adidas Harden Vol. 3 Review from adidas: STILL The Best Harden Shoe

 Don’t get me wrong – I love me a Harden Vol. 6 (and the Vol. 5 is on the radar too) but if we’re talking pure performance and ability to offer balance to MANY different players, the third shoe is still the king for me. Let’s break it all down in my comprehensive Harden Vol. 3 review – the 2018 hit from adidas.

BEHIND THE REVIEW

I’m a 6’1 guard at around 175 lbs and play explosively. If you’d like to know how these perform when pretty much pushed to the limit – this review’s a solid option. All the hooping was done outdoors and I’ll break down the shoe’s fit & comfort aspects, performance, value for the price and see it stacks up to the latest Harden models right now.

I was playing around in these for a long time now but the last 2 months were focused on really testing it to put together a review, so you could say these have been in “the lab” for a few years now.

Let’s jump in!

SPEC SHEET

Model: adidas Harden Vol. 3

Build: low-top

Weight: 15.4 oz / 437 g. (size 10 US)

Retail Price: $140

Cushion: full-length Boost

I. FIT & COMFORT

SIZING GUIDE

If you’ve had some adidas hoop shoes in the past – these should feel right at home with how the sizing goes.

The Harden Vol. 3 might fit some people a little long but it all depends. Regular/narrow footers will still be okay with their regular size for the most part but I’ve seen people recommend going down half a size at some instances.

Truth is, it’s impossible for me to accurately pin-point which size you should go with but most people will end up just fine with their usual size. If you’d like a very snug, one-to-one type of it with zero space at the front, going down half a size is also an option. Just NOT for a thicker, larger foot that is.

Chances are, most of you will have a little bit of space at the toebox area but it wasn’t anything terrible for me personally. But if you absolutely can’t stand that, ordering a few different size pairs will be the safest option here.

Wide footers should all go true to size, which is what I did and I have no complaints after a break-in period. It’s not THE best shoe for a wider foot, sure, but definitely not a terrible choice. The shoe is built on a fairly wide last and the materials do stretch out in time, so don’t overthink this part too much.

Due to the shoe being slightly long for some, there might be some heel slippage at first but that usually goes away. I haven’t experienced this at all but that’s likely due to my huge feet. And I mean huge.

COMFORT: ON POINT!

There’s nothing special about how the Harden Vol. 3 fits or feels comfort-wise but in this case, this is absolutely a good thing. You can already tell what The Beard and adidas were going for with these – simple, minimal, and straight to the point. That’s exactly how the shoe felt for me.

The main point of emphasis with these is to give these some time to adjust to your foot shape. Sure, you could say that about most shoes but particularly with the Harden Vol. 3, it went from questionable to awesome for me in a matter of a couple of weeks.

The shoe felt a little stiff at first, my foot was kind of suffocated in the upper and the midfoot torsional plate also gave an impression that there won’t be any flex torsionally. Well, all that changed after giving these some playtime.

They’re nowhere near as stiff now, the midfoot shank does provide strong torsional structure but there’s some flex now to accommodate better step motions, and all that internal padding & exaggerated achilles heel piece made for a comfortable, no B.S. ride.

The Harden Vol. 3 is a light-feeling shoe and it sure does play that way. The upper wraps around the feet very securely, there are no unneeded features or gimmicks, just a “lace-up and go play” mentality. I like that a lot.

Will these make a top 10 most comfortable list? No. But they will deliver in making you forget you’ve got a shoe on while hooping. In a good way.

II. TRACTION

A classic herringbone traction pattern all over the place.

The end result is just as expected – deadly multi-directional traction that’s consistent and makes all your shifts, stops, and stepbacks feel that much more responsive.

You can go with a translucent or a solid rubber option. I have the solid rubber pair but I’ve heard pretty much one-sided feedback on the translucent option – those work just as well.

As you can see, the pattern is quite dense which has become a common tendency among adidas’s basketball stuff. It sure does grip all kinds of courts well but debris will get into those tight spaces of the outsole.

A quick wipe-down or two will be enough to keep the traction fully healthy every once in a while. Nothing deal-breaking here, so nothing to complain about.

Those guys who aren’t accustomed to wiping their soles down won’t be left in the water though. The rubber is tacky enough and there’s enough volume of the pattern to catch your plants even if there’s a lot of crap stuck onto it. But in an ideal scenario, I do recommend getting into such a habit of wiping lol.

I do have to mention that things got a little sloppier on one particular court I’ve played on. I took ’em to an old concrete park with all kinds of nasty stuff lying on the ground. Wiping more frequently was needed there and I did slip from time to time when there was too much dust where I planted.

But that’s a very extreme case though – you could imagine how that court looks like. I don’t usually play on something like that and I’m sure a lot of you aren’t either. But if you do though – just know that you’ll need to wipe these down a little more often and expect some slips here and there. It’s still fine.

OUTDOOR DURABILITY

Now, I’ve had these for over two years now, and the solid rubber pair is pretty banged up now. There are a bunch of frays along the lateral & medial sides of the outsole and the rubber looks weary. HOWEVER, things aren’t as bad performance-wise as they are looking visually.

This is not an outdoor model but still having fairly solid traction 2+ years later, including playing outdoors, is something I didn’t expect. No, the overall bite isn’t as deadly as it was out of the box but it’s still to a point where it’s acceptable for me personally.

Perhaps much shiftier, Kyrie-like players might not find it suitable but for the average player, this is still fine.

I’ve been thoroughly cleaning the outsoles every few games and that did help preserve the tackiness of the rubber. But to put things into perspective, you’d ideally want something more durable if you’re solely looking for a heavy-duty outdoor model that will last several years.

For someone like me, I’m mostly playing outdoors during the spring and summer, while I shift to indoor gyms during the autumn & winter. Well, since the world is anything but normal at the moment, I’ve been playing more outdoors than ever.

What I can say confidently is that the Harden Vol. 3 should last you at least a couple of seasons of hardcore outdoor sessions.

III. CUSHION

Full-length Boost. I could probably end it there for some. But for those who are unfamiliar – Boost has been one of the flagship foam compounds providing some of the most fun and efficient rides there is to date.

This particular implementation of Boost might not be the bounciest or the most FUN but it sure is among the most efficient and balanced. This is seriously engineering at its finest and it shows.

The setup is perfect for a player like James Harden – the shoe is very low to the ground so court feel is retained. There’s a ton of response as Boost contorts and then springs back extremely fast. The ride is stable as the shoe’s platform is wide & flat, plus there’s the forefoot cage to suppress Boost over there from getting all crazy on us.

But for someone else who isn’t as quick or shifty, or perhaps much heavier/more athletic, this midsole is STILL a great fit.

This foam, usually regardless of implementation, always provides some of the best impact protection while keeping a low profile, and the bounce sensation underfoot is something that never gets old with Boost. You get the best of both worlds. Or should I say all worlds.

Bottom line – most people will like this setup for one reason or another. Or for all the reasons.

While it doesn’t go all-out in one aspect (like the LeBron 8 cushion-wise or the Kyrie 5 responsiveness-wise), it provides all the qualities most player types will find extremely enjoyable. And does so in a Boost-like fashion. What more is there to ask.

IV. SUPPORT

The Harden Vol. 3 is a supportive shoe for what it offers.

Say what you want about a low top and its ability to support player’s movements as well as a higher cut shoe would, but the Harden Vol. 3 does everything it can in its power to provide a secure experience.

Yes, it’s a low top and it’s a pretty minimal feeling shoe but adidas has always been known for pushing security to its limits while keeping a small footprint. And this one’s yet another successful attempt at just that.

There’s an internal heel counter for ankle & heel lockdown along with an extended achilles piece for a more secure feel around your, well, achilles. There’s also a midfoot plate going from heel-to-toe which provides torsional structure. A decent choice if you’re a flat footer and need a new pair.

But since the shoe is as compact as it is, overall support & containment mostly comes from the fit & the upper. If you get the size right, you can definitely expect a secure fit and the upper has enough structure to hold your foot in and wrap around it very nicely.

Lastly, the shoe’s platform is definitely wider than average and it’s almost entirely flat, so stability is on-point with these. If you need a mobile shoe that feels fast but still retains the security that you need, this is a great option.

