Air Jordan 36 Review: 2-Month Indoor & Outdoor Analysis

 Here’s something that might’ve taken the crown of the best basketball shoe of 2021 for some people. Presenting you my comprehensive Jordan 36 review where I’ll be putting the shoe through a variety of situations and giving you a detailed report.

I’ll break down the Air Jordan 36’s fit & comfort aspects, on-court performance indoors & outdoors, build quality & value for the $$$, versatility, and ultimately decide if it’s worth getting over the previous releases.

I. SPEC SHEET

click to inspect the full-sized image

II. 1-MIN REVIEW 

In a hurry? Here’s the short version: the 36th iteration of the flagship Air Jordan basketball shoe is looking like a success. It’s easily one of the best recent Air Jordan performance hoop shoes.

But the AJ 36 is as compact as it gets – don’t let the looks fool you. Wide footers should probably stay away from these, and others should try them on in-store if possible.

If not – TTS for narrow/neutral footers and up half a size for slight wide footers.

Traction was solid on all surfaces I’ve hooped on and these should also last outdoors as long as the previous shoes did, if not longer.

The addition of a full-length Zoom Strobel meant the AJ 36 is one of the most well-cushioned shoes in the lineup. The setup is versatile and comfortable but be aware of the forefoot Zoom Air unit that can cause a bit of tippiness while moving.

Support was excellent, and the Leno-Weave build combined jacquard with TPU which resulted in great durability, ventilation, and almost no break-in time but came at a slight cost of comfort.

If you’re non wide-footer, I don’t see how is this not an upgrade over the last few Air Jordan shoes if we’re talking performance.

III. FIT & COMFORT

How’s the sizing of the AJ 36? What about comfort? Anything else to know fit-wise?

SIZING GUIDE

Narrow, narrow, narrow…

I didn’t realize how compact the fit of the AJ 36s was until I put them on for the first time upon arriving at the mail in a size 10.5 US (half a size up from my usual choice).

It was surprisingly quick & easy to put these on but my jaw dropped once I laced them up and started walking around.

Length-wise, things are all good: I’ve got about a half-inch of space for the toes which I like. But width-wise and height-wise, not so good for my wide & thick feet.

The heel & midfoot portions felt decent albeit still a little tight but the toebox pretty much killed the experience for me.

My pinky toes were being jammed into the sides of the toebox, and the area right above the toes was hurting each time the shoe bent linearly. Not a good look.

Normally, I wouldn’t panic too much since a good portion of shoes break in and ultimately manage to provide at least an acceptable experience for my feet.

But here, the only components that broke in were the cushion, traction, and the midfoot plate. All of which helped the shoe feel more seamless but I just couldn’t break the upper in.

This Leno-Weave stuff they’re using throughout the upper is super minimal but it simply won’t budge. Not a few hours in, not a few days or even weeks.

Perhaps there’s a marginal difference vs. the shoe right out of the box but not enough to where I’d feel comfortable in these.

Bottom line: what you get is what you’ll stay with. Extremely weird to say that about a modern basketball shoe these days but the AJ 36 is here to shake things up.

Prominent wide footers like myself – honestly, skip these (stick with the AJ 34, 35, or check out this list instead). I never reached a point where I could play in the shoe comfortably. Some sessions resulted in numb pinky toes afterward, while others felt a little better but still suboptimal.

If you consider yourself just somewhat of a wide footer or a slight wide footer – my recommendation would be a half size up.

Neutral/narrow footers – true to size will provide the most secure experience for you but expect an extremely snug fit. If you don’t prefer that – a half size up is also an option.

TRYING THESE ON might be a necessity for some with the Air Jordan 36 because you won’t be able to stretch out the shoe’s stubborn upper almost at all.

If you have the ability to check these out in a live store – by any means, do so.

COMFORT

In terms of pure comfort for the feet – decent.

I’m definitely not the ideal hooper to constructively criticize comfort simply because my feet are pretty much incompatible with the shoe. It’s just too tiiiight as much as I wanted to love these.

But there would’ve been bright spots here if I didn’t have such huge feet. There’s adequate padding around the ankle & the tongue is nice and plush which sits next to the foot very comfortably.

The shoe is also really damn light. The Air Jordan line has seriously stepped up here with the last 3 models. Lightweight and Air Jordan didn’t typically appear in the same sentence.

But here, weight reduction is real. These feel quick, explosive, and fun to hoop in because of it.

But going back to the upper which is what wrecked things for me in the first place. Even if I was a normal/narrow footer – I still think this material that wraps around the foot is definitely not a very pleasant one.

It’s light, thin, and minimal, sure. But because of its TPU nature and pretty much zero stretching ability – the sensation of my foot coming in contact with the material upon a movement is a little irritating most of the time.

It just stops your foot in its tracks at all costs which means foot containment is impregnable here but unfortunately, this time it came at a cost of comfort.

I’m sure it’s a decent experience for a more average foot but I wouldn’t put these among the most comfortable basketball sneakers regardless.

IV. TRACTION

How’s the traction on a variety of courts? What about the reliability of the outsoles?

INDOOR PERFORMANCE

A group of us managed to rent a high school gym and play on a moderate-condition rubberized court. Not genuine hardwood but still not nearly as abrasive as an outdoor surface.

Let’s get it out of the way first – the AJ 36 is an indoor model. You could see this by inspecting the rubber thread of the outsoles which is just around 2 mm tall. Plus, a good portion of the colorways feature translucent outsoles.

But good ol’ herringbone traction pattern makes a return to the 36th sneaker and say what you want about the shoe’s outdoor capabilities – these outsoles will provide brilliant traction while it lasts.

It only took a couple of hours for the rubber to heat up and start moving more fluidly, so traction picked up too.

Accelerations, stops, cuts, jumps – every single movement was covered excellently. Even dirtier sports or areas with moisture didn’t cause any major slip-outs which tends to happen fairly often with a lot of other shoes.

I did wipe the outsoles down occasionally but mostly out of habit since I didn’t feel these required constant babysitting. You put ’em on – you’re good to go. Unless you’re hooping on a pre-war monstrosity of a court.

I still recommend cleaning your outsoles occasionally though. This way you’ll preserve healthy traction for longer on just about any shoe.

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE

Outside, I expected nothing less from the AJ 36 and it’s exactly what I got.

I hooped on asphalt which is an older, more banged-up court but I also took these to a rubberized court which is less abrasive than asphalt but still generates more friction than any indoor surface would.

Both courts – no problems. Grip was even deadlier due to more friction and I could pretty much forget about wiping if I wouldn’t be doing it out of habit.

The rubber court I play on outdoors has a few “dead” spots where the rubber layer is torn off and the layer underneath it is slippery. These were the only areas where I felt a decrease in traction on.

Completely normal though – happens with just about every shoe I try over there.

Now, just because this isn’t an outdoor model at its core doesn’t mean it won’t last a while outdoors.

While the thread of the traction pattern seems shorter than the previous AJ models, the actual rubber compound feels a bit stronger. Nothing crazy but I noticed a difference upon inspecting all three shoes up close.

I stopped playing outdoors with these after about a month of action and stuck to the gym afterward just to preserve this $185 feat. Traction still performs well but some of the areas of the outsole did undergo some damage.

There isn’t much of a dramatic reliability difference between the AJ 34, 35, and this one if I had to give you a practical estimate. It should last a season of outdoor hoops but I’m not sure about more than that.

V. CUSHION

How much impact absorption & energy return is here? What about midsole stability & ride height?

 

The Air Jordan 36 features a full-length Zoom Strobel stitched directly underfoot, a large forefoot Zoom Air unit under it and a Phylon midsole to top it all off. Easily my favorite aspect of the shoe.

Nelson from Hoop and Life describes this cushion in a way with which I agree wholeheartedly: it’s almost a hybrid of the AJ 34’s soft & plush setup and the AJ 35’s firmer & more responsive take.

