Nike LeBron 17 Low Review Better Once Again?

 A $40 decrease in price will get you the most changes in the entire history of the LeBron low iterations. But are all of those changes worth it?

This is the Nike LeBron 17 Low performance review. Let’s get it!

 

WEIGHT: 386.9 g. / 13.65 oz

TECH: MAX AIR, REACT

TYPE: LOW-TOP

COLORWAYS: 2+

FIT: TRUE TO SIZE

RETAIL PRICE: $160

BD RATING: 8.8/10

MATERIALS

KnitPosite out. The mesh/synthetic leather combo in.

The new generation knit setup on the original Dunk had to be one of the best feeling & performing uppers in the entire existence. That’s just my opinion.

Nonetheless, this main mesh bootie with synthetic leather side panels is something you wouldn’t call “a budget tear” setup at any rate. The build quality is still there, matching the price point, exactly how a signature sneaker should be. Same goes for the performance as you won’t be missing any of the main features.

The break-in process was fairly quick & unpainful too. However, that supreme one-to-one fit and overall ability to accommodate your foot in no time were definitely missed in the lows. But if you’re upgrading from the LeBron 16 or lower, or if you’re a new guy to the line, you shouldn’t be missing any of that.

CUSHION

The heel section is what makes us – cushion lovers – scream like little girls in Ed Sheeran’s concert. In other words, the Max Air craziness stayed untouched in the off-white x jordan 2. On the other end, how it should be for a low-top version, the forefoot cushion tooling went more guard-oriented. Well, it tried to…

Taking away the spot from Zoom Air, React is something I didn’t mind getting in exchange. It’s that true React experience, similar to what we can find in running shoes, which is exciting news for our cushion lovers.

The forefoot still remains heavily packed with impact protection. And if the amount of plushness in the forefoot on the original version wasn’t enough – the lows should leave you completely satisfied. Yet, for that, you will sacrifice a bit of responsiveness, which made the front end play a tad slower. That’s why I would prefer sticking with the Zoom Air setup on the original pair.

But, hey, how about guard-focused performance?? Well, maybe next time, folks.

 

TRACTION

Following the same situation found in the cushion department, the traction pattern only receives pattern changes in the forefoot. Due to the appearance of React foam, the platform went from being articulated to completely flat in the low version.

Bigger surface coverage, means better grip? Theoretically, yes, but I couldn’t feel any tangible difference comparing both of the versions once hitting the court. But it’s all right, though. The traction was already beastly.

Dust was never a problem since the dust collection was rather minimal, therefore wiping is something that can be neglected to still have that beastly performance.

 

FIT

Following the same situation found in the cushion department, the traction pattern only receives pattern changes in the forefoot. Due to the appearance of React foam, the platform went from being articulated to completely flat in the low version.

Bigger surface coverage, means better grip? Theoretically, yes, but I couldn’t feel any tangible difference comparing both of the versions once hitting the court. But it’s all right, though. The traction was already beastly.

Dust was never a problem since the dust collection was rather minimal, therefore wiping is something that can be neglected to still have that beastly performance.

 

SUPPORT

Nothing was taken or added in this category. All of the main support components featured on the Kyrie 8 can be found on the Lows as well. That also transfers onto the hardwood as I didn’t find any area of the shoe to be lacking stability or containment.

For lateral support you do have leather panels on top and two outriggers down below. So even though you sit quite high off the ground, busting of the footbed was not a concern. While the internal heel counter in conjunction with that fancy lacing system does ensure your foot is completely locked in place.

 

OVERALL

The Jordans 2021 with its $30 lower price tag will not take away any of the main features found in the original version. A few small changes like updated cushion setup or different material choices, although, make the difference in the specification sheet, the performance outcome was kept somewhat identical.

One thing for sure, this is way far from a guard-focused on-court performer. Unless you’re one of those retired dudes who are trying their best to keep their knees and the rest of their bones alive.

Other than that, this is a shoe for those who want an all-around performance, and that crazy amount of cushion in a smaller, lighter form factor.