V. MATERIALS & BUILD

The upper is some kind of rough, strong textile-based synthetic material that’s heavily backed up with nylon for structure. The end result is pretty damn good.

Now, this won’t feel like a “premium” setup to the touch but it does play nicely. Since it’s a textile at its core, we’re getting comfort and it doesn’t take ages to break these in. But the material is reinforced rather heavily, so containment and durability are also intact.

The shoe is actually built very well and unlike the outsoles, the upper still looks a-okay 2+ years later. Since this fabric is pretty tightly threaded, proper ventilation is nowhere to be found, so your feet will get pretty hot under the sun. I don’t really mind that though – I’d take structure and comfort over breathability any day of the week.

The shoe sports a standard lace-and-loop lacing structure and there’s a large tongue for easy entry. Forget about all the one-bootie stuff, while some of those do work, I’d always prefer a traditional construction.

The little extra piece at the top of the tongue and the heel portion with the adidas logo look like leather but those are actually synthetics. It does feel like leather upon touching it, which is a nice detail.

Similar to the Dame 7 and the Crazy Explosive 2017, my laces loosen up pretty fast, no matter how hard I pull them down. Not as fast as on the Dame 7 though – those were a little crazy with that. Nothing terrible obviously – just had to stop and re-adjust occasionally, if I felt there wasn’t enough lockdown.

Overall, once again there’s nothing so special about the build and the upper – it works. It’s durable, it’s comfortable, and it holds your foot in at all times.

Sure, there are cheaper options that provide about the same thing and there are always much pricier options that have a “luxury” feel to them but if you’re here for performance and practicality, there’s nothing wrong with the build of the Harden Vol. 3.

VI. OVERALL

The adidas Harden Vol. 3 is a fantastic shoe that might not look like it. It’s got a pretty boring design (lest’s be honest lol) and there are no fancy features/tech packed and marketed as some amazing stuff you must try out.

But behind all that is superb all-around performance, a fairly competitive price for what you get, durability for some outdoor action, and versatility. Most people could pick these up and play safely. It will all depend on your individual needs as perhaps you’d like more support or firmer cushion.

But whatever the case may be, the shoe delivers in providing a little bit of everything for virtually anyone to cover comfort, efficiency, and security.

adidas D Rose 10 Review: 4-Month OUTDOOR Breakdown in 2021

 After a very mediocre D Rose 9, it’s finally time for me to blow the dust off of my D Rose 10 review and put it out there in 2021. Okay, that’s not exactly how it went – I’ve actually picked these up just last year as opposed to when they launched back in 2019.

The adidas D Rose 10 (currently the second-newest D Rose signature sneaker) is heavily on sale during the writing of this review and it’ll likely stay that way for some time.

BEHIND THE REVIEW

So if you’re looking to grab a cheap pair of hoop shoes – this is still an option in 2021. Is it worth it next to many awesome kicks released in 2020 and 2019? That’s what I’ll be answering – kind of like I did with the 9th D Rose.

I’ll break down the shoe’s fit & comfort aspects, on-court performance exclusively outdoors ~4 months in, build quality and value for the price.

Let’s begin with the main specs!

SPEC SHEET

Model: adidas D Rose 10

Build: mid-top

Weight: 14.91 oz / 423 g. (size 9.5 US)

Retail Price: $140

Cushion: full-length Bounce

I. FIT & COMFORT

The 10th D Rose model definitely brings some of the nostalgia from the older Rose models. Beefier plastic caging at the back (of sorts), a more of an old-school leather upper, as well as a very wide platform that’s also almost just as flat as the classic lineup going from the D Rose 1 to the 4.

And guess what? The shoe also feels more like the older releases, at least partly. Let’s get to the need-to-know first.

SIZING: USUAL ADIDAS HELL

Yep, it’s back. adidas’s iconically inconsistent sizing shenanigans are here once again. The D Rose 10 runs pretty damn long in the forefoot AND wide, mainly in the toebox and at the widest portion of the midfoot areas. It’s looking like the D Rose 9 all over again, but wait…

IF you can get the size right for you, it’s a decent fit. I’m personally a very prominent wide footer, and I’ve got some really chunky feet in general. But given the one-sided feedback on these before buying, I still went down half a size (my regular is a 10) and this was probably the correct decision in the long run.

My feet did feel suffocated during the first couple of weeks but once the leather stretched out a bit and molded to my foot’s shape, they feel fine. Still a tad bit long from being ideal and also a little suffocating at times at the bottom midfoot area but it’s acceptable. Let’s leave it at that.

This is one of those cases where these will probably fit most wide footers better than a more regularly shaped foot or a narrow foot. The wide platform and exaggerated midfoot area width-wise might cause a lot of regular/narrow footers some trouble.

But if we’re talking sizing, I’d still say going down half a size will be the best option, regardless of your foot shape. Regular/narrow footers could try a full size down but I can’t vouch for the fit. Going down half a size should fix the forefoot & midfoot areas a bit but expect a roomier, chunkier fit regardless.

And for wide footers, same thing. A full size down is definitely too much in my opinion and if I would’ve gone with a size 10, I probably would’ve run into containment issues & end up feeling much bulkier than I do right now.

Yeah, I know. It’s strange, it’s inconsistent and it’s annoying. Ordering a couple of different sizes will be the safest bet here but if you can only snatch one – a 1/2 size down should do it.

Although I can’t guarantee that since everyone’s foot is different – it’s still the most consistent choice throughout the people that tested it, including myself.

COMFORT: OLD-SCHOOL. LIKE IT OR HATE IT

If you get the fit close to optimal (since optimal is a tough task for this one) for you and give the material a couple of weeks to break in, the comfort level is definitely not bad. If you happen to like more of an old-school setup with raw, more structured materials dominating the build, you should feel right at home with the Rose 10.

This upper definitely wraps around your foot nicely and securely and despite the shoe feeling a little chunky at times, I never felt compromised of security since leather’s there to catch your foot no matter how awkward your plant might be.

Speaking of chunky, that feeling mainly comes from the ultra-wide & flat platform, and the upper of course. It’s not that chunky per se, but a 2020-style textile-based shoe usually feels a little lighter, faster, and more forgiving. It’ll come down to what you prefer more, as there’s no right or wrong option here.

There’s also a good amount of internal padding around your ankle and a slightly elevated cut for the achilles. I liked the way this back area cupped my ankle & achilles and despite a higher-cut mid-top design, I never felt the ankle collar got in the way too much.

So, nothing special but solid nonetheless. Fans of these classic types of setups should like the Rose 10 as it doesn’t take away the performance. But even for guys who are more used to today’s standards of lightweight, synthetic textiles & fabrics, this shouldn’t feel out of this world.

II. TRACTION

A mix of classic herringbone & adidas’s radial pattern is apparent throughout the outsole. I’ve seen these HEAVILY squeak for guys who had the chance to play in a gym and despite it, traction was mediocre for most indoor users.

Since I’ve played solely outdoors, the experience was a little bit better for me. As you know, the more abrasive the surface is, the easier it’ll be for the pattern to bite.

While this wasn’t anything top 5-level, it got the job done for me. Indoors though, I still don’t have access to a gym so for anyone who has, there are plenty of indoor reviews that describe the indoor traction performance as decent.

But even outdoors, both herringbone and radial portions of the outsole are so damn densely spaced out, dust & debris gets in there in no time. That sticky rubber doesn’t help either but I can’t be mad at that since it does help the overall traction.

So, wiping will be your #1 habit when playing in the air jordan. Indoors, outdoors, it doesn’t matter. As long as it’s an older/dirtier court – you’ll have to wipe these down frequently to keep the bite close to 100%.

OUTDOOR DURABILITY

As for durability, the rubber feels similar to the D Rose 9 which is not a good thing. Relatively soft and pliable, and none of the grooves are that deep, so a full season of constant outdoor play is questionable.

4 months in though, they’re still pretty good. I am regularly cleaning my outsoles which helps get some of that rubber tackiness back (since it’s like a damn dust magnet) but I don’t feel I’m at 100% anymore. Still enough to play confidently but I have a feeling these won’t last a full year.

