Yi Jianlian, the present Guandong Southern Tigers pro and former NBA player, contributed to the design of the most recent Nike Zoom G.T. Jump model. Poised to make its premiere in a fiery new coloration in honor of Jianlian is the high-performance basketball sneaker that Nikola Jokic has long favored. The latest iteration is covered in a White/Metallic Silver-Red-Black color scheme.
The Nike Zoom G.T. Jump "Forged In Fire" shoes are expected to release later this year. The shoes will be sold by the online and in-store locations of Nike and a few other affiliated retail shops. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $180 per pair.
Nike Zoom G.T. Jump "Forged In Fire" Shoes are highlighted with vibrant color scheme
Nike Basketball has been pushing the boundaries of innovation and performance with its latest models, such as the Nike Zoom G.T. Jump. This high-top sneaker is designed for the modern-day big man who needs mobility, dominance, and responsiveness on the court.
The Nike Zoom G.T. Jump features a double-stacked Zoom Air unit that provides explosive cushioning and bounce, an external jump frame made from PEBAX® that offers lightweight stability and support, and a woven exoskeleton-like upper that delivers a snug and secure fit.
The sneaker has been championed by two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, who has been wearing various colorways of the shoe throughout the season. However, one of the most eye-catching and special editions of the Nike Zoom G.T. Jump is the "Forged In Fire" colorway, which is a player exclusive for the former NBA player and current Guandong Southern Tigers center Yi Jianlian.
Yi Jianlian is one of the most successful Chinese basketball players of all time, having played for four NBA teams from 2007 to 2012 and winning multiple championships and MVP awards in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He is also a staple athlete for Nike in China, having received his own signature shoes and apparel in the past.
The "Forged In Fire" colorway pays tribute to Yi Jianlian's career, personality, and his connection to Nike. The shoe features a white and silver metallic treatment across most of the upper, contrasting with vibrant red accents that adorn the midfoot/collar, Flywire support, and double-stacked Zoom Air unit.
The Cushlon midsole sports a gradient design, transitioning from an orange to the same blazing red. Moreover, the color scheme evokes the image of metal being forged in fire, symbolizing Yi Jianlian's strength and resilience.
The shoe also has several details that reference Yi Jianlian's journey and achievements. On the heel tabs, the text "06/28/2007 - NYC" and "Forged In Fire" are a nod to the day he was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in New York City and his tenacious spirit on the court. Aside from that, his logos grace the upper tongue and lace dubrae, while the numbers 11 and 9, his jersey numbers in the NBA, appear at the lateral toe on each sneaker.
This is a rare opportunity to cop a player-exclusive colorway of one of Nike Basketball's most innovative shoes, so make sure to keep an eye out for more updates on this release.