New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 Performance Review

 

2022 has delivered some stylish, chunktastic running shoes with New Balance right in the middle of the fray. This summer we reviewed the ultra bouncy and massively cushioned New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer, and we loved it. So, when the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 landed at our door, we were ready for more chunky running and cautiously optimistic about its performance.

Last year’s Fresh Foam X More v3 made our Best New Balance Running Shoes and Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet lists because it was a beefy, cushioned runner that delivered comfort across miles and miles of easy running. Can the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 deliver more of the same?

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

Release Date: September 2022

Price: $150

Weight: M 10.4oz, W 8.4oz

Drop: 4mm (30mm forefoot, 34mm heel)

Sizing: True to Size

• Rundown: The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is a stylish, affordable shoe with great cushioning alongside industry-leading stability and fit.

Pros

• Fresh Foam X
• Accommodating Fit
• Stability
• Style
• Price

Cons

• Outsole Durability
• Bulk
• Pros

Fresh Foam X

Drew: New Balance’s top-of-the-line foam is FuelCell. Fresh Foam X is its less expensive brother meant for everyday use. If you’re not familiar with it, think Kyrie 9 or Jordan Luka 1 as the closest comparison. On the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4, the Fresh Foam X is a big stack of overly plush EVA that feels great on foot for any number of miles and/or chores. I really enjoyed the Fresh Foam X on foot during all my runs and even took it 10 miles down a Denver-area greenway without any issues. It’s probably a bit much shoe for long runs, but the cushion could easily handle runs of 12+ miles without deadening.

In addition to runs, the Fresh Foam X More v4 became one of my go-to household chore shoes and my airport shoe. Got a super long walk to your connecting gate? No problem, you’re covered. These could easily pass the theme park test. They can stay on all day through lots of standing and walking and never get uncomfortable, which is why they’re so great as airport shoes. Well, that, and they’ve got plenty of room for your feet to expand in-flight…

Tyler: Admittedly, I’ve stayed away from any NB models that sported Fresh Foam since early 2020 as I had a consistent experience with hot spots underfoot, no matter the distance or pace. All I could attribute it to was the Fresh Foam. So to say I was apprehensive when these came through our doors would be an understatement. Well, whatever was tweaked in the New Balance kitchen made this recipe agree with my feet and get me back on the Fresh Foam train. Fresh Foam X is an excellent combination of plush and smooth. And while I knew this was a high-cushion runner, it still surprised me with how soft, yet stable, the midsole was. Similar to Drew, these have started to rival the Hoka Ora Luxe as my around-the-house and errand-running shoe.

Accommodating Fit

Drew: Before I first tied the laces, my normal-ish foot felt like it was swimming in the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4. The upper is very roomy. But New Balance did a great job with the geometry of the upper because lacing up I was able to get a very comfortable fit and lockdown where my foot didn’t move around despite the extra room. This is really valuable in a running shoe because your feet expand the more you run. It’s also really valuable on an airplane, so you don’t have to be one of those…people (I’m being nice here) that need to remove their shoes as soon as the plane hits altitude. Regardless, it’s nice to know you have a shoe in your closet that is never going to make your foot feel like an overstuffed sausage. It’s an extremely valuable shoe for the day after a hard workout or long, long run when your feet need some sweet relief.

While I think a fair amount of wide footers could fit the normal New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4, there’s an even more accommodating version available. Both Running Warehouse and New Balance offer a wide version in both men’s and women’s (links below). The fit of the regular version plus the wide options may make this the most accommodating running shoe on the planet.

Tyler: I’m reading Drew’s comments as I write this and we had the exact same experience upon initial try-on. While I’d much rather put on a thicker pair of socks before sizing down, my first slip-in left me questioning if the shoe was too big, but upon standing up, the fit was dialed in. I felt a touch of support on the lateral side of each shoe and am happy to say that sensation continues, even after a lot of miles. Bonus points for New Balance shoe laces. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: New Balance has the best shoelaces of any brand on the market. From the length to the stretch, to the thickness, a perfect lace can make a good shoe feel great.

Stability

Drew: Sometimes, when an upper has lots of room, and the midsole is big and chunky, it’s a recipe for instability as your foot moves around within the upper and threatens to slide off the footbed. Not so here. The upper lockdown is solid, especially in the heel and midfoot. In addition, your foot sits inside the midsole walls at the heel and midfoot. The midfoot walls go super high, reminding me more of a 90s basketball shoe than a modern running shoe. Your foot is staying on top of the midsole.

And the midsole itself flares out in all directions to create natural outriggers that keep the shoe upright on uneven pavement or sharp turns. There’s also a large channel down the middle of the outsole that allows the four corners of the outsole to work independently and provide extra stability with the added benefit of letting your foot feel more flexible. It’s a great setup with a bunch of little things done to improve the sturdiness of the shoe and keep the wearer upright no matter what the road throws at them.

Tyler: Stability wasn’t something I thought about when wearing the shoe, but sitting here writing this review, I think the stability of the shoe is what makes it ride so nicely. Now, it’s not a stability shoe, but it does a great job of providing the all-around support that ensures you have a consistent and solid underfoot experience.

Style

Drew: I’m no fashion guru, but even I notice when people comment on my shoes this much. The number of people that complimented the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 while I had them on foot was surprising. I think New Balance nailed the bulbous “Dad shoe with a modern flair” look that’s popular right now.

Tyler: I drive a Prius with two car seats in the back. This shoe is perfect for me. End of story.