But this shouldn’t have been a surprise since a lot of us now know what a proper Zoom Strobel can do when it runs from heel to toe.

It’s mad comfortable to hoop in but I never sink into it too much as the unit quickly bounces back, creating an explosive sensation upon each movement. It’s every bit of awesome.

Another benefit here is how surprisingly low to the ground I felt despite having this much cushion to work with. No, it’s not on a level of a Kyrie or a Curry shoe but still very responsive nonetheless.

Another thing I immediately noticed (and ESPECIALLY after things broke in) is how explosive and efficient my movements felt.

The additional Zoom unit resides right where my foot pushes off the ground and the 3rd iteration of the Eclipse plate is not only there to provide torsional rigidity but also to act as a propulsion bridge.

Things started off a bit stiff but a couple of sessions quickly broke in the plate as well as the midsole. Definitely a fantastic overall setup that’s both fun and effective to play in.

One thing that I’m sure other hoopers mentioned is the forefoot Zoom Air unit protruding out of the outsole and creating an unstable feeling up at the front when moving around.

I did notice that slight tippy feeling at times (especially when just moving linearly) but for me, it was never to a point where I’d clearly feel a compromise in stability.

I could feel it sometimes and not to say that I prefer it (of course I don’t) but it never got past that phase. I can still hoop effectively. How it’ll work out for you will depend on what kind of player you are.

If you’re heavier, more explosive, and tend to use your athletic traits – chances are you’ll be just as fine as I was because your generated force to the ground will push the Zoom unit to the ground more.

If you’re a light low-profile guard who always plays below the rim and needs the absolute maximum court feel & precision – then you might feel the presence of instability more.

But in that case, I don’t think an Air Jordan model should be your ideal choice in the first place.

VI. SUPPORT

Is the shoe supportive & safe to play in? How supportive vs. mobile do they play?

One thing adidas and Jordan brand has in common is that they never fail in making their performance footwear as supportive, secure, and stable as possible.

Minus the forefoot Zoom unit detail, everything simply works in the Air Jordan 36 support-wise.

The shoe features strong TPU internal heel counters for heel & ankle lockdown, midfoot Eclipse plates for torsional rigidity, and a widened forefoot base with midsoles protruding to the sides for further stability.

My foot also sits inside the midsole carrier somewhat, creating a very secure sensation no matter the movement. Plus, there are additional foam sidewalls rising from the midsole up to the upper and keeping the foot in place.

There’s also the so-called 2-loop band system which further pulls down your foot once pressure is applied to the laces.

But the real winner here is probably the upper. It’s pretty incredible how strong it is despite its minimal footprint. There’s simply no chance your foot is coming out of the footbed no matter your style or weight.

Now, for me, it was more of a chore to rule out the fit aspect to be able to subjectively analyze other areas for people that don’t have feet as wide as mine.

If only these would’ve been a bit wider and roomier – I could’ve actually enjoyed everything I’m describing here. While now, it was more of a chore to go through. My feet were getting killed in there.

VII. THE BUILD

What are the upper materials and how do they feel on foot? How’s foot containment? What about durability?

BUILD OVERVIEW

The Air Jordan 36 offers a Leno-Weave upper which is jacquard reinforced with TPU ribbons. The area around the lacing system and the bottom heel portion and the front of the toebox is overlayed with synthetic suede panels.

This colorway also features a synthetic ankle collar that’s padded with foam and lined with a very nice microfiber material.

The midfoot plate that connects the forefoot & heel is made from TPU, and the outsoles are of course purely out of rubber.

PERFORMANCE

Right away, I could really tell how much focus there was on performance rather than anything else. Not comfort, not feeling “one-to-one”. Just pure performance and it shows here.

This jacquard upper is super lightweight but it’s reinforced with TPU. The end result is unrivaled foot containment paired with feeling fast.

Another benefit is breathability. This build doesn’t have any extra layers under Leno-Weave, so I could literally see my socks through the shoes. I think that’s a first for me. Hoops under the sun shouldn’t be a problem with these.

These barely require any break-in time but this also comes at a cost. This TPU-reinforced fabric refuses to stretch. Almost at all.

Because of this, it’s definitely not the most comfortable shoe in the world and you won’t be able to transform the fit if something’s off initially.

My feet happened to not properly fit the shoe as it’s way too narrow for me. Pair that with an upper that doesn’t move at all and the experience turns from uncomfortable to a chore.

Even for those who are luckier with their foot anatomy, you shouldn’t expect an extremely comfortable, soft as butter shoe here. It works, but it’s all about performance here.

RELIABILITY

Like I often say, it’s almost impossible to determine a shoe’s long-term durability if you’ve only had it for a couple of months yourself.

However, looking at the AJ 36 now and comparing it to the previous two models – this is definitely not a downgrade in the reliability aspect of the build. Don’t get it twisted. It’s probably an upgrade which is insane to say about a fabric-based sneaker.

It’s not just any fabric though. Jacquard by itself is already a strong material that won’t break down on you quickly.

Add TPU ribbon weaving to it and the AJ 36 appears among the most durable modern hoop shoes available today. 2 months of my time with the shoes weren’t enough for any noticeable damage to occur.

The heel pull tab is a little weary, and the toebox (mainly the right shoe) is a bit scratched up due to push-offs and occasional toe drags. But that’s about it. The upper is doing very much alright and it’s not looking to change soon.

VIII. OVERALL

Closing out the Jordan 36 review with a recap and final conclusions

The Air Jordan 36 is a successful evolution from all of the previous releases and it shows. It’s a sneaker that has a big budget but all of it is crammed into performance and I LOVE that.

If only the construction of the shoe was a bit roomier, these could’ve replaced the PG 6 and a few others as one of my main options to hoop in.

If you really want to try out the shoe but you’re a wide footer like I am, I recommend finding a PF version of the shoe that should be built on a wider last.

QUICK RECAP

The AJ 36 offers an extremely secure fit but most of you will be better off trying these in-store if you can. NOT an option for prominent wide footers.

Traction was nothing short of fantastic, even on a slightly dustier floor. These should also last some time outdoors but keep in mind it’s not an outdoor model.

The Zoom Strobel + forefoot Zoom Air did their thing in delivering bounce, impact protection, and responsiveness but some players (especially those that are lighter) might notice the protruding forefoot unit causing some instability.

All-around security is top-notch, while the Leno-Weave build is light but very strong. This is not a luxury type of build or one that’s focused on making your feet feel like they’re being hugged by pillows. Performance is key here.

I really do think it’s a solid upgrade over the AJ 35 since some annoyances like arch pain are fixed, and weight has been further reduced. Movement propulsion is even more aggressive and traction is just as good.

Move Game Day vs. Game Day Pro: Which One Should YOU Get?

 Co-founded by the one and only Damian Lillard, the Move performance insoles have been getting a ton of praise and attention. For what’s supposed to be a versatile solution from casual wearers all the way to high-level athletes – let’s quickly go over both versions of these insoles if you’re in the middle of choosing.

I’ll break down the specifications and differences between the Move Game Day and Game Day Pro options, compare my basketball experiences with both, detail the pros & cons, and evaluate which one is better for YOU.

MOVE INSOLES: THE SPECS

Here are the defining specifications of both versions & main differences

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Both the Game Day and the Game Day Pro have a similar set of core features that make them both suitable for a lot of different wearers.

Either of the insoles share details such as an anti-friction cloth surface to prevent slippage, an EVA heel crash pad that adds some heel cushion but also reinforces heel stability, and also the same grippy forefoot portion that makes sure the insole or your foot doesn’t budge inside the shoe.

You’ll also get the same anti-odor properties with each variant, and you’ll be able to freely choose the size based on your shoes with both options.

However, there are a few defining differences between the Move Game Day and the Move Game Day Pro.

The regular Game Day insole is priced at $39.99 which is the more affordable option, while the Pro ups the ante with its $59.99 price tag.