These options along with a guide are waiting for you if you’re looking for a trustworthy outdoor shoe you could wreck for a long time.

III. CUSHION

Full-length Bounce returns from the Rose 9 and it feels very similar to the last shoe. However, I do prefer this setup over the 9.

Firstly, it’s Bounce, so don’t expect any kind of extreme bounce or pillows of God underfoot. This is a very good setup performance-wise but it might not impress those who are looking to have a lot of FUN with what’s offered. And for those people, THIS might help.

Bounce is a very well-balanced foam compound and it feels fast, stable, and responsive on the Rose 10. I love Bounce for the way it manages to keep you low to the ground & fast while providing a necessary amount of impact protection & a little bit of energy return for more explosive players.

I gotta say these feel a little softer than the D Rose 9. A level of step comfort and plushness is there as well as bounce but it’s very subtle. I mostly felt like it’s just there but it kept me stable, precise and explosive – that might not be all I want in a cushion setup but it’s definitely all I need to play the way I play.

I was also quite surprised that this experience was true from heel to toe. We’ve seen a lot of stuff from adidas that usually feels pretty good at the back & dead at the front, even on some full-length Bounce setups.

Not the case for the D Rose 10 – things were just as responsive and balanced at the front as they are at the back. Once again, nothing groundbreaking but most definitely welcome.

While this might not be a very eye-catching setup for the general buyer, everyone should find this ride suitable if we’re talking efficiency and security on the court.

IV. SUPPORT

After pretty serious containment issues with the D Rose 9, this time the 10 provides some of the usual beefy overall security we’ve come to expect from adidas. Those guys really know what they’re doing when it comes to making a shoe supportive and comfortable at the same time.

This time though, not a lot needed to be done, given the upper which does most of the work providing support, as well as holding your foot in the footbed at all times. There’s also a pretty aggressive external TPU heel counter that extends all the way to the midfoot, further adding to the structured support.

As mentioned earlier, the platform of the shoe is very wide & almost completely flat, and aggressive outriggers are found laterally, so stability was excellent too. Also usual to adidas, torsional rigidity is present – while there’s no midfoot shank plate this time, the midsole is rigid enough to not cause any trouble torsionally.

The ankle collar has some rigidity to it too, so pulling down the top eyelets will grant you some additional ankle lockdown, which is welcome for those who need it for one reason or another.

HOWEVER, if there’s always a but. Support always starts with a proper fit. You must get it right, only then you can fully take advantage of what’s implemented as support components. As the D Rose 10 fits rather unusually, I can’t stress how important this is.

A little bit of space at the front (like I have) or laterally won’t ruin things for you, but an overall roomy fit that feels bulkier than it should will introduce compromises in containment, as well make you end up feeling sloppy. Going half a size down is a must for these.

V. MATERIALS & BUILD

The upper utilizes genuine full-grain, perforated leather, and fans of raw materials should love this setup. It’s nothing but thick, strong leather in here. The tongue is made of some basic mesh but the logo part is leather. The heel section is covered with a plastic cage for heel & ankle lockdown.

The shoe utilizes a standard lace & tongue construction and the tongue bends pretty heavily, so putting these on isn’t troubling. If the rubber of the outsoles would’ve been as sturdy as the overall build, these would be a near-perfect contender among the best outdoor shoes. We can’t always get what we want though.

So, obviously, this type of upper has its strong suits as well as drawbacks. This is a very durable, well-built shoe that should last you a long time, at least the upper portion. You have plenty of structure too, so containment is great, as well as overall rigidity some people prefer to have when looking for strong support.

And remember this is full-grain leather, which is the strongest, thickest leather available and it isn’t heavily processed like corrected or synthetic leather is.

This is probably the main reason for the $140 price tag, as the cushion setup alone wouldn’t really justify in it my book. I give props to this build though – those looking for quality leather will definitely find it here.

But there are also drawbacks. It’s not the lightest possible option available, and while the Rose 10 didn’t feel particularly heavy for me, there’s no denying there are lighter, more mobile/nimble options out there.

This leather will also take a while to break in and stretch out. A little over two weeks did it for me. And when it does stretch out – genuine leather does have a tendency to go all loosy goosy on you after a while.

And I’ve seen people report on this – the upper of the D Rose 10 did stretch out a little too much for some width-wise, causing some disruptions in the fit.

While it hasn’t done that for my pair – I’m only 4+ months in AND I’ve got a very wide foot, so take it with a grain of salt.

Lastly, ventilation isn’t leather’s strong suit, and you can ignore the perforated holes cut out throughout the upper as they don’t do much in terms of breathability. Your feet will get hot under a 2-hour under-the-sun game, that’s for sure.

So, it’s best for you to weigh the pros and cons of this setup and decide if it’s for you. Could I call this a versatile option? Absolutely. It’s very supportive, durable and it’s not like it’s 2008-level comfortable. It’s fine. Just might take a bit of time to get used to it if you’re coming off of a Curry 8-like minimal build.

VI. OVERALL

The adidas D Rose 10 is a solid shoe, even for outdoor play. Definitely a step-up from the D Rose 9. I’ll let you know how it stacks up against the Rose 11 as soon as I’ve played in those enough.

The shoe fits a little weird and you might need a few pairs to nail the correct size for you. General rule of thumb though, go down half a size. Traction is nothing crazy but fine for outdoor play, though people reported it as just decent for indoors.

Bounce cushion is well-balanced and gets the job done for most players, and the shoe is definitely supportive. No containment issues like we’ve had on the Rose 9.

The genuine leather upper is a thing of beauty for those classic setup lovers but it just about does everything on a solid level performance-wise, even for someone who’s used to more modern setups.

Is it worth the full $140 in 2021? I wouldn’t say it’s a terrible deal but you can surely find some truly kick-ass stuff for the same price or less. I’d say this is a very solid buy if you can get it under retail, which you can do since all I’m seeing are 75-80 dollar Rose 10’s, even on basketball shoe for some sizes.

A nifty package for those looking for something cheap & reliable! Don’t sleep on it – keep it on your radar.

Nike Kobe AD NXT 360 Review: A Next-Gen Shoe? Not So Fast.

 360 degrees of Flyknit, a never-before-seen Lunarlon & React midsole, and an experience that Nikey wanted to call the next generation of basketball footwear. Kobe’s line never shied away from innovation and doing things differently, but this 2018 shoe, in particular, got A LOT of attention. Let’s break it all down in my in-depth Kobe AD NXT 360 review.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER!

Unlike most opinions you’d find online, I took a slightly different approach. Firstly, I’ve only managed to get my hands on this shoe last year (2020) and after a solid 5-6 months, we’ll be able to see how it stacks up against the latest offerings in 2021.

Secondly, this is both an indoor and an outdoor review. I did manage to squeeze in about a month of indoor action when I still had the chance before quarantine hit us all. The rest of the 5+ months is all about outdoor ball. You might say this isn’t an outdoor model?

Well to that I say, we’re paying $200 at retail for this one, so I’d rather push it to the limits and really put things into perspective. How can we justify this 200-dollar price tag if a shoe breaks down on you like it’s no tomorrow?

Well, let’s find out.

SPEC SHEET

Model: Nike Kobe A.D. NXT 360

Build: low-top

Weight: 11.58 oz / 328 g. (size 10 US)

Retail Price: $200

Cushion: React & Lunarlon drop-in midsole

I. FIT & COMFORT

SIZING GUIDE

Let’s kick things off with the need-to-know first.

There’s been a lot of buzz and varied opinions on how the Kobe A.D. NXT 360 fits. Some say they clearly fit long, others say it’s just a tad bit, while some even advise going as much as a FULL size down. And they’re likely all right.

We all have different foot shapes, as well as different preferences on how a shoe should fit you. This is never going to change and it is also why you should always get your information from multiple sources, just to get an idea of which direction to go to.

I’m a prominent wide footer myself, a.k.a. I’ve got some huge feet. I’ve gone true to size regardless and it’s the closest to an optimal fit I can get to.

Length-wise, they do fit a tad bit long for me personally but that doesn’t mean it will be the same for you. In an ideal world, I do prefer just a little less room at the toebox but I never aim for a complete one-to-one fit as that’s usually not possible for me anyway, due to how wide my feet are.

