As basketball continues to evolve, sneakers have become a critical ally for players on the court, with their performance and design garnering increasing attention. 361°, a leading Chinese sports brand, has leveraged its innovative technology and global vision to release the highly anticipated 361 Joker 1 GT "Suzy" basketball shoe. Inspired by NBA All-Star Nikola Jokić, this signature shoe not only embodies the brand’s professional athletic DNA but also incorporates trendy fashion elements, making it a standout in the 2025 basketball shoes market. This article offers a comprehensive look at this much-hyped performance sneaker.
Launch Details: A Global Celebration for Basketball Fans
The 361 Joker 1 GT "Suzy" basketball shoe will officially launch on June 7, 2025, at 9:00 AM Pacific Time, priced at $199. As another milestone in the collaboration between 361° and Jokić, this shoe has already sparked significant buzz ahead of its global release. Following the stunning debut of the Joker 1 series at Denver’s Ball Arena in December 2024, the Joker 1 GT "Suzy" builds on that excitement with its unique colorway and upgraded performance features, further igniting the passion of basketball fans.
For purchasing, the 361SPORT online store will be the primary platform. Based on past releases, the Joker series often sells out quickly, so sneaker enthusiasts are advised to log into the 361SPORT website (Joker 1 GT "Suzy") early on launch day to secure their pair. Additionally, the brand may offer limited-edition packages, including Jokić’s exclusive autograph card or a custom shoebox, which are highly collectible.
Design Highlights: A Fusion of Inspiration and Culture
The design of the Joker 1 GT "Suzy" draws inspiration from Jokić’s personality and Serbian cultural elements while incorporating a fresh and vibrant color scheme. The shoe features a white base with pink and green accents, exuding a youthful, distinctive vibe. The pink hues, primarily on the outsole and parts of the upper, add a fashionable flair, while green details on the tongue lining and heel are inspired by Jokić’s love for horse racing and the patterns of traditional Serbian Pirot rugs. This colorway is not only ideal for on-court performance but also versatile enough for everyday streetwear, making it a trendy choice for younger audiences.
The shoe sports a low-top silhouette, a shift from the mid-top design of the original Joker 1, catering to guard-style players who need quick starts and agile direction changes. The toe features patent leather for a premium look and enhanced durability. Additionally, the tongue and heel incorporate Jokić’s signature “crooked smile” pattern, which glows with 3M reflective material under light, making it a true “showstopper” on the court. These thoughtful details pay homage to Jokić’s personal style while infusing the shoe with unique cultural significance.
Performance Breakdown: Tech-Powered for All-Around Excellence
Designed as a flagship performance basketball shoe, the 361 Joker 1 GT "Suzy" showcases the brand’s cutting-edge technology. Below is a detailed breakdown of its five core performance features:
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Outstanding Cushioning The Joker 1 GT "Suzy" is equipped with 361°’s proprietary CQTEXTREM3 midsole technology, a supercritical foaming material that prioritizes lightweight comfort and exceptional responsiveness. Compared to traditional EVA midsoles, CQTEXTREM3 offers 16% better energy return, boosting players’ vertical leap during takeoffs and providing superior cushioning upon landing to reduce injury risk. Whether it’s interior players battling under the basket or perimeter players making quick cuts, this midsole delivers a stable yet responsive feel.
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Strong Traction The outsole features innovative non-foamed RPU polyurethane material, which combines excellent durability with superior grip. The outsole’s tread pattern incorporates Serbian-inspired designs, blending aesthetics with functionality to ensure reliable traction during quick stops, starts, and multi-directional movements. From indoor hardwood to outdoor concrete, the Joker 1 GT "Suzy" maintains consistent grip, earning it the nickname “traction beast.”
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Superior Stability To meet the demands of modern basketball’s fast-paced, dynamic play, the Joker 1 GT "Suzy" includes a Qu!kBONE carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole, spanning from the arch to the forefoot. This plate significantly enhances torsional rigidity and stability, allowing players to execute quick cuts or lateral movements with confidence. The carbon fiber distributes pressure effectively, protecting the ankle and boosting on-court control—perfect for versatile players like Jokić.
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Excellent Support The shoe’s support system combines an internal TPU full-wrap edge design with an external RPU anti-roll structure. The internal TPU ensures a snug, foot-hugging fit to minimize in-shoe slippage, while the external RPU reinforces the shoe’s sides to prevent rollovers. This dual-support system empowers players to tackle high-intensity matchups with confidence and control.
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Lightweight Design Despite its array of advanced features, the Joker 1 GT "Suzy" remains lightweight. Through optimized materials and construction, 361° reduced the shoe’s weight without compromising comfort or performance. This lightweight design helps players stay agile during extended games, minimizing fatigue and maintaining peak performance.
On-Court Review: A Versatile Performer
Based on feedback from sneaker reviewers (such as YouTube creator “I’m HuaZhen”), the Joker 1 GT "Suzy" excels as an all-around performer. Here’s a breakdown of its performance from the perspectives of guards, forwards, and centers:
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Guards: The low-top design and lightweight construction make this shoe ideal for guards’ quick bursts and sharp cuts. The CQTEXTREM3 midsole provides responsive feedback for swift starts, and the outsole’s grip shines during quick stops and lateral movements, with virtually no slippage.
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Forwards: Forwards, who balance speed and power, benefit from the carbon fiber plate and TPU support system, which provide ample stability for lateral movements. The upper’s breathability ensures comfort during extended wear, preventing overheating.
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Centers: Though a low-top shoe, its exceptional cushioning and support make it suitable for centers in post-up battles. Jokić himself wore a custom mid-top PE version during the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, proving its adaptability for big men.
Reviewers also highlighted the shoe’s “hidden height boost” effect. The insole’s honeycomb cushioning and the midsole’s flame-pattern design create a visual height increase of about 4cm, offering a psychological and practical edge for shorter players. Additionally, the 3M reflective laces and “crooked smile” details stand out during night games, adding both flair and visibility.
Target Audience and Use Cases
The Joker 1 GT "Suzy" is ideal for:
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Basketball Enthusiasts: From casual pickup games to professional training, this shoe meets diverse performance needs.
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Sneakerheads: The fresh white-pink-green colorway and cultural elements make it a stylish streetwear option.
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Jokić Fans: As his signature shoe, it embodies his personality and on-court spirit, making it a must-have collectible.
In terms of use cases, the Joker 1 GT "Suzy" shines on indoor and outdoor courts but is equally suited for daily commutes and casual settings. Its versatile colorway and comfortable fit make it a true “court-to-street” all-rounder.
361SOPRT Tips 1: Maintenance tips for different shoe upper materials
361SOPRT Tips 2: Maintenance guide to extend the life of shoes
