The Zoom Freak line, Giannis Antetokounmpo's first signature line, had been able to renew itself quite well until now. The inverted “Swoosh” served as a trademark, the “Zoom Freak 3” dared to use the strap with 3D patterns until returning to more classic models for the 4 then the 5.
We're moving away from the “Freak” side a little since last year and Nike has remained on the same trend this year with a very “wise” version of this Giannis Freak 6. This has kept practically all the characteristics of the Zoom Freak 5, from the design of the upper, with a large comma overflowing onto the sole, to the composition of the sole,
The pair remains made for players with dynamic profiles like that of Giannis Antetokounmpo, with the emphasis placed on rebound, lightness, optimal grip, and the whole remains of quality. We will say that Nike and the “Greek Freak” have here bet on continuity by starting again on a similar model, which pleased the main concerned, to the detriment of a little eccentricity, as we are entitled to expect from from one of the most entertaining players in the league.
GENERAL COMFORT
The pair is very easy to put on, and the size fits perfectly, which is worth noting for Nike pairs, which tend to fit a bit smaller. The generous padding at the collar also provides support.
At first glance, the very light upper offers rather good ventilation. And as was also the case on the Zoom Freak 5, the sole is very dense, rather very rigid, to the detriment of comfort, even if that is what we are looking for with Giannis Antetokounmpo's signature line. General comfort level is good, but nothing more.
Rating: 8.5
CUSHIONED
The Giannis Freak 6 clearly favors rebound and energy return with its dose of Cushlon 2.0 foam, one of the stiffest foams on the market as a midsole. It is clearly not the most comfortable, but it will however offer the responsiveness and dynamism sought by explosive profiles like that of the Bucks superstar.
For cushioning, we can still highlight the presence of a Zoom Air unit under the forefoot, even if you don't really feel it.
Rating: 8.5
TRACTION
Here again, we are practically identical to the Zoom Freak 5 with a non-slip herringbone rubber outsole, with the “Freakprint” patterns specific to this signature line and which guarantee almost perfect grip.
The pair's advantage also lies in its ability to support forward starts well, pressing well on the tip of the toes as Giannis Antetokounmpo does on almost all of his impulses.
Rating: 9
SUPPORT AND STABILITY
The support of the foot is quite basic, with a cut which still allows good freedom of movement of the ankle. Nike has favored the lightness and ventilation of its upper, so there is no support to reinforce the support.
It's a bit the same thing for stability, which has not been particularly optimized either by the usual little gadgets, such as the presence of a plastic or carbon plate under the midfoot, or more contours. accentuated on the outer front part of the sole. The Giannis Freak 6 still guarantees good stability overall.
Rating: 8
FINISHES AND LIFESPAN
The inverted “Swoosh” was the trademark of the first four “Zoom Freak”. Since the previous model, the main comma arranged in layers of TPU has this time found the right direction, and extends onto the midsole. This is again the case this year with a double-walled upper, which also retains the same material characteristics: a synthetic leather covering on the upper part on a breathable mesh base. The “inverted Swoosh” remains smaller on the inner vamp.
Giannis Antetokounmpo ensured that the finishes were always as neat. Its logo appears in particular on the tongue and at the base of the heel, while its signature appears at the toe, on the outsole. And the first names of his close family circle are also present, including his brothers Thanasis, Alex and Kostas, whom he never forgets to mention.
Six colors are already available in France. The pair stood out in particular for its “Roses” color decorated with roses on the vamp, or the “Vibrancy” color with phosphorescent neon green tones.
In terms of lifespan, you will need to pay attention to friction on the upper with its fairly thin coating and the front contours of the outsole. Nothing particularly negative to highlight for the rest.
Rating: 7.5
GIANNIS FREAK 6 VERDICT
Apart from the name, which changed from “Zoom Freak” to “Giannis Freak”, you have to rack your brains to find the differences between the Zoom Freak 5 and the Giannis Freak 6. The upper is almost the same, whether in terms of design with this big “Swoosh” which now extends onto the sole, as well as materials.
The midsole is perhaps a bit more generous, but the result is exactly the same as on the previous model, favoring dynamism over comfort, and also with the same composition for the midsole and outsole.
The Zoom Freak 6 nonetheless remains a complete shoe, intended for the most lively players and explosive profiles. But we'll come back for the surprise effect.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Weight of the shoe (size 45): 389 grams
Price : currently available at 135 euros on sale on Basket4Ballers
Grading scale
- – minus ⭐⭐: not recommended
- – between ⭐⭐ and ⭐⭐⭐: faults which may stop some but qualities which will charm others
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐: approved and recommended pair
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: exceptional pair!
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peak : Peak AW1 – Peak AW2 – Flash 3 – Flash 5
Puma : MB.04 – MB.03 – Rise Nitro – All-Pro Nitro – Scoot Zeros – Stewie 3
New Balance : TWO WXY V4
Under Armor : Curry 11