Width-wise, they’re pretty much perfect, and it didn’t take that much time to break ’em in. Of course, Flyknit is one to thank for this. Not a particularly wide platform but definitely not among the most narrow ones either.

Whatever foot shape you’ve got, I encourage you to try your true size with this one. Or if you can, order a couple of different sizes just to be sure (returning the unneeded one afterward). It’s a very minimal-feeling shoe and the upper will most definitely mold to your foot, given the needed time.

COMFORT

Is it just as amazing as Nikey marketed the shoe in terms of comfort? Probably not but it’s a tough promise to follow through. I still consider this shoe among the most comfortable modern sneakers today.

All I’m saying is don’t expect some god-like experience you have never felt before with these. But if you’re just looking for a new pair of hoop shoes and you happened to get the Kobe A.D. NXT 360, I’m pretty sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Let’s just not put things out of proportion.

Firstly, these are so damn light. Not the lightest on paper but surely among the lightest feeling shoes I’ve ever played in. The super thin upper, a lightweight drop-in midsole, and a compact low-top design put these in the feather club of ball shoes. You’ll definitely feel it if you’re coming off of a traditional basketball shoe.

Secondly, the build. The outsole has exaggerated curvature and pretty much defies the principles of a stable shoe. This is exactly why it can feel weird at times. The exterior portion of the outsole is literally almost a circle shape.

Yes, it does help with mobility and the ability to achieve angles you want quicker but it does introduce questionable stability at the rear portion. Especially for those who aren’t used to this type of Kyrie-like build and have a forceful, explosive playstyle. We’ll talk more about that in the support section.

And lastly, there are the rest of the details that make up a very comfortable, minimal experience on the court. Ventilation is top-notch since portions of the upper are literally see-through and this Flyknit is really thin.

The insides of the shoe are also Flyknit, so it’s all about comfort inside as well. Also, the drop-in midsole has some storytelling elements engraved on it, making it the most grippy midsole I’ve probably ever stepped on. This feels really cool and helps contain your foot in one place. Who even knew we needed this?

II. TRACTION

Translucent, sticky rubber has been a common occurrence throughout Kobe’s models and here we are again.

Indoors, the traction was decent. Not the best, not the worst but acceptable to retain full confidence and play the way I play. And I do play aggressively, I drive to the hoop a lot, and play above the rim when possible. I need strong bite.

It wasn’t always consistent though, as sometimes hard foot plants were deadly, other times, there was a bit of delay but it never reached a point where I was sliding all over the place. You have to take into account I wasn’t playing on perfect NBA-level hardwood either, so dust was a factor.

But the problem with the Kobe A.D. NXT 360 is how it picks up dust. This rubber is so damn sticky, it helps with traction but it’s a nightmare to get rid of the buildup inside the grooves of the pattern. It’s literally impossible to fully get rid of it, as you’d have to stop, take off the shoe and scrape the nasty stuff off. That’s how sticky it is.

But the good thing is, despite all the stuff piling up in the pattern, a quick wipe or two always kept things under control. You’ll have to wipe these outsoles down frequently but as long as you get into the habit and the floor you’re playing in isn’t 1980-level, you should be fine.

However, I do recommend doing occasional deep cleans of the outsoles. Take your time, clean ’em and take care of any leftover dust if you can, as that’ll help you in the long run.

OUTDOOR DURABILITY

Most of my action happened outdoors on a concrete surface and a synthetic rubber court. Unfortunately, this rubber and this pattern simply scream “please don’t trash me on concrete” and it’s absolutely true based on my 5+ month run in the park.

Granted, I haven’t played every day for a full season like a pro/college athlete would but only a couple of months were enough to noticeably degrade the performance of the traction. It never fully recovered after some good runs outside. The rubber is fraying, it’s getting less and less aggressive.

But it was really good while it lasted. The overall traction felt stronger outside but that’s not surprising since I was playing on a more abrasive surface. The trade-off is durability. DO NOT play in these outside regularly. Occasional is the word you’ll need to fall in love with if you want to keep your pair healthy for a while.

Sure, these were never meant to be in the outdoor club but at least I’ve got confirmation.

Don’t give up hope yet though – I can tell you right now that this portion of the shoe is the most disappointing but it only gets better from here. Much better.

III. CUSHION

A removable midsole makes a return but it’s packing a React & Lunarlon combo this time. You’ll find the React layer in the midfoot area, while Lunarlon makes up the main carrier and it’s all around that middle portion.

The end result feels great. Don’t expect anything other-worldly but when compared to Kobe’s other shoes, this setup feels the most thought-out, most balanced setup to date. Sure, it’s still a drop-in midsole and Lunarlon does have a tendency to bottom out rather quickly but personally, I haven’t yet experienced this in my 5-6 month run.

This setup packs what you’d need for an agile guard but it’s more than just that. For such a low-profile midsole, it’s got great impact protection, it’s super responsive and there’s a bit more step comfort along with a little bit of bounce this time. Something rarely seen on a Kobe.

Court feel is still retained since it’s a relatively thin midsole, you’re low to the ground and always stable. The tall sidewalls of the midsole help with stability along with the outer portion of the sole coming up and wrapping around the forefoot area.

Everything is done with minimalism in mind it seems, and it works. For such a low-profile shoe, it delivers so much performance-wise. It’s probably the most versatile cushion setup a Kobe shoe has seen to date.

It will not blow you away as it’s not overly bouncy but it’s fun enough to keep you playing energetically. The ride feels balanced, calculated, and fast. My feet and knees never felt overly fatigued after a longer session (which happens more often than not), and I’d often forget I’m testing the shoes for a review in the first place.

It’s simple but very effective. A job well done!

IV. SUPPORT

Kobe’s line was always notorious to push the limits of how secure a shoe can be while keeping a minimal footprint, and the Kobe A.D. NXT 360 follows a similar path. No, it’s not the most supportive basketball shoe and it will certainly not provide a lot of structure but it never meant to.

It’s a fast, responsive shoe that’s optimized for maximum comfort and freedom of movement, but I’m not saying these aren’t safe at all.

It’s got beefy external heel counters for heel & ankle lockdown which extend a bit to the midfoot section. That works well, as there were never any problems with how my heel or ankle sat inside the shoe.

A traditional lacing system is used for foot lockdown, and it functions as intended. The laces never got noticeably looser after initially lacing ’em up (something a few previous Kobe models had).

There is no real midfoot shank but the drop-in midsole has a small built-in TPU piece that acts as a shank to provide a little bit of torsional rigidity. Emphasis on a little bit. This is still not an ideal choice for someone who’s experiencing plantar fasciitis (flat feet) or had foot issues in the past.

Since I was switching between this and the Kyrie 7 the past couple of months, I haven’t noticed a serious lack of torsional support since both shoes share a similar amount, or lack of, torsional protection.

Even without taking the midsole out, you can still bend the shoe in half with relative ease. It’s really damn flexible but, once again, it was meant to be this way.

Lastly, the upper contained my foot fairly well, something I haven’t expected. I kinda expected almost a complete sock-like Flyknit based on how the shoe was marketed and how it looked online but the reality was a little different.

This version of Flyknit is a bit more structured than I thought it would be, so foot containment wasn’t bad at all.

So the bottom line is, you gotta know what you’re looking for when shopping for this shoe. You’re not going to get maximum support and tons of beefy security features here but these never supposed to have ’em in the first place.

Freedom of movement and an extension of your foot are the primary driving factors when making these, and that’s what it delivers.

Once you get used to the shape of the build, this really does become an extension of your foot. It feels so damn smooth, light, and convenient to move in, for a lack of a better term. Support does exist in terms of ankle & heel lockdown and overall stability but it’s very subtle.

I don’t recommend this shoe for a heavier frontcourt guy or an athletic high-flyer but if you’re someone who never needed all the security features crammed into a shoe or you’re curious to try this type of setup out – give these some time and you should be pleasantly surprised how smooth it feels to play in the A.D. NXT 360.

V. MATERIALS & BUILD

The biggest selling point of the shoe was 360 degrees of Flyknit goodness all throughout the build. Yeah, there is a lot of Flyknit here. Inside, outside – it’s everywhere and it feels awesome. However, this particular implementation of it might surprise you, as it’s not the buttery-soft knit some people expected.

