adidas AlphaBounce Instinct Performance Review

adidas brought a completely different visual experience to running with the original AlphaBounce. Does the equally jarring design of the AlphaBounce Instinct hold the performance torch? Here we go…
The original adidas AlphaBounce was, at first, different. Patterned after the markings of a quail, used for camouflage, and developed using foot-mapping Aramis technology, the shoe was a serious bargain at only $100. That was two years ago so it was time to get different. The adidas AlphaBounce Instinct is that difference — it combines the best of the original and the follow-up AlphaBounce Beyond.
adidas completely went away from the dot pattern of the original and opted to evolve the herringbone-style traction from the AlphaBounce Beyond. It isn’t a basketball herringbone, but angles and cuts across the foot from heel to toe that are then covered in Mars-surface texture. It’s leaps and bounds better than the original, which wasn’t bad at all.
The AlphaBounce Instinct also felt more secure on wet surfaces like slick concrete or tile and even holds it own on hardwood. Continental rubber makes an appearance again, proving adidas is serious about durability, and since there was no signs of wear — except dirt — the outsole holds up great.
One slight change is the almost-decoupled outsole. Cutaways under the arch make flexibility and transition smoother than the original or the AlphaBounce Beyond and the shoe, overall, just feels faster because of it — even though it is bulkier in the midsole than the original (about the same as the AB Beyond).
With a name like the AlphaBounce Instinct, you know where we are going. Bounce was introduced almost three years ago in the Lillard 2 and it was a revelation — soft but responsive, low profile, a little heavy but resilient — and it worked well across all activities.
The original AlphaBounce was incredibly smooth and impact-absorbing. The AlphaBounce Instinct follows the same suit — matter of fact, it feels like the exact same midsole. The initial impact is absorbed with no issues, no feedback coming back up your joints, and also no real feel of energy return.
If you are looking for a Boost-like soft/spring, the Bounce midsoles don’t have the same feel. If you are looking for a quick, smooth transition that translates well into multiple activities, sometimes all at once (jumping into running into weightlifting) you will find Bounce a better system. Bounce is a fast-feeling foam — there is no lag time when landing and it provides a solid platform for propulsion.
The original AlphaBounce had a Forged Mesh upper. The AlphaBounce Instinct has a Forged Mesh upper. Sounds the same, but it couldn’t feel further from the truth. While the original did feature the folds and seams like the AlphaBounce Instinct, it was a forgiving, pliable, and stretchy material that needed some help with containment and lateral stability. While most running shoes don’t need to worry about those issues, the alphaBounce crossed over into a workout shoes for all activities, which meant stability was a problem.
The AlphaBounce Instinct is a stiffer Forged Mesh, much like what was used on the Dame 3, and lateral stability is almost basketball-shoe like. The folds and molds are still there for flexibility in the forefoot, so no worries about the transition and toe-off suffering if you actually use the shoe for running. The upper is a one-piece again, with a softer, spandex-like insert under the laces for ease of entry (the pull tabs on the tongue and heel help too).
The inner lining gets the same smooth spandex-like materials as the tongue area and hotspots are nonexistent. One thing that was added was pillows around the ankle bone; there is one on the lateral and one on the medial side. These helped with any heel slip that might have been present — however, I lost one during a workout when it came unglued. It didn’t affect fit for the most part, but I could feel the empty space compared to the other shoe. Slight quality control issue, but nothing that destroys the review.
The original Alpha was hella long — some people went down a full size because of the length in the toebox. The AlphaBounce Instinct is very similar; the toebox is about a half-size long, but I didn’t downsize for two reasons: first, the midfoot fit is a little narrower with the one-piece upper and midfoot support cage; second, the lacing system stops way before the toebox, so even a half-size down felt long. I decided to deal with some extra length to get the extra midfoot width, and it worked great for me. If you are a normal width and went half down on the original, I would recommend the same with the AlphaBounce Instinct.
One thing the original missed, and we covered it above, was lateral stability. Again, as a true runner, it isn’t completely necessary, but with the crossover appeal stability is needed. The sole on the AlphaBounce Instinct has been widened and sits outside the foot and upper, leading to a super-stable base with outriggers like a basketball shoe. There is no feeling of tipping or rolling at all while wearing the shoe. Additionally, the stiffer Forged Mesh holds your foot over the footbed without feeling restrictive at all while the waves and folds keep it flexible.
As for the midfoot, you might have noticed the black lace pieces. Yeah, those are cool. What you might not have seen is that they are independent of the upper (I figured this out while writing this review and I’ve had the shoe for almost a month). The pieces pull completely away from the upper and are attached to the midfoot shank, tying the lateral support into the sole for extra stability. It’s a welcome concept, but I was ready to send my pair back because I thought they came unglued. The Torsion Bridge, as it’s called, works to allow the forefoot and heel to operate separately, almost decoupled, while still providing the arch support to keep your foot from flexing in the wrong way. Magic.
While the original AlphaBounce was a straight running shoe, the AlphaBounce Instinct has been redesigned for more than that; adidas.com says the shoe is “recommended for: Multidirectional movements, running for your sport, and agility training movements.” adidas seemed to realize how much this shoe was worn for everything but running, and I have seen more than one pair of the original on basketball courts, used as a cross-trainer in the weight room, and on treadmills.
If you are looking for an all-around shoe for multiple activities, with cushioning good enough for running or basketball, a court-friendly traction pattern, and support and containment for almost any level of lateral movements, look no further — the AlphaBounce Instinct will cover anything you throw at it.
Also, let’s be honest — the upper is eye-catching and unique, and that never hurts. The minimal branding and the way the upper flows into the midsole creates a kd 11 for sale that looks like nothing else on shelves today. With the popularity of the original AlphaBounce (that shoe came out two years ago and is still on store shelves), it is no wonder adidas keeps new models coming. And as long as they keep performing like the AlphaBounce Instinct, they should never stop.

