TRACTION
At first glance, Nike PG5’s traction pattern — which is identical to the top-tier Kobe 9’s outsole — looks almost the same case with the Zoom Freak 3. Unfortunately, the similarity stops there.
If you are hoping that the Zoom Freak 3’s traction can at least perform on par with the PG 5, you better look elsewhere. The shoe’s aggressiveness is far from the excellent grip of the PG 5, let alone the Kobe 9. If you’re really looking for phenomenal traction on the court, take your pick among the Kobe pairs below.
Now back to the Zoom Freak 3, its rubber outsole’s aggressiveness could not even outdo the traction of the Zoom Freak 2 despite its omnidirectional attribute. In addition, the outsole’s rubber compound is soft and pliable, so there might be issues with its durability, especially when played outdoors.
But fret not, as it still provides an ample bite when played indoors despite the slides and delays during stops.
Each time a new sneaker is released, the bars are often set higher. It’s a shame that the Zoom Freak 3’s traction did not achieve that feat. But hopefully, breaking in the shoes can somehow give it justice.
