Mud Splatter Helps Shape the Jordan Zion 3

The Jordan Zion 3 is a basketball shoe capable of containing the strongest players.

It is hard to believe, but Zion Williamson is entering his fifth season in the league later this year. Equally astounding, Williamson is now on the third installment of his signature sneaker line.

On Saturday morning, Jordan Brand officially introduced Williamson's newest basketball shoe - the Jordan Zion 3. The performance hoop shoe is capable of supporting the most powerful players, including the 2x NBA All-Star.

Due to injuries, Williamson never wore his first signature shoe on the court, but his second model was a favorite among athletes and fans. Below is everything consumers must know about the Jordan Zion 3 and why it has as much potential as its namesake.

Details

A detailed look at the Jordan Zion 3 / Nike

Jordan Brand always tailors its signature shoe to meet the specific needs of its players. The Jordan Zion 3 was designed to support Williamson in three ways: containment, court feel, and impact protection.

Starting with impact protection, the midsole cushioning is comprised of Formula 23 foam with a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for responsive cushioning. Additionally, a drop-in midsole provides extra comfort and stability. 

Court feel has been improved by adjusting the stack height. This is the lowest model of the Jordan Zion signature line. This clever design technique gives players cushion where it's needed while maintaining control of their ground movements.

The rubber outsole provides the foundation of the shoe. The herringbone traction pattern enables quickness and control. Lastly, the unmistakable “Z” icon, consistent with Williamson’s signature line, pops off via a raised TPU material that helps with lateral containment. 

Release Information

A detailed look at four styles of the Jordan Zion 3 / Nike

The Jordan Zion 3 'Sanctuary' colorway will release exclusively in North America in September for $140 on the Jordan Brand website. After that, the 'Mud, Sweat, and Tears' colorway launches globally in October online and at select retailers.

At an event in Paris, France, Williamson said, "My stepfather taught me, ‘People don’t judge you on your mistakes. They judge you on how you recover from your mistakes and how do you respond to them."

During the design process, Williamson told the Jordan Brand he "made it out of the mud," referencing the hard work on his journey from Marion, South Carolina, to the NBA. That anecdote inspired the upper, which features a material and color splatter that was created using 3D imaging of Williamson’s foot last launching through the mud.

Not only is the upper a canvas to tell Williamson’s personal story but it’s strategically reinforced to help contain strong lateral movements over the footbed. The Jordan Zion 3 is ready for the court. Now, the basketball world needs Williamson to meet his hype.

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