Nike Kyrie 5 Review: Detailed On-Court Performance Analysis

 The Kyrie line always brings up mixed feelings – some love them due to their usual low-profile design, perfectly locked-down fit, and literally unbeatable traction. While some – don’t appreciate their lack of impact absorption and lack of versatility.

Today, I’m bringing you my comprehensive Kyrie 5 review where we’ll find out if it’s more of the same formula or if we finally get to experience something different.

I’ll be discussing my personal experience of the shoe from performance, comfort, value for the money, versatility, and upgrades over the last model perspectives.

SPEC SHEET

Model: Nike Kyrie 5

Build: Mid-Top

Weight: 14.8 oz / 420 g. (Size 10)

Retail Price: $130

Cushion: Phylon midsole & Zoom Air Turbo

I. COMFORT & FIT

Kyrie’s line is typical for its ultra-secure fit, very prominent support, and an overall secure feel – something an explosive, flashy guard such as Kyrie obviously needs to supplement his game.

If you’re somewhat similar and like the feeling of extreme security – this one’s a check. For me personally – I have a wide foot and went true to size. The shoe felt a bit too tight and snug for me, even after a few weeks after breaking it in.

Wouldn’t nag the shoe for that though – my feet are ridiculously wide and I probably should’ve listened to other shoe testers for their advice on going up half a size.

Regardless of my tightness issues – I can see why the shoe is praised so much for its overall fit. Lockdown and support aren’t going to be issues, no matter how hard you play.

The upper isn’t extremely well ventilated but I am sure I wouldn’t have had any comfort complaints if I would’ve gone up half my regular size.

Expect the sneaker to feel on the snug side, it’ll be a very secure, supportive, and quality experience playing.

II. TRACTION

Again – what ain’t broke – don’t fix it. Though this time, it seems like Nike wanted to go with something the Kyrie line isn’t known for. And that is taking away the classic herringbone traction pattern on the outsole.

Herringbone, especially herringbone implemented so well breaks other shoe competitors’ hearts. While the Kyrie 5’s more modern, the modified multi-directional pattern didn’t look like herringbone, it damn well performed as one.

It was great. Both indoors and outdoors. I’ve been playing a lot outdoors these past couple of summers & springs and I don’t see the Kyrie 8’s breaking down anytime soon.

I am not a big “wipe my outsole every 24 seconds” kind of guy and these didn’t require that at all.

In a nutshell, this shapes to be one of the best outdoor and indoor shoes from a traction standpoint. Bravo.

III. CUSHION

It looks to me as Nikey attempted to do something different once again, separating themselves from the standard Kyrie formula.

2018 released Zoom Air Turbo unit was used at the Kyrie 8’s heel area, along with a standard Phylon midsole to complement the foot’s overall impact absorption.

And you know how it felt this time? The same thing pretty much.

I did try to give them a lot of chances and bring out that Air Jordan 1 ZOOM unit to life.

If it would’ve been brought out of someone – it would’ve been me. I’m a very explosive player and I do abuse quick, aggressive movements, and play over the rim when I can. These didn’t help me do that too much.

Once again, not knocking on the shoe – this one will work best for lighter, below-the-rim players. Quick movements will be very well supplemented. However, beastly jumps, dunks, and large-step drives to the basket would probably need a more springy shoe for the job.

Worst case scenario, getting yourself a quality performance insole would correct the impact absorption a bit if you’re really experiencing a prominent lack of cushion under your foot.

My feet or knees didn’t hurt or anything after a bunch of games, but I would’ve liked more impact protection. Take it with a grain of salt – everyone’s different, so you gotta know how you play and what you’re looking for first.

IV. SUPPORT

No surprises here – brilliant support, fantastic lockdown, no matter what size you go with.

We have all the essentials implemented: a TPU heel counter, a flat heel construction for a more stable ride, plus the Flytrap strap to secure the forefoot additionally.

I had zero complaints in terms of stability and support (minus the too-tight fit, due to not going up half a size). This is how a quick guard’s shoe should protect your feet.

V. BUILD & MATERIALS

The upper is relatively simple – regular mesh infused with Nylon for extra durability and strength. No complaints though – you can’t call this a stand-out upper but it surely gets the job done.

I love the Kyrie line for their continuous durable shoe releases, and the 5th iteration is more of the same. I feel like this is a very great outdoor pick as well, as engineered mesh won’t break down quickly on you.

I guess if I had to point out some drawbacks for this particular build – it will take a bit of time to break the materials in for an optimal fit, especially if you got a wide or a high-arch foot.

Breathability is also not ideal but, honestly, I really don’t care. I care that the shoe is comfortable and plays well. That’s it. Just wanted to let the people know that do take these details into account.

VI. OVERALL

I’ve expected something a bit different from the fifth Kyrie model. And here we are.

Despite the lack of actually noticeable change in the Kyrie formula – you can’t bash the shoe for continuing something that works. Is it very versatile? No. Are the build and materials used improved and feel premium? No.

Despite all of that, it’s still a very good performing shoe that feels comfortable, secure, and ensures all the qualities of a quick, agile guard are properly supplemented by the shoe.

If you’re a below-the-rim guard who’s quick and can’t afford any restrictions & any kind of loss in speed, this is a very good choice.

If you’re looking for a solid outdoor option that will work for you without worrying about durability – this is also an excellent pick.