For cushioning, both insoles feature a dual-density foam setup but it’s not entirely the same.

The regular Game Day offers the so-called DS37 Energyfoam for the top layer and Shockfree foam as the bottom layer of cushion.

The top layer is where most of the step comfort comes from, while the bottom layer of Shockfree foam mostly handles impact protection, as well as making the insole a bit more resilient.

The Game Day Pro, however, yields an altered setup in terms of cushion.

The top portion utilizes Pulsion Energyfoam, while the bottom layer features Shockfree. Overall, this is a slightly firmer setup with less air inside the foam which means it’ll last longer, and provide a bit more stability.

The shape is another difference between the two insoles. While the framework of both options is nearly identical, the Game Day Pro has a noticeably more pronounced arch area.

But the most defining area of difference is the midfoot plate that takes care of torsional rigidity and movement propulsion.

The Game Day insole features a very lightweight & flexible midfoot plate that’s made of EVA foam, so expect minimal structure.

The Game Day Pro steps things up here: the plate is mostly made of nylon in a way that mimics carbon fiber.

The end result is stronger torsional rigidity, and more aggressive step propulsion but also a stiffer sensation underfoot.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE GAME DAY

Here’s how I felt during my time with the Move Game Day insoles on the basketball court

I’m a wide footer who’s got a thick foot in general but my arch is neutral. I primarily tested the Move Game Day insole for about a week of outdoor basketball, and the two shoes I’ve hooped in were the adidas Dame 8 and the Nike Kyrie Low 4.

Honestly, shoving the insole into the shoes and stepping on the court for the first time felt natural right away.

The insole isn’t overly structured, it’s lightweight, it barely needed an hour or so for the shape to conform to my feet, and the overall experience was great. Nothing super special or revolutionary but still really damn nice.

Granted, the Dame 8 is already a fantastic basketball sneaker in my book, so it’s not like it needed much of a boost in terms of cushion or support.

But I did immediately start noticing the added plushness of each step and each heel-to-toe stride feeling even smoother than it was without the insole.

The materials did their job in making sure my feet are staying in place and my socks aren’t shifting on top of the insole. My feet weren’t getting any hotter than they would without the Game Day inside either.

For a well-rounded shoe such as the Dame 8, the Game Day insole was merely a slight comfort booster than anything else.

For the Kyrie Low 4 which is a much more minimal sneaker – that’s where the added benefits became much clearer.

I’m not a fan of the Kyrie Low 4’s almost dead-feeling cushion, so the Game Day insole worked wonders here.

Don’t expect the ride to go from minimal to mad bouncy though – this isn’t what the insole is about. It’s supposed to complement the performance of your footwear and it’s exactly what it did for me here.

Each step felt more pleasant, and the addition of a bit more shock absorption also helped my feet and legs feel fresher during longer sessions. But again, we’re not talkin’ night-and-day differences here.

The Kyrie Low 4 is also a pretty minimal shoe in terms of support.

They lack a proper midfoot plate but even though the regular Game Day insole offers some extra torsional rigidity, I barely felt a difference that would mean something on the court.

The main benefits here are undoubtedly comfort and upgraded impact absorption. If you feel like your shoes are lacking in these areas and you’re not able to purchase another pair – this is where the Game Day could prove beneficial to you.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE GAME DAY PRO

Here’s how I felt during my time with the Move Game Day Pro insoles on the basketball court

For the Pro version of the Move insole, the premise was the same: about a week of playing time in the Nike PG 6 & Kyrie Low 4 (mainly outdoors).

I can tell you that the Pro version immediately felt different from the regular one. In a nutshell, I could actually feel that it’s there sitting inside the shoe vs. the Game Day kind of feeling as an extension of the shoe.

Now, before I could constructively judge the performance of this insole, I should mention it took a bit longer to break in the torsional plate as well as soften up the slightly denser foam compounds.

A few hours were needed for the insoles to start feeling as intended but the end result still differed from the original variant.

The Move Game Day Pro didn’t offer as much plushness, so while each step I took still felt a tad bit comfier, it wasn’t as noticeable.

What did remain intact is shock absorption. Despite not really feeling as much cushion, my legs weren’t any more fatigued than they would with the original Game Day, even during a drawn-out game or session.

But the added structure of the Game Day Pro is where things were shaken up the most.

I can definitely appreciate the focus on providing movement propulsion thanks to the midfoot plate but I felt like the added torsional rigidity got in the way for me.

For a 175 lbs player like myself, I felt like the insole was a bit too stiff for my liking. Even with the Kyrie Low 5(which has weak torsional coverage), I didn’t think things were as comfy as they were with the Game Day.

Another slight caveat was the altered fit. This wasn’t apparent with the Dame 8 but the Kyrie Low 4 was already feeling tight for my thick feet. Shoving a fairly beefy insole only added fuel to the fire.

I was feeling more foot suffocation laterally and medially and while the shoe’s materials stretched out further, the experience wasn’t ideal. I’m sure it would be much better for someone with a more neutral foot shape though.

Make sure to pick the right pair of kicks for the Game Day Pro as it does add a bit more bulk.

MOVE INSOLES: WHICH ONE IS FOR YOU

A cheat sheet of who I think will benefit from either version the most

Having played in both versions of the Move insole, I still stand by the fact that it’s a well-rounded product.

But the regular Game Day option is likely the more versatile choice if we’re talking about recreational hoopers or amateur athletes like myself.

The Game Day is best for those who are looking to upgrade the performance of their footwear, mainly in the cushion & comfort departments since there’s not a lot going on in terms of support.

In terms of foot shape, the regular option is best for a neutral arch or a flatter one. I don’t think either insole is an ideal solution for severe plantar fasciitis (check out the Superfeet insoles for that) but the Game Day will do better here.

Also, those with mild cases of heel tendinitis could benefit from both insoles since the heel crash pad definitely reinforces shock absorption in that area. You’ll be stable and well-cushioned.

Now, the Game Day Pro is definitely more suitable for heavier and/or more explosive hoopers who generate a lot of force to the ground.

I think anyone that’s lighter and plays in a low-profile manner will find the torsional plate getting in the way.

Those with a higher foot arch than usual could also think about the Pro option since it has a more pronounced arch portion that’ll be stable and well-supported.

And lastly, this could be applied to just about any cushioned insole: if you’re looking to preserve your basketball shoe midsoles intact for as long as possible, shoving a high-quality aftermarket insole will absolutely do the trick in shielding the midsole from excessive shock.

CONCLUSIONS

The Move Game Day & Game Day pro insoles are awesome, but are they worth your $$$?

The Move Game Day insoles are one of the products that are filling the gap in the market.

We simply don’t have many well-rounded performance insoles for basketball shoes with this much value, at the fraction of the cost that you’d pay for a custom orthotic.

It’s not for everyone (especially the Pro version) but higher-level athletes or experienced hoopers that fit the criteria could absolutely benefit from the 60-dollar Game Day Pro.

For just about anyone else, the Game Day is a great addition to any hoop shoe if you’re looking for more comfort and supplemental cushion.

I personally really enjoyed my time with the original Game Day as I felt it was a natural extension of the shoe.

You might not notice a dramatic difference if you’re already very much satisfied with your sneakers but if you feel like you want to get a bit more uuumph from your kicks – this is a very solid addition.

You can get your own pair of Move insoles exclusively on the brand’s page.

Skechers Razor Excess 2 Performance Review

 The Skechers Razor Excess 2 is a carbon fiber plated, max cushion running shoe following in the footsteps of the original (and well-reviewed) Razor Excess. Skechers sent pairs for both Tyler and Drew and they’ve put in the miles. This is their review.

Tyler: Meh. That’s what I have to say about the Razor Excess 2. Drew can attest, but I was beyond giddy when I heard that these arrived at Dunk 2022. After really enjoying both the Skechers GOrun Max Road 5 in 2021, as well as the GOrun Razor 3 (chef’s kiss) back in 2018, I assumed that the Razor Excess 2 would follow-suit and be another great experience with Skechers. Not so much.