Better Air Jordan 11 Low – “Cherry” or “Columbia”

Both the Air Jordan 11 Low Cherry and Air Jordan 11 Low Columbia are two of the more popular colorways of the low-top Air Jordan 11 to-date.
Originally born in 1996, the Air Jordan 11 Cherry instantly became a fan-favorite silhouette. 2001 saw the first-ever release of the Air Jordan 11 Low. After a 15 year hiatus, Jordan Brand finally brought back the classic “Cherry” colorway in 2016.Often called "Cherry," this colorway uses a white ballistic mesh upper that's accented by a red patent leather overlay and capped off with an icy outsole.
Shifting gears, the Jordan 11 Low will also drop in a brand new colorway that sports a mostly navy blue upper. The standout feature on this pair is its translucent gum outsole, a first for the Jordan 11.
As a follow up, the iconic  “Columbia Blue”Jordan 11 that debuted in the early 2000s also made a retro return. But this time the Jordan Brand replaced its ballistic mesh with premium leather, combined with a vibrant University Blue patent leather overlay.Originally seen back in 2001, this forthcoming revival is essentially a remastered pair. The defining light blueish tone is prominent across its patent leather component encompassing the profile, while white leather is utilized for the remainder of its upper and tongue. Finally, a matching white midsole unit and translucent outsole finishes off the clean design.
While both Shoes are classics, which would you say was the better retro-release? Cast your vote below and leave your thoughts in the comments section.

 

Nike Air Vapormax 2.0 Performance Test

The Nike Air Vapormax is one of Nike’s latest 2018 releases and one of its sharpest and slickest looking pairs of shoes. It has a muted yet striking color palette, and is wearable as both a running shoe and as a casual pair of shoes. Apart from its high tech and beautiful design, this product has great arch support and feels so luxurious to wear for just about anyone. It comes at a price of $190, but there is really no better shoe on the market than this one. Experienced runners have raved about this shoe because of its comfort, durability, and protection, and have described working out in them as “running on air”. Lastly, they are lightweight and flexible, and we would highly recommend them to any runner out there.
Outsole
At first, it is a little concerning to see the added bubble pods on the bottom of the outsole because Nike is well known for removing any unnecessary material from their shoes. Surprisingly, this actually increased the durability of it in the long run. Unfortunately, some users have complained that the outsole isn’t the best for wearing in particularly wet or rainy areas because the water tends to soak through it.
Midsole
The midsole of a pair of Nike Air Vapormax 2.0 is known best for adding bounce to them. In perhaps one of the most revolutionary moves Nike has ever made, they actually decided to remove the midsole and instead have the shoe resting directly on air bags. This greatly contributes to the extreme comfort level of the shoes.
Upper
The upper of the Air Vapormax is wonderfully adaptive and conforms comfortably to the shape and size of any foot. It is crafted with the coveted flyknit material which is lovely both in texture and in appearance. Moreover, this part of the shoe is really thin and lightweight; there is pretty much no downside to the structure of the Vapormax.
Weight
Nike as a whole prides itself on producing lightweight yet durable shoes, and the Vapormax is no exception. It weighs in at a measly 7 ounces, which is about as light as you can get in a running shoe. This lightness creates an extremely comfortable fit for runners, and many have described running in them as similar to running on clouds or air. Nike was able to achieve such a phenomenal feature because of the breathability of the shoe, air cushioning, and superior design in general.
Breathability
There is truly nothing more frustrating and uncomfortable than a running shoe with poor breathability, as this creates potential for blisters and excessive sweat. Luckily, this shoe is built in such a way that the sole is filled with “as much air as possible” according to the designers. The combination of the flyknit fabric and exposed cushioning makes for a lovely fit and feel that keeps your foot dry and comfortable no matter how hard you’ve been running.
Comfort
We just touched on how the breathability makes this shoe a joy to put on, but what other factors contribute to the comfort of the Air Vapormax? For one, the plush feeling of the flyknit material in combination with the bubble pods on the bottom of the shoe make for great arch support and softness. Some have described it as walking on air or feeling like their foot is wrapped in temper-pedic material. It’s soft and adapts to any foot shape.
Style
Though this style is very fashion-forward and futuristic than past Nike designs, the design of this shoe can be very hit or miss for a lot of people because of the exposed cushioning. However, the Vapormax is appealing because it looks attractive both when running or when worn with more leisurely outfits. Its color options are definitely a lot more understated and muted than some of Nike’s other running shoes, but this is because they are meant to look more luxurious and expensive. The style is certainly not the most important part of this product, but it is a huge plus.
Durability
One of the biggest worries runners and athletes have about such lightweight running shoes is whether or not they will stand up to the test of time and the daily wear-and-tear that accumulates over the lifetime of a pair of shoes. Well worry not, because the Air Vapormax is a highly durable product that is well worth the cost. As a result, they are great for wearing whilst working out at the gym or in more rough outdoor locations like mountain trails.
Protection
Having a protective shoe is of vital importance for runners who prefer running outdoors in areas that have rougher terrain suchs hiking trails. Thankfully, the exposed cushioning on this shoe is built with integrated rubber pods on high impact areas which help to catch rubber and generally increase the durability of the shoes. It is extremely resilient, and thick enough to preserve the shoe without being so thick that it is heavy and overbearing.
Support
Foot support is one of the biggest concerns kept in mind when purchasing a pair of shoes as thousands of people have great discomfort in shoes with bad arch support. Some have complained that the upper is not as supportive as other Nike models, particularly on sudden turns or stops. However, the fact that the Air Vapormax is so comfortable and has such a luxurious feel speaks to the level of support that this product has.
Terrain
A key buying point for any prospective customer is how well a running shoe responds to different types of terrain. The Air Vapormax is adaptive to any kind of terrain, whether it be sand, turf, concrete, or rocky mountains. The rubber pods on the bottom of the shoes are durable enough to not be popped by much harsher terrain like mountains ground and are paramount in maintaining comfort.
Price
Sure, the Air Vapormax may cost quite the pretty penny (upwards of $190), but this is actually average for the state-of-the art running footwear that is currently on the market whether consumers like it or not. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend this shoe to the casual athlete or first-time buyer of Nike’s shoes, as there are much cheaper options available. However, this model is absolutely worth the price for customers who run daily and are much more serious athletes.
Flexibility
The designers of the Air Vapormax were focused in part on creating a really flexible shoe that mimics the feeling of air. Not only is it as flexible as a running shoe can be, but you can actually feel individualized pressure points and zones on your feet when walking or running in them. They claim that the combination of the bubbled bottom and flyknit upper makes the Vapormax Nike’s most flexible shoe ever.
Bottom Line
The Nike Air Vapormax Black White is the pinnacle of achievement in shoe design because of its blend of comfort, style, and durability. Though it is perhaps better suited for more serious or hardcore runners, we have no problem with recommending this to those who just want a brand new running shoe. The upper and outsole are well crafted using flyknit material and are a true pleasure to touch and wear. These kicks will last you a long time and are the closest to the feeling of running barefoot that there is. Breathability and solid arch support are two key aspects of these shoes and are beloved by runners everywhere.

