FANS OF National Basketball Association superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in the country have more reason to be happy after Nike released his first signature shoe under the brand at select local stores over the weekend.
Called the “Air Zoom Freak 1,” the release came at the heels of the Milwaukee Bucks All-Star being named The Association’s most valuable player for the 2018-19 season last week and a banner year for his team where they finished with the best record in the league of 60-22 and came just two wins away from making it to the NBA finals.
The Air Zoom Freak 1 boasts of double-stacked Zoom Air units under the heel, a multidirectional traction pattern, and a rubber clip that extends from the outsole up through the midsole, elements that give a nod to the unique style of play of the “Greek Freak.”
It also honors his love of another signature shoe line from the brand — those of NBA and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
“Since I was little I have been wearing the Kobes. The fit, feel, and function have always been comfortable to me,” Mr. Antetokounmpo said of his liking for the Kobe line.
The Air Zoom Freak 1 also features its own logo. Its pattern is built from a repeat of the Antetokounmpo primary logo, an interlocked “G” and “A” that gives homage to his family name. Negative space is used to reflect the path he took on the long journey to where he is now, while the clipped corner of the “G” references his anomalous athletic talents.
In true Antetokounmpo manner, the Milwaukee star said he is very thankful to be given the chance to have his own shoe line and honored to share it not only to his fans but to the NBA universe in general.
“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,” he said.
The “All Bros” colorway of the Air Zoom Freak 1 was released on Saturday at select Nike retailers and Titan. More colorways are slated to be released in the coming weeks.
The Air Zoom Freak 1 retails for P6,295. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