Drew: The Skechers Razor Excess 2 does some things I really like and some things I don’t. This review is going to touch on everything so you see if any of the cons are dealbreakers.

Skechers Razor Excess 2

Release Date: May 2022

Price: $140

Weight: M 7.9 oz, W 6.5 oz

Drop: 4mm (30mm forefoot, 34mm heel)

Sizing: True to size

• Rundown: A peppy, breathable, and fun shoe with solid Goodyear traction but an uncomfortable toebox.

Pros

• Price
• Hyperburst Cushion
• Looks

Cons

• Fit
• Toebox

Pros

Price

Tyler: At $135, you’re getting a lightweight uptempo (or daily) shoe that includes a carbon-infused forefoot H-plate, Goodyear outsole and a mighty-fine looking design, no matter what colorway you choose. While it didn’t deliver what I wanted, the cost alone was enticing enough to roll the dice.

Drew: Skechers is bringing the competitive pricing despite post pandemic inflationary concerns. I gotta hand it to them as that’s much needed.

Hyperburst Cushioning

Tyler: For all my nitpicks on this shoe, the one area I can’t shoot down is the midsole. Hyperburst, Skechers carbonated EVA foam, is resilient, light and extremely responsive. Give me more!

Drew: I’ve tried Hyperburst several times and it’s always peppy. Especially when paired with the H-plate in the forefoot, the Skechers Razor Excess 2 pops. I love it when bouncy foams like Hyperburst are used on daily trainers. It just makes it a little easier to log the endless miles of a typical marathon training schedule.

Looks

Tyler: Since the inception of Skechers resurgence in the running world, their designs have been spot on (ok, ok, the Razor 3’s overlay was a little over-the-top). With enough color and pop to catch eyes, they balance that with simple executions and understated branding.

Drew: Skechers is always going to try interesting upper ideas. This one is a play on the various animal-esque prints they’ve done previously. While I don’t love it, I do appreciate that they take risks unlike some of the more boring running brands.

Cons

Fit

Tyler: I don’t know where to start. There’s a lot going on with the shoe that didn’t accommodate my relatively normal foot. The combination of the Arch Fit insole, 4mm drop and Hyper Arc rocker bottom all led to a fit that felt like my heel wasn’t fully in the shoe and my midfoot was tightened down for dear life.

Drew: For me, the lockdown was fine and I enjoyed the drop and rocker. The Arch Fit insole is weird though. It felt odd on my right foot for two runs before it broke in and felt fairly normal. To start, it feels a lot like the arch of the original Nike React Infinity Run. The extra arch support on the Skechers Razor Excess 2 may work well for flat footers that need a lot of arch support.

Toebox

Tyler: RIP pinky toes. I can not believe how narrow the forefoot of this shoe is. With the fit issues stated above, my foot felt so constricted during my initial run that I chalked it up to needing a period of break in. After about 12-15 miles in the shoes, it became evident that these weren’t planning on opening up at all. As a last-ditch effort, I yanked the insoles out (props for an easily removable insole) and threw in a pair of standard insoles from another pair of daily runners. While that did open up the fit slightly, it wasn’t enough for me to change my mind.

Drew: The forefoot narrows precipitously. I made it work but I didn’t love the feeling. I can’t recommend this shoe for wide footers as even going up a half size won’t solve the issue.

Skechers Razor Excess 2 Summary

Tyler: I was so excited and hopeful for the Skechers Razor Excess 2, but this just isn’t a shoe that jives with me, nor would I recommend it to most runners. If you’re looking for an uptempo, lightweight and poppy shoe, I’d set my sights on something like the KD 15 or Hoka Mach Supersonic.

Drew: The Skechers Razor Excess 2 is a peppy, breathable, fun shoe with solid Goodyear traction. But the narrow forefoot fit is going to annoy a lot of people. If the fit doesn’t bother you, you’ll get a right-priced tempo-ready shoe.

Under Armour HOVR Tour SL Performance Review

 Despite the uninspiring name, the Under Armour HOVR Tour SL is far from an underwhelming and generic performer.

Under Armour’s footprint on TOUR is fairly small compared to the likes of Nike Dunk, Adidas, FJ, and Puma, but after giving these bad boys a run, there’s absolutely no reason why the Under Armour HOVR Tour SL shouldn’t be in your golf bag.

The awesome, futuristic look drew me in, but the performance kept me coming back. With that being said, let’s take an in-depth look at the HOVR Tour SL.

Under Armour HOVR Tour SL

Release Date: March 2022

Price: $180

Weight: 13.3oz

Sizing: True to size

• Rundown: Great looks, solid traction, and a comfortable knit upper bolster the performance of this shoe.

Pros

• IntelliKnit Upper
• Traction
• HOVR Cushion

Cons

• Lockdown

Pros

IntelliKnit Upper

The Under Armour HOVR Tour SL features an all-knit upper, something UA calls IntelliKnit. The IntelliKnit upper was designed to provide a unique combination of stretch, lockdown, breathability, and comfort.

Marketing ploy? No way. I found these claims to be absolutely true. From the first time I put these on, I found the IntelliKnit upper to be extremely comfortable. I loved the stretchy feel. On top of feeling comfortable, the upper did a good job at fitting more snuggly where it needed to.

Often with knits, there is worry about the material being too stretchy, but I found the IntelliKnit upper a perfect combo of flexibility, stretchability, and rigidity (if that makes sense). It held me in place, but in a gentle, comfortable way.

On top of that, because the Under Armour HOVR Tour SL is made primarily of the IntelliKnit, the shoes were very breathable, which I love. Right now in Arizona, we’re hitting well over 100 degrees, so I need maximum breathability. The HOVR Tour SL absolutely fits the bill.

Traction

The Under Armour HOVR Tour SL features a spikeless TPU outsole with injected soft rubber nubs placed where more flexibility is needed.

UA’s goal? Make a spikeless shoe with the traction of a spiked one. They accomplished this feat with what they call “UA Rotational Resistance Traction”.

The combination of the rigid, TPU nubs and the injected softer nubs did in fact provide plenty of traction. I took these on a trip to Utah where it’s been a little wetter than Arizona and experienced more of the same.

When going after a drive on a longer Par 5, or hitting off of an awkward lie for my second shot into a Par 4, I felt completely confident in the setup. The only time my feet moved is when I wanted them too. That’s the sign of a good traction pattern.

Admittedly I expected great things out of these, mainly because the pattern looks very similar to the FootJoy Flex that I reviewed a few weeks back. I wasn’t disappointed.

Need something to keep you planted in wet or dry conditions while maintaining the low-key looks and feel of a spikeless shoe? This should be your go-to.

HOVR Cushion

I’ve never experienced HOVR before, which might be weird to some. I stopped playing in UA basketball shoes back when they still used Charged, so this was a new experience for me.

The HOVR midsole was good, not great. My personal preference for golf shoe cushions is firm but comfortable. I found the HOVR to be plenty firm. The firmness helps transfer energy from your back leg to your front leg during the downswing because it keeps your foot stable. I don’t want to feel like I’m sinking into the shoe when I transfer my weight to that side, so that’s why firmness is important to me.

And as a decent-sized human, the comfort side of things is important, too. I want some comfort, and I don’t want my feet to hurt after the round (not asking much here). These provided adequate comfort, but nothing to really write home about.

Because the HOVR cushion checked most of the boxes for me, I’m still calling it a win in the cushion department. You aren’t going to be disappointed by these, but won’t be blown away. Nonetheless, I’m not complaining. The low-profile cushion is probably the preference for some of you!

Cons

Lockdown

My biggest annoyance with the Under Armour HOVR Tour SL is the lockdown. Despite these fitting true to size, I found myself experiencing quite a bit of heel slippage…something you just can’t have when you’re making powerful moves in the golf swing.

