Tuned to create maximum separation from defenders, the Luka 3 is designed to provide balance for the stop-on-a-dime playing style of Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić.
The Luka 3 evolves Isoplate, a technology developed specifically for Dončić, by widening the lateral outrigger and removing sections from the plate’s lateral wall to reduce weight. The shoe features full-length Cushlon 3.0 foam for a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Together with Isoplate, the Luka 3 midsole system is designed to accelerate out of zero-velocity moves, such as coming out of a step-back and attacking the basket.
The shoe allows players to fully capitalize on lateral and diagonal movements. Isoplate provides torsional rigidity to keep the player locked over the sole. The cutouts along the lateral toebox include a neoprene-like barrier, allowing the toes to flex just enough on aggressive cuts without sacrificing containment.
The real-life inspiration for the Luka 3 comes from Dončić’s love of high-performance sports cars. The qualities of an elite car – the engine that propels it forward, the chassis for control and agility – have been translated into Luka’s game, where he uses speed and control to his advantage for an offensive arsenal that is almost impossible to defend (Part of the shoe’s design is inspired by a tire that decelerates and accelerates at top speeds). The outsole features a generative herringbone-style pattern and is inspired by the traction of racing tires. Other details are more subtle, such as the pull tabs modeled after seat belt material and the wavy striations on the engineered textile upper, inspired by high speeds.
The Luka 3 builds on the performance benefits of the Luka 2 and raises the durability standard across the entire Luka franchise. For the first time, every Luka 3 colorway reaches a Tier-2 sustainability score, meaning each shoe is made with at least 20% of its weight from recycled materials.
When is the Jordan Brand Luka 3, Luka Dončić’s third signature model, releasing?
The new Jordan Luka 3 is releasing in the "Midnight Racer" colorway on July 5, 2024 in Europe; the "Photo Finish" colorway is releasing globally on July 16, 2024. The model will be available on Nike.com as well as at select Air Jordan partner retailers.
Product Images
Vlad Ciutacu is a writer based in The Hague, Netherlands. He has been working in the footwear industry for more than a decade, with hundreds of pairs in his collection. His favourite models are the Air Jordan 1 and the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro. Find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