Price

Drew: Last year’s version (the v3) was $160. This year’s version is better and costs $150! I can’t think of this ever happening before in the shoe industry, and I’ve been reviewing shoes for 12+ years. Given today’s inflationary environment, this is one of those pricing quirks that you should take advantage of before New Balance closes the loophole.

Tyler: It’s unreal to think that in this climate, New Balance decreased the cost of such a plush trainer, but I’m not mad about it. To keep from jinxing myself, I won’t say what I would pay for this shoe, but spoiler alert: it’s more than $150.

Cons

Outsole Durability

Drew: I really love the outsole’s design, and the many flex grooves that make it feel more malleable than a shoe with this chunky of a midsole should be able to feel. But I’m tearing through the outsole at a pretty good clip. I’ve worn away a lot of the rubber in my toe-off zone during my 75ish miles in the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4. The rubber is thick, and there’s more to burn…but people who are heavy landers may burn the rubber down to the foam quicker than 300 miles.

Now, even if you do burn away all the rubber up front, there’s still plenty of foam underneath, so I don’t expect the Fresh Foam X More v4 to be unusable. But, we’re going into winter so be careful about burning away all that rubber and then going into snowy runs with a bald forefoot. That would be a recipe for disaster.

Oh, and all I said above just goes for the forefoot. My heel and midfoot strike zones look great. I think the rubber used at the heel and midfoot, in addition to being a different color, is made of a more durable rubber compound. So, if you’re a heel striker, I think you’ll get normal durability from the outsole.

Bulk

Tyler: I debated even including this as a con, but wanted to be objective in the review. This is a bulky shoe, straight up. I found the bulk of the midsole to come into play on a few extremely hot days when I was wrapping up a long run. As my form got sloppier, I could sense that the shoes were flailing a bit under me and I was ready to get them off. I’d chalk that up in part to bad conditioning and in part to the shoe. It’s not a game changer in the least but something to consider.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 Summary

Drew: The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is a stylish shoe with great cushioning and industry-leading stability and fit. This is likely going to be a popular shoe among runners, walkers, and people who want a comfortable running shoe for everyday tasks. I heartily recommend picking it up and enjoying all the miles you’ll put in it along with a visit to a theme park or an airplane ride or two.

Tyler: For me, this is a top-3 shoe of 2022. It’s exactly the type of shoe that I gravitate toward, and I’m so happy that the Fresh Foam X didn’t give me the hot-spot sensation of past years’ Fresh Foam. It’s a very comfortable, affordable, and excellently executed high-mileage shoe that sports a ton of versatility.

UA Flow Velociti Elite Performance Review

 

A little late to the super shoe game, Under Armour is finally releasing its own marathon racing shoe, the UA Flow Velociti Elite. Partially modeled after Under Armour’s daily trainer, the UA Flow Velociti Wind 2, it also introduces a new Under Armour foam for the majority of the cushioning.

Once I got it in hand, the UA Flow Velociti Elite both looked and felt the part of a legit marathon racing shoe. But the real test was getting it on foot and going fast. I really enjoyed the experience. Here’s why:

UA Flow Velociti Elite

Release Date: June 2022 (limited), Spring 2023 (Global)

Price: $250

Weight: 7.5oz

Drop: 8mm

Sizing: True to Size

• Rundown: The UA Flow Velociti Elite is a bouncy marathon shoe that’s surprisingly stable and fun to use for most road racing distances.

Pros

• Pebax & Flow
• Traction
• WARP 2.0 Upper
• Stability

Cons

• Tongue (edges)
• Outsole Durability

Pros

Pebax & Flow

Under Armour’s Flow, a foam that’s great at blunting the impact of forceful ground strikes is used as the bottom layer (and outsole) of this cushioning combo. It appears to be a softer version of the Flow originally used on the Jordan 37 and the UA Flow Velociti Wind.

But the real hero, so to speak, is the thick slab of pelletized Pebax foam that sits above the Flow. Pebax now appears on almost every marathon racing shoe of consequence. Why? Because it’s both extremely light and super springy. Since Nike showed the world Pebax’s capabilities with the Vaporfly Next%, runners have sought it out in droves.

Is Pebax worthy of the hype? Yes. Just look at our list of Best Marathon Racing Shoes. Under Armour adding Pebax to its arsenal is a signal that they’re serious about high-end running shoes.

The Pebax and Flow are separated by a full-length carbon plate, which while not an Under Armour first, is well used here. Together, the two foams and the plate deliver a snappiness. Dig your foot into the ground, and it pushes back with equal force. And it all happens without feeling too stiff or clunky. It’s just a smooth ride from landing toe-off. It feels similar to, but also an improvement on the midsole of the original Saucony Endorphin Pro.

Traction

The Flow outsole again delivers better than expected traction. As you can tell from my photos, I got these out in some vicious southern rainstorms and experienced zero slippage. Every time I test a shoe with a Flow outsole, I expect slippage as it’s just foam gripping the ground. But each time I can take turns at breakneck speeds and don’t have to worry about my footing. A shoe that grips like the UA Flow Velociti Elite is a great option when conditions are tough.

WARP 2.0 Upper

WARP is a knit, nylon, and mesh upper pattern with both vertical and horizontal lines providing containment and lockdown. As I’ve stated in my previous Velociti Wind reviews, WARP is comfy and supportive while also extremely breathable and flexible. It’s Under Amour’s best running shoe upper, so it makes sense that it would appear on Under Armour’s best and most expensive running shoe.