Maybe it’s due to the non-traditional lacing system, or the shape of the heel cup, but my heel was just moving all over the place anytime I walked or swung a club.

I can’t say that this caused me to play any worse than normal, but it was quite irritating, and for sure didn’t HELP my performance. With that being said though, maybe if you have a wider foot you’ll find these to fit a little more snuggly!

Under Armour HOVR Tour SL Summary

Despite the minor lockdown issues of the Under Armour HOVR Tour SL, I’ve had an extremely hard time reaching for any other pair when I head out to the course. As I mentioned at the beginning, the awesome looks drew me in, but the performance has me hooked.

If I could sum up the KD 15, I would say that it’s a great-looking shoe with spikeless traction that punches above its weight, a fantastic knit upper, and cushioning that doesn’t hold it back.

If you can swallow the possible lockdown issues and the fairly steep $180 price tag, I’d say snatch up a pair of these immediately!

 

Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Performance Review

 The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 is the latest entry in Reebok’s under-the-radar, high-performing, budget-friendly everyday running shoe line. Having run in and enjoyed both the Energy 2 and Energy 3, I was excited when I found out Reebok was sending them.

When they got delivered, I absolutely loved the white/cream/iridescent colorway Reebok sent. I’ve actually rocked them a fair bit casually during my review process. They handle casual wear easily and comfortably, but that’s not why you’re here. You’re here to find out how they run…

Reebok Floatride Energy 4

Release Date: March 2022

Price: $110

Weight: M 8.9oz, W 7.3oz

Drop: 9mm (17.5mm forefoot, 26.5mm heel)

Sizing: True to Size

• Rundown: A smooth, comfortable, and nicely cushioned running shoe that easily outperforms its price point.

Pros

• Floatride Midsole
• Smooth Rocker
• Comfortable Upper

Cons

• Crappy Pull Tabs
• Slippy Tongue

Pros

Floatride Midsole

Floatride Energy foam is Reebok’s premier cushion and the main attraction any time it’s included in a shoe. The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 is no exception. While the Floatride started out a little firmer than normal, it broke in well.

There’s not a ton of Floatride underfoot, which is how Reebok can get the jordan 1 visionaire to such a competitive price point. But that’s also the beauty of Floatride, you don’t need very much to get a solid cushioning experience. Think of it as slightly firmer than Boost but still providing a nice bounce and very good impact protection.

Smooth Rocker

Reebok calls their rocker Engineered Bevel. The heel and forefoot both swoop up from the ground in an arc-like way to keep your stride smooth. It works very well. A good rocker motion works hand in hand with the cushion to prevent jarring impact as the foot contacts the ground. Reebok’s makes the motion feel very effortless.

Comfortable Upper

From the outside, the Reebok Floatride Energy 4’s Speed Shift upper feels a bit rough. It worried me at first…but on foot, it feels great. Part of why it feels good is the mesh inner lining and part of it is the material’s malleability. Nike KD 15 uses the large iridescent logos, consisting of both sewn in pieces and overlays, to provide ample support along both the lateral and medial sides of the shoe. The construction and location of the support pieces help keep the foot on the footbed.

In addition to the comfort and support, there are no potential hotspots. If we’re nitpicking, which we often do, the heel collar could use some more foam padding. But what’s included is about what’s expected on a shoe with a $110 price point.

Cons

Crappy Pull Tabs

The pull tabs look fine but they’re poorly sewn along the top edge. After about two weeks of using them to pull the shoes on and off, one of them detached along the top side. I had a dangly pull tab on one shoe until I surgically removed both pull tabs. It doesn’t affect performance, just looks. If you buy them, don’t use the pull tabs to pull the shoes onto your feet or they’ll eventually fail and you’ll need to cut them off.

Slippy Tongue

This one is strange. The Reebok Floatride Energy 4s tongue is gusseted and includes a lace pass-through loop but still slips a bit to the side. It won’t happen to everyone, but if you often get tongue slippage while you run, it will happen to you. Other than the slippage issue, the tongue is great. It’s nicely padded down the middle, light, and comfortable. But slippy tongues are annoying so I always point it out when it happens.

Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Summary

The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 is a smooth, comfortable, and nicely cushioned running shoe that easily outperforms its price point. $110 for this shoe is a very good deal. It’s a great shoe for beginners and budget shoppers. And the best part is, you’re not giving up much versus shoes priced $30-$40 more.

Skechers Razor Excess 2 Performance Review

 The Skechers Razor Excess 2 is a carbon fiber plated, max cushion running shoe following in the footsteps of the original (and well-reviewed) Razor Excess. Skechers sent pairs for both Tyler and Drew and they’ve put in the miles. This is their review.

Tyler: Meh. That’s what I have to say about the Razor Excess 2. Drew can attest, but I was beyond giddy when I heard that these arrived at kd10sale. After really enjoying both the Skechers GOrun Max Road 5 in 2021, as well as the GOrun Razor 3 (chef’s kiss) back in 2018, I assumed that the Razor Excess 2 would follow-suit and be another great experience with Skechers. Not so much.

Drew: The Skechers Razor Excess 2 does some things I really like and some things I don’t. This review is going to touch on everything so you see if any of the cons are dealbreakers.

Skechers Razor Excess 2

Release Date: May 2022

Price: $140

Weight: M 7.9 oz, W 6.5 oz

Drop: 4mm (30mm forefoot, 34mm heel)

Sizing: True to size

• Rundown: A peppy, breathable, and fun shoe with solid Goodyear traction but an uncomfortable toebox.

Pros

• Price
• Hyperburst Cushion
• Looks

Cons

• Fit
• Toebox

Pros

Price

Tyler: At $135, you’re getting a lightweight uptempo (or daily) shoe that includes a carbon-infused forefoot H-plate, Goodyear outsole and a mighty-fine looking design, no matter what colorway you choose. While it didn’t deliver what I wanted, the cost alone was enticing enough to roll the dice.

Drew: Skechers is bringing the competitive pricing despite post pandemic inflationary concerns. I gotta hand it to them as that’s much needed.

Hyperburst Cushioning

Tyler: For all my nitpicks on this shoe, the one area I can’t shoot down is the midsole. Hyperburst, Skechers carbonated EVA foam, is resilient, light and extremely responsive. Give me more!

Drew: I’ve tried Hyperburst several times and it’s always peppy. Especially when paired with the H-plate in the forefoot, the Skechers Razor Excess 2 pops. I love it when bouncy foams like Hyperburst are used on daily trainers. It just makes it a little easier to log the endless miles of a typical marathon training schedule.

Looks

Tyler: Since the inception of Skechers resurgence in the running world, their designs have been spot on (ok, ok, the Razor 3’s overlay was a little over-the-top). With enough color and pop to catch eyes, they balance that with simple executions and understated branding.

Drew: Skechers is always going to try interesting upper ideas. This one is a play on the various animal-esque prints they’ve done previously. While I don’t love it, I do appreciate that they take risks unlike some of the more boring running brands.

Cons

Fit

Tyler: I don’t know where to start. There’s a lot going on with the shoe that didn’t accommodate my relatively normal foot. The combination of the Arch Fit insole, 4mm drop and Hyper Arc rocker bottom all led to a fit that felt like my heel wasn’t fully in the shoe and my midfoot was tightened down for dear life.

Drew: For me, the lockdown was fine and I enjoyed the drop and rocker. The Arch Fit insole is weird though. It felt odd on my right foot for two runs before it broke in and felt fairly normal. To start, it feels a lot like the arch of the original Nike React Infinity Run. The extra arch support on the Skechers Razor Excess 2 may work well for flat footers that need a lot of arch support.

Toebox

Tyler: RIP pinky toes. I can not believe how narrow the forefoot of this shoe is. With the fit issues stated above, my foot felt so constricted during my initial run that I chalked it up to needing a period of break in. After about 12-15 miles in the shoes, it became evident that these weren’t planning on opening up at all. As a last-ditch effort, I yanked the insoles out (props for an easily removable insole) and threw in a pair of standard insoles from another pair of daily runners. While that did open up the fit slightly, it wasn’t enough for me to change my mind.

