Family Matters: Zoom Freak 5 perspective

 The Zoom Freak 5 All-Star Game “Thanasis thanks for sharing” is a solid sneaker for guards and lighter forwards who what a lightweight performer with a great story.

This was released as the All-star game colorway/make up for that year. I the like family oriented details, inverted color panels on each shoe as well as the material choices. 

Materials 7/10: Choose what works for you. Synthetic/man made materials have come a long way in the performance basketball category. If you like keeping costs low as a manufacturer, designer, retailer or customer then man made synthetics that minimize stretch over time can be a better option that doesn’t have to come from animal hides. Green design and considered/sustainable practices for those who may not consume meat and other animal products. The patent synthetic leather has a nice iridescent finish that is fitting for an all-star colorway. The nylon/mesh/textile upper features a unique logo pattern across the body of the sneaker that is lightweight and strong enough for indoor hoops in combination with the other synthetic/patent leather panels and overlays. The design of the sneaker, including its integrated synthetic leather support system (midfoot/lateral containment) works will for indoor hoops. There are better options for out hoops.

Fit 9/10: for me the fit was great. I’d suggest going true to size if you prefer a snug fit, but again try before you buy if you can. 

 Traction looks fine even though it has more graphic detail linked to the Nigerian Antetemkumpo families time in Greece. This has been a theme since his initial signature sneaker release. The pattern is a little flatter than a peaked herringbone outsole, but it looks like it will get the job done.

Cushioning: Again it’s not just what you do, but how do it (and many times why you do it in the first place) that really matters. A forefoot zoom air unit and phylon midsole sounds like a pretty standard set up however the grooves of the outsole, shape/sculpture of the midsole and details like the cored out outsole/midsole space directly under the heel help to provide accurate impact protection/ force dispersion for a great experience within the budget/costing constraints of a manufactur/plm/design/development/merchandising budget.

Comfort 8/10: the Zoom freak 5 ASG is lightweight, minimal and thin/minimal in terms of comfort. It felt like a stripped down performance car, built for speed and handling. With that being said the fit of the shoe is were the comfort comes from. The internal padding is kept to a minimal, but there was also minimal movement within the shoe. Wear double or thick socks if necessary.

Durability 7/10: as long as the quality of your pair is solid the then the design and materials on the ZF5 ASG will hold through a full season on the hardwood. Outdoor hooping would probably not help in this area.

Support: the fit, materials, overlays and intergrated midfoot support system all work to give you good support without sacrificing your natural movements or range of motion. For a guard or light Forward/Center the ZFK5 ASG should have you covered for all basketball movements on the hardwood.

Aesthetic 8/10: beauty is in the beholder. Purchase them if you are a fan of The Antetkumpo brothers/families and the swoosh. While I appreciate the cleanliness of the design, materials and colorway. I could have done away with the extra large swoosh personally, but I get it. Ironically that extra large swoosh works as a functional element providing lateral support overlaying the lightweight nylon panel. Props to the design/production/manufacturing teams. Branding, sales & Marketing for the wins.

Story 10/10: probably one of the best implementations of story telling in a performance basketball sneaker (I’m a little biased on this one for good reason). The Zoom Freak  5 ASG “ Thanasis thanks for sharing” highlights the older sibling Thanasis sharing his sneakers with one of his younger siblings Giannis who would later become on of the best pros in the family (at the moment…) with some awards and being the star player to help bring the Milwaukee Bucks their first championship. Giannis and his siblings have done a great job in keeping their family values and fathers legacy alive in the ways they have treated/looked out for each other while navigating the difficulties of their journeys through Nigeria, Greece, other countries and the United States. Being your brothers keeper isn’t always easy in any part of life, but staying strong, honorable and loyal to your loved ones and values throughout the entire journey of life (before, during, and after success) is something to be respected. So Thanasis, thanks for sharing and looking out for your sibling/siblings. All the best.