The forefoot section uses an extremely thin knit that doesn’t really feel like a knit. It felt a little plasticy and crusty at first but give ’em enough time and you’ll feel the benefits comfort-wise. The back portion uses a more structured knit that’s a little stronger and thicker but still feels like the same plasticy stuff.

It’ll all depend on your perspective on this one. If you’re looking for something that looks and feels like a luxury material, you might be disappointed. But if comfort and performance are what you’re mainly after, you’re in luck!

While it might look a little deceiving at first, you’ll soon realize how well this material wraps around your foot almost like a compression sock. It’s really damn nice, and for a while, it was pretty tough to come back to more traditional setups after getting spoiled by the Kobe A.D. NXT 360.

But of course, there are obvious downsides to this type of build. Durability is not this shoe’s strong suit. While the upper does look healthier than the outsoles 6 months in, it’s starting to look weary now.

There’s a bit of fraying along the toebox and sides but that’s pretty normal. Plus I’ve got my wide feet constantly stretching the upper out a bit.

These will not make the top lists of most durable shoes but for a knit, it’s actually quite strong. I’d still give the nod to the LeBron 19, 17, and 18 for making the most durable knit-based builds but the Kobe A.D. NXT 360 comes pretty close.

VI. OVERALL

The Nike Kobe A.D. NXT 360 is not a shoe for absolutely everyone. The price tag alone is partly to blame but certain builds/playstyles probably won’t find these suitable for one reason or another.

The shoe has pretty good traction but it’s unreliable. Don’t take these outdoors too often as I did. The drop-in midsole is awesome and delivers all you need while keeping it fun and comfortable. It’s the most versatile part of the shoe for sure.

There aren’t any beefy support features here and even though the critical basics are there – guys with explosive, athletic play styles and/or heavier players should think twice before getting these. Unless you’re used to this type of setup and actually prefer it.

The upper is in fact all Flyknit and despite looking a little weird at first, you’ll love it for how it feels on feet. It’s a true extension of your foot, as it feels like almost nothing once you get used to the shoe.

It’s an expensive shoe, that’s for sure. However, it’s been over two years since it launched, so I bet you can find some good deals under retail.

Is it worth the full 200 bucks? Depends on what’s valuable to you. If it’s comfort and performance – this is definitely at least close to $200-level. If it’s durability and being able to hoop relentlessly for multiple years – you should probably look away.

Whatever the case may be – I give props to Jordans 2022 for constantly trying new stuff out, and really pushing how minimal a basketball shoe can be while still retaining the qualities we need while hooping.

Nike Air Zoom BB NXT Review: OUTDOOR Performance Breakdown

 This shoe is so much fun. There’s no denying that. But a $180 price tag? Is it worth the full price or should you hunt down a sale? Is it a well-rounded performer along with being a comfortable sneaker? Let’s answer all those questions in my detailed 5-month Nike Air Zoom BB NXT review, made solely in the park.

I’m a 6’1 two-guard at around 175 lbs. I play explosively, I love driving to the hoop and playing above the rim when I can. If you’d like to know how the shoe performs when pretty much pushed to the limit – this should be a great one for you.

Model: Nike Air Zoom BB NXT

Build: mid-top

Weight: 15.31 oz / 434 g. (size 10 US)

Retail Price: $180

Cushion: double-layered React midsole, React insole & 2 forefoot Zoom Air units

I. FIT & COMFORT

SIZING GUIDE

Let’s kick things off with how the shoe fits. A pretty traditional construction & build, so most people will be fine with their usual size. There’s just a little bit of room at the toebox, while they should be perfect width-wise for those with regular/narrow feet.

However, if you’d like to have that glove-like fit with no extra room and you’d like to feel like a formula, going down half a size is also an option as quite a lot of people did that with success.

For wide footers like myself, true to size will be the best bet. They’ve got a pretty wide base and the material does stretch out fairly quickly but the main issue for wide footers here is the lace cables up at the forefoot.

Even people with more regular-shaped feet reported those cables digging into their pinky toes pretty aggressively, let alone a wide footer.

Still, I do not recommend going up a full size as that would cause containment/general security issues as the upper is definitely on the minimal side, so there’s nothing really there to hold your foot in besides a proper fit.

So, not the best option for a wide footer in general but it’s doable. Go true to size, arm yourself with some patience, and be ready to get your toes banged up a bit.

COMFORT

The Air Zoom BB NXT is a comfortable shoe. In fact, they’re REALLY damn comfortable. Unfortunately, my wide & thick foot wasn’t able to experience that in its full glory but even with the toe chafing issue, they’re still pretty good as I eventually got used to it.

Other times, I didn’t feel it at all, thinking I’ve finally broken ’em in. But the next day comes and here I am again cursing at the shoe for wreaking havoc on my pinkies. I’m not sure when was the last time I was cursing at my shoes aloud like that.

So while it’s very annoying, it’s not always there AND it’s mostly acceptable, so there’s that. I’m still pretty mad even thinking about it right now though lol.

But looking past this issue, the shoe is a joy to play in. They’re not the lightest and can feel a little bottom-heavy, especially at first, but the overall experience is definitely positive.

The upper is smooth and thin while nicely hugging your foot, also very smooth lining all throughout, as well as a nice large Achilles pillow that provides a secure feel to your heel & Achilles. The tongue is also heavily padded.

The heel is slightly tipped, while the outsole at the front is also rounded which promotes some really smooth step transitions.

Similar to the Curry 8 Flow, the Air Zoom BB NXT brings some runner shoe qualities and applies them to a basketball court. If done correctly – you’re getting a seriously comfortable shoe and this one’s definitely in that club.

Lastly, some say these can feel a little bulky at times. Firstly, yeah, they did initially feel a little “huge” on my feet but ever heard about a break-in process? We need to give each shoe enough action to really get a feel for it, get used to the build, and break the needed materials in.

Once that’s done and you still feel like you’re running on a pair of bricks – then it’s time to question the shoe. For the Air Zoom BB NXT, even though the upper is minimal, several other components such as the midsole, the lace cables, and the shank plate all needed some time to feel right.

Be patient and remember not everyone’s foot shape is the same – you’ll be happy you did!

And secondly, that cushion setup and overall flow of the shoe simply outweigh any small traces of “bulkiness” for me. I’d take a quality cushion setup and smooth heel-to-toe transitions over an ounce of weight reduction any day of the week.

So bottom line – watch out for the lace cables digging into your toes, especially if you’re a wide footer. If you can get used to that or you’re not experiencing that issue at all – you should be in for one hell of a ride. These are definitely making my current list of the most comfortable hoop shoes.

II. TRACTION

We’ve got a very interesting traction pattern that seems to be consisting of linear patterns at the front and back, while it’s all radial at the balls of your feet. Traction was deadly on the Air Zoom BB NXT.

Stops, cuts, changes of direction, coming off screens, crossovers, you name it. No matter where I stepped, how I stepped – these handled the load. No slips, slides or anything like that which was caused by the shoe.

I did slip a few times but that’s simply due to my terrible court which has spots where the synthetic rubber surface was literally torn off. I was also playing on the blacktop and the traction felt even deadlier there. The more abrasive the surface – the better chance you’ll have at getting strong, consistent bite out of your sneakers.

Now, mind you – I’m not the shiftiest player ever. I’m not Kyrie and that’s not my play style, so the amount of times I was planting my feet at crazy angles isn’t that high.

If you’re a very low-to-ground player that’s shifty and operating at various exxagerated angles – you might or might not miss the multi-directional pattern coverage that comes all the way up to the sides. Something we’re used to seeing on a Kyrie shoe.

I personally didn’t really miss it and most of you won’t either. But good to know in case you’re a freak like Kyrie.

OUTDOOR DURABILITY

The rubber used on these is surprisingly durable. The grooves aren’t that deep but they feel strong and about 5 months in, these still grip the floor consistently. There is visible wear & tear on high-usage spots on the outsole but so far, it’s just cosmetic damage.

I do have some concern for the rubber fraying pretty hard on where the balls of my feet are. This will of course depend on what tendencies you have while planting your feet while making moves but I don’t see the shoe lasting another 2-3 years at this rate.

