Nike Zoom Freak 3
Released 7/2021, Low Top, Giannis Antetokounmpo,
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8.1
EXPERT RATING
7 reviews
8.5
USER RATING
76 ratings
The Nike Zoom Freak 3 provides great support due to its strong combination of materials and fit.
Best Suitable For:
Good choice for players that enjoy a lightweight and minimal feeling shoe.
Price Comparison:
Available at 3 shops | Official Retail Price: $119.99
Category Performance Ratings:
Weight & Sizing:
Weight:
light
heavy
Sizing:
small
large
Width:
narrow
wide
Comparison to Similar Shoes:
Nike Zoom Freak 3 |  Nike KD 15 |  Li-Ning Way of Wade 11 |  Under Armour Curry 2 Low FloTro |  Puma MB.01 Lo |  Nike Lebron 20 | Add shoe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 8.1 | 9.0(0.9) | 8.9(0.8) | 8.4(0.3) | 8.9(0.8) | 8.8(0.7) | |
| User Rating | 8.5 | 9.2(0.7) | 9.1(0.6) | 8.7(0.2) | 8.7(0.2) | 9.2(0.7) | |
| Best Price | $119.99 | $112.97 $150 | $225 | $130 $150 | $79.99 $120 | $149.99 $200 | |
| Type of Cut | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | Low Top | |
| Weight | 360g - 380g | 370g - 390g | NA | NA | NA | 390g - 410g |
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Nike Zoom Freak 3 Review
Pros:
Improved fit feels comfortable on foot
Lateral containment is on point
Cons:
Inconsistent traction
Cushion takes time to get used to
Performance of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
The traction of the Nike Zoom Freak 3 performed inconsistently across several reviewers. Some experienced no issues at all, while others experienced a bit of sliding.
When it comes to cushioning on the Zoom Freak 3, the combination of Phylon and the Zoom pods in the forefoot proved to be inconsistent. Some reviewers felt bouncy and responsive, and others felt that the cushion was too stiff and the caged Zoom pods didn't have room to compress.
Materials, although not premium, felt great on foot. It's also noted that they are more than capable of securing your feet on the court.
That leads to support, which is propped up by the materials and fit of the shoe. Despite the midfoot strap not offering anything performance-wise, the other materials on the shoe perform well to contain your foot.
Overall, the Nike Zoom Freak 3 is a solid performer for $120. Most reviewers even consider it to be an upgrade from the Zoom Freak 2.
See all 7 reviews
Expert Reviews of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
Expert Rating: 8.1 (ranks #254 of 330)
10 - Amazing
0
9 - Great
1
8 - Good
6
7 - Average
0
6 - Subpar
0
5 - Poor
0
9.0
August 10, 2021
The Nike Zoom Freak 3 provides a good amount of tech at an affordable price point. They're an upgrade both performance-wise and aesthetics-wise compared to previous models. The cushion feels great, the materials get the job done, and the traction performs well after breaking it in. These are definitely a shoe going into my rotation.
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8.4
January 22, 2022
In my opinion, the Nike Zoom Freak 3 makes major improvements compared to the Zoom Freak 2. The traction is close to being a top-tier performer, and the cushion is nice and bouncy. I'd definitely recommend it.
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8.2
July 20, 2021
The Nike Zoom Freak 3 is one of my favourite shoes to hoop in right now. The cushion is bouncy, the traction is one of my favourites on the market right now, and in my opinion, they look pretty darn good.
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8.2
January 22, 2022
The Zoom Freak 3 is good, not great. The traction is inconsistent. There is good breathability for your foot and good support.
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7.8
August 10, 2021
The Zoom Freak 3 is a solid shoe at its current price point. The traction was inconsistent, but the materials, fit, and support make up for it. Overall, Nike did a good job of upgrading the shoe from the Zoom Freak 2.
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7.6
August 5, 2021
The Nike Zoom Freak 3 is a lightweight and minimal shoe. The traction was inconsistent for me, and I was disappointed in the cushion. However, I did like the materials, and the shoe has a great fit.
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7.5
November 3, 2021
Overall, the Nike Zoom Freak 3 is a decent shoe if you have a similar playstyle to the Freak himself. The traction performs well, but the support of the shoe was a letdown.
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User Reviews of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
User Rating: 8.5 (ranks #198 of 330)
10 - Amazing
11
9 - Great
30
8 - Good
29
7 - Average
4
6 - Subpar
1
5 - Poor
1
5.0
May 27, 2022
2 hours is how much it took the shoes to break. I have been using adidas products for quite a long time and I've played with my pair of issue 2 for almost two years. I bought the freaks 3 from the official nike store and right after receiving them, I decided to try them on an outside court close to where I live. I played 1v1 against my friend and I fell in a way my upper foot put lots of friction on the thin material there. I can see my foot now. Issue 2 served me for 2 years freaks for 2 hours.
