Nike KD 14 Review: 4+ Month INDOOR & OUTDOOR Breakdown

 Let’s not waste any time. The KD 12 and KD 13 were great basketball shoes but not without the issues some people, including me, had. Hence I present to you my comprehensive 4-month KD 14 review! Durant’s latest signature model looks to make improvements and bring an extremely well-rounded performance sneaker to the table.

Is it mission accomplished or it still needs some work despite the hype? Let’s break it all down and test the shoe’s fit & comfort, performance, value for the price, versatility, and changes from the KD  12 & 13.

I. SPEC SHEET

click for a full-sized image

II. 1-MIN REVIEW

For those in a hurry: the Nike KD 14 keeps what it ain’t broke but fixes what wasn’t quite working. It’s a direct successor to the KD 13 bringing the same overall feel but a more refined, well-rounded experience some people thought last year’s model lacked.

The shoe fits in a very snug manner but only the biggest of wide footers should go up half a size. Containment issues were fixed, and the traction is deadly no matter the surface.

The full-length Air Zoom Strobel is back but now it’s better than ever, partly thanks to the addition of a Cushlon midsole making things MAD comfortable.

Security is on-point and despite a fairly basic multi-layered mesh upper, I didn’t have any complaints about it performance-wise. This is the age of synthetics, accept it or not.

The only small gripes I had with the build is the strap that can’t stay tight, the laces sometimes getting stuck in the velcro sticker and questionable outsole durability for regular outdoor play.

III. FIT & COMFORT

Do they fit true to size or should you adjust? How comfy are they? Anything else to know?

SIZING GUIDE

Played in the KD 13 or the KD 12? Then you know exactly what to expect.

A compact, narrow fit that hugs your foot in a very snug manner. Something some people love, while some don’t like that much.

But either way, I don’t think most of you will have a hard time picking the right size.

Regular/narrow footers will want to stick with their true size or the size you’ve worn the KD 13’s & 12’s. Expect the shoe to sit extremely close to your foot though but the materials do stretch out a tad bit over time.

I’m a pretty heavy wide footer myself, so just like the KD 13, I went up half a size and have no regrets. If you put yourself in the same category as I do, definitely go up 1/2 a size since you might have too much pressure in the toebox.

Length-wise, the KD 14 is near-perfect for me with a size 10.5 (my regular is 10) with about a half-inch of space for my toes. Width-wise, things were a little too tight up at the front but everything normalized in about a week’s time.

The end result is still a snug, near-one-to-one feel but due to some internal padding and a comfy upper, these are absolutely playable even for the most hardcore footers. Just give these some time and you’ll be alright.

CONTAINMENT

The most glaring issue for a lot of hoopers of last year’s KD 13 was the lackluster lateral containment due to a pretty flimsy build.

Good news – looks like this is fixed.

And the awesome thing is, I really didn’t notice too much of a difference in the structure/bulkiness of the build while we received a nice upgrade in the containment department.

The KD 14 still rocks a fairly minimal upper but it’s well-structured where it needs to be while keeping the rest lightweight to preserve comfort and freedom of movement. Despite a slightly heavier weight on paper when compared to the 13, there’s really no degrade in on-court performance that I would notice.

COMFORT

As for sheer comfort, not a lot different going on from the last few models but that’s not a bad thing at all.

Moderate amount of padding around the ankle, there’s enough forefoot flex to accommodate for smooth step transitions, the shoe doesn’t feel overly heavy and the build moves well with the foot while being slightly beefed up to better contain one’s movements.

No distractions, no real issues or annoyances that I would think about while playing so it’s definitely a pass. Nothing crazy or revolutionary but a job well done in my book.

IV. TRACTION

Does it grip various surfaces well? Is dust a factor? How long will these last outside?

INDOOR PERFORMANCE

Finally, the KD 14 is the first shoe in a loooong time that I was able to hoop in an actual gym. Boy, it feels damn good to step on the hardwood again and soak in those nasty squeaks. Music to my ears.

We’re not getting herringbone but I can’t be mad – these outsoles worked just fine gripping just about any surface I stepped on.

Indoors, I play on a local school gym, so it’s not the best condition floor there is but it’s being cleaned occasionally so it’s not that bad. I’ve had no issues accelerating, stopping, cutting, or slashing to the rim at all.

I’ve managed to play a couple of 4-quarter, full-paced games inside and never slid out or slipped.

The bite is great and doesn’t really degrade despite a bit of dust piling up in the pattern. This is probably due to the tall grooves of the pattern which helped preserve that A-grade grip no matter the condition.

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE

Most of my action was still in the park though and the traction was even deadlier there. Abrasive surfaces will do that to shoes, of course, so don’t worry about losing traction outside. Unless you’re hooping on glass.

One thing I’ve heard a few people report is the traction starts off a bit iffy but quickly breaks in after a few games. I happened to start my hours in the KD 14 outside on concrete which is probably why I never experienced this myself.

So if you plan on having your initial run with the KD 14’s in a gym, be sure to not panic if you’re experiencing some slippage or lag since some of Nikey’s hoop shoes always come with some kind of coating on the rubber that needs to rub off before you can experience the full potential of these aggressive grooves staring at you.

That’s right – I said staring. Put both shoes next to each other and the pattern forms a skull. Nice touch? I think so.

OUTDOOR DURABILITY

After just over 4 months of action (about 3 months of outdoor action 2-3 times per week), things are very similar to the KD 13 durability-wise.

Even though the grooves of the pattern are tall, they’re not very hard and it’s only a matter of time before you burn through the outsoles if you constantly hoop outdoors. Occasional games here and there should be fine though.

For my pair, the pattern is still okay for the most part, though some grooves in the forefoot portion are getting pretty banged up. I’m still not feeling a noticeable difference in performance though, so I guess the KD 14 is 4-month certified.

The main KD line was never an outdoor line, so keep that in mind. The KD Trey 5 VIII and IX are your options if you’re a Durant fan but would like to assure yourself with multiple-season durability on the blacktop.

V. CUSHION

How’s the impact protection? What about step comfort, energy return? Is it stable?

image source: nike.com

Don’t get me started on the Air Zoom Strobel goodness. Alright, I’ll start. It’s really, really good.

We’ve got a full-length Zoom Strobel stitched directly to the upper, which means your foot sits right over it for maximum feel. There’s also a Cushlon midsole this time, and the forefoot Zoom Air unit we’ve got on the KD 13 was scrapped.

No worries though – this feels still like the fantastic ride we got from the 13.

It’s literally all you can ask from a basketball shoe’s cushioning system: I was feeling bouncy, comfy, there’s ample energy return without slowing you down or making you sink into the midsole, and there’s enough court feel even for shifty guards despite the beefy setup.

It’s what Zoom Air at its full potential can do but it’s not overdone. If you want things to be close to overdone – look into the LeBron 19. That’s a niche shoe. The KD 14 is a shoe for everybody – you’ll feel comfortable but also fast and precise.

image source: nike.com

It really doesn’t get much better than this.