The WARP 2.0 upper is slightly tweaked from previous models including fewer layers to get even lighter and more breathable. The changes are perfect for a race day shoe. This upper stacks up very well with other marathon racing competitors.

Stability

Despite what is a narrow-ish race day build, the Jordan Luka 1 is a super stable shoe. The combo of the Flow layer of cushion cresting into a triangular heel counter type piece, the actual traditional hidden heel counter, and the lockdown of the WARP upper all work in tandem to keep the foot on the footbed. Marathon racing shoes often leave you sliding off the footbed or feeling tipsy around high-angled turns. But that doesn’t happen at all in the Velociti Elite.

Because of this stability, I can see the Velociti Elite translating well as a 5k racing shoe. You get a great bounce from the midsole while never feeling insecure navigating tricky corners.

Cons

Tongue (edges)

I don’t love synthetic suede tongues because synthetic suede is kinda gross when super sweaty. Performance-wise they work fine though. And the tongue on the UA Flow Velociti Elite is ok, except for the edges.

Below the collar of the shoe, the edges of the tongue fold over underneath the tongue every time you slip your foot into the shoe. Trying to fix them lasts seconds before they just flip right back. It’s super annoying and leaves the tongue feeling a little thicker towards the bottom edges. It didn’t result in any hotspots for me, but it did tick me off and make me consider potential solutions like cutting the edges off (though I’m not sure that would completely solve the problem). I talked to others that tried the shoe, and it happened to them as well. It’s not a huge issue, more a minor annoyance…but one that shouldn’t happen on a brand’s flagship marathon racing shoe.

Outsole Durability

We’ve seen this particular con pop up on a lot of marathon racing shoes, and most of those have some rubber on the bottom. Flow is surprisingly durable for a foam outsole and lasts longer than most other foam outsoles (I’m looking at you Hoka).

But, when you pay $250 for a marathon racing shoe, the foam fraying after 40-50 miles is disconcerting. Will the shoe last 250-300 miles? Yes. I’m just worried that by mile 200, some wearers may not get the same reliable traction due to excess wear. Not a deal breaker, but if you’re tough on outsoles, it’s something to consider as you choose your marathon racing shoe.

UA Flow Velociti Elite Summary

The UA Flow Velociti Elite packs the best midsole cushion combo in Under Armour’s short history of running shoes. It’s bouncy and protective. It’s not quite as good as the best marathon racing shoes out right now, but it’s still a viable racing option if you enjoy the shoe’s fit and feel.

The Velociti Elite grips well in all conditions, has a fantastic upper, and is way more stable than expected. It’s got a couple of small issues but nothing that’s a deal breaker. All in all, the UA Flow Velociti Elite is a super fun shoe that shows off some distinctive Under Armour DNA. It also makes me hope Under Armour keeps making high-end marathon racing shoes because they bring a different perspective to the running shoe industry.

Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 Performance Review

 

Rundown: The Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 is one of the best cross-training shoes available thanks to its versatility and function.

Release Date: 2022

Price: $110

Weight: 11.1 oz (size 10)

Drop: 8mm

Fit Guide: True to size

 

9/10

Total Score

Pros

• TriBase Technology
• Lacing System
• Outsole Traction

Cons

• No Traditional Tongue
• Lack of Arch Support

The Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 features two technologies for which Under Armour is well known: HOVR cushioning and TriBase stability. The combination sounds like a recipe for a comfortable yet stable shoe, and it usually is. Plenty of previous Under Armour training models including various Project Rock models have used the combination.

Does the HOVR Rise 4 deliver performance in line with its tech specs? Fortunately, we’ve got a positive answer for you. The Rise 4 is a fantastic performance model that will handle all your training needs.

Pros

TriBase Technology

TriBase is a triangle on the outsole that aims to make the back half of the shoe rigid and stable for lifts. It does precisely that in my experience with the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4. In some shoes like the adidas Dropset Trainer, I feel a rocking motion on exercises like dumbbell bent over rows or goblet squats. However, the TriBase outsole geometry made it so I never felt unstable and forced forward. From my midfoot to the heel, my foot stayed down and flat.

Lacing System

After my horrendous experience with the Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature, I was glad to test a shoe with an excellent lockdown lacing system. Most of the lace holes are nylon cables running down to the footbed, so the materials suck you in and ensure you’re contained. The top eyelets are connected to the heel wings, reminding me of the Air Jordan 4. The top eyelets and the wings do a great job of preventing heel slip. Just make sure you wear thick socks, so you don’t compromise the fit.

Outsole Traction

The traction on the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 is made up of nubs shaped like circles. Everywhere I brought them, they did well. I tried doing dribbling drills on concrete, and they not only gripped well, but they also didn’t show any signs of wear. Whether on typical exercise mats, hard concrete floors, or nicer wood floors, this outsole will ensure you won’t slip.

Cons

No Traditional Tongue

This is more of a preference than anything, but I know plenty of people prefer a traditional tongue. These have a one-piece booty construction that has a sock-like feel to them. The good thing is that it will conform to your feet the more you wear them. The bad news is that you can’t adjust each section as well as you could with a traditional tongue setup, and it’s harder to get in the shoe. I had to pull both sides at the start to ensure I didn’t crush my heel while trying to get my foot inside the Rise 4.