Better Air Jordan 5: “Metallic” or “Raging Bull 3M”

The Air Jordan 5 is one of the most iconic Air Jordans to-date. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, whom found inspiration in the World War 2 Mustang fighter jet during its creation. It was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature a reflective 3M tongue.
One of the original and iconic colorways is the “Metallic” Air Jordan motif. The shoe came in a buttery Black nubuck upper with Metallic Silver accents, 3M tongues, and embroidered “23” on the sides.Equipped with Nike Air branding at the heel and premium updates that ensure an OG feel dating back to the shoe’s original release in 1990, today brings forth the best look yet at this revered Air Jordan 5 release.
Another popular release was the “3M” colorway from the Air Jordan 5 “Raging Bull” Pack that debuted back in 2009. The Air Jordan 5 Raging Bull Pack was well received when we first gave you the info on it. Then we dropped the word on the Red Suede Jordan 5 version, most doubters were convinced this pack is going to be special.
The second Air Jordan 5 Raging Bull consists of an all black 3M upper, which will no doubt break necks and have a lot of you lining up early to get your hands on these kicks. The all 3M combined with the red accents, and the icy sole of the AJ5, is definitely one of the freshest remakes of this classic sneaker.
Looking back at both classic Air Jordan 5s, which would you consider the better release? Cast your vote below, and leave your thoughts in the comments section.

UA HOVR Havoc Performance Review

Could the Under Armour HOVR Havoc be the most well-rounded basketball model out of Baltimore? Let’s find out.
“Sneakersheads” and hoopers alike have a million and one different reasons why they may dislike Under Armour. However, I tend to enjoy that the brand usually doesn’t stray away from what works in terms of traction.
We hear and read it all the time, “Why do companies tell stories on the bottom of a performance shoe when you can’t see whatever lame story they’re trying to tell” and it often times translates to hit or miss coverage on-court. Herringbone is the way to go and herringbone is what UA uses more often than not. Yes, the brand tried something new on the Curry 5 and it didn’t quite work. No worries, because it’s already back to basics and I love it.
Not once did I have to wipe the soles of the HOVR Havoc, no matter which court I was playing on, from the cleanest to the meanest. It even handled the 40-year-old floor that should’ve been refinished ages ago perfectly. The outsole here works beautifully.
The HOVR Havoc is just as awesome outdoors, if not slightly more awesome, than it was indoors. The shoe has become one of my go-to outdoor options because it have provided me with reliable coverage and it has just enough cushion to make my time outside in 100-degree heat enjoyable.
Having HOVR located from the heel to the midfoot doesn’t sound like it would be all that comfortable for those that primarily play on their toes, but I was impressed. Again, once broken-in the ride was slightly bouncy — but not to the point where I felt unstable.
The forefoot is just plain old EVA so you’ll receive plenty of court feel in this area for explosiveness and responsiveness. Typically, the faster and more athletic the athlete the more natural court feel he/she wants (or if you happen to be a shooter and rely on stability).
Of course, everyone is different and some folks like a bit more bounce under the forefoot. For that I would have loved to have seen a thinner top layer of HOVR combined with the EVA underneath. It’s possible that the brand tried this during wear-testing and athletes preferred the setup that made its way onto the retail version, but we’ll never really know.
All I know is that I was surprised and happy with the current implementation of HOVR in basketball; I’m interested to see where UA takes HOVR in its future basketball products.
The HOVR Havoc is comprised of mesh with a top coating that reminds me of silk screening…only stretchier. This top layer helps contain the foot without restricting the mesh from doing its thing.
There is a skin-fuse-type layer at the forefoot that protects the toe from abrasion. While the past handful of UA products I’ve worn, tested, and reviewed have all had something similar, it has continuously shown signs of wear within minutes of me playing. While this doesn’t bother me at all, I don’t ever plan on wearing my basketball shoes casually, it may irk some that try to keep their shoes looking as new as possible for as long as possible.
This time around, the fuse layer has been durable enough to not just protect the material it’s adhered to but also maintain its looks as well. I’ve been playing in the HOVR Havoc for weeks both indoors and outdoors and the shoes still looks pretty good.
The HOVR Havoc fits true to size but it is slightly snug width-wise. If you like some wiggle room or you’re a wide footer then I suggest going up a 1/2 size.
Lockdown is great from heel to toe. The forefoot features a synthetic overlay on both the medial and lateral side which allows the mesh to stretch and form around your foot while you adjust the laces to your liking; this creates a great fit and proper containment.
At the rear we have a couple of nylon lace loops along with an additional set of “eyelets.” They’re just cutouts of the mesh supported with skin-like fuse that draw your ankle and heel into the heel counter.
These two lacing systems combined don’t form Captain Planet but they do create a one-to-one fit that I really love.
Everything you need from a shoe is used on the HOVR Havoc, and it isn’t overdone. There is a torsional shank that also acts as a TPU carrier for the visible midfoot section of the HOVR cushion.
Meanwhile, the fit is fantastic. Couple that with the wide flat base and exaggerated midsole/outsole to form a barrier-style outrigger and you have tons of support that helps promote natural movement and mobility.
The UA HOVR Havoc has been the most well-rounded basketball model I’ve worn from Under Armour in a long time.
There has always been something missing in the brand’s recent hoop shoes — from cushion to desirable materials and durability. There’s usually been something that I could undoubtedly point to and say, “I’d have changed that.” With the HOVR Havoc, the only thing I’d like to have seen is a thin layer of HOVR in the toe, but the comfort is still there so it’s more of a “I wonder how it’d feel” versus a “the shoe needs this badly.”
At $105, the kd 11  is a great deal and should offer you a bit of everything you could want — court feel, cushion, a one-to-one fit, support without feeling like you’re being restricted, traction, and durability. Did I mention the shoe has cushion? Good cushion too.
If you were considering the UA HOVR Havoc or this happens to be your upcoming season’s team shoe then I hope you enjoy the shoe as much as I have. Now, if this cushion is in the Curry 6…sign me up.

