched it up and combined Zoom with Phylon foam. The outsole, which is now decoupled, contains Zoom in the forefoot only, providing energy return where you need it. The heel is soft foam, meaning when you land, the impact is cushioned and the energy is expelled.
But that’s not the only Zoom innovation; the Freak 2 has stripped back the materials between the forefoot and the Zoom component, getting your foot as close as possible to the responsive tech and maximising that energy return off every step.
Personal Touches
As always, Nike is lacing the signature sneak with easter eggs right across the construction. You’ll find the names of Giannis’ parents Charles and Veronica on the midfoot shank, coupled with the names of his brothers nearby on the heel tread. The heel tread itself isn’t a standard radial or houndstooth pattern but is instead a series of overlapping circles and ovals which represent the journey of his family from Nigeria, to Greece, and to the NBA.
From there, the details get even more intricate. The Swoosh on the original black and white colourway features a composite pattern made up of sketches by each of Giannis’ brothers. You’ll also find 12 tack marks on the lateral side, representing the age Giannis was when he first picked up a basketball.
Giannis has revolutionised the way we think about what a basketball shoe should be. The personal touches make the Zoom Freak 2 his shoe, but there’s nothing stopping you from sliding them on and revolutionising your own game.
The Nike Zoom Freak 2 is now available on footlocker.com.au
