After Years of Wearing Nike, NBA Champion Nikola Jokić Signs With 361 Degrees
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Update: Dec. 26, 2023
China-based athletic brand 361 Degrees confirmed via Instagram that it has signed NBA star Nikola Jokić to a signature shoe deal.
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In a post shared on Christmas Day, 361 Degrees said Jokić will assume the role of global brand ambassador and will receive his first signature shoe “in the near future.” Until the brand debuts his first signature shoe, 361 Degrees said Jokić will wear its Big3 Future shoe on the court.
The Big3 Future features breathable carbon fiber woven uppers for enhanced stability while keeping the weight light, as well as the brand’s Mōrphit lacing system for lockdown without sacrificing flexibility and Soarplates that sit under the midsole to increase torsional rigidity and ensure stability during lateral movements. Also, the shoe includes proprietary Quiktech midsoles, which are made using high-performance aliphatic ETPU elastic and incorporates recycled materials, and Quikflame PEBA nylon cushioning that aims to deliver both comfort under the heel and additional energy return.
“I’m very excited to join the 361 [Degrees] team and contribute to their mission of bringing wellness and sports to people around the world. The work we have done on my first shoe has been amazing so far, and I cannot wait to share it with everyone very soon,” Jokić said in a statement.
The 361 Degrees Big3 Future Low will arrive on Dec. 28 at 7 a.m. ET exclusively via Kickscrew.com and 361usa.com. There were four colorways revealed via Kickscrew.com: “White Multicolor,” “CQT,” “Miro” and “Zechi China.” The model will retail for $160.
What We Originally Reported on Dec. 20, 2023
NBA champion Nikola Jokić has long worn Nike on the court. However, it appears as if the Denver Nuggets star has left the Swoosh and signed with 361 Degrees.
Jokić, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, has reportedly signed a multiyear signature shoe deal with the China-based brand. The news was first reported by Nick DePaula of Boardroom and ESPN via Twitter. During the Nuggets’ 113-104 win Wednesday night over the Toronto Raptors, Jokić was wearing a high-top iteration of the 361 Degrees Big3 Future shoe.
FN has reached out to 361 Degrees for comment.
Although Jokić is the newest addition to the 361 Degrees roster, he isn’t the lone member of the Nuggets that is aligned with the brand. Teammate Aaron Gordon signed with the brand in February 2020 (then as a member of the Orlando Magic). Gordon has his own line of signature shoes with 361 Degrees, and his latest look with the brand is the AG4 Soar, which is available now via 361usa.com and retails for $140.
There are other hoopers in the league aside from Jokić and Gordon who lace up 361 Degrees on the court. For instance, Spencer Dinwiddie of the Brooklyn Nets wears the brand’s DVD 1 shoe.
Jokić led the Nuggets to the team’s first-ever NBA title last season, defeating the Miami Heat in the 2023 NBA Finals in five games. He also was named Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals. As for the current 2023-24 regular season, Denver is third in the Western Conference with a record of 18-10.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
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