Better Air Jordan 5: “Raging Bull” or “Oregon Ducks”

Jordan Brand’s Air Jordan 5 silhouette is one of their most beloved Air Jordan Retro models to-date. Two highly sought-after pairs of the silhouette from the past have been the “Raging Bull” and “Oregon Ducks” colorways.
Released back in 2016, the “Raging Bull” Air Jordan 5 was part of an all-time classic Air Jordan Pack. The Air Jordan XX1 “Varsity Red” marked the first time Jordan Brand went with an all-over red suede signature, but the Air Jordan 5 “Raging Bull” was the first retro to model the material. This Varsity Red/Black-White issue was the brighter half of the two-shoe Toro Bravo pack that released on May 23, 2009, a shout out to Michael Jordan’s dominance with the Chicago Bulls. In addition to the smooth upper, the 23 script was included on the heels, and the midsole teeth were dipped in red – like a bull’s horns after having gored someone, maybe someone daring enough to run with the bulls in Pamplona.
As a nod to the Oregon Ducks,Ever since 2011, the Oregon Ducks have made a habit of hurting the feelings of other universities with their exclusive Air Jordans, which dress up iconic models in colors and logos associated with the school. The Nike x Oregon connection of course runs deep, with the sportswear giant's founders spending time at the college and Tinker Hatfield, designer of your favorite Jordans, doing the same. Jordan Brand designed an exclusive Air Jordan 5 for the Nike sponsored school. Dressed in the school colors with its signature “O” logos on the 3M Reflective tongues and Ducks mascot on the heels.
Cast your vote below and leave your reasoning in the comments section. For all upcoming releases be sure to keep it locked to our Air Jordan Release Dates page.

Nike Air Max 2017 Perforamnce Review

The Nike Air Max 2017 retains the Nike Air Max’s comfortable and durable style while also featuring several upgrades. The main upgrades would be the enhanced sole unit and the added cushioning to the upper of the shoe.  Although the shoe is no longer considered to be in the upper tier of running shoes, it still has several features that allow it to be worn in that capacity. Another thing that must be considered about this shoe is that the basic design of the shoe is the reason that it is so popular among the masses; this is to say that even though the shoe isn’t the most popular “running” shoe, it still gets Nike a lot of sales.
Outsole
The Nike Air Max sole on this version of the Nike Airmax is somewhat “freaky’. The outsole is fashioned out of translucent hardened rubber which gives the shoe a futuristic look and feel. On top of this, the sole features a careful placement of grooves throughout the sole unit of the shoe that enables the shoe to gain a decent level of comfort and grip. The fact that the outsole unit on this shoe is a single piece and lacks any placement over foam, gives this shoe a somewhat firm overall ride during use.
Midsole
The midsole of the shoe also aids the shoe in providing an overall firm ride. The midsole is fashioned out of an EVA polyurethane mix that is a bit firmer than the majority of running shoes with the pure foam midsole. The midsole on the shoe also features a Nike cushioning bag that is there to improve the responsiveness and comfort provided by the shoe. The make of the midsole itself actually takes away from the comfort provided by the shoe and also doesn’t give the shoe the best in terms of a responsive feel.
Upper
The upper on the shoe is a mix of cushioning and mesh. The shoe features a mesh upper that Nike has decided to splash with cotton all throughout. This has allowed the upper to give a comfortable overall feel while not taking away from the KD 11 Shoes overall stability. With that being said, the upper of the shoe is designed in such a way as to promote comfort without delivering a “plush” feel while the shoe is in use; for a running shoe, this can be either good or bad.

Weight

In terms of weight, Nike has done their best to add a little as possible to the design of the shoe. They tried but weren’t really able to achieve a lightweight effect because of the materials that were used throughout. The hardened rubber outsole on the shoe adds a decent amount of weight to the overall cut of the shoe. This, in tandem with the amount of cushioning that is present inside of the shoe, allows for an overall comfortable, albeit weighted, ride. This isn’t to say that the weight of the shoe hasn’t improved at all because it has. This model of the Air max weighs a staggering 3 oz’s less than the previous model of the shoe which is actually a huge improvement.

Breathability

The upper of the shoe was designed to prevent an accumulation of sweat throughout. The Air Max '17 is fitted with fly mesh material which allows a decent level of air flow to be achieved while running. This is a major improvement over last year’s breathable, but kind of muggy model of the Air Max. The fly mesh design of the shoe allows it to be worn in a variety of climates, but the best side of it comes out in the warmer areas where the air flow is the most appreciated.

Comfort

The comfort provided by this model of the Air Max is definitely above par. The materials used in the design of the Air Max allow for a level of comfort to be achieved above that of other models of the shoe. The use of fly mesh on the upper of the shoe and the absence of the flywire material allow for the shoe to be worn without feeling the discomfort that those materials provided. The sole of the shoe is made in such a way as to promote both flex and malleability. Even though the material that makes up the sole of the shoe is on the firmer side, it does provide the wearer with a decent level of comfort. The shoe also features an elongated tongue, which, when compared to previous models of the shoe provides an extra amount of cushioning and snugness for the shoe.

Style

The style of the Air Max 17 is one that is both and doesn’t seem to go away. The shoe has been created in several different color combinations which gives the wearers a variety of colors to choose from. The slim cut of the shoe also allows the shoe to be worn in and outside of an active environment; this means that the shoe can be worn in both casual and sporty clothes. The seemingly see-through material of the sole of this shoe also gave the shoe a sort-of futuristic look which, can be a plus for some wearers.

Durability

the materials used in the creation of this model of the Air Max are of the more long-lived variety. The sole unit of the shoe itself is made from polyurethane EVA for the midsole and hardened rubber for the outsole. The hardened rubber on the outsole of the shoe is by nature extremely durable. It shows very little wear even after several uses, which can be attributed to the make of the sole itself. The make of the midsole of the shoe allows it to be worn several times without the wearer having to worry about it losing its shape, which is another plus. The Fly mesh upper of the shoe is designed in such a way as to be able to deal with strenuous activity without making the wearer worry about potential breakdown of said materials.