Lack of Arch Support

There are no sidewalls like the adidas Dropset Trainer and Nike Freak 4. While that feature is mainly for lateral stability, which these do a decent job at, it also doubles as arch support, especially for flat-footers like myself. I couldn’t get away without using an orthotic in these. If you have a normal arch, though, you should be okay. Luckily, Move Insoles are compatible with the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 if you need extra arch support.

Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 Summary

The Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 is a cross-training shoe that stays true to the category. It has enough cushion to handle HIIT and jump training. It has enough stability to do heavy deadlifts, squats, and other compound lifts. It has enough outsole durability and grip that you can be confident bringing these to the gym, on vacation, or keeping them at home. Whether you’re just starting to exercise or have been in the game for some time, you’ll find the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 features plenty to be happy about.

Nike Cosmic Unity 2 Review

 The Nike Cosmic Unity 2 was a letdown, and it’s just not safe to recommend this shoe to any basketball player.

Colorway: Coconut Milk/Atmosphere/Mint Foam/Black

Release Date: 2022

Price: $160

6.5/10

Total Score

The Nike Cosmic Unity was a famous basketball shoe when it was released. It provided a low-to-the-ground ride while still having the springy feeling of Zoom Air courtesy of the Strobel unit. The Nike Cosmic Unity 2 looks to build on that repertoire by keeping the same cushion setup but with a different upper and aesthetic design. Does this year’s follow-up match the standard set by the original? In a word? No.

Traction

Traction is the Nike Cosmic Unity 2’s best feature. The pattern is multidirectional, keeping you covered on every movement. If you’re into a squeaky traction pattern, you’ll find it here.

Better yet, the rubber compound used is effective and durable indoors and outdoors. It’s as good of a traction setup as you’ll find on the market today.

Cushion

The Nike Cosmic Unity 2’s cushion is its other standout feature. Just like the original model, these feature a full-length Zoom strobel unit, which provides a ton of responsive cushion while retaining a ton of court feel.

The foam compound used here is softer and less bulky than what was used on the first Freak 4 but it’s not plush like a React or Cushlon setup. The star of the show is the Zoom, and the foam is a great supporting act. The shoe is also crazy flexible in the forefoot, so the spring-like effect of the Zoom is felt even more than it would be otherwise.

It’s a real shame I didn’t like the rest of the shoe because this is about as good of a combination of traction and cushion as it gets.

Materials

This is where things start to go downhill.

The Nike Cosmic Unity 2 features a thin textile upper with some fuse overlays in the lateral and medial forefoot areas. In the back of the shoe, the collar uses a felt-like material, with a lot of foam rising from the midsole to help with containment.

My main issue was with the textile base – it doesn’t provide any kind of structure or support. This wouldn’t have been as big of an issue if I had been able to get a better fit (spoiler alert: it didn’t happen) or if the midsole would have cradled my foot in the forefoot a little bit more like the original Cosmic Unity did.

The bottom line is the materials are cheap and not very strong. The fact that this shoe costs $160 makes the material choices even more egregious.

Fit

I went true to size, and length-wise, it was just right. As for the width? Yikes.

The shoe is outrageously narrow in the midfoot area. The sections of midsole foam that wrap up onto the upper make things pretty cramped, but the dealbreaker, for me at least, is the shank plate, which I could feel pinching the sides of my feet with every step. If I loosened up the laces to relieve that pain, the fit in the heel was compromised. I’d say the forefoot fit would also be compromised, but I never got a secure fit in the forefoot to begin with. On lateral movements, my foot regularly shifted within the forefoot area of the shoe.

My foot is pretty narrow, so the fact that this shoe was still too narrow for me in the midfoot is cause for concern. It’s important to remember this is just my experience. If you’re able to try the shoe on and can secure a good fit, then I’m not only very happy for you but also more than slightly jealous.

The inconsistent fit I experienced meant I was never confident in my movements on the court, and it also made for, uh, less-than-stellar support.

Support

Fit is the most important aspect of a shoe’s support, so the Nike Cosmic Unity 2 is already off to a bad start. When your foot isn’t locked into a shoe, the injury bug is much more likely to bite.

While the Cosmic Unity 2 has all the standard features that would aid a supportive shoe – a midfoot shank, heel counter, a midsole that wraps up onto the upper, and a wide-ish base, it’s still not enough to make up for the lackluster fit and materials.

I badly rolled my ankle on a routine play while wearing the Cosmic Unity 2, and while I won’t blame the shoe for the injury, I’m fairly confident I wouldn’t have suffered the injury in most other shoes – especially the original Cosmic Unity.

The Cosmic Unity 2 is simply too flexible, too unstable, and has too sloppy of a fit for me to consider them anything close to “supportive.” Wear at your own risk.

Overall

I had high hopes for the Nike Cosmic Unity 2, and while the standout features, traction, and cushion, lived up to my expectations and more, there were too many issues stemming from the fit and materials for me ever to want to take this shoe on-court again.

If you can find a fit that works for you, that could be enough to make up for the shoe’s overall lack of support, and you may end up enjoying these. The ultra-narrow and painful midfoot area make me think you’re better off taking your $160 elsewhere.

Nike Kyrie Flytrap 5 Review

 Looking for a fast, nimble sneaker that’ll hold anywhere you’ll take it? Kyrie Irving’s budget signature line from Nikey has some very solid offerings under $100 but what about the 5th iteration that seemed to receive mixed reception? Let’s analyze it in this comprehensive Kyrie Flytrap 5 review.

