There GT Hustle 3 has a place to take back alongside the Nike GT Jump and the Nike GT Cut. The Nike GT Hustle 2 had left the initial “Run” DNA of the pair aside a bit, placing more emphasis on design.
This new version is much more complete and in line with the Nike GT Run, a model that Victor Wembanyama had favored until then. The emphasis is on comfort with two layers of “Zoom X” and “Nike React” foams known to be the most flexible on the market. The forefoot is equipped with two “Zoom Air” cushioning.
Just like the “Zoom X” foam, the “FlyKnit” upper also comes from the “running” world, offering great ventilation throughout the entire upper. Enough to reproduce the efforts over time while maintaining optimal comfort, and a pair that remains dynamic on its supports.
The Nike GT Hustle 3 has all the assets to be one of the best models of this season and Victor Wembanyama made no mistake. It is notably with the Nike GT Hustle 3 “Swoosh Fy” on his feet that he recently achieved his career record by scoring 50 points against the Wizards. An invaluable spotlight for a pair who deserve it.
GENERAL COMFORT
Due to the size of the insole, it is advisable to take a half or even a size larger to fit the pair easily and get the best feedback. The first positive feedback is obviously the comfort, really impressive at the heel and also pleasant on the forefoot.
The other big strong point is the ventilation, with a really light FlyKnit upper. The collar also gives the impression that it provides good support at the top of the foot. You also have the feeling of being quite “high” on your feet, a bit like on the Nike GT Jump 2.
Rating: 9.5
CUSHIONED
Nike has gone all out to make the comfort of the sole a major asset. To do this, the “classic” insole was sacrificed, replaced by a layer of “Zoom X” foam. We like it or not, particularly in terms of sensations, such as the fact that this type of device absorbs perspiration poorly.
The same principle was used on the Jordan Zion 3, with a “Formula 23” foam insole. On this Nike GT Hustle 3, the “Zoom Air” under the forefoot!
Hence the exceptional comfort returned to the heel, while the double “Zoom Air” unit, arranged in a horseshoe, also gently accompanies the forefoot.
Rating: 9
TRACTION
The sole is designed like a running shoe, with the front of the shoe going up to encourage forward stride. The circular patterned rubber outsole grips the ground really well.
The extensions on the outside of the forefoot, to accompany the “Zoom Air” bubble, provide added lateral support, even if there remains this feeling of height which weakens the whole thing a little. The forward impulses, on the other hand, are perfectly accompanied.
Rating: 8.5
SUPPORT AND STABILITY
Maybe it's the texture of the “FlyKnit” upper, but the “FlyWire” cables placed on the upper don't provide the same supportive feel. The pass does its job quite well on this point, however. For the rest, the foot is quite free.
Stability is perhaps a little less good than the competition, although we can note the presence of a plastic support under the midfoot to ensure a minimum, and also the external front contours which add a little stability on the lateral supports.
Rating: 8
FINISHES AND LIFESPAN
The upper is ultra breathable with the choice of “FlyKnit”, also taken from the “running” universe of the comma brand. Ventilation is therefore optimal, with a knitted effect that is not unpleasant, which also has the advantage of being super light. Here presented in the “USA Basketball” colorway, the Nike GT Hustle 3 is already available in six colors in France, with a seventh in Spurs colors which could be released by the end of 2024.
Its negative point, however, lies in its lifespan since the upper will be more fragile than on most other models. To see if Nike will opt for other materials depending on the colors, there is perhaps a better compromise to be found on this point. As with the Jordan Luka 3, the Nike GT Hustle 3 stands out for its ecological approach by being made up of 20% of its weight in materials from recycled products.
The finishes are quite basic, with a “Swoosh” on each side of the upper, and the inscriptions “GT HUSTLE 03” on the tongue and “GT” on the top of the heel. The lifespan of the sole should, however, be more than satisfactory.
Rating: 8.5
NIKE GT HUSTLE 3 VERDICT
Nike offers itself a nice rebound on the Nike GT Hustle 3 after having received a small disappointment on the Nike GT Husle 2. The model has found here the DNA of the Nike GT Run, with a shoe focused on comfort; with this mix of “Zoom X” and “Nike React” foam combined with a double “Zoom Air” unit, and breathability, while offering good guarantees in terms of grip.
Victor Wembanyama has long favored the Nike GT Run, and has almost not worn the Nike GT Hustle 2. However, it is with this pair on his feet that he began the exercise in court, notably with a brilliant campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This is undoubtedly a sign that the Spurs pivot has found the characteristics of the first model in the series, and that the comma brand has been able to correct the situation.
The Nike GT Hustle 3 in any case has a good place to regain behind the Nike GT Cut 3 which remains the most popular line of the “Nike GT” collection.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Weight of the shoe (size 45): 407 grams
Price : currently available at 144 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!
The latest Basketball USA tests
Nike : GT CUT 3 – Book 1 – LeBron 21 – LeBron 20 – Nike KD 17 – Air Zoom GT Jump 2 – Zoom Freak 5 – Air Zoom GT Hustle 2 – Ja 1 – PG 6
Jordan Brand : Tatum 1 – Tatum 2 – Air Jordan 38 – Air Jordan 39 – Luka 2 – Luka 3 – Air Jordan 37 – Why Not .6 – Zion 3
Adidas : Trae 3 – Harden Vol. 8
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