Protection

In terms of protection, the shoe doesn’t have much. The shoe is designed from fly mesh material with very little in the way of coverings. The lack of coverings on the shoe means that there is very little stopping power for the wearer and that they may potentially have to worry about damaging themselves if something were to fall on them. The sole of the shoe is designed with the wearer’s foot in mind meaning that, due to the thickness of the material that makes up the shoe, it has a decent amount of ability to block the intrusion of unwanted material into the wearer’s shoe. The shoe itself has also been designed with several reflective materials which allow the wearer to wear them in darker areas without having to worry about not being seen

Responsiveness

The Air Max 17 features materials that allow it be more on the responsive side. The outsole of the shoe is designed with the wearer’s foot in mind but it is on the firmer side meaning that it doesn’t move as much as it possibly could. The midsole of the shoe allows the shoe to conform to the user’s movements though, somewhat compensating for the outsoles faults. On top of this, the lack of flywire on the upper allows the shoe to conform to the shape of the user’s foot without taking away from the snugness of the overall shoe

Support

The Air Max 17 has a decent level of supportive features for the wearer. The upper of the shoe, even though it doesn’t feature the flywire lacing that has become a custom among the Nike brand of shoes, is still relatively snug. This allows the shoe to provide a decent level of support for the side of the foot. The added cushioning in the heel of the shoe gives the shoe a decent level of heel support as well. Lastly, the air pod that runs the length of the sole of the shoe allows the shoe to conform to the natural curves of the user’s foot, resulting in a decent level of support for the user’s foot.

Terrain

In terms of terrain handling capabilities, the shoe does a relatively decent job of being versatile in its usage capabilities. The sole of the shoe is designed from hardened rubber which enables the shoe to hold up regardless of the level of development that the terrain has gone through. The upper of the shoe allows for a decent level of air flow to be present. This means that the shoe can be worn in a variety of climates without making the shoe too warm or allowing the wearer’s feet to get too cold. The breathability of the shoe also implies that the material, when used in the moister areas allows for a decent amount of liquid to soak through.

Price

The Air Max 17 will definitely take a decent sized chunk out of one’s pockets. The material used in the shoe and the comfort provided justify this price though; the use of materials such as the fly mesh in the upper and the extensive use of materials throughout the sole are the main things to blame. The sole unit of this shoe is made from both hardened plastic material and features a full-length air pod; these are both things that allow the shoe to provide an overall comfortable and responsive ride to the wearer. The durability of the shoe also justifies its price; considering that the shoe holds up after being used for several hundred miles, the value provided is definitely above that of the standard running shoe.

Traction

The sole of the Air Max 17 is one that provides an immense level of grip during use. The outsole of the shoe has been patterned into a waffle-like design which allows the shoe to be worn when in a variety of areas and allows the shoe to be able to grip the ground with a high level of ferocity. The level of traction achieved by this shoe does not compare to that of strict running shoes but it does allow the shoe to be worn and provide functionality on a variety of terrains.

Flexibility

Regarding flexibility, the Air Max 17 isn’t the best, but it does allow for a decent level of it. The sole of the shoe has been fitted with flex grooves which compensate for the general firmness of the material itself. The sole, being made from hardened rubber doesn’t bend the way that it possibly could if formed from a different material. On top of this, the pod in the sole of the shoe is somewhat firm also, further taking away from the inherent flexibility of the shoe. The upper of the shoe, being designed from fly mesh, achieve a decent level of flexibility, mainly because of the nature of the material itself

Stability

The design of the Air Max 17 provides for a decent level of stability for the user. The upper of the shoe, being designed from mesh and lacking any of the extra components, still provides a snug and firm fit for the wearer; this is mainly because of the cushioning used throughout the design and the slim design of the shoe itself. On top of this, the sole of the shoe being as firm as it is, gives the wearer a decent level of footing while the shoe is in use; this is to say that while the shoe does have cushioning throughout, the firmness provided by the sole unit prevents rollover and gives the wearer a bit of surety in their movements while the shoe is in use

Drop

Okay, this version of the Air Max has not have been given a reduction in the drop whatsoever. The Air Max 17 features a drop of about 13mm. This is by no means considered a minimal drop because of the fact that it is honestly so outstanding. The high heel-to-toe ration on this shoe means that the shoe doesn’t allow for a smooth and natural feeling transition to be achieved while the shoe is in use.

Verdict

All in all, Nike did a decent job with the creation of this shoe. The materials that were incorporated into the design allow the shoe to be used in a variety of terrains without causing the wearer any level of worry regarding the durability of the shoe. On top of this, the design of the shoe is one that enables the shoe to be both worn for things outside of the purpose of the shoe and fits rather snugly on the wearer’s foot.