And unlike Air Max or some of the iterations of Phylon that Nikey uses, you really don’t need any real break-in time for the cushion’s full potential to shine.

It’s awesome right out of the box and while people like to say Cushlon dies out quickly – give me an example since I’ve virtually never experienced it.

Don’t mean to be offensive or anything – it’s just that people love throwing statements around they might or might not have heard from someone (and somewhere) instead of letting actual experience speak for them.

Sure, there are a few shoes that had Cushlon and it ended up bottoming out fairly quickly but saying it’s a regular occurrence with Cushlon is just not correct.

VI. SUPPORT

How much security does it offer? What about stability and lockdown? Any restrictions?

image source: nike.com

The KD 14 comes with standard support features you’d see from Nikey: there are excellent internal heel counters in place (ankle & heel lockdown), midfoot plates acting as sidewalls/reinforcements to help stabilize the exposed Cushlon foam, torsional plates for rigidity, and a hook-and-loop strap to top it all off.

The lacing system is traditional and works well. The reinforced portions of the upper also help hold it all in place without making the shoe feel rigid or stiff.

The platform of the shoe isn’t that wide but wide enough to promote good stability, as well as the outsoles slightly protruding laterally acting as small outriggers for further lateral protection.

But of course, it’s the snug, secure fit that provides the foundation of the shoe’s security and it’s definitely the KD 14’s strong point.

You can really tell the design team has drawn some conclusions from the last year’s shoe and the people’s reception on the lackluster containment/security – this year’s shoe nailed that down while keeping comfort & mobility levels in check. Bravo!

I guess the only thing that doesn’t have a place is the strap. If you’d really yank it down as tight as you can, you can feel it pressing down the upper which does add a bit of extra lockdown but it all goes to waste when the strap loosens up. Which it does. Quickly and every time.

But take the strap out of there and you’d get the same performance you’d have with it – so not a huge deal at all. It’s just not as functional as it is advertised.

Overall – a great setup that promotes security and stability without sacrificing comfort or free movement. That’s what a versatile shoe should bring to the table.

VII. THE BUILD

What are the materials used? How well do they perform on-court? How’s the quality & reliability of the build?

BUILD OVERVIEW

The Nike KD 14 sports a multi-layered mesh build with some kind of felt coating on top. The build is definitely thin and lightweight but certain portions throughout the silhouette are reinforced with thin layers of TPU to preserve the shape and ensure longevity.

There’s really nothing special about the build if you’ve got some experience with a basketball shoe that launched in the last few years.

Synthetics are the go-to now, so if you’re expecting some raw leather, nubuck, or suede goodness – you won’t find that there.

PERFORMANCE

They really didn’t lie – it barely takes any time for the shoe to start feeling optimal, even for my wide a** feet. The reinforced mesh does stretch out a tad bit but the TPU limits this threshold while maintaining a nice balance.

I never felt overly stiff in these and even though I could tell there’s a marginal weight difference between these and the 13’s – it’s all that is. Marginal. It didn’t really mean anything to me when it was game time.

Are these materials cheap for a $150 shoe? Depends on what you define as cheap. If you’re all about performance – I’m sure you’ll be more than satisfied since there’s really nothing wrong in that regard.

If you’re someone who’s all about premium material choices and buying the absolute most reliable product you can get for the money – you may or may not be disappointed. The top felt layer is definitely pretty cheap to the touch but again, it’s all there is to it.

It doesn’t affect the way you play or feel on-court, so it’s up to you to decide if you’re okay with such a build for 150 bucks.

image source: nike.com

RELIABILITY

I’m 4 months in and there aren’t any drastic signs of wear & tear yet.

The felt layer is starting to look a bit scruffy but that’s just the nature of the material. The velcro that the strap sticks to is getting weaker by the day, so good luck with the strap staying tight for more than a few minutes.

Also, the laces themselves are fine and don’t come undone (like a Dame 7 for example) but they constantly get stuck in the velcro sticker which does mess them up a bit since I have to peel them off the velcro almost every time I’m lacing or relacing the shoe.

These would be the only gripes I’ve got with the build’s reliability so far and saying these are real drawbacks would definitely be an overstatement.

You should be fine hooping in these for several seasons, just be aware of the outsoles if you’ll playing outdoors a lot. The rubber will surely burn off quicker than the build will get seriously damaged.

VIII. OVERALL

Rounding things up: are they versatile? Who’s best suited for it? Is it a good deal amongst the competition?

image source: nike.com

The Nike KD 14 is an absolute success. I said it. It’s a versatile shoe made for a versatile player in mind – just about any hooper will find these sufficient for what they’re trying to do on the court.

Or at least very close to every hooper.

QUICK RECAP

The shoe sports a very snug fit but only the widest of footers should go up half a size in my opinion.

Foot containment has been greatly improved, traction is deadly (though not among the most durable outdoor options), the full-length Air Zoom Strobel + Cushlon setup is a thing of beauty, and despite a fairly basic upper, it delivered for me when it was time to actually play.

I’d absolutely go with the 14’s if I had to choose between the last three KD models in his main signature line.

It’s the most versatile, fun package out of the bunch and I really don’t think there are a lot of players that would find this one “incompatible” with the way they play.

My personal final scores of the shoe are below!

IX. ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

Here are some additional options for a similar experience

If you can’t afford to lash out $150 but looking for a very similar feel & performance from a mid-tier signature model – the PG 5 is pretty close.

And if you’re looking for the cheapest option possible but still want that KD-like performance – the KD Trey 5 VIII and KD Trey 5 IX are viable budget options sitting at just 90 bucks.

 

Nike Air Max Impact Review : MY 5-Month Outdoor Experience

 This one’s for the frugal. Originally priced at just $90, you can grab these at even lower now. But is it a good performer? Will it last outdoors and turn out to be a great buy for cheap? Let’s find out everything there’s to know in my detailed 5-month Nike Air Max Impact review.

Behind the review: tested by a 6’1 amateur player at ~175 lbs. Explosive two-guard, slasher to the rim. On the athletic side. Wide, thick-footed.

I. SPEC SHEET

Model: Nike Air Max Impact

Build: mid-top

Weight: 13.23 oz / 375 g. (size 10.5 US)

Retail Price: $90

Cushion: heel Air Max unit & foam midsole

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II. FIT & COMFORT

SIZING GUIDE

I’ve been to a local retailer of mine a couple of days ago, so I had a chance to try these on before ordering online. The user feedback is true  – the shoe does fit on the tighter side. Especially within the initial 1-2 weeks.

I’ve got wide & thick feet – a nightmare combo for a lot of today’s hoop shoes. I’ve gone up half a size and definitely made the right choice. There’s a little bit of room in the toebox height-wise but nothing crazy. Length-wise, things are perfect.

Width-wise, the shoe felt a bit suffocating for my midfoot at first but that’s due to my tall bone of the foot which also made it a chore to put the shoe on the first 1-2 weeks. After that, the materials stretched out a little and these fit just fine now.

No heel slippage, no side-to-side movements inside the footbed, no issues. All good there.

