Adidas Trae 3 Represents a New Phase of Trae Young's Life

Trae Young explains how his family and legacy helped shape the adidas Trae 3.

Family always comes first for Trae Young. That is why the Atlanta Hawks point guard took a more authentic approach to rolling out his third signature adidas basketball shoe. Earlier this summer, Young introduced the adidas Trae 3 alongside his father, Rayford, and son, Tydus.

Young enlisted one of his closest friends, Nav, to play an instrumental role in the official photography. Adidas even released a heartfelt home video, shot and narrated by Young's little brother, Tim. "You're not a bad guy or whatever. You just want to win. No matter what. And now, so do I. Because it's bigger than basketball for us. It's about legacy."

It is easy to understand why Young speaks with such passion about his newly released third signature sneaker. Packed with cutting-edge technology and powered by family, the Trae 3 represents the pinnacle of adidas Basketball’s footwear innovation. FanNation Kicks spoke with the 2x NBA All-Star starter about the Trae 3, the direction of his signature line, and the importance of legacy.

A detailed look at the adidas Trae 3 / adidas

You introduced the adidas Trae 3 with your father and son. Did it feel like a full-circle moment for you as an athlete and family man?

"For sure. It was like an unreal feeling. I just remember being a kid and looking up to my favorite players with their own shoe. So, having my son there, it makes me motivated to inspire those types of kids and make sure everyone is taken care of."

What did the design process for the Trae 3 look like?

"It's a long process. It's a whole year. We've been going back and forth on different designs, different models, but we ultimately came to this. I love it. The midsole is different; it feels more comfortable to play in when you're moving. So, it's really cool."

You led to my next question. The Trae 3 is the most technologically advanced shoe from adidas Basketball’s roster. What is your favorite part of the shoe?

"When you put the shoe on, you feel the comfort in it. As much as I move and I cut, and run, I need comfort in my shoes. I think this one is a little bit different than my 2s. Putting it on is going to be a lot easier. You use the laces a little bit more with this one because the knit material on my 2s was different than this. I think this is just a lot more comfortable as soon as you put it on and play in it."

The shoe also features your new signature logo. 

"Yeah, it's nice for sure." 

What was the inspiration for that?

"We needed to change it because of some legal stuff. So, we were going through a bunch of different ideas. I had a lot of people working on different things. We came up with this one and really like it."

The Trae 3 is built for leaders on and off the court. Is that part of your "Why" for this shoe?

"My 'Why' is always about legacy. Having my brother, son, and dad in the release videos - that's always my 'Why'. But I'm always considering myself a leader, so I encourage leaders too."

Sneakerheads always love your colorways. Without giving away too much, should fans have high hopes for more exciting colorways on this model?

"Oh, for sure! I've already seen some getting leaked online. But that's not even all of them yet, either. I have a lot coming, for sure."

A lot of college players wore your signature sneakers on the court last season. How did it feel to see your shoes all over NCAA and March Madness?

"Ah, it was crazy. It was crazy watching March Madness games and seeing all the females, males, and everybody wearing them. And I'm looking forward to seeing them wear the Trae 3s this year."

Last question, what adidas sneakers (besides your signature line) are you wearing casually this summer?

"I'm a big Ultraboost guy. Also, Stan Smiths, if I'm going to a nice restaurant. Those are my two go-to shoes."

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The Trae 3 enjoyed a global launch on August 3, 2023. Currently, two colorways of the performance model are available for $140 in adult sizes on the adidas website. Luckily for sneakerheads, there will be plenty more fan-favorite colorways on the way from "Ice Trae".

The third installment of Young's signature line celebrates everything that makes him different. His crowd-pleasing bravado, outspokenness, and futuristic style of play helped inform the shoes. At just 24 years old, Young knows his "Why". Now it's up to hoopers everywhere to figure out their motivation.

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