After a good 2 months of indoor & outdoor hoops, I have broken down the shoe’s fit & comfort aspects, performance, build quality & value for the price, versatility, and decided if it’s finally a shoe made for everyone or just another niche-focused model from Uncle Drew.

SHOW TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPEC SHEET

 

2-MIN REVIEW

In a hurry? Here’s the quick Kyrie Flytrap 5 review

The Nike Kyrie Flytrap 5 is another traditional release in Uncle Drew’s budget signature sneaker line. It’s a niche shoe, meaning not everyone will enjoy this one.

You’ll get great outdoor-ready traction but be sure to keep wiping the outsoles down to avoid dust buildup. The EVA midsole + a forefoot Zoom unit won’t give you any bounce or great step comfort. The soles of my feet were hurting after a longer outdoor session.

If speed, precision, and staying low to the ground are keys to your game though – you’re going to love this setup. Support wasn’t terrible even despite my physical playstyle but I wouldn’t prefer this setup over something more balanced. A hard sell for an explosive wing or a shifty player.

This cheap mesh build is quick to break in but due to the roomy toebox, I wouldn’t recommend these for a narrow footer. Overall, a decent $90 performer that could be an indoor/outdoor beater for someone who can’t afford to go past $100.

I. FIT & COMFORT

True to size or should you adjust? How does the shoe fit? What about overall comfort?

SIZING GUIDE

Let’s begin with the need-to-know. The Kyrie Flytrap 5 definitely fits true to size in a snug manner. I barely had any space for my toes length-wise but not to the point where I couldn’t move my toes at all.

Width-wise, more of the same. A fairly narrow construction that eases up a bit in the toebox but my wide foot did feel fairly suffocated, especially initially.

The main pressure points for a wide foot would be the lateral side of the toebox (around the first eyelet) and the middle region at the top of the lacing system.

However, I have experienced much worse. These are playable for anyone who’s not a crazy wide footer (whatever that means but you get the idea). Though expect some pressure as this toebox is not among the roomiest.

Mind you, this is the standard US version and not the widened EP variant.

So, I recommend going true to size for pretty much anyone except very prominent wide-footers or people who simply can’t stand a one-to-one fit. Those hoopers should try a half-size-up or the EP option.

Besides some pressure in a few areas, I don’t have anything bad to say about the fit. No heel slippage or any kind of foot movement inside the footbed, no pinching, ankle digging, or anything nasty. I’ll give it a pass.

COMFORT

Comfort-wise, you’ve probably already expected that the Flytrap series won’t give you anything special for the price you’re paying.

Basic materials, basic internal construction, basic build quality. Basic doesn’t mean bad but if you’re anticipating a luxury time for your feet – this is not the direction to go.

I found very minimal padding along the ankle and throughout the shoe overall, though not to a point where I’d feel bothered. Who knows, perhaps more than a couple of months will introduce some digging but not the case currently.

The shoe utilizes a half-bootie construction, so the tongue is sewed directly to the upper and allows for greater lockdown.

However, this type of setup combined with a compact forefoot means that putting the shoe on is a damn hassle. Especially for my thick feet.

There were times when I had to repeatedly smash the floor with half of the shoe on just to stuff the heel inside. It’s annoying but the experience once my foot’s inside is ultra-secure. A trade-off I’ll live with.

Besides that, all else was okay. These are feathery light and feel very quick to play in, and the snug fit allows me to forget everything besides the hoop session (besides the occasional pressure due to the narrow toebox).

II. TRACTION

How does the shoe grip a variety of surfaces? What about sensitivity to dust? Will it handle outdoor environments?

The Nike Kyrie Flytrap 5 features a computer-generated traction pattern and solid rubber outsoles for all available colorways.

Taken straight from the Kyrie Flytrap 4 and the Kyrie 8– the end result is about what I expected.

PERFORMANCE

I had somewhat of an untraditional testing phase with these. I played indoors more than outdoors this time, and it’s usually the other way around.

Indoors, I primarily hooped on a soft rubberized surface and I also managed to squeeze in a few sessions on classic hardwood.

The traction on both floors was fine. It’s probably the best way to put it. Not top-10 of all time, not exceptionally aggressive, but not terrible either.

I didn’t have issues with coverage on pretty much any movement I threw at them. Mostly.

The slight hiccups appeared when I wouldn’t wipe the outsoles down for a longer period of time. Occasional (and sometimes even frequent) slide-outs started happening in such cases. They were slight but you could imagine they were anything but beneficial.

The tacky rubber used here is notorious for dust buildup sticking inside the pattern but due to the short grooves of the pattern, a quick wipe easily solves things and I’m good to go again.

All of us have times in a game where wiping the outsoles isn’t an option at the moment, or even for a while.

So if you think you have a lot of those moments in your basketball environment or you’re just not a big wiper – these outsoles might not be ideal for you.

For everyone else – these are solid. Both courts I’ve played on aren’t peachy in terms of condition and the base level of traction I received was still alright.

Outdoors, I only tried these out for about a couple of weeks. A rubberized tennis court and classic asphalt were the two surfaces I played on.

As expected, traction was even gripper due to more abrasion but surprisingly, I felt like I needed to keep wiping as often as I would indoors. Something that rarely occurs, at least for me.

If you’re hooping on pristine courts – you will be a-okay. If medium/poor condition courts are all you have – you should still be fine as long as you maintain the dust buildup of the outsoles.

