On the court, Joakim Noah is fired up – the consummate combination of hustle and heart. Off the court, he’s as chill as they come. Now a member of team adidas, his footwear preferences mirror both his passionate play and casual lifestyle. Despite standing at 6’11 and being one of the best centers in the NBA, his high energy game takes well to guard/forward models like the adidas Crazyquick franchise and the Crazy Ghost. In his downtime, the new adidas Energy Boost 2 keeps his feet cozy. We caught up with Joakim Noah at All-Star Weekend to discuss his new shoe sponsor and his favorite kicks.
Nice Kicks: You made the move to adidas this season. How has the transition been so far?
Joakim Noah: I’m just really happy to be a part of adidas. I think it was a great move for me. I feel great. I haven’t felt healthy like this in years. My feet feel great. When you play basketball your feet are pretty important.
Nice Kicks: With Derrick, Jimmy, Taj and now you wearing the Three Stripes, the Bulls have become a sort of unofficial adidas team. How did that come about?
Joakim Noah: I knew that Derrick was obviously a big part of the adidas team and that was definitely one of the reasons why I wanted to join. I felt like, we’re the Bulls, but we’re team adidas, too. That’s kind of cool. I think that Derrick’s situation is special. He’s the hometown kid. To be able to wear adidas with him, to be a part of that and to represent Chicago, is cool.
Joakim Noah in the adidas Crazyquick 2 (photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images via Zimbio)Nice Kicks: You’ve been playing in the Crazyquick and Crazy Ghost. What makes those more guard-oriented models good for your game?
Joakim Noah: I just want to feel good. I don’t have a list of things that I go through. I put it on, see if it feels right, I play in it, practice in it, and see if it fits.
Nice Kicks: What have been the best perks of being on team adidas so far?
Joakim Noah: There’s no question, the Boost. Right now I’m really into the Boost. Ever since I’ve been with adidas I ask for a few pairs here and there.
Nice Kicks: Can we expect to see you in a Boost-cushioned basketball shoe in the future?
Joakim Noah: I can’t wait. I think it’s going to happen from what I hear. As soon as they put that Boost material in a basketball shoe, I am all about it.
Joakim Noah in the adidas Energy Boost 2Keep up with Joakim Noah’s basketball shoe selections in Kicks On Court. The adidas Energy Boost 2 is available now at adidas.
