Nike Basketball continues to innovate in the performance basketball market. It has unveiled two groundbreaking additions to its Greater Than Series—the Air Zoom GT Cut 3 and the budget-friendly Air Zoom GT Cut Academy. Both sneakers were previously leaked online as early looks at the Summit White Picante Red for both the Academy and G.T. Cut 3 hit the net in October.
At the heart of the new GT Cut 3 is Nike's ZoomX Foam, a material that has already redefined the standard for responsiveness in running shoes. Now, for the first time, this technology brings its game-changing energy return to the basketball court. The GT Cut 3 is meticulously engineered to empower players to create separation and accelerate with unprecedented speed.
Nike’s designers faced the challenge of adapting the ZoomX Foam to the unique demands of basketball. The result is a shoe that not only maintains the foam’s exceptional responsiveness but also features a lower stack height for a more intimate court feel. This tech makes the GT Cut 3 lighter and more agile than its predecessor, the GT Cut 2.
Stability is paramount regarding quick, explosive moves on the court. The GT Cut 3 addresses this need with a lightweight textile upper, augmented by Flywire technology to secure the forefoot, and a TPU component that cradles the lateral sidewall for solid footing. Even Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd attests to the shoe’s ability to enhance her quick first steps and stopping power.
The outsole features strategically placed modified herringbone pods, shaped by pressure mapping insights, to ensure reliable traction where needed during the most aggressive cuts and drives.
In an unprecedented step for the Greater Than Series, Nike introduces the GT Cut Academy, a more accessible option that does not compromise performance. While it comes at a lower price point, the GT Cut Academy is still designed to deliver comfort, efficient traction, and style. It incorporates a forefoot Zoom Air unit and Renew Foam alongside a traditional herringbone traction pattern to cater to diverse court surfaces.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing young talent, Nike is extending the GT Cut 3 to kids' sizing, covering both gradechool and preschool athletes. The design parallels the adult version, ensuring that young players enjoy the same confidence and security in their movements. The kids’ model pairs a Cushlon midsole with a contemporary herringbone traction pattern to balance comfort and dynamic performance.
Nike’s new additions to the GT Cut franchise, the Air Zoom GT Cut 3 and Air Zoom GT Cut Academy, will launch Spring 2024 via Nike and select retailers online and in-store. The GT Cut 3 will retail for $190 in adult sizes, $95 in GS, and $65 in PS. For the Academy, it will be priced at $95 in adult sizes. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Nike
Nike Air Zoom GT Cut 3 Summit White Picante Red
Nike Air Zoom GT Cut Academy Summit White Picante Red
