As the old guard of the NBA passes the torch to the new generation, rising stars like Scoot Henderson are continuing to make a name for themselves. The Portland Trail Blazers guard was honored last year as one of a handful of players to ever release a signature shoe during their rookie season, bringing his high-energy playstyle to life with the PUMA Scoot Zeros.
Equipped with his own sneaker, a slow start for Henderson — one that saw him average just over 11 points per game across his first 20 appearances — was remedied by a strong finish where he averaged well over 16 points per game in his final 20 showings. He’s now ready for a breakout sophomore season as he steps onto the court tonight in his new PUMA Scoot Zeros II — an energetic design that is ready to take Henderson to new heights.
Henderson’s personal touches include the return of his “S” branding, this time at the new heel badge, as well as the “00” motif subtly included at the lateral portion of the midsole, which cleverly serves as a flip of the shoe’s “II” designation too. A set of wings augment each side of the lacing system while PUMA’s Formstrip logo reaches across the lateral. Henderson’s strong performance in the Preseason saw him wear a multicolored look in all four games while a second NBA 2K collaboration has been unveiled in bright green, blue and pink with mismatched looks between the left and right shoes.
The new shoe’s key technical specifications begin with a PWRtape-equipped upper that emphasizes stability and speed. These benefits combine with comfort and energy return offered by the sole’s TPU Proplate and Nitro cushioning. A performance-oriented rubber outsole finishes off the build by delivering premium traction and additional stability.
In anticipation of the new season and kicks, a locked-in Henderson opens up about joining the PUMA family, what we can expect from him this year and everything you need to know about the Scoot Zeros II.
What was it like signing with PUMA? Did you have any experience with the brand previously?
There were different brands interested in working with me but none stood out like PUMA did. The team’s emphasis on family resonated with me and it just felt right. I’ve been a big fan of the Suedes for a while and had worn their court shoes before, the brand has a great mix of culture and hoops.
How did it feel to be one of a few players ever to debut your own signature shoe as a rookie?
I felt like I was playing NBA 2K. It was a blessing that PUMA took a chance on me and all I could do is continue to work hard and try to repay it back.
When it came time to design the Scoot Zeros II, what was the focus?
The team and I wanted to get faster and bring more energy out of the shoe. We have a phrase — “Scoot is too shifty!” — that inspired us. I prefer low-cut sneakers to hoop in so we lowered the cut, making it look cleaner both on and off the court, and added wings for an air of speed.
How would you describe the difference in how it feels to play in the Scoot Zeros II compared to the first design?
It feels like I have a glove on my foot. It’s almost like I’m playing barefoot. This allows me to cut and spring off the ground easily while offering plenty of comfort.
How do the Scoot Zeros II represent you?
They represent my on-court presence as much as they do my off-court one. It’s a cutting-edge shoe with a lot of style to it, one that’s fun and speaks to my fashion sense. We have a lot of fire looks on the way — my sister and I worked on a bunch of the colorways with the PUMA team, brainstorming a cohesive outlook.
What’s it like seeing other athletes hooping in your shoes?
It’s an unreal feeling. Whenever I see somebody with a pair on I’m like, “Dang, somebody got my shoes on, those are my shoes over there.” It’s a reminder of how blessed I am. To see other people appreciate something I’ve helped create is special.
“My objective for the year is to go at these guys, have no remorse for anybody in the league.”
What can we expect from you on the court this season?
My head is in the same place as the start of last season. My objective for the year is to go at these guys, have no remorse for anybody in the league. You can expect somebody that’s ready, not looking for handouts. Somebody who is going to go out and give 110% and do whatever it takes for the team to win. Of course I’m also excited to continue revealing more Scoot Zeros Twos and I can’t wait for the fans to react to all of the new colorways.
Look out for the PUMA Scoot Zeros II to make its retail debut on December 20 via PUMA and select retailers.
