Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, still recovering from a calf injury, missed Sunday’s loss to the Toronto Raptors but continues to make headlines in the sneaker community.
Antetokounmpo gave fans a first look at his eighth signature Nike basketball shoe on Saturday afternoon. The Nike Giannis Freak 8 was revealed in four striking images, showing the star dunking and lacing up the unreleased sneakers.
The first colorway of the Nike Giannis Freak 8 combines shades of pink and gold with black accents. A notable change is the Nike Swoosh, which appears smaller than the oversized version that has become a hallmark of Antetokounmpo’s signature sneaker line.
A new design choice for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Freak series
Feb 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gestures after his team defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The low-cut design of the Nike Giannis Freak 8 includes a sculpted heel, a thick midsole, and supportive caging that rises along both sides of the shoe to enhance stability during lateral movements. Despite its sleek profile, the sneaker is built to handle the power and intensity of the world’s elite basketball players.
At this time, Nike has not provided any release details for the Giannis Freak 8. Official images, technical specifications, and pricing have yet to be announced, though Antetokounmpo’s signature line typically sees a new release each summer.
Jan 13, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Giannis Antetokounmpo teamed up with Nike early in his professional career, signing his first sneaker deal in 2013. As his rise in the NBA became clear, Nike and Antetokounmpo agreed to a contract extension in 2017 that included a signature sneaker line. That line officially launched in June 2019.
Antetokounmpo missed his 11th straight game after straining his right calf on January 23. This season, the Bucks hold a 15-15 record with him on the court and are 9-16 in the games he has missed.