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7.6
January 7, 2024
Cushioning was average for me; the twin Zoom pods didn't have enough room to compress, and when you see the midsole teardown by foot doctor Zach, you can see where I am coming from. This shoe does feel unstable. I didn't really feel that springboard effect from a shoe I expected to do just that. Traction was also inconsistent. Support was great, the strap worked well and it has a snug fit.
This shoe is not made for shifty side-to-side movements, slashers would definitely benefit from this shoe.
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9.4
December 31, 2021
Despite the lackluster reviews thus far, this shoe is a standout performer for me as a larger wing/forward. The traction does its job after breaking in, the cushion is awesome for me with a powerful bounce that makes me feel explosive. Though heel cushioning is minimal, it doesn't matter too much as the forefoot feels so good and propels you forward. I went from a 14 to 15 with this shoe and it fits well. It is nice and wide, materials are awesome and support is top tier. This shoe is a win.
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8.0
April 2, 2023
The Zoom Freak 3 is a good shoe, but felt like a step back for the Zoom Freak line. With a decoupled outsole these are extremely flexible. There is a shank plate, but that doesn’t prevent some of the instability you can feel in this shoe. That is largely caused by the 2 side by side zoom pods in the forefoot. They are directly against the very thin outsole, and while they provide a lot of bounce and propulsion, they can also leave you feeling a little wobbly on hard cuts.
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9.3
March 12, 2022
This shoe is great but there could be lots of improvements like it could be more breathable, it could grip a little bit better and it could be a bit more comfortable. But on the upside it holds up very well after playing with it, it fits like a glove and you feel locked in when your hooping. So overall this shoe is great.
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Traction of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
Expert Traction Rating: 8.1 (ranks #239 of 330)
User Traction Rating: 8.4 (ranks #203 of 330)
10 - Amazing
9
9 - Great
31
8 - Good
30
7 - Average
10
6 - Subpar
3
5 - Poor
0
9.0
August 10, 2021
After a break-in period, the Zoom Freak 3 gripped the floor fairly well. They pick up a lot of dust as well.
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9.0
January 22, 2022
The traction has a good bite and stopping power that works in all directions. It's one of the gripper tractions to come out this year, but I'd put them just below the top tier because of occasional dust pickup.
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9.0
July 20, 2021
The shoe gripped nicely on all types of court surfaces. I think this is mostly due to the traction pattern.
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8.0
January 22, 2022
The traction can grip courts quite nicely, but it can be inconsistent. I don't have any complaints beyond that.
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7.0
August 10, 2021
The traction was inconsistent regardless of court conditions. I experienced a bit of sliding but never actually slipped out.
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6.0
August 5, 2021
I'm disappointed in the traction. The bite is inconsistent despite dust not being an issue.
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8.4
November 3, 2021
For the most part, the traction does its job on clean courts. On a dusty court, they do start to pick up debris. The traction performs well but isn't the best that Nike has to offer.
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Cushion of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
Expert Cushion Rating: 7.9 (ranks #251 of 330)
User Cushion Rating: 8.5 (ranks #160 of 330)
10 - Amazing
20
9 - Great
20
8 - Good
24
7 - Average
14
6 - Subpar
5
5 - Poor
0
9.0
August 10, 2021
The midsole is lightweight and bouncy. The two Zoom units in the forefoot also feel responsive, bouncy, and springy.
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9.0
January 22, 2022
The full-length injected Phylon midsole is nice and soft, while the two giant Zoom pods in the forefoot feel bouncy.
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8.0
July 20, 2021
In my opinion, the cushion in the Zoom Freak 3 is an upgrade. The shoe features a pair of forefoot Zoom pods that feel bouncy after breaking them in.
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8.0
January 22, 2022
The cushioning on these is noticeably more comfortable than last year's model. This comfort comes from two Zoom Air pods included in the forefoot.
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7.0
August 10, 2021
The Phylon used in the shoe is stiff and provides little impact protection. At the forefoot of the shoe, the Zoom pods are caged and aren't as springy as I would've liked.
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7.0
August 5, 2021
There isn't much compression with the full-length Phylon. The bottom-loaded Zoom units in the forefoot also didn't offer much in terms of bounce. However, the cushion does provide decent responsiveness.
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7.0
November 3, 2021
The Freak 3 features a Phylon midsole with two large Zoom pods in the forefoot. The heel is plush and feels good on feet. The forefoot Zoom doesn't quite offer the responsive feeling you've come to expect from Zoom Air.
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Materials of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
Expert Materials Rating: 8.0 (ranks #214 of 330)
User Materials Rating: 8.2 (ranks #187 of 330)
10 - Amazing
7
9 - Great
24
8 - Good
31
7 - Average
16
6 - Subpar
2
5 - Poor
2
8.0
August 10, 2021
There is a combination of mesh and synthetics. It's not premium, but it gets the job done.
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8.0
January 22, 2022
The Zoom Freak 3 makes use of some pretty basic materials. It feels thin, but it gets the job done.
