https://www.geek.com/culture/this-nike-sneaker-is-inspired-by-coming-to-america-1795891/?source

Nike Zoom Freak 1 ‘Coming to America’ (Photo Credit: Nike)

Look, even if Milwaukee Bucks superstar and recent first-time MVP award-winner Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first signature shoe were utter garbage I’d probably still wear it. The kid is the reigning Sweetest Boy in Basketball and I will support anything and everything he does on general principal. Watch this video and tell me I’m wrong.

Luckily, Giannis’s first signature shoe is far from utter garbage — in fact, it’s pretty dope. The Nike Freak 1 is a low-cut stunner featuring sleek modest design anchored by an already-classic giant reversed swoosh built into the heel. It’s a rock-solid first signature shoe that immediately distinguishes itself from the rest of Nike’s signature line — no small feat in the world of basketball shoes.

 

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You know I had to reveal these in NYC! Launching 8/2. ? Nike Air Zoom Freak 1 Coming to America.

A post shared by Giannis Antetokounmpo (@giannis_an34) on Jul 15, 2019 at 1:15pm PDT

The shoe debuted last month with three initial colorways: a simple black and white, a sleek white and red, and a flashy multicolor. However, just a couple of weeks after debuting the shoe, Nike has played the ace up their sleeve: the Freak 1 ‘Coming To America’ edition.

If his last name didn’t tip you off, Giannis isn’t from around here. He hails from Athens, Greece, with his journey to basketball royalty from the small Athens neighborhood of Sepolia providing a compelling and unique narrative in the modern basketball landscape. It also provides part of the inspiration behind the Freak 1’s collaboration with Paramount Pictures to make the Coming to America crossover happen.

The 1988 Eddie Murphy classic follows the Crown Prince of Zamuda (no, it’s not a real place) Akeem Joffer as he travels to America in search of true love rather than submit to the arranged marriage his parents have organized for him.

(Photo Credit: Nike)

The colorway is built from a black and gold base with a subtle leopard print upper (a nod to Prince Akeem’s costuming in the movie), as well as a plush tongue with the official Coming to America logo emblazoned on it. The heels feature a big golden Nike swoosh. Details don’t stop at the shoe itself, though. The box comes in a metallic gold with red accents and instead of packing paper, the box is filled with pink rose petals, another allusion to the film. Each box will also include a card featuring a Coming to America-inspired illustration of Giannis.

Alongside the shoe Nike will be releasing a range of clothing featuring the same black/gold/leopard-print color scheme. The range includes a track jacket, basketball shorts, a tee shirt, and a hat.

Whether you’re a fan of Giannis or Eddie Murphy’s particular brand of comedy, the Nike Freak 1 ‘Coming to America’ is a can’t-miss for sneakerheads this year. You can catch the shoe and range of clothing on August 2. Keep an eye on the Nike SNKRS app for more details.

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