Drew: The forefoot narrows precipitously. I made it work but I didn’t love the feeling. I can’t recommend this shoe for wide footers as even going up a half size won’t solve the issue.

Skechers Razor Excess 2 Summary

Tyler: I was so excited and hopeful for the Skechers Razor Excess 2, but this just isn’t a shoe that jives with me, nor would I recommend it to most runners. If you’re looking for an uptempo, lightweight and poppy shoe, I’d set my sights on something like the Jordan 1 Yellow Toe or Nike KD 15.

Drew: The Skechers Razor Excess 2 is a peppy, breathable, fun shoe with solid Goodyear traction. But the narrow forefoot fit is going to annoy a lot of people. If the fit doesn’t bother you, you’ll get a right-priced tempo-ready shoe.

How to Make Basketball Shoes STICKY: Improve and Maintain Traction

 Strong and consistent traction is arguably the most important element in a basketball shoe. If the contact between the shoe’s sole and the court isn’t tacky enough at all times – the rest of the shoe’s aspects are lost in the midst of you slipping all over the place. Today, I’ll be talking about methods on how to make basketball shoes sticky.

We’ll be breaking down as to why basketball shoes lose traction over time, how to understand the difference between deteriorating traction and a shoe with just bad traction in general, ways to maintain and improve grip on the court and I’ll also be throwing some extra tips.

Let’s get rolling!

HOW A SHOE GRADUALLY LOSES GRIP

So let’s start off with breaking down the exact reasons as to how and why you experience progressively worse traction on the court in a basketball shoe.

Some of this will sound quite obvious for some of you, however, I feel like it’s still being overlooked and in result, mostly blamed on the shoe when you start slipping all of a sudden.

Sure, there are shoes with straight-up bad traction, to begin with, but you have to know the difference.

Let’s say you bought a pair of kd 15 that you’re planning on playing for a long period of time.

The first few months in, they feel fantastic, the shoe is great overall and the outsole bites the floor like crazy, you have zero complaints.

8-10 months in, and you all of a sudden start feeling not as confident while playing in the shoes, the bite of the outsole is not as strong and you’re starting to slip on more aggressive movements occasionally.

The traction is not as consistent and not as strong, and it’s getting worse until the point when you’re sliding all over the place, not having a clue what’s going on.

This is a very common scenario actually, and deteriorating traction performance is mainly a result of 3 factors: unreliable rubber compound of the shoe’s outsole, not optimal traction pattern of the shoe’s outsole, and a poor condition court that’s being played on.

THE RUBBER COMPOUND: MAKE OR BREAK

The very first thing you should pay attention to when it comes to assessing a basketball shoe’s traction is the rubber used on the outsole.

The rubber compound used on the shoe can oftentimes be a make or break factor in terms of grip and its longevity.

Shallow, thin rubber that’s pliable will break down quickly and you’ll start slipping with a blink of an eye.

It’s usually best to inspect a shoe live or at least read a quality shoe review, so you’d be able to find out if the shoe’s rubber on the outsole is durable.

Thicker, less pliable rubber will come a long way in serving you for longer, no matter the court condition.

You can apply as many tricks as you want, if a shoe’s rubber is burned due to it being unreliable, there’s nothing to be done there – a new pair of kicks will be unavoidable.

To combat this at least somewhat, stay away from outdoor courts if a shoe seems to have shallow, soft rubber. Stick with indoor courts which should help preserve the rubber and increase longevity.

Aside from the thickness and shallowness of the rubber, the actual type of rubber compound used is just as important.

You can mainly notice four types of rubber being used on shoes’ outsoles: solid/traditional, multi-colored, translucent, and XDR (for outdoor use).

The most common types today are solid and translucent rubber compounds, with certain shoes coming in multicolor variants.

Even though it’s commonly known that the standard or solid one-color rubber is generally the most reliable and effective on most courts, translucent outsoles are becoming more and more common and with that – gradually better.

Translucent outsoles literally used to be throwaway type traction, mainly due to the fact that it wasn’t as advanced and would break down much quicker than solid rubber would, not to mention it wouldn’t bite the floor as hard.

Well, times are changing and you no longer should be as concerned when looking at shoes with translucent outsoles. I’ve had plenty of shoes with translucent or semi-translucent outsoles that performed and lasted a long time, so what used to be a fact has pretty much turned into a misconception.

Still though, if I had to choose between solid rubber, multicolor and translucent rubber to put on the same shoe, I’d still go with the good old solid rubber compound. It’s still technically the most reliable option with the least amount of poor performing models released throughout the years.

THE TRACTION PATTERN: DIRECT EFFECT ON TRACTION

It all starts with the rubber being used but the rubber has to be used efficiently to provide multi-directional coverage for the player, no matter the court, movement, or any factor that can come into play.

With that comes the design of the traction pattern. The lines, blades, lines, and all sorts of shapes you see on a shoe’s outsole is called the traction pattern and usually, every single groove has its purpose.

The design of that pattern has a direct effect on how well the shoe bites the floor, how consistent the bite is, and how prone the outsole is to collecting dust on the court.

This means that the denser the pattern is, meaning more tightly spaced, the more trouble you’ll generally have with dust and other particles picked up from the court by the outsole.

On the other hand, make the pattern too spaced out and you risk of losing traction, as well as consistency. It’s a very fine line shoe designers have to achieve to make high-quality traction.

So, if you notice that you’re experiencing worse traction overtime but the rubber compound seems to still be in good condition, chances are, the traction pattern picked up a lot of dust or other particles inside the grooves, resulting in slipping and decreased performance.

A quick wipe or two of the outsole with a sweaty or wet hand will fix this for a while but if it’s kinda going out of control – it’s likely the traction pattern to blame. You’ll want to make sure to stick with a pattern that’s not too dense and all over the place – this usually leads to high sensitivity to dust.

Over the years, several different traction patterns have become staples in lots of shoes released throughout the years.

One of them being the herringbone traction pattern. It’s easily the most common pattern you’ll see on a performance basketball sneaker and for good reason – it’s still perceived as one of the most reliable, effective, and consistent patterns today.

A good example of a recent shoe with this pattern choice is the Air Jordan 36 (a FANTASTIC basketball shoe by the way).

I would generally recommend going with this option if you can – pretty much all shoe stores/retailers will let you know if the shoe sports the classic herringbone.

THE COURT: KEEP IT CLEAN!

Now I know a lot of you don’t have 24/7 access to a pristine condition gym. Some of you probably play on a high school court, while some of you might be hooping in a dusty 24-hour fitness court or a park outside.

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The reason I’m saying this is because the court you play on also has a direct effect on the shoe’s traction and whether you experience that sticky feel or not. The cleaner the court is, the better traction you’ll experience.

Old, dirty courts will result in quicker dust buildup in the shoe’s outsole, which results in slipping. Or you might be playing outdoors on concrete, which means rocks and other debris will come into play, causing weaker traction.

Of course, most of the time – you cannot control this factor if you don’t own your own space to play in but it’s worth taking this factor into account when it comes to assessing the traction of a shoe.

Your shoe’s condition might still be great, the rubber isn’t worn out, the traction pattern used is reliable and not prone to collecting debris but you’re still sliding all over the place. Well, it’s time to take a good look at the court you’re playing on, and if possible, do something about it.

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HOW TO MAINTAIN STRONG TRACTION

Now that we broke down the meat of the factors that go into designing and assessing the shoe’s traction, let’s talk about some stuff you can do to preserve good traction for as long as possible.

Note, if your shoe’s rubber is quickly burning out, or the outsole is picking up dust like crazy – there’s hardly anything you can do about that. The first step is to make sure the shoe does its job properly – which is why you need to assess that part first, before jumping into other solutions.

