Nikola Jokic is weird. He’s a 7-foot center who passes like a point guard, moves like he’s playing in slow motion, and somehow remains the most dominant force in the NBA. So, when people ask what shoes does Jokic wear, the answer is just as unconventional as his game.
He isn't wearing Nikes. He isn't wearing Jordans. He isn't even wearing Adidas.
Basically, the reigning MVP is the face of 361 Degrees, a Chinese performance brand that most casual fans in the States couldn't pick out of a lineup. It was a move that sent shockwaves through the sneaker world back in late 2023. Nike, the absolute titan of the industry, let the best player in the world walk away because they wouldn't give him a signature shoe. Now, in 2026, that "fumble" looks more like a massive tectonic shift in how basketball superstars handle their branding.
The Big Switch: Why 361 Degrees?
Honestly, the Nike split was a long time coming. Imagine being a three-time MVP and an NBA Champion, yet your "brand" consists of wearing generic GT Jump PEs with a jester logo slapped on the tongue. That was Jokic’s reality. Nike has a hierarchy, and big men—even the greatest ones—traditionally don't sell shoes.
Then came Aaron Gordon. AG had been with 361 Degrees since 2020, and he basically acted as the ultimate hype man for the brand in the Nuggets locker room. He showed Nikola that there was another way. A way where you aren't just another name on a massive roster, but the actual "North Star" of a global company.
Jokic signed a multi-year deal and immediately ditched the swoosh. He started out in the 361 Big3 Future High, a shoe that was technically a "player exclusive" (PE) just for him. It featured a fork-shaped carbon fiber plate and something called CQT (Carbon Critical Technology). It was high-tech, bouncy, and most importantly, it actually supported his massive frame.
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What Shoes Does Jokic Wear Right Now?
If you watch a Nuggets game today, you aren't seeing the Big3 Future anymore. You're seeing the Joker 2.
Nikola officially unveiled the Joker 2 in late 2025, and it’s a total departure from his first signature model. During the press conference for the launch, Jokic—in his typical dry fashion—joked about not knowing the "science" behind the materials. "I don't understand much," he said. "I just know they're comfortable."
The Joker 2 is built like a tank but feels, according to Nikola, "like a cloud."
The Tech Specs (Without the Boring Corporate Speak)
- The Midsole: It uses CQTEXTREM3 technology. It’s basically a proprietary foam that absorbs the impact of a 284-pound man landing from a rebound without losing its shape.
- The Stability: There’s a Qu!kBONE carbon-fiber plate in the arch. This prevents the shoe from twisting when he makes those weird, awkward pivots in the post.
- The Traction: The outsole has a "Diamond Grip" pattern. If you've ever seen Jokic play, you know he does a lot of stop-and-start shuffling. He needs to stick to the floor.
The Superstition: A Ritual You Probably Missed
Here is the thing about Jokic: he's deeply superstitious. He used to tie his wedding ring into his laces every single game. He actually stopped doing that recently—mostly because he allegedly lost two rings and his wife, Natalija, probably wasn't thrilled.
But the shoe superstition remained.
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Nikola has a "winning streak" rule. He will wear the exact same pair of 361s as long as the Nuggets keep winning. If they lose? Those shoes are gone. He switches to a fresh colorway immediately. Because the Nuggets have been so dominant lately, he’s mentioned that he only cycled through about five or six pairs in the first half of the season.
The Cultural Impact and the "SpongeBob" Connection
One of the coolest parts about what shoes does Jokic wear is the storytelling. 361 Degrees isn't afraid to get weird. They released a Joker 1 collaboration with SpongeBob SquarePants.
Yeah, the baddest man in the NBA was dropping 30-point triple-doubles while wearing bright yellow Patrick Star and SpongeBob-themed kicks. It’s a nod to his daughter and his own playful "Joker" persona.
They’ve also released colorways like:
- The "Ace": A sleek, regal-looking pair that fits the "MVP" vibe.
- The "Sombor": Featuring coordinates and nods to his hometown in Serbia.
- The "Champagne": A celebratory white and gold look.
Is It Hard to Get These Shoes?
Sorta. You won't find the Joker 2 at your local Foot Locker. 361 Degrees is still growing its footprint in the West. Most fans have to go through the official 361 Degrees website or specialty retailers like Scheels.
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The price point is actually one of the best parts. While a LeBron or Durant shoe might set you back $160 to $200, the Joker 2 typically retails around $129. For a signature shoe belonging to the best player on the planet, that’s a steal.
Practical Advice for Hoopers
If you’re thinking about buying the shoes Jokic wears, keep two things in mind. First, they are built for stability. If you are a shifty 5'9" guard who wants to feel the floor, these might feel a bit "bottom-heavy" for you. They are designed for "big-guard" play and centers.
Second, the sizing can be a bit tricky with Chinese brands. Most reviewers suggest going true-to-size, but if you have a narrow foot, you might want to double-check the 361 size charts.
Actionable Insights:
- Check the Drop Dates: 361 Degrees often does limited releases. Follow their Instagram for the next Joker 2 colorway drop to avoid paying resale prices on StockX.
- Look for the GT Version: If you want more tech, look for the "GT" (Guard Tooling) versions of his shoes. They usually have upgraded carbon fiber and better materials for a few extra bucks.
- Mind the Traction: If you play on dusty local courts, the Diamond Grip on the Joker series is legendary, but you’ll need to wipe them occasionally to keep that "bite."
Nike might have fumbled the MVP, but 361 Degrees is currently reaping the rewards of the most unique signature line in basketball. Whether you like the look or not, you can't argue with the results on the court.