So for regular/narrow footers – I think you’ll get away with your usual size, though expect a snug, near one-to-one fit. If you’re a wide footer or prefer some room, going up half a size will do the trick.

COMFORT

Comfort-wise, the Air Max Impact feels, well, fine. There’s no reason to expect anything luxurious for this price but I have no major complaints. The fit’s fine, there’s some subtle padding around the ankle, and despite the cheap materials, they still sat nicely with my feet after some time.

I did have a few minor issues though.

The tongue is on the thinner side and while it is padded with foam (just a bit), yanking the laces down to a maximum always results in slight pain as the sharp curvature of this tongue digs into the lower portion of my shins.

I never needed to crank the laces down like that though on a real scenario on-court, so I’m fine. Those who perhaps found the fit a little too roomy and really want that lockdown might need to deal with this issue.

And of course, people with more forgiving foot shapes than mine might not experience it the same way as I did but I think the tongue is just a tad bit too thin for the job when pressure is applied. Nowhere near the disaster the LeBron 19’s tongue is but still could be improved.

In addition to that, let me just say that a shoe can be on the average or even the heavier side in terms of weight but a well-built shoe can often feel much lighter than it actually is on paper.

The Air Max Impact felt heavier than it actually is for me. It was never absurd or anything like that but it was always kinda there. You know that feeling when you put a good shoe on, start playing and completely forget you’ve got a pair of ’em on? Well not really the case for this one.

I think another thing to blame for that is the platform. While the forefoot portion can flex to a degree upon a torsional bend, the midfoot and heel portions literally can’t be budged.

That would’ve been fine in some cases but here, my heel actually sits higher than the rest of the foot despite the platform looking flat from an outside view. So, flat sole, elevated heel, minimal flex. This resulted in choppy step transitions for me.

Put on a pair of Curry 8’s and you could immediately feel the difference in how smooth each heel-to-toe stride feels.

Still though, it’s nothing deal-breaking. I was coming off the adidas Harden Vol. 5, so pretty much any step transition is an improvement from that weird a** shoe. Just keep in mind that the Air Max Impact felt more like a light tank rather than a formula.

III. TRACTION

TRACTION PERFORMANCE

A classic herringbone pattern is all over the outsoles of the Air Max impact. But surprisingly, it grips the floor fairly well. No deadly bite here, none of that. Just solid grip that took care of movements so I have no real complaints here either.

This tacky rubber definitely catches quite a lot of dust & debris if you’re playing on an iffy surface, and it does reflect on the traction at times. I never slid out to a major level but could feel a slight delay on a slippery spot on the ground or when forgetting to wipe ’em down after some dust accumulation.

Despite all of that, most guys will play just fine in these. I don’t know how these perform indoors but seeing a few reviews – the reported results are pretty much in line with my outdoor experience.

Just wipe these down when you can and you’ll be a-okay.

OUTDOOR DURABILITY

Nikey’s budget models usually go in-hand with better-than-average durability for outdoors, and this includes the outsoles. The rubber used here isn’t the strongest I’ve ever seen but it should definitely have you covered for a few seasons. Even on the tough blacktop.

I’ve played on concrete and on a rubber surface for just over 5 months. Didn’t play every day but it was enough to see that the rubber used here is resilient. Not a single major scratch in the grooves. Just some leftover nastiness inside the pattern.

If the base level of traction was deadlier – these would’ve ended up both in the Best Tractions and the Best Outdoor Shoes. No question.

IV. CUSHION

We’ve got a decent setup for cushion – a large Air Max unit in the heel along with a standard foam midsole (likely Phylon). But hey, these are $90, so don’t expect clouds underfoot. The air jordan 1 unit is heavily caged in TPU and the foam midsole isn’t your grade-A plush stuff.

However, the ride still felt decent. Especially for the money.

I consider myself to be a good athlete – I play with a lot of explosiveness, quickness, and grit while slashing to the rim.

I’m not a heavy guy by any means but the volume of jumps, cuts, and drives each session can definitely take a toll on the body if the shoes aren’t absorbing impact as they should. Particularly on an outdoor surface.

The Air Max Impact did its job fairly well: good impact protection in the heel but this is definitely not a soft, plush unit. There’s a tad bit of bounce upon a harder jump/land but it’s mainly here to deliver performance, not leave you in awe comfort-wise.

You’ll need some good ol’ Zoom Air for that. And a bit more cash.

And don’t forget that Air Max needs a bit more time to soften up and do its job at an optimal level. Give these a week or two before fully judging the cushion.

The forefoot portion offers nothing except responsiveness and court feel. The Phylon midsole used here is pretty stubborn but these kinds of setups can last a long time since they don’t bottom out as fast.

The end result is, once again, decent. As I’ve mentioned, I’m not a huge fan of the unnatural elevation in the heel and a flat slope down to the front. This made the heel-to-toe strides feel just acceptable rather than smooth and it could even make certain guys feel slower than they actually are.

I didn’t personally feel that way but someone who’s even lighter, quicker, and shiftier than me might. Something to keep in mind.

All in all, not an other-worldly setup by any means but you definitely get what you pay for here. A ride that should complement most players/positions is a good one in my book. Just don’t be expecting crazy bounce or pillows under your feet.

V. SUPPORT

All-around security is where the Nikey Air Max Impact did the best job. Despite the cheap materials, everything else just works.

Of course, it all begins with a proper fit and this one’s a pass – no extra room to be found if you get the size right (which shouldn’t be hard here). The platform of the shoe is flat and while there’s no hardcore outrigger to catch ankle rolls, the protrusion of the outsole in the forefoot portion was enough.

There’s also a MASSIVE external heel counter that cups the heel very nicely. The lacing system is traditional but with a twist that’s the real MVP of this shoe’s lockdown. Nikey calls this “4 fingers of lockdown”.

It’s basically a synthetic piece that’s on top of the upper which is being pulled down once you crank up the laces. 2 bands on each side connect the laces with the synthetic piece and the result is lockdown for days.

Foot containment was also fine – I never rolled out of the footbed and the same piece helped hold the build together.

I feel like everything else could’ve been scrapped and this piece would’ve still been enough to strap you in for a secure ride. There were also no restrictions, pinching or any other issues – just good lockdown.

Definitely the shoe’s strongest point in my opinion.

VI. MATERIALS & BUILD

The upper is your standard 90-dollar stuff: lightweight mesh is all throughout the build, while the white piece is synthetic leather. The tongue is a textile that is slightly padded with foam. The lining inside the ankle area is nice and smooth. The heel area has a synthetic finish to it.

While I’ve played in uppers that are more comfortable and feel even nicer to the foot while having better properties to wrap around it, the experience the Air Max Impact offered was solid.

The strong suits of such a build are minimal break-in time, no added bulk or weight to keep you secure, and decent ventilation. The downsides would be the amount of structure it provides and of course, the lack of “premium” on the build.

Not everyone will need more structure than what’s found here but big, explosive dudes that are freight trains running to the rim would likely need something a bit beefier. For the rest of us though, I don’t think you’ll have a problem here. I didn’t.

