How Zion Williamson's Nike shoe broke apart

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Duke University basketball player Zion Williamson had a footwear malfunction during a game against rival North Carolina.

The footwear in question were Nike PG 2.5s from OKC Thunder player Paul George's signature collection.

According to the Raleigh News & Observer, shoes have three major parts. The upper consists of the tongue, toe box, and whatever material is used to engulf the foot. A thin piece of cloth called the strobel connects the upper to the second part, the midsole, which is made up of plastic and foam to provide cushioning. Third is the rubber bottom called the outsole, which provides grip and traction.

Basketball shoe designer Jesse Rademacher told the News & Observer that Zion Williamson's Nike shoe "appeared to come apart where the strobel is stitched to the upper." The shoe breakdown resulted in a knee sprain for Williamson.

A sneaker expert interviewed by Inside Edition claims the strobel and midsole of Nike's PG 2.5 shoe model are bound together only by glue. He believes this adhesive came apart, causing Williamson's toe and eventually his entire foot to go through the shoe.

Rademacher says the footwear malfunction may be due to the PG 2.5 being built for Paul George, who, despite having a similar height, is a slimmer and lighter athlete than Williamson.

RUNDOWN SHOWS:
1. Three major parts of a shoe
2. Nike shoe came apart where the strobel is stitched to the upper
3. Glue binding upper and midsole rips apart, causing foot to go through
4. PG 2.5 shoes not compatible with Zion Williamson's build

VOICEOVER (in English):

"According to the Raleigh News & Observer, shoes have three major parts. The upper consists of the tongue, toe box, and whatever material is used to engulf the foot."

"A thin piece of cloth called the strobel connects the upper to the second part, the midsole, which is made up of plastic and foam to provide cushioning. Third is the rubber bottom called the outsole, which provides grip and traction."

"Basketball shoe designer Jesse Rademacher told the News & Observer that Zion Williamson's Nike shoe 'appeared to come apart where the strobel is stitched to the upper.'"

"The shoe breakdown resulted in a knee sprain for Williamson."

"A sneaker expert interviewed by Inside Edition claims the strobel and midsole of Nike's PG 2.5 shoe model are bound together only by glue."

"He believes this adhesive came apart, causing Williamson's toe and eventually his entire foot to go through the shoe."

"Rademacher says the footwear malfunction may be due to the PG 2.5 being built for Paul George, who, despite having a similar height, is a slimmer and lighter athlete than Williamson."

SOURCES:
ESPN, Raleigh News & Observer, Inside Edition, SB Nation, CNN, USA Today Sports
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