But then again, I was playing outdoors exclusively, and most of the sessions were 2+ hour wars, so we gotta give props. Not the most durable rubber I’ve seen but definitely stronger than your average sneaker Nikey has put out lately.

III. CUSHION

First of all, listen to how this sounds like. A double-layered React midsole, a React insole, and two huge Zoom Air units at the forefoot.

If that doesn’t sound amazing, I don’t know what does. And good news! For damn once, this setup actually feels and plays pretty much as good as it was marketed.

The meat and potatoes of the setup is the dual-layered React midsole. You might think React isn’t a particularly bouncy or soft foam as we usually see it on runners. Not this time – this implementation of React is awesome in every way.

It’s responsive, it’s bouncy, it’s comfortable, and promotes some ridiculously smooth step motions. Not the bounciest setup to date but enough to, one, keep it fun, and two, provide enough impact protection so most players would be able to rock these.

But then comes the React insole which adds to the step comfort and general softness underfoot, which is awesome. It might just be an insole but a quality one can make a huge difference.

And then we’ve got the Zoom Air pods at the forefoot. Those are pretty firm and not as bouncy as the React midsole but they do a great job at keeping the front portion very responsive. They felt pretty dead at first but after breaking ’em in – they feel balanced and help pull off those quick accelerations any time I needed to.

One thing though, the elevation with these is real. You WILL be riding high off the ground, so forget about any real court feel or staying ultra low to the ground.

However, when you’ve got such a well-thought-out and balanced setup, I didn’t really miss the low profile ride. React is a brilliant foam compound that keeps things under control without taking away comfort, while the moderator plate in the forefoot makes sure the Zoom units are stable.

However, there has been some buzz around the lateral Zoom unit which overcompresses and can lead to stability issues. Knowing this, I was pretty cautious going in as I’ve tried keeping my plants on the balls of my feet but then after some time, I quickly realized the Zoom pod doesn’t really cause an issue for me at all.

You might get a little sloppy if you really push the shoe laterally, sure, but this will depend on what kind of player are you. I’m fairly light, so perhaps that had to do with it. Test it out, get a feel for it, and see if it’s an issue for you. If it is – keeping your foot plants in the middle should keep it under control, and you’ll eventually get used to it.

A versatile setup that should do the trick for pretty much everybody. It’s not overdone, it’s not dead either. It’s a ton of fun but the performance is still there. The only nitpick is the lateral Zoom unit but I’m sure that’s not going to be an issue for everybody.

IV. SUPPORT

Apart from the lateral Zoom pod situation, overall support was great. Not overly restrictive, felt just right.

The base of the shoe is fairly wide, there’s a moderator plate that acts as a shank plate for torsional rigidity, and there are small outriggers laterally for stability.

There are also internal heel counters for heel & ankle lockdown, the upper contained the foot well and the traditional lacing system paired with the cables attached makes the shoe very secure.

However, this is still one of those runner-like shoes that rely on the fit for your security. All those features are nice and should be there but it’s the fit and the way the upper molds to your foot shape that makes it a very effective package without taking away comfort or slowing you down.

I guess the only thing that could be improved would be lateral stability. These ride high off the ground, pair that with the overcompressing Zoom unit and relatively tiny outriggers, and the shiftiest of players might find it an issue. I personally didn’t but I’d be willing to think some of you will.

V. MATERIALS & BUILD

The upper is all lightweight textile along with a few synthetic pieces to reinforce key areas such as the toe and the back. A very minimal upper but it works. It’s comfortable, it doesn’t take long to break in, and it’s fairly breathable.

The stitching work and lining definitely look high-quality and the lacing system’s sturdy too. Can’t say the same about all the stuff coming from Nike.

Is it all $180 worthy though? Well, that depends on what you value. If it’s performance – it’s all there, I have no complaints. But if it’s premium materials that will last ages that you’re looking for – then I guess waiting for a sale will be the best bet. These are currently on some heavy discounts during the time of writing the review.

After about 5 months, my pair surely looks banged up but all of it is just looks. No serious fraying going on, so the pair is still perfectly playable. If the outsoles would wear out at the same rate as the upper – I’d say these would be a very strong contender for a trusty outdoor pair.

Not that it is right now – just not for multiple seasons solely on the blacktop. Indoors – that’s a different question and one that I can’t answer right now.

Overall – a modern basketball shoe utilizing modern materials that have become the norm. Whether they’re worth the full $180 will be up to you.

VI. OVERALL

The Nike Air Zoom BB NXT is a shoe that brings comfort, performance, and the FUN factor all into one. They’re pricy, that’s for sure but I still think it’s a good buy if you can’t get ’em anywhere under retail and you’ll be playing both indoors and outdoors.

But if you could snatch these for under retail – I think it’s a great buy. They’re super comfortable (as long as you deal with the toe chafing issue), traction is deadly on all the outdoor surfaces I played on, that cushion setup is nothing short of awesome too.

They’re supportive but watch out for the lateral Zoom Air unit overcompressing as it can cause instability for some. The upper is your 2022’s standard textile stuff but it works. You would need to look for something else if you need raw, sturdy materials.

Another staple in Nikey’s non-signature lineup. Bravo!

Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit Review: A Breakdown of 2017’s King

 Let’s wind the clocks back 3 years – the year where we saw Adidas on an unbelievable roll, putting out fire after fire shoes for us to play, and for a surprisingly kick-ass price. This is why today I’m bringing you my Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit review.

I think a lot of us, myself included, particularly remember this one as being arguably the best hoop sneaker in the last few years.

THE CRAZY EXPLOSIVE PRIMEKNIT 2017 IS SOMETHING ELSE…

I’ve brought out this beast which I bought three years ago and actually kept playing ever since, despite constantly keeping up with the new releases.

The CE 2017 PK is just something that I never let go of, which is why I’d like to put you guys on the map and break it down, in case someone has missed the opportunity to check these out.

Since they’re still available on several places to get, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t – 2017 or not, the review will speak the rest.

Let’s go!

SPEC SHEET

Model: Adidas Crazy Explosive 2017 Primeknit

Build: Mid-Top (w/ high ankle sleeve)

Weight: 15.4 oz / 437 g. (size 10 US)

Retail Price: $150

Cushion: Full-length Boost

I. COMFORT & FIT

Even though the shoe is a fantastic option due to it being solid in all aspects, the fit and the comfort experience is one of the highlights. Adidas is known for their weird and inconsistent sizing throughout their releases, that stuff still happens to this day.

Not the case for 2017’s Crazy Explosive PK though – the fit is god-like, exactly as I remember during my first shootarounds. These should fit your regular true size, even for wide footers. I’m a wide footer myself and went true to size – no problems pretty much from day one.

The soft Primeknit upper, sock-like ankle collar that actually enhances the experience without being a gimmick, plus the super accurate and pleasant internal padding truly makes wearing these a joy. Virtually zero break-in time, very high breathability, and the sheer light feeling you get while moving in these are special.

They rarely make ’em like that today (I know, there are great releases still, I just miss Yeezy 350   uppers), and putting these on speaks for itself.

You can be rest assured about the comfort and fit accuracy on these – the shoe got you covered here.

II. TRACTION

The traction on these is fantastic and consistent – that would pretty much tell you most of what you need to know about it.

The outsole can seem fishy and unreliable while taking a look if you’ve seen plenty of rubber and patterns used on shoes, but the shoe grips the floor great, indoors, or outdoors.

Dust definitely is a factor though – the pattern is spaced out enough to where dust quickly makes an entrance, however, it is also spaced enough to where a quick wipe or two once in a while takes care of the issue, and you’re good to go.

Not that I slipped many times – in fact, I don’t remember any major slip that would be caused by the shoe’s bite.

They’re not the most durable shoe in the world for hooping outdoors, but I have two pairs for 3 years and the traction still holds up outside. It’s probably not at a hundred percent but it’s enough to where I still feel fully confident at all times.

It will also depend on the court – I tend to play on softer synthetic rubber court outside, which likely had to do with the rubber holding up for that long. It will last you shorter on concrete but I wouldn’t be afraid to regularly take these to the park.