Nike Kyrie Low Performance Review

Kyrie Irving’s sneakers have been a huge hit with players of all ages since the first model. The shoes combine low ride with minimal cushioning and killer colorways. How does the Kyrie Low stack up? Here we go…
One thing that has been consistent since day one is that Kyrie models will have great traction. The Kyrie Low doesn’t disappoint.
Using a straight-line traction that is broken up and rotated in certain areas, the traction pattern mimics herringbone with the different angles and spacings — and its ability to grip in almost any environment. The spacing is wide enough that wiping was at an extreme minimum — maybe once a session — and the grip was stop-on-a-dime power. Changing direction was smooth and quick because the traction let go as soon as it grabbed.
The Kyrie Low also uses the curved midsole/outsole tooling that first appeared in the Kyrie 4 and, again, once you get used to the “rolling” feeling the combination of rounded outsole and killer traction makes transitions smooth and fast. The only thing holding the Kyrie Low traction from Hall of Fame was the durability. I had two or three pieces of the pattern come off during testing, all done indoor, so outdoor is a definite no on the gum bottoms. Not sure about any solid colorways, but for the color tested, no way.
For the first time ever, a Kyrie model uses both forefoot and heel Zoom Air for cushioning, and we should be excited — when done right, the 20-year-old technology is still one of the top cushioning systems ever made. Unfortunately, the Kyrie Low uses rectangle bags that are bottom-loaded, so the Zoom feel isn’t really there. The bags aren’t exceptionally thin (7mm thick in the forefoot and a serious14mm in the heel), but the stiff Phylon midsole deadens the initial bounce and response you would normally feel. So how did the Kyrie Low get a Starting 5 rating?
Simple: it works great on court. With the killer traction and the idea that this shoe is made for quicker players who cut and shift, the stiff midsole doesn’t compress and cause lag time between movements. With the Zoom being bottom-loaded, you don’t get the feel underfoot of a good Zoom, but the impact is absorbed and deadened through the Phylon as well. The cushioning works with the traction to make the Kyrie Low feel low and fast, so it’s doing its job. As I have gotten older, I know my knees and ankles need a little more protection, but for the design of the Kyrie Low, the cushioning works great.
Ahhh, yes, the lovely mesh and fuse upper. The colorway tested (the ‘Uncle Drew’ grey/royal/gum) has a heavily glued, canvas-style fabric that took some serious break-in time. Even after a few wears, there were still some hotspots around my toes and the upper made a popping feel when flexing my foot. The medial and strap Swoosh are leather, or at least a really good synthetic that add a little premium feel (the black and white colorways are TPU/plastic). There are some areas of fuse around the toebox for a little extra durability.
While the upper is made up of one primary material with no layering except for the strap, Nike did put some effort into design with the molded heel counter. Mimicking the spiked look from the Kyrie 1, the Kyrie Low uses a molded heel counter underneath the fabric to push the look. In this colorway, the strap gets the same treatment, and although it adds nothing to performance, it does a great job in breaking up the upper and giving some texture to the design.
I have held the black and white uppers in-hand (and might possibly pick up the white colorway soon) and they’re made of a different mesh (something more like the Kyrie 3) that is more pliable and feels better to the touch. If you are looking for a ready-to-go upper out of the box, I suggest one of those colorways.
Length and width-wise, the Kyrie Low fits true to size — if you wore a 10.5 in the Kyrie 1-3, get a 10.5 in the Low (the Kyrie 4 fit me a little short so I went up a half size). The midfoot is a little narrow, so if you are a wide-footer or like a little extra space to double sock you may want to go up a half size or try on in-store (the Kyrie Low is everywhere).
The lacing system is the exact same used on the Kyrie 2 with a little diagonal offset on the lace holes. Overall, the shoe pulls nice and tight around your foot, locking everything from the midfoot forward in and down with no movement at all.
The heel had a little bit of slip until the upper broke down a little, but after the materials loosened up the heel slip went away…for the most part. The open Achilles area leaves the top of the collar a little wide, leading to that slip, and the heel counter is solid so the little bit of slip that is left is no worries.
First off, the strap does nothing. It makes the midfoot feel a little tighter, but as far as playability, it adds nothing. Looks cool, though. The main support components are not blatant — subtlety is key. The low-riding midsole and the lacing system are all you need.
The rounded outsole takes a little time to get used to if you haven’t played in a Kyrie before (and thankfully it doesn’t feel at wobbly as the Kyrie 2) but once you do the feeling is controlled during movement. With the lacing system locking you into the shoe and the foot sitting inside the midsole (not directly on it) you are not sliding anywhere you don’t want to.
There is a midfoot shank in the Kyrie Low — the small, standard, hidden TPU kind — that provides a little midfoot support. The heel cup is solid and keeps your foot vertical. This should be enough for most players, even bigger post players, because the solid midsole doesn’t compress to the point of tipping — that helps keep your foot stable.
While I enjoyed the overall cushioning in the Kyrie 4 more (Cushlon, where have you been?), I felt that the Kyrie 4 was bulky and traction took a while to get right. The Kyrie Low comes in a sleeker package with better traction but loses step-in comfort and responsive cushioning.
If you are a quicker, shifty guard who loved the Kyrie 2 and 3, the Kyrie Low is a no-brainer. It’s package of traction, court feel, and fit make the shoe ideal for most guards and actually, any player not needing a wide shoe or supreme cushioning. If you play mostly outdoors, sorry, because like most shoes today you will want to stay away.
To be honest, the first time I wore the Kyrie Low I was almost determined not to like it — it felt stiff and way too solid underfoot for me to enjoy playing in. Luckily, the shoe began to warm up to me and broke in nicely, both in the midsole and the upper. The KD 11 has become a solid rotation shoe that I can count on. Now if I could just get this old guy off my porch to quit screaming, “You reach I teach, youngblood!!”

Nike Air Foamposite One Performance Review

Hit the jump for full written review & scores.
Traction – As with most translucent soled sneakers, these worked for a brief period but then the dust quickly became an obstacle that couldn’t be overcome… doesn’t leave me with much hope for the Air Jordan 1. Front to back they were decent at best but players often need stable traction for every direction other than front to back… especially if you are a Guard running around. If the shoe offered more flex or range of motion then maybe things would have been different but as they are… it just wasn’t ideal for indoor courts unless they are kept perfectly clean. Outdoors may prove useful if the court has a bit of texture to it… but I wouldn’t dare play in these on a smooth outdoor surface.
Cushion – Once the Nike Air Foamposite One is broken-in – I’ll get into that in a bit – then the cushion begins to soften up. Its strange having a shoe that features full length Zoom – double stacked in the heel – start out so firm. I will say that once things begin to soften up then you can appreciate how comfortable a Foamposite can be… it just takes a hell of a lot longer than you’d imagine.
Material – I have a love hate relationship with the materials. The foams sturdiness and protective traits are awesome… you just can’t enjoy them for a while until it’s all broken-in. One thing that is apparent in a shoe featuring Foamposite… it’ll last… the materials will actually outlive the glue holding everything together.
Fit – Break-in time… lots of it. Be prepared for one of the most grueling break-ins you’ll ever experience. I’m not even joking either, I knew I was up for a challenge with this one but I honestly had no idea it would ever take as long as it did.
Even after switching to a pair I thought was already broken-in taught me that Foamposite’s will always need to be broken-in again and again when playing in them. After you are done perspiring inside the shoe the shell hardens up a little, contouring to your foot shape but leaving you with a stiff shoe until you warm it up again… it’s like playing with a tight muscle, it constantly needs work which is a little too much maintenance than I can a handle.
Its overall fit is great after it molds to your foot with the exception of the heel… that area needs a lot of work and I couldn’t do anything to keep my heel locked into place. Thanks to the sloppy heel lockdown, it ends up feeling like you have a brick flopping around… like a really heavy sandal or clog. This is probably the shoes Achilles heel… pun moderately intended. If there were better heel lockdown available then the shoe would have played a little smoother and less clunky, even for its weight. These are the same weight as the Air Jordan VIII and you wouldn’t ever know they weighed the same unless you threw them both on the scale… even then I thought my scale was broken because they just feel like dead weight in comparison.
Ventilation – There is only minor ventilation which is featured along the tongue. This is necessary for the materials used so the rating shouldn’t be considered here… unless you absolutely need a shoe that can breathe.
Support – Carbon Fiber, Foamposite and a double last midsole… that’s a lot of support. It would have been better had the heel fit properly but we can’t have everything we want now can we.
Overall – This is not my cup of tea… I know a lot of ball players love to play in Foams but I think I’m much too small for them. If there was ever a shoe made for LeBron James… it was the Foamposite… His Foamposite based sneaker looked much better than this one though – from a performance perspective.
Besides the heel lockdown I would have preferred the shoe to not feature a double last midsole. This made the shoe nearly impossible to flex with your foot the way a quick Guard would prefer. Front to back was fine but I’d have liked some lateral flex so I could maneuver the way I usually do.
Not a bad shoe but not a great shoe either. It’s definitely cool though… I’ll give it that.

