Jordan Zion 3 Performance Review
What’s New With Zion’s Latest Signature Model
Zion Williamson was the most talked about prospect to come out of college since LeBron James. His freakish physical attributes make the New Orleans Pelicans power forward an un-guardable paint presence who has dominated whenever he has been healthy.
That has been the only issue though – Zion’s health and availability. In his four seasons in the NBA, Williamson has only played a total of 114 games.
However, as we head into the start of the 2023/24 season, it finally seems like the 23-year-old from Duke University is physically fit and ready to dominate from game week one.
With the all-around anticipation of seeing a fully fit Zion Williamson on the court, Jordan brand have only added increased excitement for NBA fans with the release of their latest signature sneaker, the Jordan Zion 3.
The third signature model of Jordan and Zion’s sneaker partnership pays homage to the journey that Zion has endured from Marion, South Carolina to the National Basketball Association.
This recognition is displayed through the upper design of the shoe that features a material and colour splatter that was created using 3D imaging of Zion’s foot launching through mud. The design and arrangement are in reference to Zion telling the Jordan Brand team that he “made it out of the mud”.
Despite the sentimental meaning of telling Zion’s personal story, the design is also strategically reinforced to help contain impactful and fast lateral movements across the footbed.
The Jordan Zion 3 was built to benefit and bolster Zion’s freakish power and speed by supporting him in three specific ways: containment, court feel and impact protection.
The stack height of the Zion 3 is slightly lower than the Zion 2 and partnering this with the rubber herringbone traction pattern, the design is clearly emphasising the importance of speed and control with all ground movements.
The Formula 23 foam which makes up the midsole cushioning is vital to help absorb any explosive movements and landings - alongside the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot which only further enhances the responsive cushioning.
We have seen very few NBA athletes that possess the bounce and dynamism of Zion Williamson, which is why so much thought and care has gone into the design of his signature shoe.
The ‘Mud, Sweat and Tears’ colourway will commence Zion’s third signature sneaker model, and is available to shop now at Pro:Direct Basketball or on the Pro:Direct Sport App. Further colourways will also be releasing soon, so stay locked in over the coming months.
