361 Joker 1: Nikola Jokić’s First Signature is a Banger

The 361 Joker 1 features an outsole pattern inspired by Serbian culture, labeled “Serbian ethnic traction” in official descriptions. It is an odd name. However, it does create traction lines covering every possible direction along the sole; so, in that aspect, it gets the job done. The Joker 1 features the brand’s proprietary Diamond Grip outsole, which provides exceptional, durable, outdoor-ready court grip.

The forefoot section is encased in a durable cup-sole construction, enhancing stability and reactivity during quick pivots and fast breaks. On polished hardwood courts, the traction excels, offering consistent and reliable performance. The tough rubber compound ensures durability, making this an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor play. If traction is your priority, the Joker 1 will be a great option.

Equipped with 361’s Qu!kCQTECH cushioning, the Joker 1 delivers a fluffy, responsive, and bouncy feel underfoot. Unlike bulkier models, this shoe balances court feel and impact protection, making it versatile for players across positions. Encased in a supportive TPU wrap, the Joker 1’s midsole remains super stable underfoot, while also providing a plush, elastic ride.

For a shoe designed for a big, heavy, NBA center, it feels surprisingly light and nimble; and that is due primarily to the Qu!kCQTECH midsole. The cushioning setup is also another reason why the Joker 1 will be a good option for outdoor play. It will provide more than enough impact protection to keep your legs fresh, even on harder surfaces. This setup is very well-balanced and versatile.

The first time you open the box of your brand-new pair of Joker 1s, you will be met by the sweet, overwhelming smell of leather. Does the shoe actually feature REAL leather? We can’t be certain, but it definitely looks and smells like it. The 361 Joker 1, along with the Way of Wade 11, is among the few Chinese brand basketball shoes to feature this type of build.

The white portions (of the colorway we tested) feature leather or synthetic leather, as do the black portions on the lateral side; and the black portions on the medial side are built with Nubuck. In the heel, we have a substantial, external, TPU heel counter, and the eye-stay area is reinforced with TPU as well for added durability. This construction may take a while to break in; but when it does, it will mold well to your foot and provide all the structure and lockdown you will need on court.

Despite its lightweight construction, the 361 Joker 1 should be a great basketball shoe in terms of support. The shoe includes a sturdy, TPU torsion plate and a TPU wrap that encases the midsole from the midfoot back. That beefy heel counter ensures a locked-in fit, preventing heel slippage and adding stability in the back portion of the shoe.

All of this — combined with the robust upper and the super stable midsole — will make for a very secure-feeling shoe. Whoever designed the Joker 1 did a very good job as far as making it a versatile model. It is light and nimble like a guard shoe, yet supportive and sturdy enough for a bigger, post-style player.

Sizing for the 361 Joker 1 can be slightly tricky. Chris, who tested this shoe, purchased his pair a half size up from his typical size, but it fits him very well. If you go true-to-size, it may work as well, but it will offer a very snug 1-to-1 fit. Players with wider feet will almost definitely need to go at least a half size up to achieve optimal comfort. The midfoot padding and sculpted collar contribute to an excellent fit, providing a personalized feel once broken in a bit.

There is an expression in the sneaker-verse: “Big men don’t sell shoes” — meaning that signature shoes belonging to big men tend to be particularly unpopular. That might be because they usually feature very particular performance features. If that is the case, the Joker 1 has a very good chance of breaking with that tradition. This is a very versatile basketball shoe. No matter if you are a big, power-based player or a light, speedy guard, the Joker 1 has you covered.

361 has been making some really great basketball shoes. The 361 BIG3 5.0 Quick Pro has a weird name but is a great basketball shoe, and Aaron Gordon’s AG 5 is one of the most tech-heavy and well-performing basketball shoes on the market. The Joker 1, simply put, is a great first signature shoe, and there are not many (or any) better-equipped basketball shoes for $129.