What is 361? Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic signs with Chinese sneaker brand

The reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic has shaken up the sneaker industry in a big way, signing a multi-year deal with the brand 361. 

Jokic, the two-time MVP and Denver Nuggets centre, played in Nike for the entirety of his career, until it was announced that he was joining the brand. 

Despite being one of the league's most dominant players over the last three seasons, Jokic never received a signature shoe from the Swoosh, but this is expected to change, with Nick DePaula saying that 361 were signing him to a multi-year signature shoe deal.

What is 361?

361, also called 361 Degrees, is a sneaker and sportswear company created in China.

Founded in 2003, 361 has slowly become an emerging powerhouse in basketball, signing players such as Aaron Gordon and Spencer Dinwiddie. 

Having now signed Jokic as their marquee player, the brand has made their first big splash, with likely more to come. 

Does Nikola Jokic have a signature shoe?

Despite being signed to Nike for the near-entirety of a star-studded career, Jokic had never received a signature shoe, forced to settle for a series of personal editions. 

But his new deal with 361 will see him get his own signature model, the same as his Nuggets teammate Gordon. 

The Joker is debuting the 361 Big3 Future High tonight, a high-cut version of the brand’s Future model currently out now. https://t.co/brBSRk0yWv pic.twitter.com/FHR2Ha9LvN

— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) December 21, 2023

In the meantime, Jokic will wear the 361 Big3 Future High, a hightop version of the brand's current low-top sneaker. 

Which NBA players wear 361?

Currently, only four NBA players wear 361 sneakers, but Jokic's signing will no doubt bring a multitude of extra players.