DURABILITY

What about durability? 5 months in and I’ve yet to come across a major issue. Nothing’s breaking down on me besides some cosmetic damage. The heel portion is scratched up, the logos on the tongue are pretty faded and the mesh on the toebox area looks a bit weary.

But that’s about it – and none of it affected how I played so I say we’re good. I expect these to last a few good seasons, even outdoors.

If you can get past the fact that the shoe feels cheap to the touch and doesn’t offer any premium components such as genuine, raw materials, or a smooth knit, you’ll be fine as there’s really nothing wrong with the upper. It’s not bubbling on me as some cheaper shoes tend to do, nor does it feel cheap when my foot’s in there.

VII. OVERALL

The Nike Air Max Impact is yet another basketball shoe from Nikey’s massive collection that offers players just the things they need on the court without paying top dollar.

If you want a luxury pair of hoop kicks, you’ll need to look elsewhere but considering the prices, these are sitting at right now, this can be a fantastic pickup for those who can’t afford to spend $140+ on a sneaker.

QUICK RECAP

The shoe offers a snug, near one-to-one fit while going TTS. For wide footers – most of you will need to step up 1/2 size. Traction’s fine (nothing crazy) and will last a while outdoors. Cushion’s fine too – nothing special in terms of the way it feels but performance-wise, it took care of me no matter how long the session was.

Security is the shoe’s toughest area, as it provided stellar lockdown without feeling overly restrictive or clunky. And if you can look past the cheap material choices and decent build quality – they simply get the job done when it’s time to play.

I’ve actually just recently tested the second shoe, the Air Max Impact 2, right after this one for a few months. Click here for a full review and see how it stacks up!

Jordan Why Not Zero 3 Review: Indoor @ Outdoor Analysis

 The third signature sneaker from the ferocious athlete Russell Westbrook was actually my first to try (reviews of the rest are coming!) and since I’ve got these for over a year now, let’s break it all down in my comprehensive, long-term-based Jordan Why Not Zero 3 review.

I’ll break down the shoe’s comfort & fit aspects, on-court performance from a variety of areas, build quality & reliability, versatility, and value for the price you’re paying. I’ll also provide alternatives that I think would be good replacements in case you find certain areas of the shoe lacking for your preferences.

Let’s get it!

For those in a hurry: the Jordan ‘Why Not’ Zer0.3 is a solid all-around performer that won’t give you any headaches and deliver for just about any build or style of play.

The shoe should fit most people, including wide footers, true to their usual size. Traction was questionable at times but a quick wipe usually takes care of slip-outs. Not the best option for long-term outdoor action though.

The foam midsole + forefoot Zoom Air cushion setup was pretty nice and a solid happy medium for just about any player.

Support wasn’t lacking, just like most Jordan basketball shoes. The only nitpick about that would be the slighly heavier weight compared to an average basketball sneaker in 2021.

The basic foam-backed mesh build isn’t the most premium but breaks in super quickly and performs well. I’m 6 months in with the shoe and the only damage to it is purely cosmetic.

For alternatives, check out the Air Jordan 34 & 36 for a more premium upgrade, and the LeBron Witness 5 for a more budget-friendly option.

III. FIT & COMFORT

How’s the fit and should you go true to size? What about comfort? Anything else to know?

My wide feet never seemed to have many problems with most Jordan basketball shoes and right out of the box, the ‘Why Not’ Zer0.3 joined that club.The shoe has a pretty regular fit – not too roomy but not extremely snug either. All foot shapes should be okay with their usual size, so don’t overthink this one.There are about 0.2-0.3 inches of wiggle room length-wise (which is perfect for me personally) and the shoe didn’t feel overly tight even before I started putting hours into it. Pretty rare for me these days.

I had no heel slippage, no side-to-side movements inside the footbed, so things were feeling nice and secure. Definitely a job well done here.

COMFORT

In terms of the pure comfort experience, I’d be lying if I said these are special and make it to the “most premium/comfortable” club but that didn’t make things underwhelming in any way.

The ‘Why Not’ Zer0.3 offered me solid heel-to-toe transitions, there’s a moderate amount of foam padding inside the shoe, and that large pillow that cups my ankle & heel felt nice in there.

This is definitely not the lightest shoe in the world but if you’re upgrading from the previous ‘Why Not’ Zer0.2 – you’ll definitely notice a decrease in weight and how fast these feel now.

Even for those who don’t have experience with Westbrook’s previous models – the above-average weight number of the shoe shouldn’t bother you when it’s time to play.

Especially if you’re an explosive athlete like Russ is.

One thing that did bother me initially, was the rigid TPU midfoot shank that sits underfoot and is responsible for decoupling the shoe’s midsole. I could definitely feel slight discomfort upon each step but all I needed was a few sessions before the plastic started breaking in and molding to my foot shape.

Each stride is now seamless and all is fine, so don’t get overly worried if you experience something similar during the beginning hours of your time with the sneaker. This ain’t no work shoe – rest assured!

IV. TRACTION

Do the outsoles handle a variety of surfaces & conditions well? What about durability indoors & outdoors?

INDOOR PERFORMANCE

I did have my concerns with the shoe’s traction since most reviews I’ve seen/read were reporting on questionable grip these provide.

Well, I can’t say my fears fully came to fruition but I’ve definitely had shoes that offered deadlier and more consistent traction over the years.

The sneaker features a herringbone-like traction pattern all over the outsoles for multi-directional coverage. Herringbone’s great but the main thing about these was the rubber. It’s really damn pliable and gives in a little too much at times and I end up slightly slipping out on a stop, cut, or change of direction.

Indoors, I play on a moderate condition high school hardwood floor which is cleaned occasionally but it’s definitely not your A-grade pristine court.

The base level of traction is fine (although there are better) but when dust or moist comes into play – the number of slight slip-outs turns from occasional to acceptable. That would be the best way to describe this one.

Also, linear coverage seems to clearly be better than lateral bite.

There’s not a huge difference there as I was still gripping the floor upon a lateral movement acceptably, I could just feel that things felt tackier when forward and backward motions are dominating instead of side to side.

Due to the soft rubber compound, wiping the outsoles off from an overabundance of dust/debris is super easy and quick though.

I wipe out of habit anyway but if you’re someone who doesn’t – a quick wipe or two will be all you need when you feel like your bite is getting less consistent mid-session.

Overall, I would rate the traction indoors as acceptable.

The slight delays in stops/cuts/accelerations, etc. aren’t the most devastating and didn’t prevent me from playing the way I play but take away another 15%-20% of bite and/or consistency and I wouldn’t be enjoying my time in these. I hope that’s a useful indication.

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE

Normally, if a shoe lacks a strong bite indoors, it makes up for it outdoors since concrete parks or rubber surfaces provide much more friction, thus the rubber can bite into it better.

But since this shoe’s rubber is pliable and the pattern can be budged so easily, there was barely a difference from when I was hooping on hardwood. It’s pretty weird and unusual but it is what it is I guess.

