Puma surprised last September by unveiling a signature shoe for the rookie Scoot Henderson even before the latter had played his first professional matches: the Scoot Zeros. In an NBA completely absorbed by the Victor Wembanyama effect following the 2023 Draft, the bet could seem quite daring. Especially with the term “zero” in the name.
The German equipment manufacturer, however, remained in its role of “outsider of the Game” by signing the leader of Portland and hoping to make the same move as with LaMelo Ball in 2021. With the notable difference that the jewel of the Hornets was already a rookie of the year when the MB.01 was released.
For a reasonable price (from 110 euros), the “Scoot Zeros” displays good technical standards and has therefore focused on design to try to make the difference and try to attract a young audience, with several choices of materials to compose the upper with a “Formstrip”, or “shark teeth” style contours, inspired by the Air Jordan 5.
If the pair holds up, it is clear that the excitement around the pair released at the start of the season has so far remained quite light, since the leader experienced a generally complicated first season in the NBA.
GENERAL COMFORT
The pair is easy to put on. The padding inside the collar is generous and therefore pleasant, the same goes for the very thick tongue provided.
Once worn, the feeling is quite good in terms of comfort, whether on the supports at the heel or forefoot, even if the composition of the sole has not been particularly worked. In summary, the set is rather limited, but does the job.
8/10
CUSHIONED
It's difficult to get any more basic in terms of the midsole, composed solely of PROFOAM EVA foam developed by Puma. This is generous under the heel to absorb cushioning well. The rebound on the forefoot is also pleasant, although once again, no device completes the package.
As for the PROFOAM EVA foam, we can classify it between the Nike Zoom React and Taichi (Peak) foams among the most flexible on the market, and those in Cushlon and Formula 23, a little more rigid. It therefore offers a good compromise between comfort and the dynamism sought by profiles similar to the style of Scoot Henderson.
8/10
TRACTION
The dynamic effect is accentuated at the level of the aponeurosis, where the thickness of the midsole is a bit reduced. The high abrasion rubber outsole offers a fairly high quality result in terms of sensation.
We grip the ground very well and the profile of the shoe corresponds, again, perfectly to that of Scoot Henderson, an aggressive player with his grip.
8.5/10
SUPPORT AND STABILITY
The support is quite light. The ankle is quite free and no device apart from the lacing completes the support of the front of the foot. This is undoubtedly also the desire of the player, to maintain a certain freedom of movement, whether at the ankle level or for the front of the foot, equipped with a fairly large rounded toe cap.
In terms of stability, we can note the presence of a thin upper under the midfoot between the midsole and the outsole. Stability on the back of the shoe is good. No particular lateral reinforcements to complete stability on the forefoot. However, the overall rendering is correct.
8.5/10
FINISHES AND LIFESPAN
We can clearly see the influence of LaMelo Ball's “MB” experience with a desire to go all out on design to accompany “Flashy” colors. Puma has multiplied the different textiles to make up the upper, between knitted mesh, suede, but also this “Formstrip” appearing like a flame on the upper, supposed to complete the support.
Star-shaped contours embellish the forefoot, always with the aim of attracting the eye. Finally, we can highlight the presence of a rather rigid zipper, the Scoot Henderson “S” logo on the tongue, and finishes on the sole with a “shark teeth” effect which are reminiscent of the pattern on the Air Jordan 5.
The Scoot Zeros is currently available in five rather diverse colors, including a “Georgia Peach” version in homage to its native state of Georgia, or a collaboration with 2K Sports on the “NBA 2K” color.
In terms of durability, the upper seems solid at first glance, even if the superposition of textiles increases the number of potential points of wear, on the contours of the forefoot or the “Formstrip” on the upper in particular. The sole also seems robust and thick enough to last over time.
8.5/10
VERDICT
Like Scoot Henderson's rookie year, the Scoot Zeros are struggling to get going. The qualities are nevertheless there, for the player as for his first signature shoe.
The shoe is not exceptional on a technical level, specific to an entry-level model sold from 110 euros., with a “minimal” sole which nevertheless offers a fairly good compromise, and a design made to attract 'attention.
We recognize there a certain inspiration born from the “success story” of LaMelo Ball with the MB.03, which Puma tried to transcribe with the Blazers rookie. The result may not have been there, but this “Zero” version will undoubtedly benefit in the future, in the continuation of the collaboration between Puma and Scoot Henderson, while hoping to see the latter get closer to a destiny of “franchise-player” rather than sixth man.
Note : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shoe weight (size 45): 448 grams
Price : available at 110 euros 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 – Flash 3
Puma : MB.03 – Rise Nitro – All-Pro Nitro
New Balance : TWO WXY V4
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B.Ease : Suspended Low