III. CUSHION

This is the time where Boost was at its finest on Adidas’s basketball shoes. Full-length Boost was used on the Crazy Explosive 2017 PK and it’s still one of the most efficient and versatile setups to this day.

It’s not the softest or bounciest Boost ever but this is for a reason – the Boost foam is caged in a TPU carrier which makes it conform to a certain point where it’s extremely stable, responsive, quick, and still a lot of fun to play in (you can totally feel the bounce).

You can straight away tell that it’s a quality setup that is safe to play in for pretty much all players and playstyles. I don’t see a reason why a quick guard won’t like these or an explosive guard, or a center, or a shooter…

You get the idea.

It’s as versatile as it can get, giving you the best of all worlds, which is all a basketball player needs.

By the way, if you’re wondering, despite me playing in them for three years, with breaks here and there, Boost never blew out or deteriorated. The experience is still great.

I’m not sure if I’m lucky, as some people have reported this issue is apparent, for some as quickly as a few months after purchasing. I would say that the majority don’t have this issue so it’s a good chance you’ll be fine.

IV. SUPPORT

The awesome thing about the CE 2017 PK is it’s extremely versatile and no aspect is lacking. The same is for the shoe’s support.

You could think a soft sock-like upper like this would do a poor job holding your foot in place but thanks to Adidas’s smart implementations to boost the support and lockdown utilizing smart construction makes it all work nicely together.

Your foot sits deeper into the carrier than lots of shoe’s standard, the base of the whole shoe is wide and stable, plus it’s got a torsional shank implemented for torsional structure and proper use of Boost.

And that’s still not it – the TPU cage that holds Boost together also adds to the shoe’s lateral rigidity and support. Yeah, it limits the foam’s capabilities but still makes it an enjoyable experience while playing safely.

The package is a nice blend of everything that works well with one another – awesome!

V. BUILD & MATERIALS

The upper is Adidas’s Primeknit material in all its glory. It’s just a very soft and premium knit material with synthetic reinforcements in certain areas to add structure and improve durability.

It feels great. Just straight-up a basic concept done right and feels premium. I don’t see a reason to complain – sure, this isn’t as durable as the regular mesh version of the shoe or most shoes with more rigid uppers like leather but for a sock, basically – it’s as good as it is.

Three years of play and the upper is still very much intact, with a few chippings and marks here and there. I say that’s more than enough from a knit.

One thing that would be a nitpick but still something I should mention, my laces loosen up pretty quickly despite tightening them up real tight. This was especially apparent for the shoe’s low top version for some reason.

It’s not much of a performance or durability issue but something that’s a bit annoying as you have to constantly stop your tracks and tighten ’em up.

VI. OVERALL

As you can see, I barely have to say anything bad about the CE 2017 PK – in 2022, it’s still among my favorite performance basketball shoes ever.

Everything about it works, there are no gimmicks or fancy tech names to blow something out of proportion. It’s durable for a knit, it’s mad comfortable, feels mobile, and secure to play in, and classic Boost can never feel bad.

Anyone who’s in need of another pair of hoop shoes, no need to worry about it being old – check ’em out and you’ll see that the latest are not always the greatest! It’s a steal at Amazon after a few years, as you can grab them well under retail.

NOTE ON THE DIFFERENT VERSIONS

There are actually four versions of the shoe: there’s the regular CE 2017, the CE 2017 Low, the CE 2017 Primeknit, and the CE 2017 Low Primeknit.

My personal favorite is the mid-top Primeknit. The regular mesh upper versions are great as well but I do prefer the softer and more premium feeling PK upper any day of the week.

You can click the link below to Amazon, and see which versions are available there at the moment!

adidas D Rose 11 Review: Testing the Wide Footer’s DREAM

 You already know it’s a good fit for wide footers from the title. But is it a good all-around performer on the basketball court? Here’s a detailed, outdoor-based D Rose 11 review for you – the latest signature model from Chicago’s own Derrick Rose.

But this one’s interesting. After a few subpar models, the 11th sneaker looks very reminiscent of the older shoes and it also got a considerable price drop. Smells fishy?

Let’s find out in the most comprehensive way possible. The only way.

I. SPEC SHEET

click for a full-sized sheet

I. 1-MIN REVIEW 

For those in a hurry: the adidas D Rose 11 stepped up from the last few models, making some changes to break up the rather stale Rose line.

The shoe is surely a wide footer’s attraction as it has a wide toebox. EVERYONE, including those with wide feet, will most likely be okay by stepping a 1/2 size down.

Traction was fantastic, nothing more, nothing less. Lightstrike cushion is not the Boost goodness we had on the 6th & 7th models but it’s a decent setup that provides a little bit of everything without slowing you down or making you feel like you’re running barefoot.

Support and stability were excellent just like most adidas shoes but the large heel piece did feel  clunky at times. You’re going to like this one if you like those hard, flappy step strides.

The Rose 11 has a basic screen mesh upper with a textile layered underneath and I can’t complain too much for $120. It’s not leather or anything that feels pricier but it worked and didn’t break down on me 4 months in.

For alternatives, the Baskerball Shoes is still king IMO. If you can still find it these days and you’re a Rose fan, there’s no reason for me not to recommend it even in 2021.

For more current releases that you can get easier, the Dame 7 is a superb all-around option and the D.O.N. Issue #3 is the best budget option from adidas.

 

III. FIT & COMFORT

TTS or should you deviate from your size? How comfy are they on-court? Anything else to know?

SIZING GUIDE

As you already know – this one’s a wide footer’s gem but not without its issues.

The moment I stepped into the D Rose 11, I was reminded of two things: one, the D Rose 10 as it fits very similarly to that shoe, and two, adidas’s usual length shenanigans.

Yes, folks, the D Rose 11 fits a bit lengthy just like we’re all accustomed to now from adidas’s footwear. Wide footer, narrow footer, or anyone in between, expect a bit of extra room for your toes if you go true to size.

However, I would NOT recommend most people to go true to size.

A half size down from your usual number, including wide footers, will be the best bet as the shoe fits all kinds of large and clunky. I’ve got thick and wide feet myself, and even stepping a 1/2 size down didn’t fully fix the fit. There’s a little bit of heel slippage at times, especially if I decide not to re-lace the shoe when the laces loosen up.

There’s still a tiny bit of room length-wise (nothing crazy though) and the shoe just has that “large” feel to it. If you’ve played in a recent Rose shoe before, you know what I mean.

For those that didn’t – expect a roomier fit overall but not one that compromises security/containment as you might think.

This is simply how D Rose likes his shoes and my guess is an obvious one – the dude’s a wide footer.

So for those with compact, narrow feet – this might not be the best option but you can pull it off. I just wouldn’t recommend the D Rose 11 for those people if looking for a perfect-fitting pair. Wide footers – this is your jam.

COMFORT

Aside from the sizing intimacies, the Rose 11 isn’t a terrible shoe to wear comfort-wise.

Just like a lot of kicks from the Three Stripes, this one feels a little bottom-heavy, a bit clunky at times but not bad at all when I’m actually playing. All those little hiccups are minimal and I don’t really think about them when it’s game time.

The D Rose 11 does feel a bit lighter than the 10th model and I never felt super duper heavy-footed, so no issues there. Not a lot of internal padding but the lining and material around the ankle still feels nice and comfy.

While there’s a bit of foam backing around the ankle area and on the tongue, the lack of proper heel notches (you know, those little pillows that stick out and cup your heel) probably has to do with the occasional heel slippage.

But once again, nothing crazy.

Overall, a decent-fitting shoe that probably won’t make anyone’s comfort or best-fitting list but one that’s totally doable and playable once you lace ’em up and get used to the shoe.

The D Rose 6 (especially the Primeknit version) is still the king in this category though, in my opinion.

IV. TRACTION

How’s the grip on various surfaces & conditions? Is dust/debris a factor? How long will the outsoles last?

 

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE

An outsole straight from the D Rose 7. Almost. But just so you know – that’s a very, very good thing. An aggressive traction pattern that bites the concrete like crazy, in whichever direction you throw yourself to.

This pattern just doesn’t care.

While the knobs are fairly dense, I rarely have dust sensitivity issues with adidas shoes, and the 11th Rose is no exception. If you’re not a big outsole wiper – you won’t have to develop the habit for this one. Yes, even outdoors.