I guess I could notice marginally better traction on a rubber surface court I usually play on outdoors but the small slip-outs and sensitivity to dust were still there, just the base level of bite was a little stronger.

On concrete, things were about the same as they were inside a gym.

I haven’t played in the previous Jordan ‘Why Not’ Zer0.2 but I did read that people were having more consistent experiences with that shoe in terms of traction.

OUTSOLE DURABILITY

Since I already gave away that these use a seriously pliable rubber compound, things aren’t going to look good for long-term outdoor hoopers with the ‘Why Not’ Zer0.3.

Seriously, I don’t remember the last time the outsole rubber felt so soft and could be so easily moved around by the touch. While that doesn’t always directly line up with actual durability, this is definitely a shoe that won’t be put among the most reliable outdoor options.

I’ve been trying to mix up my sessions about evenly indoors and outdoors for the 6-month period I was testing these (about 2-4 times per week with a few exceptions) and despite that, the traction pattern, especially on the right shoe, is looking pretty wrecked.

It’s not fully gone but the areas under the balls of my feet and the lateral side of the forefoot portion are super weary now.

However, the actual difference in performance vs. the shoe out of the box is still marginal. I’m fairly confident I’d be able to get through a full season of outdoor hoops. Longer than that though – I wouldn’t bet on it.

V. CUSHION

How’s the shock absorption, the cushion’s energy return, and step transitions? What about ride height and stability?

The Jordan ‘Why Not’ Zer0.3 features a foam midsole along with a large, segmented Zoom Air unit in the forefoot. A fairly standard setup for the price and one that also feels fairly standard. Don’t get too disappointed though – this stuff works well.

I needed about a couple of 2-hour sessions for the midsole and the Zoom unit to fully break in and start working to their full potential.

Since then – the setup is well-balanced, it’s comfortable, the forefoot portion is nice and bouncy, and the ride is fairly low off the ground. You won’t be as low profile as in a Curry or a Kyrie shoe but this is definitely a happy medium for just about anyone who steps foot in these.

The heel portion is a bit stiffer than the front since it only features EVA foam there but I can’t say I felt like I was lacking heel impact protection or a proper heel-to-toe transition.

Both were there, it’s just the actual feel is a bit more subdued when compared to the forefoot.

The ride is also stable thanks to a resilient foam midsole that doesn’t overly compress and it’s also caged up with TPU sidewalls in multiple areas all around the foot.

This is definitely a fantastic jumper’s shoe. If you’re someone who’s even remotely close to the explosiveness and style of Westbrook – you’ll appreciate how energetic the ride feels with the forefoot propelling every step and jump.

Not to say it’s a bad setup for anyone else – it’s a versatile setup that should satisfy just about any player or build who’s looking for a comfortable, efficient, and secure experience cushion-wise.

VI. SUPPORT

How much security does it offer? What about stability and foot containment? Any trade-offs in comfort/mobility as a result?

Just like most Jordan basketball sneakers, the Zer0.3 delivered in offering a supportive and stable experience no matter the movement at a little-to-no cost in mobility.

The shoe features beefy internal heel counters to lock down the heel & ankle, TPU sidewalls that come up from the midsole in several areas for proper foot containment, a large TPU midfoot shank for torsional support, and a midfoot strap that loops around the midfoot and actually does help with midfoot lockdown a bit.

Yes, the strap is not a complete gimmick this time (something that we’ve seen far too often these days) and while it doesn’t make a night and day difference, I could definitely feel it pulling down the upper if I strap it up wholeheartedly.

It does loosen up a bit fairly quickly though, so that’s one thing that it shares with most other straps on basketball footwear. Would the shoe perform just fine without the strap? Absolutely.

However, I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t do ANYTHING at all.

The platform of the shoe is moderately wide and even without proper outriggers in place, lateral stability was never an issue for me, and I’m someone who’s had issues with my right ankle for years now.

Can’t say I noticed the shoe getting in the way in terms of hurting stability.

There are also two extra loops that the laces go through in the upper forefoot portion right under the strap which also helps with extra lockdown in that area. A little detail but a pretty neat one that I also felt did its job.

Now, in a perfect world, I would’ve loved if the shoe would’ve been just a tad bit lighter-feeling, sure. All this stuff like a beefy shank and a plastic strap does make up for a heavier build.

It’s something that I didn’t particularly notice in a practical scenario when I was hooping but more when I’d actually pay attention to it when I’d compare multiple shoes by switching pairs every few hours.

It’s definitely not Retro Jordan-like heavy, don’t get me wrong there. Light, quick guards, or low-profile spot-up shooters could notice it but take just about any other player and you’ll be absolutely fine in these.

A job well done!

VII. THE BUILD

What are the upper materials and how well they’re made? How’s the performance of the build as well as general quality & reliability?

BUILD OVERVIEW

The Jordan ‘Why Not’ Zer0.3 features a foam-backed mesh build with multiple synthetic overlays on the toe, heel, ankle, and several other areas.

It’s a pretty crazy-looking build at first glance but in reality, it’s really not that different from other shoes – the multi-colored overlays give an impression that all this STUFF is on the shoe while it’s really just paint.

The shoe has an inner bootie construction as the whole ankle area where your foot sits in, is inside a stretchy sleeve underneath the main layer of the build. The tongue isn’t completely separated and is instead part of the inner bootie.

The lacing system is traditional though.

The sneaker also features a large pull tab for easier entry for the foot on lebron 19, a plastic loop that the strap goes through, and a hard plastic (TPU) midfoot shank plate.

PERFORMANCE

Despite feeling a bit bulky at first, there are really no glaring issues with the build performance-wise.

The foam-backed mesh breaks in and stretches out super fast, it moved well with my foot and offered no annoyances like pinching, digging, or overwhelming pressure. For most people, a few days will be all you need to fully break everything in.

Ventilation is pretty good too – the open mesh design allows for some breathability when compared to a traditional full-on synthetic or a thick knit.

The only small gripe I’ve got with these is related to my annoyingly wide and tall feet. These are a bit tough to put on since I have to stuff my boat-like feet into that fairly compact inner bootie/sleeve.

BUILD RELIABILITY

For $130, you’re getting yourself a fairly basic build, decent quality, and at least a couple of seasons of playing time. It’s impossible to tell exactly how long these will last you since there are two many variables but these are about average in terms of value for the price you’re paying.

The stitch work is decent, the mesh is moderately thick, and doesn’t look it’s going anywhere 6 months in, and the only damage to the shoe so far is purely cosmetic.

The synthetic overlay on the toe is probably looking to worst at the moment but again, it does nothing to hinder performance. So far, all the stitching is still in place, nothing is severely faded in terms of paint either.

The midsole is starting to yellow which I hate but sadly there’s not a lot you can do about that. Well, technically, you can, but I personally don’t care to get involved in such a process so I’ll live with it.

I’ve seen better deals for this amount of money but I have also seen worse. This falls right in the middle somewhere.

VIII. OVERALL

Summarizing the Jordan Why Not Zero 3 review: is the shoe worth the $$$? How versatile is it? How does it stack up against the competition?

