Brand Background and the Birth of the Joker Series
Founded in 2003, 361° is a leading Chinese sports brand driven by its motto, “One Degree Beyond,” dedicated to providing high-performance gear for sports enthusiasts. In 2023, 361 announced NBA superstar Nikola Jokić as its global brand ambassador, a move that marked a significant step in the brand’s international expansion and laid the groundwork for the Joker series. Inspired by Jokić’s versatile on-court style, the Joker series combines top-tier performance with stylish design to create basketball shoes that excel in both function and fashion.
The Joker 1 SE, a special edition of the Joker 1 series, builds on the core technologies of its predecessor while refining design details to meet the needs of diverse players. The two debut colorways—“HIGH 5” (gray-white) and “Pale Green”—not only deliver outstanding performance but also showcase Jokić’s personal charisma and on-court energy through their unique design language.
Release Date and Market Hype
According to official announcements, the Joker 1 SE "HIGH 5" and "Pale Green" will launch globally on May 24, 2025, at 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time. This carefully chosen release time taps into the enthusiasm of basketball fans worldwide, particularly in North America, Asia, and Europe, where a buying frenzy is expected. As Jokić’s signature shoes, these colorways pay tribute to his achievements while meeting fans’ high expectations for performance basketball footwear. Given the explosive demand seen during the Joker 1 series launches in Chengdu, Serbia, and Denver, these new colorways are poised to dominate the sneaker market.
Core Technologies: Peak Performance for the Court
The Joker 1 SE series upholds 361°’s commitment to high-performance standards, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to ensure players perform at their best. Here are the key tech highlights of these shoes:
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Superior Cushioning (Qu!kCQTECH Midsole) The Joker 1 SE features the Qu!kCQTECH midsole, an innovative material known for its lightweight, high-rebound, and comfortable properties. Compared to traditional EVA midsoles, Qu!kCQTECH is lighter while offering enhanced energy return. This translates to greater explosiveness during jumps and effective impact absorption during landings, protecting ankles and knees. Whether you’re making quick starts or engaging in high-intensity matchups, Qu!kCQTECH delivers consistent cushioning support.
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Enhanced Stability (Arch-Stabilizing Torsion Plate) To handle the frequent cuts and lateral movements in basketball, the Joker 1 SE includes an Arch-Stabilizing Torsion Plate. This design integrates carbon fiber in the arch area to boost the sole’s torsional rigidity, ensuring balance during rapid directional changes and reducing the risk of ankle sprains. From breakthroughs to defensive stances to rebounding, this technology provides rock-solid stability.
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Outstanding Support (Dual TPU System) The Joker 1 SE incorporates a full-length TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) design on both sides of the shoe and the heel, forming a unique dual TPU system. This system enhances the shoe’s lockdown fit and provides extra ankle support. Whether in high-intensity games or daily training, the dual TPU system keeps your feet secure, helping you dominate the court.
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Powerful Traction (Rubber Outsole) The Joker 1 SE’s rubber outsole features a patterned design that balances grip and durability. Whether on indoor hardwood or outdoor concrete, this outsole delivers excellent traction, perfect for quick stops, starts, and multidirectional movements. Even on wet surfaces, the Joker 1 SE maintains reliable grip, giving players greater confidence.
Colorway Design: Where Fashion Meets Personality
The Joker 1 SE "HIGH 5" and "Pale Green" colorways each bring distinct flair, blending fashion-forward elements with Jokić’s personal style.
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Joker 1 SE "HIGH 5" (Gray-White) The “HIGH 5” colorway, inspired by Jokić’s team spirit and signature high-five celebrations, features a sleek gray-white palette. Its clean, sophisticated look is complemented by intricate texture details, offering a subtle yet premium aesthetic. This colorway transitions effortlessly from the court to casual wear, pairing well with athletic or streetwear outfits. Jokić’s personal logo on the tongue and sides adds collectible value to the design.
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Joker 1 SE "Pale Green" The “Pale Green” colorway draws inspiration from the natural energy of the court, symbolizing speed and vitality. Its fresh, vibrant green hue reflects Jokić’s dynamic on-court presence while adding a trendy edge. The upper combines breathable mesh and synthetic leather for comfort and elevated texture. This youthful, bold design is especially appealing to younger players looking to stand out.
On-Court Experience and Target Audience
The Joker 1 SE series is tailored for versatile players, particularly those like Jokić who excel as all-around centers, as well as guards and forwards seeking flexibility and stability. From professional athletes to amateur enthusiasts, these shoes meet the demands of high-intensity play. The lightweight midsole and robust support system make them ideal for players who frequently jump, cut, and battle in the paint. Priced at $129, the Joker 1 SE offers MVP-level performance at an accessible price point.
In testing, the Joker 1 SE’s cushioning shone during jumps and landings, with the Qu!kCQTECH midsole effectively absorbing impact for prolonged comfort. The dual TPU system provided strong ankle support, maintaining stability during intense matchups. The rubber outsole delivered reliable traction across various surfaces, excelling in quick stops and cuts.
Comparison with Other Brands
Compared to global giants like Nike and Adidas, the 361 Joker 1 SE offers a compelling value proposition without compromising performance. While top-tier Nike basketball shoes often retail above $300, the Joker 1 SE, at $129, delivers comparable cushioning, support, and traction. Additionally, its design emphasizes localization and personalization, incorporating Jokić’s unique elements, which gives it greater collectible appeal compared to the more generic designs of international brands.
361SPORT Tips 1: The Best Guide to Buying Cushioned Basketball Shoes
361SPORT Tips 2: Maintenance tips for basketball shoes of different materials
Buying Tips
For fans eager to snag the Joker 1 SE "HIGH 5" and Joker 1 SE "Pale Green", here are some practical tips:
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Purchase Timing: Mark your calendar for the May 24, 2025, 9:00 AM PDT launch. Set reminders and log in early to 361°’s official Tmall or JD.com stores to secure your pair.
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Sizing Advice: The Joker 1 SE follows standard US sizing. Choose your usual basketball shoe size, but players with wider feet may want to go up half a size.
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Usage Scenarios: Both colorways are suitable for indoor and outdoor courts, ideal for high-intensity games or daily training. The Pale Green is perfect for younger players seeking a bold look, while the gray-white HIGH 5 is more versatile for various styles.