A QUICK WIPE OR TWO HELPS WONDERS!

Putting your hand and swiping across the shoe’s sole is the GOAT when it comes to a quick traction fix. Ideally, you’d want to dip your hand into the water but if you can’t do that in the middle of a game, a quick wipe with your hand will still do the trick.

The most common debris that builds up inside the shoe’s traction is dust and that means you can easily take care of that residue by wiping it off. This will be your go-to weapon if your shoe and/or court causes lots of buildup over a short period of time.

RINSE AND CLEAN

Despite the fact that a quick wipe helps a lot, you’ll still want to make sure you’re cleaning and taking care of the shoe’s outsole periodically (along with cleaning the shoe itself as well). A wipe won’t take care of the dust or rocks that built up deeper into the traction pattern. The outsole will also become less sticky due to it being simply dirty.

When you notice leftover debris inside the Jordan 1 Retro Yellow Toe that’s been there for a while, it’s probably time to clean the outsole.

Get a shoe bristle brush or a toothbrush, dip it into a mix of water and laundry detergent, and rinse the outsole ’till it’s clean. For anything that doesn’t get out, get yourself a toothpick, and take care of the rest. Make sure to wipe the outsole off with a dry cloth or paper towel, don’t leave the sole wet.

This will come a long way into keeping the traction nice and sticky!

HAIR SPRAY

Yes, you read it right. If you have some hair spray lying around, apply a few squirts to a clean outsole. This will add some grip and stick to the shoe and you’ll definitely feel it. However, make sure not to overdo it or do it too often – the results can be damaging and lead to all-around poor traction.

GRIP ENHANCING PRODUCTS: DO THEY WORK?

There have been several “grip-enhancing” spray products on the market for a while now – but should that grab your attention?

This one’s a bit tricky – the spray itself does seem to work into making the surface of the sole stickier which results in better contact with the ground.

However, just as I saw a lot of positive reviews online, I’ve also seen plenty of negative feedback – way too many people claim that using the spray regularly for a long period of time causes damage to the outsole and poor traction overall.

I personally haven’t tried these sprays just for this reason – not saying that you shouldn’t either, but take the claims with a grain of salt. I would generally stay away from such stuff and stick to the basics that work.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Performance Review

 When Mizuno sent over a couple of stability models from their 2022 lineup earlier this year, I was hesitant because I’m not a runner who needs a stability shoe. But if you read my review on the Mizuno Wave Inspire 18, you’ll know that they sported a minimal touch of stability, and quickly became a regular in my rotation. However, the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 didn’t result in the love-at-first-run feeling that its counterpart did.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6

Release Date: Summer 2022

Price: $160

Weight: –

Drop: 10mm (26mm forefoot, 36mm heel)

Sizing: Go up 1/2 a size

• Rundown: An extremely comfortable stretch-woven upper on top of a heavier well-cushioned midsole that’s a bit too narrow in the forefoot for some.

Pros

• Upper
• Outsole

Cons

• Weight
• Fit

Pros

Upper

I’ve got to hand it to Mizuno, their uppers have been extremely dialed in and the Wave Horizon 18 might be the best of the bunch that we’ve tested. The Smooth Stretch Woven Mesh upper not only looks great, it just works. The stretch that it provides allows natural movement throughout the footstrike while not feeling overly tight or needing any time to break in. Drew had a similar good experience with the Mizuno Wave Sky 5 which uses a similar upper.

Outsole

While not as tacky and grippy as the blown rubber on the Wave Inspire 18, the Wave Horizon 6 still gives runners a durable outsole with a ton of coverage. It’s nice putting miles into a shoe and not seeing any wear and tear. But all that rubber means extra weight…

Cons

Weight

This is a maximum cushioned stability shoe, so it comes as no surprise that it’s on the heavier side, but unlike a lot of shoes today that seem to drop weight once you get them on and running, the Jordan 1 Yellow Toe felt heavier to me on foot than it did in hand.

Fit

I don’t know if it was the narrower toe box or the fact that I generally reach for neutral running shoes (or the combination of both), but the fit around the forefoot was unbearable. I felt my big toe and pinky toe constantly feeling compressed from the fit of the shoe. I think the pinching was more due to the midsole feeling narrow than the upper (hence listing the upper as a pro). The Wave Horizon 6 will most likely come in wide so you can grab the wide version if you’re worried about the forefoot fit.

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Summary

While the recent Mizunos coming through our doors have been fantastic, this is a model that I can’t get behind. If you’re a Mizuno fan and want some stability, I’d highly recommend the Wave Inspire 18 – a much more versatile offering. If you are intrigued by the Mizuno Wave Horizon 6, try it on and let me know what you think, I’d love to hear some other opinions on this shoe.

The Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 will be available soon at Running Warehouse and Air Jordan.

Nike Adapt BB 2.0 Review: Self-Lacing Ball Shoe Put to the Test

 I’ve got something special for you today. Presenting you my comprehensive Nike Adapt BB 2.0 review! Next-gen basketball tech is here in its full glory. Or is it?

Before getting into the performance review on the basketball court, I want to show you what you get upon ordering the shoe.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

You get a nice box with a pair of self-lacing sneakers, a pair of dope looking colorful insoles, and a USB cable.

That’s right, a damn USB cable. That’s to power the shoe’s automatic lacing motor which is Nikey’s now second attempt to revolutionize basketball technology.

There are two little culprits though. First, this bad boy comes at $350-$400 (depending on the colorway). Second, it’s literally only the second ever Adapt basketball shoe that uses the self-lacing system.

Say what you want about Nike, there’s no denying that it takes a lot of time, and trial & error for a company to nail such a product that attempts to do so much for the future of sports tech.

THE REVIEW BREAKDOWN

With those things in mind, I had the chance to pick up the shoe and after about 3-4 months of playing (mostly indoors), I think I’ve finally nailed down my final opinion on how I feel about this “new era” of shoe tech and the shoe’s general practicality for a basketball player.

Or someone who’s simply looking for a new pair of hoop sneakers.

I’ve had these for a bit now but due to quarantine, I’m not able to find a way to play in a gym consistently, which is why the review comes now rather than sooner. Here’s what I’ll be breaking down:

• The shoe’s fit & comfort aspects
• My take on the Adapt technology & implementation on the Adapt BB 2.0
• The shoe’s performance on the court
• Build quality & value for the price
• Versatility & who it’s best for

Let’s go!

Model: Nike Adapt BB 2.0 “Tie-Dye”

Build: Mid-Top

Weight: 20.1 oz / 570 g. (size 10 US)

Retail Price: $350

Cushion: Forefoot Zoom Air Turbo & Cushlon midsole

I. COMFORT & FIT

ADAPT SYSTEM: WORKS BUT NOT WITHOUT ITS FLAWS

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Let’s first quickly break down how the automatic lacing system works. You get the shoe, download the Nike Adapt app on your phone, put on the shoe, and use the two buttons (+ and -) on the side of the midsole to adjust the lacing system.

Once you set up a desired fit profile with the app, the next time you put the shoe on, it’ll automatically apply the chosen fit.

You can then further adjust the tightness with the buttons but there are only a handful of preset choices that automatically apply when you put on the shoe.

It will not perfectly fit all foot shapes, so you’ll have to adjust the fit pretty much each time you put the shoe on if those presets don’t fit you perfectly. Chances are – they won’t.

I think this partly defeats the purpose of a self-lacing shoe. Why should we need to further tinker with the shoe every time if it’s supposed to do that for us?

Sure, the presets might work for some but for certain guys, this will feel like just another shoe that you need to lace up before getting into the action.

This could surely be fixed with a software update by adding more presets or allowing us to save a custom fit as a profile and then use it automatically. I mean that’s the definition of a self-lacing shoe right?

I don’t hate the idea – I dig innovations and ways to further advance sports tech to make it more convenient for the player but at the moment, I think this idea needs some work to feel worth it for $350.