I can’t say I was completely blown away or had an experience of my life with the Jordan ‘Why Not’ Zer0.3 but what I CAN say, is I felt secure, comfortable, and confident in there. Definitely a solid buy if you’re a Westbrook fan or just looking for a well-rounded shoe.

And since the ‘Why Not’ Zer0.5 is right around the corner – this one will be two years old soon, so you’ll definitely be able to grab ’em for under retail.

QUICK RECAP

The shoe should fit most guys true to their usual size, including wide footers. Traction was the most questionable part of the shoe but even then, it was acceptable.

Cushion was nice and should fit just about any style or build, support was a non-issue and the mesh build did nothing to impress but definitely did its job when it was time to play.

I haven’t yet fully tested the ‘Why Not’ Zer0.2 or the Zer0.4 but from what I hear, reports are saying the Zer0.3 still has the best cushion setup. If you’re someone who values that over other aspects – this is your shoe!

Puma Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low performance review

 Dribble Media gives you the Puma Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low performance review, which is a detailed analysis of the German brand’s latest basketball sneaker.

PUMA CONTINUES ITS COMEBACK TRAIL TO THE BASKETBALL INDUSTRY

With this recent release of the sleek low-top version of the Clyde All-Pro Kuzma, Puma continues to impress in their mission to return to the top of the basketball sneaker industry. It was in 2018 when Puma signed young budding NBA players like DeMarcus Cousins, Terry Rozier, Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, Kyle Kuzma, and the most recent, LaMelo Ball.

Among those PUMA athletes, there’s no doubt that Kuzma has gained the most attention. The Los Angeles Lakers forward’s swag on the court carries over to his fashion sense off the court. That unique blend of style is evident in how his signature designs with PUMA are being structured.

HOW DOES THE PUMA CLYDE ALL-PRO KUZMA LOW PERFORM ON THE COURT?

The PUMA Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low also comes with different sets of laces for free. (Photo via Sneaker News)

MATERIALS

Just from the looks of it, you can already tell that the PUMA Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low has integrated some premium touch on its materials. The gum rubber midsole is immediately noticeable, and that’s right below the pair’s Matryx EVO Tech Knit frame.

The Matryx EVO Tech Knit technology has become the flagship feature of PUMA’s performance shoes. The Matryx tech is popular for providing a higher level of lightweight comfort. On top of that, the material is carefully-knitted and durable, two features that prevent abrasion especially on the uppers.

Those black lines that you see on the Kuzma Low uppers are actually carbon threads that cover almost the entirety of the pair’s uppers. This feature helps bring more durability to the uppers, and take note that it doesn’t do anything to negatively affect the lightweight feel of the shoe. Interestingly, these carbon threads were not utilized in the All-Pro Kuzma Mid.

The downside of the inclusion of the Matryx EVO Tech Knit in the All-Pro Kuzma Low is that it feels a bit stiff when you first use it, although you can address that problem through numerous break-ins. But there’s no doubt that the materials are topnotch in this PUMA pair.

The traction in the PUMA Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low is one of its best features. (Photo via Sneaker News)

The gum rubber outsole immediately stands out in the Puma Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low. It doesn’t just stand out from an aesthetic standpoint, but it is also one of its best features. It’s a shame that only a few basketball sneakers make use of the gum sole because it really impressed in the Kuzma Low.

The gum sole is great for playing outdoors, but it’s even better when used on indoor courts. The traction of the Kuzma Low offers a balanced blend of grip and bite that not even the more expensive signature shoes from other brands can provide. There are lots of good things to say about the Puma Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low, and its incredible traction stands at the top of that list.

The PUMA Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low features the ProFoam+ for superb cushioning technology. (Photo via Sneaker News)

CUSHION AND SUPPORT

One of the main selling points of the PUMA Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low is its ProFoam+ cushioning technology. PUMA integrated the ProFoam+ in its full length, giving the Kuzma Low just the perfect amount of energy return and responsiveness.

The ProFoam+ is also the same exact type of foam used in the original version of the Clyde All-Pro. There’s nothing to complain about here because the ProFoam+ tech is already one of the best types of midsoles out there. It’s really a good thing that PUMA decided to retain that feature in the midsole of the Kuzma Low.

However, one thing to take note of is that the step-in comfort may be a bit tighter in the Kuzma Low as compared to the original iteration of the Clyde All-Pro. This is probably caused by the tighter lacing system that the Kuzma Low has, as well as its full-leather tongue.

Don’t worry about this too much, though. You’ll achieve more breathability and comfort in this lebron 19 pair after a number of break-ins. Overall, the ProFoam+ cushioning technology is as good as advertised. The PUMA Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low passes with flying colors in terms of its cushion and support.

The PUMA Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low runs true to size. (Photo via Sneaker News)

SIZE AND FITTING

There’s no problem in going true to size when you purchase the PUMA Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low. Again, the tighter lacing system and full-leather tongue may make it feel like there is little to no level of airflow in the shoe, but that is not the case after multiple break-ins.

OVERALL RATING

Don’t look now, but PUMA is roaring back into contention among the best basketball sneakers released during the latter part of 2020 up to this year. This low-topped version of the Clyde All-Pro Kuzma offers a balanced blend of just about everything you want from a go-to basketball shoe.

The lightweight material of the Matryx EVO technology and the bouncy ProFoam+ midsole combine to help push this pair to its peak form. The Kuzma Low’s lightweight feel and excellent cushioning technology gives this pair the unique ability to cater to basketball players of every position, whether you play as a shifty point guard or dominant center down low.

The only downside of this PUMA pair is that it needs quite a significant amount of time before you can completely break it in. We don’t recommend that you use it in a competitive basketball game right away as it will hinder you from performing at your best. Instead, try it out a couple of times first in pick-up games so you can properly break it in.

Still, this new PUMA pair should be one of the best that the 2021 Dunk sneaker landscape has seen when the year has come and gone. Its materials are premium, and the cushioning technology are state-of-the-art.

THE PUMA CLYDE ALL-PRO KUZMA LOW NETS AN OVERALL RATING OF 4.6 OUT OF 5.

Snibbs Spacecloud Work Sneaker Performance Review

 

Food service and various other retail/hospitality jobs usually require one thing that before you start the gig. Black, non slip work shoes. This is super annoying because anyone who likes sneakers would rather spend their cash on flashy, fun shoes. You don’t want to be slip-sliding through the kitchen so you bite the bullet and purchase even though you aren’t happy about it. Luckily, Snibbs is trying to make comfortable more fashionable shoes for these types of jobs. The Snibbs Spacecloud Non Slip Work Sneaker is built for on your feet all day, sometimes messy jobs. And it doesn’t look bad.

Snibbs offered to send a few pairs our way so we recruited three testers with jobs that require non slip work sneakers. For two to three weeks they put the Snibbs Spacecloud through whatever their job could throw at them and then sat down and wrote a review. Here’s a little about our three testers:

Lancelot Rose is a father, sneakerhead, calisthenics fan, occasional gamer and anime nerd. A big proponent of active self actualization towards a better world.

