Helena Frye
Serbian basketball player Nikola Jokic has been a steadfast believer in chunky high-top Nikes for most of his career, wearing shoes like the Nike Air Zoom GT Jumps, Zoom Rize, and Hyperdunk silhouettes. However, in 2024, Jokic surprised the world by signing with the Chinese brand 361 Degrees, releasing their first joint signature sneaker, the Joker 1.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nike, 361 Degrees |
| Model | Air Zoom G.T. Jump, Big3 Future High, Joker 1 |
| Features | High-top, lightweight, springy, strong, superior cushioning, grippy outsole, stability, breathability, flexibility |
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What You'll Learn
Nikola Jokic's Nike Shoes
Nikola Jokic, the Serbian center on the Denver Nuggets, is a steadfast believer in chunky high-top Nikes. He has worn several Nike shoes throughout his career, including the Nike Air Zoom GT Jumps, Zoom Rize, and Hyperdunk silhouettes.
The Nike Air Zoom GT Jump basketball shoes are currently available in adult sizes for $180 on the Nike website. The shoes feature the brand's most responsive cushioning system, with a full-length Air Zoom Strobel unit double-stacked with Zoom Air in the heel and forefoot. The cushion works alongside an external jump frame made from PEBAX®, which is lightweight, springy, and strong.
Despite his impressive accolades, including being a two-time NBA MVP, Jokic has yet to receive his own signature shoe from Nike. However, he has been wearing the Nike Air Zoom GT as his player-exclusive sneakers. While fans are disappointed that he doesn't have a signature shoe, Jokic himself doesn't seem to mind and has not publicly or privately demanded one from Nike.
In late 2024, Jokic surprised the shoe world by signing with the Chinese brand 361 Degrees. He and 361 Degrees released their first joint signature sneaker, the Joker 1, which features a Qu!kCQTECH(CQT) midsole for lighter weight, more springiness, and comfort, allowing athletes to jump higher and land safely.
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The Joker 1
Jokić's signature shoe deal with 361 Degrees was unexpected, as he had been signed with Nike and wore their shoes for most of his career. The move to 361 Degrees and the release of the Joker 1 caught the attention of the basketball world and his fans, who had long awaited the release of his signature shoe.
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Nike Air Zoom GT Jumps
The Nike Air Zoom GT Jumps are high-performance basketball shoes worn by Nikola Jokic, the Serbian center on the Denver Nuggets. Jokic is a steadfast believer in chunky hightop Nikes and has worn the brand for most of his career.
The Nike Air Zoom GT Jumps are designed to help players get off the ground quickly, adding an element of explosiveness to their game. The shoe features three doses of Zoom Air—in the bottom layer of the upper and two forefoot units—which, combined with the jump plate wrapped in rubber, provides added support and durability for an extra spring. The Nike React foam in the heel offers cushioning and comfort when landing, with an engineered curve for energy absorption and support.
The Nike Air Zoom GT Jumps are also notable for their breathability, with a thin and transparent upper material that allows for fantastic ventilation without sacrificing strength. The shoe's large Zoom Air units in the forefoot make it moderately stiffer than the average hoop shoe, but this is unlikely to be an issue for bigger players, who are the target audience. While the shoe is heavier than average, it is still nimble and agile, allowing players to feel light on their feet.
The shoe also features protective overlays on high-wear areas to enhance durability, ensuring that it can withstand the rigours of indoor and outdoor play. Overall, the Nike Air Zoom GT Jumps offer a combination of comfort, support, and durability, making them an excellent choice for basketball players looking to add an extra spring to their game.
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361 Degrees Signature Shoe Deal
Despite his impressive accolades, including being a two-time NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic has yet to receive a signature shoe deal from Nike, with whom he is currently signed. The Serbian star has been wearing the Nike Air Zoom G.T. as his player-exclusive sneakers, but the brand has not offered him a signature shoe of his own.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Jokic signed with the budding Chinese brand 361 Degrees in 2024. This move shocked the shoe world, as Jokic had been a steadfast believer in chunky hightop Nikes for most of his career.
The first signature shoe resulting from the 361 Degrees deal is called the Joker 1, a fitting name for the NBA star with the nickname "The Joker". The shoe retailed at 699 Chinese Yuan, which converts to roughly $100. The Joker 1 features 361 Degrees' CQT Qu!k midsole cushioning and Diamond Grip traction.
Additionally, 361 Degrees teased a lower-cut Jokic shoe variation called the Joker 1 GT. This model incorporates technologies found in the brand's high-end running sneakers, such as CQT Extrem3 cushioning, a Qu!kbone carbon fiber plate for stability, and an upgraded RPU outsole for enhanced grip.
The 361 Degrees signature shoe deal marks a significant step for Jokic, solidifying his transition from Nike silhouettes to a personalized shoe designed in collaboration with an emerging Chinese brand.
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Nike's Most Responsive Cushioning System
Serbian basketball player Nikola Jokic is currently signed with Nike and wears the Nike Air Zoom G.T. as his player-exclusive sneakers. While Jokic has yet to receive his own signature shoe, he has been a steadfast believer in chunky hightop Nikes throughout most of his career.
Nike is renowned for its Air cushioning system, which was first introduced in 1978 with the release of the Nike Air Tailwind. However, it was not until 1987 with the debut of the Nike Air Max 1 that the Air unit became visible, marking a bold design choice and a powerful marketing strategy for the brand.
Over the years, Nike has continued to innovate and improve its cushioning technology, introducing various systems that offer different benefits to athletes. One of their most well-known cushioning systems is the Nike ZoomX, which is currently Nike's lightest and bounciest foam cushioning. Made from Pebax, ZoomX foam is lightweight, flexible, and provides exceptional impact protection and energy return. It is designed to offer greater responsiveness and quicker reaction times, making it ideal for sports played on courts or playing fields, such as basketball.
Another notable cushioning system is the Nike React, which is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) foam designed to maximize cushioning, energy return, and durability. React foam offers excellent impact absorption and a soft feel upon landing, while still providing a springy sensation during toe-off. The ReactX foam, an upgraded version of React, is manufactured using an injection molding process, resulting in a bouncier and more responsive cushion with a 13% increase in energy return compared to its predecessor.
The Pegasus franchise, including the Pegasus 41 and Pegasus Plus, is known for its responsive cushioning, providing all-day energy return. The Pegasus 41, in particular, features a ReactX foam midsole, Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel, and a full-coverage rubber outsole for excellent grip and durability.
In summary, Nike offers a range of cushioning systems, each designed to meet the specific needs of athletes across various sports, with the ZoomX and React foams standing out as their most responsive cushioning technologies.
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Frequently asked questions
Nikola Jokic has been wearing the Nike Air Zoom G.T. Jump as his player-exclusive sneakers. He has also worn other Nike models, including the Zoom Rize and Hyperdunk silhouettes. In 2023, Jokic signed a deal with the Chinese brand 361 Degrees, releasing his first signature shoe, the Joker 1.
Despite his impressive accolades, including being a two-time NBA MVP, Jokic has not received a signature shoe deal with Nike. While fans are disappointed, Jokic himself seems unaffected and has not publicly or privately demanded a signature shoe.
Jokic's first signature shoe with 361 Degrees, the Joker 1, features a Qu!kCQTECH(CQT) midsole for lightweight, springiness, and comfort. It also has a dual TPU combination for bipedal stability and protection during quick directional changes. The outsole is made of rubber, providing grip and durability.
