It's been a little over three years since Nike unveiled its “Nike GT” series, the GT Cut 3 is the latest. It is a high-end selection of three lines of shoes with well-defined profiles, between the GT Run, the GT Jump, focused on comfort, and the GT Cut, a shoe specially concocted for the most impactful players. The series has found a great echo with the general public but also among pro players like Tyler Herro or Tyrese Maxey before the latter signed with New Balance.
The GT Cut 2 was a great success and the third of the name, released in early January in France, was also well received. The pair has kept its technical characteristics in terms of traction, grip on the most rapid changes of support, but also lightness.
The arrival of Zoom X foam
Where the GT Cut 3 has managed to stand out, it is by the choice of its midsole, opting for the “Zoom X” foam, used for the first time on a shoe intended for basketball. All equipment manufacturers are looking for the best compromises and make their own mixtures, between the UA Flow from Under Armour, the Nike React from Nike, the Nitro Foam from Puma or even the recent Formula 23, used for the first time by Jordan Brand on the Luka 2.
Nike didn't invent anything for the GT Cut 3, simply innovating by looking for a foam usually used for running shoes like the Zoom VaporFly 4%, worn by marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge, Olympic gold medalist in 2016. And the result is there, with a perfect mix of cushioning and dynamism and comfort that lasts over time. Enough to improve a model that already brought its share of guarantees, also in terms of support with the addition of Flywire cables on the forefoot.
GENERAL COMFORT
You can feel the quality of the support as soon as you put the pair on, also due to the fact that Nike sometimes cuts a bit tighter (to be adjusted with a pair of more finished socks if necessary). The TPU walls at the heel and the Flywire cables on the forefoot immediately have their effect.
In terms of overall comfort, the feeling is rather very good, and the brand new “Zoom X” foam has a lot to do with it. Usually intended for running shoes, it offers a very good feeling of comfort while also being responsive on the rebound. We also feel that its rigidity, especially to the touch, will guarantee it a good longevity.
Not really a fan of the tongue though, whether it's the material or the cut. The pair is finally rather very well ventilated, and rather light since everything has been designed with this in mind, including the composition of the upper, and its ultra-fine textile.
Rating: 8.5/10
CUSHIONING
This was the big unknown of this new model and it is ultimately a big positive point to have opted for this Zoom X foam as a midsole. No air bubble or gimmick of the kind, but a good layer of this brand new foam for a basketball shoe.
We expected a rendering similar to a classic Cushlon foam. The result is much more complete, with a perfect mix between comfort, good quality cushioning, also at the heel, and dynamism on the rebound. Its density and quality should also allow it to last over time, a significant advantage.
Rating: 9/10
TRACTION
Traction is intended to be the strong point of the Nike GT Cut line, and the result is on par with the two previous models, among the most popular in the collection released in 2021. With this ability to “cut” and guarantee reliable lateral support that has seduced some of the best “ankle breakers” in the NBA.
The multi-directional herringbone rubber outsole is perfectly suited for quick changes of direction and forward energy transfer for toe-offs.
Rating: 9/10
MAINTENANCE AND STABILITY
The overall support is correct. The ankle remains fairly free to move. The front of the foot is, however, well contained thanks to the “Flywire” cables joining the eyelets, the effectiveness of which is no longer in doubt.
The layout of the sole, widened on the sides and at the back, helps to ensure good stability for a rather light pair. The whole is also completed by a plastic plate under the midfoot to balance everything on quick changes of direction.
Rating: 8.5/10
FINISHES AND LIFESPAN
The upper borrows lightweight materials with a suede finish at the forefoot. The pair is especially ventilated on the upper part of the foot. A TPU strip goes up the front of the shoe for more protection.
The design remains quite classic, with a “Swoosh” on the upper and the top of the tongue, as well as the inscription “Nike” vertically on the heel. In terms of color choices, however, there is plenty to choose from since Nike has already released 11 different colorways to please as many people as possible, including this “USA Basketball” version in view of the Olympic Games.
There is however something to be said about the lifespan with the main negative point being the thinness of the top of the collar which gets damaged very quickly. The thinness of the upper and the coating of the tongue are also subject to wear more quickly than normal. Also to be seen at the level of the sole at the heel where the cut could be problematic.
Rating: 7.5/10
NIKE GT CUT 3 VERDICT
Intended for the most dynamic attackers, the two previous versions of the Nike GT Cut saw their rating skyrocket ahead of the GT Run and the GT Jump. The Nike GT Cut 3 has managed to preserve this heritage by remaining on its qualities, in terms of dynamism and reactivity while managing to innovate positively with this “Zoom X” foam of the most beautiful effect.
The compromise between the lightness of the materials and their low durability, especially at the collar, is however to be reviewed. The cut of the tongue will also be left to the appreciation of each person. For the rest, the model is a success, offering an optimal result in terms of comfort, dynamic rebound, quality and safety of the supports as well as maintenance.