DURABILITY

The Kyrie Flytrap series has consistently offered shoes with fairly solid outdoor reliability, and the 5th iteration is no exception.

Even though I’ve only hooped in these for just over 2 months, it was enough to separate this from the average crowd of today’s indoor-focused market. However, don’t put these in your top 10 most durable shoe list just yet.

I never experienced any decreases in performance during the two months but I can see that my high-wear areas of the outsole are beginning to visually degrade. That means it’s a matter of time before performance catches up.

This could mean another 2 months of quality traction. This could also mean 1 month of quality traction, or even a whole 6 months.

I had shoes where I’d still grip the floor with no issues with a near-naked outsole due to the sheer quality of the rubber compound used.

The rubber used here is on the strong side, but there’s no guarantee it’ll hold up after the pattern starts wearing off.

Don’t get me wrong – the shoe has noticeably stronger outsoles than an average shoe you’ll find today and maybe it’ll even hold for a full outdoor season.

It’ll depend on how often you hoop but the general consensus is, don’t be afraid to take these outside.

III. CUSHION

Breaking down the cushioning: impact protection, energy return, step comfort & transitions, ride height, and stability

Here comes the shocker (yes, I’m being sarcastic). The Joran Luka 1 offers a 90-dollar-certified setup, featuring a Phylon midsole and a small rectangular forefoot Zoom Air unit.

If you’ve played in any of the previous Flytrap shoes – you already know what to expect.

Speed, responsiveness, and tons of court feel were what I got from this midsole. The foam felt stiff and hard to move initially but a few hours turned a shallow experience into an acceptable one once the EVA heated up and got softer. Mind you, this is not my cup of tea.

There’s simply no feedback that I could feel from a landing or a change of direction, and despite feeling super fast and agile, I could feel my legs being more fatigued than usual after a longer session.

My foot soles were hurting after almost every outdoor session. Not to a point where it would become dangerous but it’s something I obviously did not appreciate.

The benefit of this kind of setup is its durability. A denser foam compound means that it won’t bottom out as fast as a plusher foam would, so you won’t end up running on bricks.

I’m not going to sit here and trash this setup any way I can. We have to be mindful of different variables that come into building a sneaker.

These didn’t have a big budget to stuff pricier tech in here and on top of that, it’s a niche-specific shoe. It won’t be for everyone, so if you’re a player who values cushion and jumps out of the gym – there’s simply no reason for you to get these.

But I believe that there shouldn’t be a reason to bash the shoe just because it doesn’t suit someone’s tailored needs either.

If Nikey would’ve marketed the shoe as an all-around beast that caters to any player – it would be a different story. However, it’s not the case. Take it or leave it.

IV. SUPPORT

Breaking down security: support, lockdown, stability, and restrictions

The success of this shoe’s support offerings will heavily come down to how it fits your foot.

I read and watched multiple reviews of these and it seems that the guys who tried the widened EP version simply had too much room in the forefoot that resulted in poor security.

So, if you’re not a huge wide footer – I’d say grab the regular version. The key is to properly fill out the space of the shoe.

If you can’t do that – support will suffer because the Flytrap 5 doesn’t offer a whole lot in terms of additional features.

There are very pliable internal heel counters for ankle & heel lockdown, extremely subtle lateral outriggers for stability, and criss-cross straps attached to the top laces that pull down the midfoot for further lockdown.

The MVP here would definitely be those straps that feed through the top laces and push down the midfoot upon lace pressure. However, you must ensure the shoe fits you in a snug manner for this to work well.

For me, I didn’t have major issues with support. There are definitely shoes that I’d prefer over this one if I need something trustworthy for an intense game/session but I can’t say my game suffered because of this shoe.

This is also because my wide foot fills up the shoe properly, so as long as the upper holds my foot in place, I’ll be alright.

For guys who are on the heavier/more explosive side – I’d recommend something more structured. But for anyone else, and especially for those who prefer a minimal setup – the Kyrie Flytrap 5 should do the trick.

V. THE BUILD

What are the materials used for the build and how do they feel & perform? What about reliability?

The 5th Kyrie Flytrap model doesn’t bring any surprises to its structure and build quality.

You’ll find an open design mesh material throughout the forefoot, while the midfoot portion, which takes up the biggest chunk of the build, is sporting a stronger ripstop style fabric that’s also see-through for greater airflow.

The heel utilizes a softer micro-molded mesh material. The tongue features a basic fabric that’s very minimally padded with foam.

You’ll also find fuse overlays around the toebox, under and over the forefoot’s mesh material for protection, and also on the midfoot to shield some of the high-wear areas.

All the materials used throughout the build are as thin as it gets, though the ripstop on the midfoot feels fairly strong for its minimal footprint.

The shoe utilizes a half-bootie construction with the tongue sewn directly to the upper and acting as one continuous piece. Great for lockdown, terrible for putting the shoe on without feeling mad at it first.

PERFORMANCE

I wasn’t overly impressed with how the materials moved with my foot but that wasn’t a surprise given the paper-thin compounds and a $90 price tag. However, I can’t say I had deal-breaking issues either.

This type of setup barely requires any break-in time, however, the forefoot does stretch out a bit given some action time. Those with narrow feet might not find this as a plus if the toebox is already too roomy.

Ventilation was also decent due to the open nature of the materials.

My foot could be regarded as compatible with the shoe minus some discomfort due to pressure but I can’t say this mesh and ripstop do a good job of wrapping around my foot.