Better Release: Sean Wotherspoon’s Air Max 1/97 or Off-White Presto

Two of Nike’s biggest releases of 2018 thus far, has been Sean Wotherspoon’s Air Max 1/97 and Virgil Abloh’s Off-White x Nike Air Presto.
Sean Wotherspoon’s Air Max was the winning design from the RevolutionAIR voting campaign in early 2017. It was a hybrid design of the Nike Air Max 97 upper built with corduroy atop the iconic tooling of the Air Max 1.
During March, Nike Air Max fans got to cast their vote part of the ‘RevolutionAir’ design. The winner would have his or her Air Max model put in production. The end result was Sean Wotherspoon’s Nike Air Max which is a hybrid model of the Nike Air Max 97 and the Nike Air Max 1.
Inspiration behind his pair is due to his love of vintage Nike hats from the 1980s. This Nike Air Max 97/1 Hybrid features corduroy on the uppers, frayed edges, velour on the toe that extends to the heel while a unique design lands on the insoles.
Virgil Abloh not only released one, but two Off-White colorways of the Nike Air Presto. One of those was the “Black” iteration that came in its signature deconstructed build.
This Nike Air Presto by Off-White comes dressed in a ’Triple Black’ color theme while accents of White and Cone are used. In addition we have the stitched Nike Swoosh logos, Orange tab and Off-White text which completes the look.
While both pairs were highly demanded, which would you consider was the better release? Cast your vote below, and leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Better Air Jordan Doernbecher: Air Jordan 3 or Air Jordan 6

Nike and Jordan’s yearly collaboration with the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital has raised a large sum of money for the hospital and produced many a highly-regarded sneaker since its inception in 2004. Although many of the collaborative Nike models have their place in sneaker history, few would disagree that when it comes to Doernbecher shoes nothing tops the Jordans. With every Jordan from the Air Jordan 1 all the way to the Air Jordan 13 (with the exception of the Air Jordan 11) being used as a collaborative canvas for the charitable project, classic Jumpman silhouettes have always held an esteemed place in the pantheon of Doernbecher collaborations. Now, reports that the Doernbecher Air Jordan 6—one of the most beloved Doernbecher models of all time—may be returning later this year as part of the annual slate of collaborative releases have surfaced.
Much like the holiday Air Jordan 11s, Nike’s Doernbecher Collection is one of the most hyped releases every year. While we wait for this year’s lineup to be revealed, we take a look back at two previous colorways.

The Air Jordan 6 Doernbecher made its debut as part of the Freestyle Collection back in 2009 designed by Doernbecher patient Jordan Dark. It featured a Blue suede upper with Red and Gold accents for an “Olympic” styled-vibe completed with clear outsoles.
Designing an Air Jordan. It's every kid's dream. For Jordan Dark, that dream was made possible over the past year as he was selected to participate in the latest Nike x Doernbecher Freestyle project. He was told he could pick any material, any pattern, and infuse any details and touches specific to his life. He tapped into his high school colors, touched on his trying chemo dates, and even referenced the classic pre-game phrase of the Chicago Bulls. His shoe also is proudly the first-ever Air Jordan VI with an all-translucent outsole. With a rich suede upper and bonded panels, Jordan was actually surprised with a custom pair all his own that featured red contrast stitching. A last minute request of his that couldn't be changed in time for production, the Jordan Brand team had just enough time to make one pair for Jordan.
The Air Jordan 3 was designed by patient Cole Johnson, a teen cancer survivor from the 2010 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection. Back in 2013, the Air Jordan 3 DB also saw a limited re-release.

Looking back at these Air Jordan Doernbecher models, which do you guys think was the better release? Cast your vote below and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

The Nike Hyperdunk X Deconstructed

The Hyperdunk X celebrates a decade since the line began in 2008. Thus, you won’t find anything new in this Nike Hyperdunk X deconstruction.

Like past setups — most recently the Hyperdunk 2016 — the Hyperdunk X features heel and forefoot Zoom Air units; this offers impact protection at the heel and responsiveness at the forefoot. However, what’s notable in this latest Hyperdunk is just how much Zoom we’re getting.
The heel Zoom Air unit in the Hyperdunk X is 14.10mm thick — that’s nearly double the 8.20mm thick heel unit in the Hyperdunk 2016 (scroll down to the bottom for a comparison). The forefoot unit is only 6.87mm thick, on-par with what we’ve seen in several Nike Basketball models. The units are top-loaded and protected via small 1.24mm thick windows that create 7-8mm gaps between the unit and the outsole.
Gone is the React foam from the Hyperdunk 2017, which many of our kd11sale.com thought was lackluster in its basketball implementation, but the small support plate at the midfoot (used in past Hyperdunk models) is back.

Moreover, it looks like wearers will sit within this tooling, although it is a bit higher off the ground than past Basketball Shoes models. Beneath the thick insole is a layer of white EVA that shows the tooling’s curvature around the foot.