SIZING ADVICE: VERY SNUG

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Due to the shoe’s stiff nature and narrow construction, the Adapt BB 2.0 fits snug, tight, and condensed. Not KD 14-like narrow but still pretty compact.

Regular/narrow footers can go true to size if they prefer this type of fit.

Wide footers like me, go up half a size (which is what I did) – after a few days of playing, these fit pretty well. Definitely not a top 10-level fit – they’re still a little too condensed for me personally.

Perhaps going up a full size would’ve been a better idea but since the length is perfect for me now, that could’ve been jeopardized with a full size up.

For those who got wide feet and are looking for a roomier, looser fit, you can go up a full size.

The general rule of thumb for all people – give these time to break in and don’t be fooled by the first few games/hours with these. They’ve got a few rigid pieces that need breaking in and giving ’em time to soften up makes a huge difference here.

COMFORT: YOU CAN’T MAKE A MOTOR FEEL PILLOWY SOFT

I didn’t have huge expectations when it comes to how comfortable the shoe will be. It’s got a lot of tech to pack inside, they’re narrow and compact, and stiff materials are mostly used.

If that’s not enough, there’s a damn motor inside and the shoe weighs OVER 20 OUNCES. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that number for a hoop shoe lol.

I gotta say these were slightly more comfortable than what I’ve originally anticipated.

Before getting into the inevitable stuff, there a few good things worth mentioning.

They feel extremely secure and safe to play in. Tank-like containment for explosive movements, a quality ankle collar that doesn’t restrict too much yet still cups your ankle to secure it, lockdown is great and the midfoot area actually feels nice after broken in.

Now for the inevitable.

The forefoot area is very stiff, barely flexes and that doesn’t help increase comfort levels at all. I’d prefer to have at least some degree of forefoot flex for more precise movements and more natural step transitions. Not a dealbreaker but something I wasn’t a fan of.

I know a lot of people, including myself, don’t put much attention to the weight of the shoe. Say what you want but you simply cannot ignore that the shoe feels every bit of the 20 ounces. Yes, it’s heavy.

Lighter players will feel the weight more than heavier frontcourt players or generally more athletic/explosive players. I like to play explosively and I can’t help but get distracted by how heavy and sometimes stiff these feel.

There’s probably not a lot Nikey could do about the motor weight but the shoe itself – no excuses there. I truly hope they find a way to shave the weight off since it’s reached a point where I believe everyone would feel more heavy-footed than they should.

II. TRACTION

A herringbone-like traction pattern is used along with a translucent rubber outsole. Once again, it’s 2020 people – translucent doesn’t mean throw-away traction.

The shoe gripped the floor well and on a consistent basis, which is the most important part. It’s got that nice multi-directional pattern that covers pretty much any angle of movement you can think of and stopping power is acceptable enough to make me forget about the traction. A good start.

But nothing’s ever only good now is it. This translucent rubber is really sticky – that’s great for gripping the floor and sticking to it but not so good for dirtier courts.

Dust and other debris clog up the grooves of the pattern extremely quickly. Regular wiping is most definitely required here if you play on a medium/poor condition floor as dust noticeably affects the traction on the shoe.

As long as you have access to an excellent condition court – you’re good.

OUTDOOR DURABILITY: SKIP!

You wouldn’t have thought Nikey will put an outdoor-ready outsole on their $350 flagship shoe with next-gen tech, have you? Neither have I.

The grooves of the pattern are laughably thin, the rubber is relatively pliable too, so good luck taking out a pair of $350’s outside on a consistent basis.

The pattern will likely burn off sooner than you think, so it’s best to stick with indoor gyms with the Adapt BB 2.0. Not that it was intended for anything else.

III. CUSHION

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A Zoom Air Turbo unit (debuted on the Kyrie 8) along with a Cushlon midsole is the shoe’s cushion setup and even though it’s nothing truly special, it absolutely gets the job done – hassle-free. Something that can’t be said about several other parts of the shoe.

I think it would’ve been suicidal for Nike to implement a specific player-orientated cushion setup on a $350-$400 model. So what we get is a nice, versatile ride that most guys would enjoy or at least feel efficient while playing.

There’s plenty of impact protection thanks to the soft midsole and the Zoom Air Turbo unit in the forefoot gives an ample amount of energy return.

One of those setups where it might not feel super bouncy of fun to hop around but it works very efficiently performance-wise. The forefoot reminds me of the Zoom Rize. And that’s a very good thing.

A small drawback would be the lack of any real court feel if you’re one of those light, shifty guards who prefer maximum response and zero loss in speed.

Not to say the cushion here is unresponsive, it’s just that the Cushlon midsole + Zoom Air Turbo makes you sit pretty high off the ground. Not a lot that can be done about it.

Overall though, a great setup. Gets the job done – nothing else required in my book.

IV. SUPPORT

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Since the shoe fits like a mini tank, you already know it’ll be supportive at that moment. To add to that, there’s a beefy heel counter to lock your heel & ankle down, there are these TPU side panels that look like wings which greatly enhance lateral protection and containment.

The genuine leather ankle collar won’t be loosy goosy on you either. Lastly, torsional rigidity & support is solid as well. For a flat footer, this is a solid option since you’ll get that torsional coverage needed to feel comfortable.

Overall, I’ve got no complaints on the support here – the shoe is stable, foot containment is great and you won’t roll your ankle in a 20-ounce tank anyway.

This kind of coverage comes at a cost as I’ve stated earlier – bulkiness, forefoot stiffness, and the general feel of wearing a pair of 20-ounce shoes doesn’t help you feel quick & mobile.

V. BUILD & MATERIALS

The shoe’s upper is mostly made of synthetic TPU yarn. If you’re not familiar with the concept – think of a knit material backed with a lot of glue to make it more structured.

The ankle collar area along with a piece of midfoot & tongue pull tab is all genuine leather which I think is very cool. Full-on leather would’ve likely been overkill to an already heavy shoe.

Lastly, the plastic wing looking panels on the sides are, you guessed it, plastic. Same thing for the exaggerated external heel counter that barely adds anything performance-wise.

So, is that a $350-level material setup? I don’t think so.

Sure, I know some compromises had to be made to pack the motor inside and the intent to make the shoe very durable because of it comes at a cost of extra weight & stiff materials.

But I can’t help but think the TPU yarn setup could’ve been one-upped to something like nylon backed knit or high-quality mesh. I won’t say this doesn’t feel $350 since you don’t normally see $350 basketball shoes.

What I am going to say is the materials just don’t feel premium enough to validate the price tag. I know a large portion of that price comes from the Adapt system but if you’re spending that much on a shoe, some touches could’ve been made to really push the boundaries of what we call a “premium” shoe.

Sure, it plays nicely, it’s relatively comfortable but several $100+ uppers feel nicer than this one. Take the $100 CP3.12 for example – those things have pure Flyknit that feels buttery smooth and it’s almost a quarter of the Adapt BB 2.0’s price.

The shoe is built well and it looks like it’ll last a while as long as you keep it indoors.

The materials aren’t a dealbreaker either – they play nicely and don’t feel terrible. But something more than that could’ve been done. I usually don’t say that but for this type of price, I’ll make an exception.

VI. OVERALL

The Nike Adapt BB 2.0 is a step in a somewhat right direction. I think the concept needs a lot of work to experience what’s being claimed by Nikey. And that price tag isn’t nice at all. I wouldn’t call you crazy if you’d say this is a collector’s shoe more than an actual performance hoop shoe.

Not taking anything away from it though – the sneaker has its strong points. Traction is solid, it’s got a great cushion setup, it’s extremely supportive and the upper plays nicely.

The self-lacing concept is cool and it does work but you’ll need to do some tinkering to nail that fit down for your foot shape.

If you can get past the bulkiness that comes from the weight of the shoe and a lack of forefoot flex (especially during the break-in process) – I think it’s worth a shot. If you can afford it that is.