The toebox feels a little bubbly and not very conforming. Nothing terrible here but I’d imagine someone with a more compact foot than mine wouldn’t appreciate it since the toebox is already pretty spacious.

Overall, the shoe felt fine after a few sessions. I remember maybe three or four instances where I thought my foot was about to slide off the footbed (only happened during a full-pace pickup game) but it never did.

Still, something that no player wants to think about while hooping, casually or not.

I took the time to find the optimal lace pressure to both feel secure and comfortable and while this is definitely far from a contender for a 6’9 high-flyer in terms of foot containment, a lighter, more low-profile player or anyone who’s looking for a cheap beater should make these work.

RELIABILITY

As you might expect, all of the materials feel and look pretty cheap.

The mesh on the forefoot is looking a bit bubbly and is quick to start looking all banged up after some flex. The internal lining around the ankle uses a low-quality fabric that already looks a little faded and scratched up.

However, none of this cosmetic damage affected my time with the shoe yet. It’s not looking like I’ll blow right through them soon. With that said, I’m not expecting multi-year outdoor durability either.

I don’t see a reason these won’t last a few years if you’re hooping in a gym though.

I haven’t yet toe-dragged heavily with these and no one has stepped on my foot during these two months (2 things that usually have the potential of wrecking the shoe’s materials), so I can’t really say how they hold up in those situations.

Though my guess is, pretty standard due to the fuse overlay on the toe and a thin but multi-layered forefoot.

It’s basically a good beater of a shoe for cheap if you need that backup option. Or, if you can’t afford a more expensive shoe.

VI. OVERALL

Closing out the Kyrie Flytrap 5 review & a quick recap

The Nike Kyrie Flytrap 5 brought no surprises to my expectations and it’s probably why my overall scores will be a tad bit higher than others (though I haven’t thoroughly checked how other reviewers rated this one).

QUICK RECAP

It’s definitely a performance sneaker that’s tailored to a specific set of players. You’ll get speed, mobility, precision, and will be able to keep a low-profile footprint.

But for a hooper who needs more structure to withstand their more explosive or athletic movements, or for someone who’s on the heavier side, it’s a tough sell both cushion-wise and security-wise.

It also might be tricky to achieve a proper fit if you’ve got a narrow foot or you didn’t have the chance to grab the non-EP version.

There are not a lot of support components implemented here, so if the fit is off – it might be game over for some.

Traction held up fine though, as long as I kept wiping the outsoles down in a dirtier/dustier environment. On good condition surfaces though – you’ll have no issues at all.

Is it a great overall shoe for everyone? No. Is it a noticeable upgrade over the Flytrap 4? Not really.

But if you don’t have the previous model and looking for a cheap outdoor-ready option, don’t overlook the Flytrap 5 as long as your preferences align with what the shoe offers.

GORUCK Ballistic Trainer Performance Review

 

The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer’s simple build hides some great material and tech suggestions. This shoe packs a large performance punch.

Colorway: Lunar Rock

Release Date: 2020

Price: $125

 

9/10

Total Score

What if I told you the inventor of the Reebok Pump, Paul Litchfield, is now making training shoes? And that he’s doing it for GORUCK, an upstart training gear company founded by a Special Forces veteran, that’s also pioneering a whole new sport called Rucking. If you’re like me, you’d 1) be surprised and 2) want to try the shoe. Thanks to several WearTesters readers, I learned about the GORUCK Ballistic Trainer and this fascinating company.

The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer actually made our list of the best CrossFit shoes of 2022, our list of the best weightlifting shoes in 2022, and they are also a great basketball training shoe as well.

Once I got in touch, the folks at GORUCK were nice enough to send a test pair and let me have an hour with Paul himself. What follows are my experiences wearing the Ballistic Trainer for rucking, hiking, running, and working out. Along the way, I’ll also share all the tech specs and the creative process behind the surprising Ballistic Trainer.

Materials

When the GORUCK Ballistic Trainer is in hand, the materials stand out. GORUCK uses a nice flexible knit on the toebox and tongue. Then they use durable Ballistic nylon for the back two-thirds of the shoe. The strong nylon pays homage to the company’s initial product, the GR1 rucksack.

The nylon draws the eye just like it does on the Air Jordan 11. Compared to the Jordan 11, the nylon used on the Ballistic Trainer is a tighter weave that’s softer, more flexible, and tougher. Cordura nylon is used on very few shoes, mostly for cost reasons. But when it is used, it gives off a vibe that the shoe is ready for anything. I’ve worn the Ballistic Trainer a lot. And while the nylon portion gets dirty, there are absolutely no fraying or loose threads. This nylon will last a long time.

My only (minor) complaint is the small vinyl piece at the top of the heel used for the GORUCK logo placement. While it’s durable, the material used feels cheap compared to the rest of the shoe. I would have preferred an upgrade to a softer synthetic leather. On the other hand, GORUCK includes a second pair of laces in a different color…which is a nice touch and unexpected at the $125 price point.

9.12.2022 Update: On recently released colorways, GORUCK has replaced the small vinyl piece on the back of the shoe with a buttery leather piece. It’s a small thing that really elevates the shoe’s look. Here’s a video we made to highlight the change:

The knit toe box and tongue are one seamless piece. A single layer of breathable knit with a little bit of extra backing at the toe to maintain shape. It flexes great and feels minimal on foot. The upper is simple, but the chosen materials work well. Thanks to the material choices, the Ballistic Trainer’s upper can comfortably handle the gym, the office, and all-day wear.