Finally, the upper of the Hyperdunk X is minimal and seems to be designed for breathability. A fairly open-celled mesh is backed by a thin film for reinforcement while the toe (above the mesh) is covered in fuse/TPU to protect against toe-drags.
The Nike Hyperdunk X has retained its $130 price point and is available now at Nike.com in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Did you notice anything unusual in this Nike Hyperdunk X deconstruction? Let us know in the comments below.

adidas D Rose 9 Performance Review

Derrick Rose has been my favorite player since entering the league in 2008. His ability to slash, rise, play defense, and lead a team reminded me of a young Duke (in my mind). Then came the injuries, the trades, the jumping around the league, and finally, the D Rose 9. Through it all, adidas had at least given him shoes that performed great. Enter 2018. Here we go…
When clean, on a clean court, the traction pattern performed…decently. The outsole is patterned with simple straight lines that have been turned and angled to offer multi-directional coverage. The only problem is, the lines are reallyclosetogether, which means dust doesn’t get pushed out and makes this house a home.
It honestly reminded me of the Lillard 2, but with less bite — more of a smooth, flowing stop. This is a serious problem for fans of the Rose line because almost all of his shoes have had killer traction. The solution should be an easy one: remove about half of the lines in the traction pattern, widen the grooves to allow the dust to push out, and give the rubber room to bend and grab.
On top of being too close with too many, the lines are flat meaning there is no wiper-blade action. I never completely slipped out while playing, but I did have to slow down on lateral moves, just to make sure my feet were stable. I didn’t notice it as much on defense for some reason. Overall, this is not a good combination.
Outdoors? Nope, the pattern is shallow and the rubber is soft, so outdoor player will eat the adidas D Rose 9 alive in a short time.
Boost is Life. How many times have you heard that in the last four to five years? Well, apparently Derrick Rose and his designers didn’t agree and honestly, I can see why.
When Boost is uncaged, it can feel slightly unstable. When it’s caged it loses some of its rebound properties. Coupled with the fact that Boost is heavy, if you aren’t getting the rebound, why use it? Bounce is the alternative and over the last three years we have found Bounce to be pretty special itself. It’s so…bouncy. However…
The Rose 9 has a slimmed midsole and the Bounce just isn’t what we fell in love with in the Lillard 2 and the yeezy 350 series. Don’t get me wrong — it absorbed impact just fine and it rides low for great court feel, but there is just no real feedback, no response to forces. For getting into your next step and move, this is perfect — for helping out knees and ankles it could use a little more, well, Bounce. It is full-length, so transition is great; there is no slappy feeling from heel-to-toe and changing direction (if the traction holds) is good to go.
The upper on the Rose 9 is definitely the bright spot, as adidas is using a knit upper(but not calling it Primeknit). The lines and folds in the material give the Rose 9 a definite casual-friendly look and make the shoe passingly the most appealing Rose shoe ever (the Rose 3 may also be a contender). The sleek toebox and flared ankle collar look more street than court and it works on-foot. The stitched lines in the toebox and tongue are meant to provide a little extra support and keep the material from stretching laterally to hold your foot in place.
The heel area is a synthetic suede that is extremely thin and pliable. That is not the heel counter (there is an internal counter in place). The inner liner is smooth and padded, making any rough spots or chafing nonexistent. The sole is made of ADIWEAR, a rubber that has been rare since adidas and Continental started working together, but the idea is the same — it should wear slower and have better grip over the life of the shoe than normal outsoles.
adidas got me again. I had just ordered the AlphaBounce Instinct in my normal 10.5 and the fit was perfect for me. I ordered the Rose 9 the same week, in my normal 10.5, and these could probably fit a true 11.5. The Rose 9 is definitely a half size big, and maybe a whole size.
While the ankle is completely locked in — hardly any heel slip and very little side to side movement — the midfoot and forefoot are completely swimming. The length on the big toe area is almost ok, but around the toebox there is a ton of room and empty space.
Making this an even bigger issue is the softness of the knit upper. It does nothing to hold the foot in place, and your foot sits on top of the midsole, not in it, so as soon as your foot begins the sideshift, it just keeps going. Luckily, the base is wide so stability is not an issue, but my foot was taking a vacation on every lateral move.
Normally, I would stop testing and be done with a shoe at this point. However, after the Crazylight Boost 2018 and its generous fit, and then the Harden B/E 2 having the same problems in the forefoot, I decided to make adjustments. I added an insole from my Rose 7 and then had to double sock with Nike Elite Lows over my normal socks. This took up any extra space and helped slightly. The upper still didn’t hold as I would have liked, but my foot had less space to build up momentum and push out. Not ideal, but it worked for the testing period.
Support, even with the fit being too big, is actually nice, once I made my adjustments. The wide base feels stable underfoot on every cut and move and the heel is locked in, keeping your ankle in its normal state. The Bounce not feeling extremely responsive means it doesn’t deflect or lose shape while landing, so no tipping over when coming down from rebounds or layups.
The forefoot is the issue, again. The lacing system stops before the toebox, so no help there from a lateral standpoint. The materials are just not enough to keep hard-driving, slashing players contained. The laces are also set and don’t tighten easily, so pulling and cinching does nothing, unfortunately.
One of the first shoes I ever reviewed was the Rose 1. It was a minimally-cushioned, sleek, foot-rocket that felt fast and serious on-court (I swear it made me faster). Ever since then, the Rose series is a shoe I look forward to playing in. The Rose 2 was a letdown, but every shoe after that has been a hit in my review book. The one thing the series has always had is traction, followed by support and fit.
The Rose 9 misses on those fronts, at least in true-to-size fit. Going down at least a half size or double socking/adding insoles does help, but c’mon adidas. Other brands can size across the market for most of their shoes — if I am a 10.5 in Kobes I will be in LeBrons (KD 11 are a different animal). Currys fit like Phantoms, and so on. adidas has had this issue for too long. When every site, including ours, talks about “your true adidas size,” not your true shoe size, the issue is out of hand.
If you are a mid-range jump-shooter, or don’t rely on quickness and stability to get to the basket, the Rose 9 should work for you. If you require absolute lockdown and take-no-prisoners traction, you might want to look elsewhere. Priced at $140, there are plenty of cheaper and better options than the Rose 9. If, like me, you are a Rose fan since day one and can’t resist supporting the man, then definitely grab these…and rock them casually, because they look nice.