Jacob Manahan is a 23 year old living in the North Chicagoland area where he works as a manager at Starbucks. He developed an interest in sneakers/footwear after starting to collect with his partner Fatima. You can follow on Instagram where he uses the @jdmanah handle.

Elijah Guillermo is a budding sneakerhead and the number 1 Nike Cosmic Unity stan.

Now, let’s dig into how the Snibbs Spacecloud performed:

 

Materials

Lancelot: Wearing these at multiple jobs leaves a few things to note. The materials are soft and comfortable. They didn’t give my normal width foot any issues. The reviews on their site say the Spacecloud either fits correctly or run a little small but I felt they were true to size.

It has a fabric upper and foam midsole. When mopping the floor, I can tell the Spacecloud is water resistant but not waterproof. If you spill something on them, you’ll still get wet socks. The benefit of this is they don’t get super hot like waterproof shoes do. But the materials are very easy to clean and that’s an advantage. They have cotton laces that look like they have a wax coating on them so not the best feeling laces, but they didn’t come untied even after a long day.

Jacob: The Vegan materials used allow the Snibbs Spacecloud to be worn by people of all walks of life, but the soft fabric will be a setback for some potential customers. Many workspaces, especially in the food industry, require an all-leather shoe to be worn by employees. Although the Spacecloud’s water resistant materials generally perform well, it’s nowhere near as effective in keeping hot spills off the foot as a leather shoe. This, combined with the rather bulky silhouette and casual style of the sneaker, might make the Spacecloud a less than ideal option for some servers, bartenders, baristas, and chefs.

Elijah: The shoes’ upper is constructed of a neoprene-like fabric that feels very soft around your feet while still maintaining lockdown. The overall construction of the upper feels reminiscent of the Nike Air Presto. A thin, yet substantial TPU mudguard runs along the toebox of the lebron 19.  The mudguard adds a level of protection if you work in an environment with lots of sharp edges or just a lot of potential hazards lying around wherever you walk. Since I work in a fast-food restaurant, I do come in contact with hot oils from cleaning and filtering fryers which can gunk up my footwear. My Spaceclouds did get dirty during the weartesting period, however, they clean up well with a small wash. On that note, the upper seems to be waterproof as my socks didn’t get wet or stained while I was washing dishes, so that’s an added bonus.

Traction

Lancelot: The Snibbs Spacecloud features herringbone traction. It’s pretty good, even better than most shoes, especially a lot of basketball shoes. Wearing Air Jordan 1s on a wet surface is not a good decision and like asking to eat the floor. I think Snibbs could use improvements on the rubber compound as well as improve the design. With the current design, if you work in an environment with a very messy floor, the whole outsole gets caked with whatever was on the floor, filling all the crevices. The traction pattern has little groves as well as the large grooves and maybe they could mix it up even more. All in all, I would say they perform better on a wet surface than most shoes. Not the best, but definitely very good, even when caked with cornmeal.

Jacob: Whether working in a kitchen, tending bar or walking down a freshly mopped hallway, a wet floor will pose no problem when wearing the Spacecloud. The non slip sole fantastically grips the floor and maintains the wearer’s safety when working in an environment prone to spills, leaks, or general moisture. It earns the non slip work sneaker title it receives in the company’s marketing materials.

Elijah: If you’re a fan of 1990’s outdoor basketball shoes, you might be drawn to the Spaceclouds’ full-length herringbone traction pattern. However, the traction is possibly the weakest part of the shoe, as it is prone to sliding. The shoes don’t have much of a bite on dry floors and can get a lot of food/gunk within the grooves of the herringbone. The traction can be cleaned quickly with a bit of a spray down, but it still does not hold up well in my workplace, especially when it comes to washing kitchen or bathroom floors. The traction on the Snibbs Spacecloud is my biggest complaint.

Cushion

Lancelot: 10 of 10. I’m just starting off with that. This is hands down the best part of the shoe. The foam they use for the midsole along with the ortholite insole make for a fantastic combination. You can easily work a 10+ hour shift and not notice your feet starting to ache until beyond that. I don’t think i could recommend this shoe enough to a nurse or people regularly on their feet all day.

Jacob: The comfort of the Spacecloud can also be called into question. Although, the Ortholite insole offers a nice amount of padding at first, it’s the only real cushion I feel the shoe provides. There is also very little support given by the construction, and although standing still will remain a comfortable task when wearing the Spacecloud, any excessive movement will eventually become laborious, and the shoe will do little to prevent sore feet.

Elijah: Right off the bat, I could definitely tell that the comfort was the main focus of the Snibbs Spacecloud and it lives up to its name upon first try. The Spacecloud features a dual-layered Ortholite insole, and it’s a thick one at that. As a sneakerhead, the cushion is more akin to Nike’s React foam or Adidas’ Adilette Comfort series in terms of how pillowy it feels on feet.

Now does it work well in a restaurant setting? Not so much for my feet. The excess amount of cushion was not therapeutic in my experience as it led to a number of knee and foot pains the longer I wore the shoes. As the insole bottomed out over time, it reached a more tolerable and neutral state which did lessen the discomfort but only to a certain extent. If you want a lot of cushion in your shoes, the Spacecloud is for you. However, if you prefer a more stable ride, look somewhere else.

Fit

Lancelot: It felt pretty good to me with a true to size pair. I noticed many people had to go a half size up. However, that could be a wide foot issue. The Spacecloud has a similar cage concept to the Adidas Ultraboost. It gets the job done but could be uncomfortable for some.

Jacob: The slip-on cut of the shoe allows the Spacecloud to be very easily put on in a rush. The inclusion of two plastic panels on the inside and outside of the shoe, when tightly laced, help to maintain a comfortably snug and reinforced fit.

Elijah: While a little on the loose side, my recommendation for sizing on the Spacecloud is true to size. The shoes stay on due in part to the sock-like construction of the shoe, as well as some additional lockdown on the achilles. The shoes also feature some good lateral stability thanks to an additional heel counter as well as the TPU cages on the midfoot. The laces don’t add much to the lockdown as I could barely get them to cinch down on my feet. However, the lack of lace function does not detract from the lockdown. While I’m not about to cut the shoes in half to see the inner workings of its tech, I do feel something of a midfoot plate underneath the foam strobel. That stiffness adds more to the linear stability of the shoe. So, my sizing recommendation is TTS for standard-width feet; wide-footers may want to go up a half size.

Snibbs Spacecloud Overall

Lancelot: The Snibbs Spacecloud is incredibly comfortable, recommended for environments that don’t have super dirty floors and anywhere you stand on your feet for long periods of time. This shoe is a great practical work shoe. The Spacecloud definitely beats my previous favorite work sneaker (which is not a real non slip work sneaker) in terms of both comfort and traction on wet floors.

Jacob: Overall, the Spacecloud is a serviceable sneaker for most working environments. The benefits of the shoe are its comfort, low-profile design and especially its non-slip outsole. Critiques can be found in the lack of more effective water-resistant materials, lack of support during long-term wear, and a very casual and clearly non-leather build that may be unacceptable in some workplaces.