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8.0
July 20, 2021
The Freak 3 uses a mix of fuse and mesh that feels similar to the KD 14. They're well ventilated, and they're pretty good in terms of durability.
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8.0
January 22, 2022
The quality of the materials used could be better considering Giannis's use of the euro step.
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8.0
August 10, 2021
The materials are thin but sturdy. They're more than capable of getting the job done.
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8.0
August 5, 2021
The quality of the materials feels nice when held in hand. On foot, they're comfortable and get the job done.
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Support of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
Expert Support Rating: 7.9 (ranks #274 of 330)
User Support Rating: 8.4 (ranks #199 of 330)
10 - Amazing
19
9 - Great
20
8 - Good
25
7 - Average
13
6 - Subpar
6
5 - Poor
0
8.0
August 10, 2021
The strap doesn't provide much for performance, but the laces perform well. The outrigger and padded heel also work well to provide support and lockdown.
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7.0
January 22, 2022
The support is adequate. It does have a wide base and lateral outrigger that perform well. However, the strap is useless, and the torsional support can be a problem for those with plantar-related issues.
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8.0
July 20, 2021
I experienced no heel slippage, and the lateral containment of the shoe really gets the job done. The wide base also helps to keep you on the footbed.
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8.0
January 22, 2022
The materials and base of the shoe help provide solid support.
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9.0
August 10, 2021
I didn't have any issues with the support. There is plenty of heel padding to secure your heel. The materials also do a great job of containing your foot laterally.
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8.0
August 5, 2021
I had no issues with lateral containment or lateral stability as the shoe has a wide base.
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7.2
November 3, 2021
The strap doesn't really offer much for lockdown. Most of that actually comes from the lacing and materials. There isn't much lateral support coming from this shoe though. It feels similar to the PG 4 where my foot rolls off the footbed sometimes.
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Fit of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
Expert Fit Rating: 8.7 (ranks #64 of 330)
User Fit Rating: 8.7 (ranks #138 of 330)
10 - Amazing
24
9 - Great
28
8 - Good
19
7 - Average
6
6 - Subpar
4
5 - Poor
1
9.0
August 10, 2021
They fit snug right out of the box, but they do stretch after a break-in period.
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9.0
January 22, 2022
The upper is soft and forgiving to help it conform to your foot. The lacing system and padded rear of the shoe also help to keep you locked in.
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8.0
July 20, 2021
There is more room in the toe box of the Freak 3, making for a better fit.
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9.0
January 22, 2022
The narrow forefoot area makes the shoe fit snug. This snug fit can cause issues for players with wider feet.
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8.0
August 10, 2021
The fit starts out snug but breaks in to fit nicely.
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9.0
August 5, 2021
They fit my foot perfectly.
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Durability of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
User Durability Rating: 8.0 (ranks #237 of 330)
10 - Amazing
9
9 - Great
17
8 - Good
22
7 - Average
9
6 - Subpar
7
5 - Poor
3
Outdoor of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
Expert Outdoor Rating: 20.0 (ranks #229 of 330)
User Outdoor Rating: 50.0 (ranks #180 of 330)
Good (100%)
14
Fair (50%)
24
Bad (0%)
17
fair
August 10, 2021
They held up decently when I hooped outdoors. I wouldn't recommend it for extended use though.
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no
January 22, 2022
The rubber compound used is soft and likely won't hold up well outdoors.
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fair
July 20, 2021
The rubber appears to be durable.
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no
August 5, 2021
The rubber is fairly soft and probably isn't the best when playing outdoors.
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no
November 3, 2021
I don't recommend using these outdoors.
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Width of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
very narrow
4
slightly narrow
25
regular
43
slightly wide
10
very wide
0
slightly narrow
August 10, 2021
The shoe fits a bit narrow at the front of the shoe.
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regularly wide
July 20, 2021
The shoe is more wide footer friendly than the previous Freak models as the mid and forefoot have more space.
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slightly narrow
January 22, 2022
These definitely fit narrow.
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regularly wide
August 10, 2021
It is a bit narrow on the lateral side of the forefoot. Wide footers go up a half size, but everyone else should go true to size.
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regularly wide
August 5, 2021
Width-wise, these are pretty normal. The forefoot area does expand over time as well.
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very narrow
November 3, 2021
Not wide foot friendly at all. They are very narrow.
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Size of the Nike Zoom Freak 3:
very small
1
slightly small
11
true to size
59
slightly long
12
very long
0
true to size
August 10, 2021
True to size worked for me.
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true to size
January 22, 2022
I did go true to size, and it fits me perfectly well.
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true to size
July 20, 2021
Regular footers can go true to size, but wide footers still might want to go half a size up.
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true to size
January 22, 2022
I recommend going half size up or avoiding the shoe if you have wider feet.
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true to size
August 10, 2021
True to size fit for me as I only have a slightly wide foot.
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true to size
August 5, 2021
I went true to size and had no problems at all.
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true to size
November 3, 2021
They fit true to size.
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