For me, a quick wipe or two is all I need if I’m hooping on an older concrete surface, which I do occasionally when the synthetic rubber court I usually play on is wet from rain or I’m not able to go there.

So, deadly stops, snappy pops from a screen, lateral strides, you name it. This one’s got it.

I still don’t have the ability to test them indoors since the gyms are still closed in my area but the D Rose 7 performs just as well inside, so chances are the D Rose 11 is just as good.

Even almost as good means they’d be just fine.

OUTDOOR DURABILITY

While the pattern looks identical to the D Rose 7, I’m not sure if the actual rubber used is the same. The knobs feel a bit softer to the touch in comparison but this is still a solid outdoor option, even for regular play in the park.

Adidas tends to kill it with their rubber compounds, so most of their stuff is viable to play outdoors and will last for a long time.

I’m around 4 months in with these and all I’m doing is balling outside – they still grip just fine. The ball-of-the-foot area & the areas along the sides laterally are slightly burnt off but just like the Dame line, that barely affects the actual performance since the rubber can still catch your shiftiness just fine. Bravo!

V. CUSHION

How’s the impact absorption and bounce underfoot? What about the comfort, stability, and step strides of the midsole?

 

Full-length Lighstrike is a first for the D Rose line and I kinda like it. No, this is not the god-like Boost we’ve got on the D Rose 6 & 7 but I do think it’s a slight upgrade in performance from everything we got since the 7.

The heel is huge as you can see, and the looks don’t fool this time – there’s a TON of impact protection at the back. Great compression, each heel strike or step from the heel (which is something you shouldn’t do often but still) feels awesome. In an ideal world, I would’ve liked the heel to feel a bit “faster” but it’s not a big deal at all.

The rest of the midsole isn’t the same cloud-like awesomeness as the forefoot portion is caged, so Lightrike feels much more subdued there. Firm, low to the ground, and responsive. Exactly how a guard likes it.

This heavy contrast between the heel and forefoot feels super similar to the Dame 7, so if you’ve played in that shoe – expect a similar ride.

I do feel there’s a tad bit more feedback at the front when stacked against the Dame 7 though, albeit it’s definitely nothing crazy.

Takes a bit to get used to as the step motions initially feel a bit clunky. Don’t worry though. This normalizes and ends up feeling fine if you’re not thinking about it.

Speaking of step motions – the platform of the D Rose 11 is really damn flat.

No real offset between the heel and toe, no curvature at the front or back. Adidas is notorious for this, love it or hate it. It’s a dealbreaker for some, while for me it’s merely something to get used to. Which is exactly what I did and ended up feeling solid.

Still though, if you’re looking for those buttery smooth, lebron 19 -like heel-to-toe strides, you might be disappointed. Stability is top-notch here, sure, but lots of basketball shoes nowadays look and feel almost like runners.

The D Rose 11 brings us back to the older days – you can definitely tell this one’s a hoop shoe.

VI. SUPPORT

How’s the all-around security at the cost of mobility? What about lateral stability and foot containment?

 

All-around security is great in the D Rose 11.

Once again, if you’re used to adidas’s kicks – this shouldn’t come as a surprise. We’ve got an internal heel counter for heel & ankle lockdown, as well as an external heel piece that extends all the way up to the front, acting as a cage for your feet.

A callback to the old StableFrame days? Could be.

The platform of the shoe is very wide & flat, so stability is definitely on point. The midsole extends to the sides A LOT, acting as an outrigger for further stability. You’d have to land really awkwardly to roll an ankle in this one.

Torsional support is great as well, as the midsole is rigid enough to not cause any issues. A solid choice for a flat footer too. The lacing system is traditional but, once again, reminds us of the stuff adidas just refuses to look into and fix.

I’m talking about the constantly undoing laces. I think these laces are almost identical to the Dame 7 and they feel the same too.

I lace up the shoe, the laces immediately loosen up to a point, and then slowly go into loosy-goosy territory, causing me to stop and redo them on a regular basis.

Not completely deal-breaking but annoying nonetheless. I don’t understand how stuff like this makes it through the wear-testing phases. But besides the crappy laces/lacing system – support is great on the Rose 11.

Not going to overly complain here.

VII. THE BUILD

What are the materials used on the upper and how do they perform in action? How’s the build quality & durability so far?

 

BUILD OVERVIEW

The upper doesn’t really scream “signature” but that’s probably where the $20 price drop is reflected the most.

Most of the build is utilizing screen mesh that looks to be layered with a textile underneath. The toe area looks to be made of woven/fabric material and feels pretty good. The ankle collar uses a soft textile material.

PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY

This combo is far from premium but there’s no denying it gets the job done in giving you comfort, mobility, ventilation, and proper structure.

Yes, these should last a while even on the blacktop. And not to mention this upper barely requires any time to break in, even for a wide footer.

A couple of days were all I needed to feel the way these were intended to feel. The fit is not perfect as I’ve mentioned earlier but the materials aren’t at fault here.

Foot containment is fine as well, though the midfoot area did feel a bit flimsy at times. The roomier fit has to do with this sensation and I never slid out of the footbed so it’s not terrible.

Layered or not, this material being so thin means a 7-foot tank might feel iffy while cutting to the basket.

But then again, if you’re a 7-footer, you probably won’t be doing a lot of those. I personally didn’t feel the containment to be lacking, just felt a bit weird at times.

Thanks to that TPU cage, I was always able to stay confident and play the way I play, even if the build feels a little wonky sometimes.

Jordans 2022 products go on sale & on outlets fairly quickly, so you’ll surely be able to pick these up for under $120. But even at full retail, I don’t think it’s a bad deal. You’re getting Lightstrike, adidas’s flagship foam compound, and a solid all-around performer.

The material choices aren’t the luxury type but we’re pretty much used to this formula now. It’s all about staying light and comfy now, while a “premium” touch comes second.

The nature of today’s market – nothing we can do about it.

And adidas likely having a tighter budget to make these since we all know Rose’s “net value” has dropped over the years. The mainstream consumer just doesn’t care about the D-Rose line that much anymore.

Whatever it is – I don’t care. All I know is that it’s a decent deal.

VIII. OVERALL

Summarizing the D Rose 11 review: are they well-rounded? Is it a good buy amongst the competitors in this price range?

image source: adidas.com

The adidas D Rose 11 isn’t the spectacular release the D Rose 6 or 7 were a few years back but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad shoe. It’s a shoe not for everyone and you do have to be in line with Rose’s preferences here, like the entirely flat platform, for example.

QUICK RECAP

The shoe fits a bit long and EVERYONE should go half a size down for this one. Traction is deadly and easily among the strongest components of the shoe. Durability for outdoors is fine too. Lightstrike feels dynamic – lots of compression at the heel and responsive at the front.

Solid all-around support, unmatched stability but can feel a bit wonky, especially for a heavier, more explosive dude. The material choices aren’t premium but work just fine performance-wise. And this package for $120 – not bad.

The heel can be clunky as it’s a huge piece that could’ve been cut down in my opinion but that never caused me to want to throw these away.

Did the D Rose line return to its prime form? That would be a stretch. But there’s no denying it’s a good shoe, especially for boat-footers like myself.

IX. ALTERNATIVE SHOES

If you’re not sure whether to get the Rose 11 for one reason or another – take a look at your alternatives that might work even better

ADIDAS DAME 7, $100

If you want something similar-feeling to the Rose 11 but perhaps with a few tweaks for a faster, more mobile-feeling experience? I think the Dame 7 will definitely do the trick.

It’s still among my favorite adidas hoop shoes to play in, mainly due to how natural, yet sturdy the shoe feels on-foot and that cushy Lighstrike midsole. It definitely offers more pop than the D Rose 11 does.

ADIDAS D.O.N. ISSUE #3, $100

Yes, I think Donovan Michell’s D.O.N. Issue line is still the most attractive choice if you’re hooping on a budget and you’re an adidas fan.

The Issue #3 didn’t make a whole lot of changes from the last two models but it doesn’t have to. The shoe won’t exactly blow you away by its tech or feel but it will surely handle your basic basketball needs, such as comfort, stability, security, and feeling quick on your toes.