Elijah: With its rather poor traction, I wouldn’t recommend the Snibbs Spacecloud to those in the market for non slip shoes. The shoes are very comfortable, more so than many in the non-slip market. Despite my criticism of the shoe, its ultra-cushioned nature has the potential to inspire more tech-heavy work shoes. air jordan 1 has already made some Fresh Foam restaurant shoes, same with Vans and their PopCush insoles, so who knows? Maybe we’ll see some Nike React or Adidas Boost work shoes in the future. Nonetheless, the Snibbs Spacecloud, for as much as it lives up to its name, holds lots of potential but performs poorly as a non slip work sneaker.

Best Types Of Uppers For Basketball and Running Shoes

 The upper of a basketball or a running sneaker plays an important role in ensuring the breathability and durability of a pair. Read down below to see the best types of uppers for basketball and running shoes.

WHAT IS A SHOE’S UPPER?

In a broader perspective, a shoe always has two main parts: the upper and the sole. By the name itself, the upper is the outer protection that envelopes just about every part of your foot – from the forefoot to the sides and finally to the back of your heel.

To break it down even further, a shoe’s upper consists of five different areas namely the:

• Quarter
• Vamp
• Eyelets
• Tongue
• Toe Cap
• Puff

There are some sneaker pairs that make use of different kinds of materials in each area, just like in the case of the Jordan Why Not 0.4, which is NBA star Russell Westbrook’s signature shoe with the Jordan Brand.

Still, the bottomline is that having an upper that is implemented with premium materials is an important factor in ensuring the durability of a shoe, especially if it’s used for sports like running and basketball.

WHAT ARE THE BEST TYPES OF UPPERS FOR RUNNING AND BASKETBALL SHOES?

1. KNITTED

Known for its very lightweight feel, knitted uppers are among the most-used materials in a performance shoe nowadays. Running shoes were the first ones to utilize knitted uppers, but other sports shoes like basketball sneakers also use this kind of technology.

If you want more breathability and comfort in your uppers, the knitted materials will provide what you want. The drawback with the knitted uppers is that you’ll sacrifice durability in the shoe as the lightweight material is more susceptible to abrasions and wear-and-tear.

Examples of sports performance shoes using knitted uppers are the Curry 8 Flow and PUMA Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Low basketball pairs and the Adidas Ultraboost 21 running shoes.

2. GENUINE LEATHER

If you are looking for a high level of durability in your performance shoes, you can start by scouring sneaker shops of pairs that make use of leather uppers. Leather uppers are the direct opposites of knitted uppers in a way that the leather material is heavier and more durable.

Aside from durability, leather uppers actually bring in more breathability than most people expect out of it. It’s because they can stretch easily, providing more comfort to the user.

Examples of sports or lifestyle shoes using leather uppers are mostly the ones rolled out by the Jordan Brand. The Air Jordan 5 Low Wings “Class of 2020-21” colorway is a case in point, while the Nike PG 5 basketball shoe utilizes a leather material on the sides of its uppers.

3. TEXTILE

Arguably the most versatile material in this list, it’s no wonder why almost every sports shoe utilizes textile uppers. If you see a basketball or a running shoe that has cotton, wool or nylon in its uppers, that means that the sneaker is dressed in a textile material.

According to Sneaker Factory, the main advantage of textile uppers is that they can be implemented with a wide array of designs and patterns. That is exactly what textile uppers are good at. Nothing really stands out from it in terms of its performance because it is very balanced in that facet. However, it is in the aesthetics game that textile uppers sit at the top of this list.

Examples of basketball shoes that feature textile uppers are the Adidas Dame 7 and the Nike Air Zoom BB NXT. As for running shoes, the Adidas Ultraboost 4.0 DNA also uses textile uppers, as well as the Nike Zoom Vaporfly Elite, which rolls out a unique 3D-printed textile.

4. SYNTHETIC LEATHER

As opposed to genuine leather, synthetic leather is created from man-made materials. It may not be as durable as genuine leather, but synthetic leather also has its own benefits.

It provides a more lightweight feel to the user, which then results in a higher level of breathability in the uppers of the shoe. For runners or basketball players who often complain about quickly feeling a significant amount of heat on their feet when they perform either on the court or at the track, synthetic leather offers more airflow and circulation in its material.

Examples of basketball shoes that use synthetic uppers are the Jordan Jumpman 2021 PF  and the Air Jordan 35. On the other hand, synthetic uppers are integrated into running shoes like the Adidas Runfalcon and the Adidas Pure Boost.

 

5. MESH

Constructed from either nylon or polyester yarn, it’s no wonder why people would often compare and contrast mesh from knit uppers. They are indeed similar to each other, but they differ in the little details.

First, mesh is not as water-resistant as knit uppers. Mesh uppers are thinner on the surface, but that also allows for higher breathability. Another advantage for mesh uppers is that they are machine-washable, so you can easily clean them when they get stained.

Two examples of basketball shoes that use mesh uppers are the Adidas Harden Vol. 5 and the Nike LeBron 19. Running shoes like the Adidas Duramo 9 and the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 also use mesh uppers.

 

6. PATENT LEATHER

Usually, you would see patent leather uppers in the iconic lifestyle pairs that Jordan Brand rolls out. You could see patent leather on the uppers of this Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low or this colorway of the Air Jordan 1 High OG.

Patent leather is less expensive than genuine or synthetic leather. It has a glossy look to it, but not a lot of athletic shoes use it for their uppers.

But if you’re looking for a high level of durability that you can afford at a cheaper price, the ever-reliable Adidas Pro Model 2G basketball shoe uses patent leather, as well as the Nike Air Max Plus running and training shoe.

7. SUEDE LEATHER

Similar to synthetic and patent, suede is also another iteration of leather uppers. If you’re interested in how shoe brands come up with suede material, it’s exactly the underside of the leather.

Suede uppers are more aesthetically pleasing and more lightweight than genuine leather.  Of course, genuine leather is still the king of durability, but it’s also worth noting that suede uppers are more durable than knit or mesh uppers.

You can see suede uppers in the Jordan Why Not 0.4 basketball sneakers and the Nike Internationalist running shoe.

 

8. CANVAS

Canvas is relatively cheaper than most materials because it is made of cotton. Affordability is always a plus when you’re buying a running or basketball shoe with canvas uppers.

Aside from its cheaper price tag, it also allows for more air circulation and it is easy to clean. The downside to canvas uppers is that that they are not good at absorbing impact and shock, so you will definitely compromise the factor of durability.

The Converse All-Star Pro BB basketball pair uses canvas uppers, as well as the Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0.

9. NUBUCK LEATHER

Mostly compared with suede leather, the nubuck leather is actually the more expensive option. That is why most athletic sneaker brands shy away from using nubuck leather because its advantages are not worth its lofty price.

Nubuck leather is more durable than suede but its rough surface is more inclined to be soiled and stained, making it a high-maintenance shoe. The Air Jordan 10 “Dark Mocha” basketball pair uses nubuck leather uppers, as well as the New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz V2 running shoe.