Fit

I just finished raving about the materials so be sure to read that section because the materials drive the fit. The materials are put on top of a good last (or foot mold) that’s not too narrow or too wide but has a generous toebox for toe splay. A majority of foot shapes will enjoy the fit.

GORUCK explains on their size chart that the Ballistic Trainer runs “about a half size larger than other athletic trainers”. I found this to be accurate and recommend going a half size down from your normal shoe size for the best fit.

Cushion

The aforementioned Paul Litchfield, who once upon a time oversaw the development of Hexalite, told me his first love is chemistry. Specifically, he loves the science of midsole chemistry. With the Ballistic Trainer’s midsole, he got to showcase his passion with Gradient Density EVA. That means the shoe is more cushioned and better at rebounding in the forefoot to accommodate jumping, running, and explosive movement. The heel of the shoe is denser and stiffer to provide a stable platform while doing various lifting movements like deadlifts and squats.

And the craziest part…you can’t tell a difference in the foam by looking at it. The Ballistic Trainer’s midsole looks the same from toe to heel. But you can feel the difference by pressing your thumb into the two sections. On foot, the two densities work together well and offer a smooth transition from heel to toe while walking or running.

To further improve the cushioning, the GORUCK team added a thick polyurethane insert (insole) that contours nicely to the foot and arch. I liked the extra squish the insert provided. But if that’s not your style or you don’t like the added arch support, the Ballistic Trainer comes with a flat EVA insole as well.

Overall, it’s enough cushioning for everything the Ballistic Trainer is meant to do. Short runs, walking with a weighted backpack (also known as rucking), plyometrics, and lifts. I didn’t find myself wishing for more cushioning during high-impact movements and that’s a rarity in the cross training shoe segment.

Traction

Here’s another place where there’s tech hidden inside an innocuous-looking package. What looks to be an outsole made of one type of rubber is actually made of 3 different rubbers. A grippy forefoot, a harder more durable midfoot made for climbing ropes, and a denser heel to endure heel strikes while running or rucking. Move your finger along the bottom of the shoe and you’ll feel the subtle differences. Most companies achieve a similar result with various panels made of different types of rubber. This is a cleaner method that looks slick.

But the traction never feels slick. The segmented suction cup pattern used at the tip of the toes, on the lateral forefoot, and medial heel really grabs the floor. It does collect tiny rocks, which can be annoying if you’re using them for hiking, but it really sticks to the ground.

The outsole is just a great overall outsole design and composition. I never experienced slippage, even on slick concrete floors or in wet/cold conditions.

Support

The support starts at the base of the shoe with the 8mm drop. It’s a traditional drop and not the trendier zero drop approach to workout shoes. The drop puts less strain on your Achilles during lifts and feels better when rucking, hiking, or running.

The whole rear area of the shoe is built to keep your heel in place. The heel is sculpted so your foot easily falls into place. There’s also a lengthy, sturdy heel counter that extends to the midfoot. The Ballistic Nylon on the outside of the heel is also strong enough to add further structure and stability. Once you’re laced up, your heel doesn’t slip. I felt completely secure when doing quick side-to-side agility-focused movements and quick changes of direction.

Also, I tried using the top two lace holes and then not using them. I felt locked in both ways. No matter which lace loops you use up top, you’ll get great lockdown.

Overall

The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer is my favorite cross training shoe of the year alongside the Reebok JJ IV and On Cloud X. And honestly, it’s probably my 2020 favorite due to its unique construction, great comfort, and the extra tech packed into an unassuming package. The Ballistic Trainer is both great for hard workouts in the gym and a casual night out (remember those?). Plus, at the $125 price point, you’re getting your money’s worth.

Even though GORUCK is a young brand, it’s obvious they found the right creative direction for their shoe line. The shoes really match the aesthetic and toughness of the company’s Special Forces roots. Their first versatile, functional fitness-focused shoe is a winner and I’m excited to see more from them in the future.

Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature Performance Review

 

Rundown: The Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature is a cross trainer for fans of sustainable footwear. Everybody else should stay clear of the shoe and its flaws.

Release Date: 2022

Price: $100

Weight: 8.90 oz (size 10)

Drop: 5mm

Fit Guide: Normal Nike Size

5/10

Total Score

Pros

• Comfortable Crater Foam

Cons

• Material Quality
• Heel Containment
• Lack of Rubber

The Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature is Nike’s only performance cross-training shoe with sustainable materials. Although most of their names are similar, this shoe has nothing in common with the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3. The SuperRep Go 3 is marketed as a shoe you can use both casually on weekends and at the gym. Will it finally prove that sustainability can be coupled with top-tier performance? Unfortunately, not.

Pros

Comfortable Crater Foam

The midsole is unrestricted Crater Foam, Jordans recycled version of Phylon/EVA. Because there’s no caging, the foam is free to move and compress. This makes walking around in these a pleasurable experience and fits right in with the marketing of the shoe. However, it isn’t a pro for working out. It compresses too much when doing heavy squats and other heavily weighted lifting workouts.

Cons

Material Quality

I am all for sustainability and recycled materials, but it has to be done right. The quality has to be on par with regular builds. This one is not it. The first thing I noticed was the thinnest tongue I’ve ever seen. To make things worse, it’s made out of cheap felt. And because of its thinness, it folds when you put your foot in, which is annoying. The recycled Flyknit upper is comfortable, but the glue they used to make it sturdier made it too stiff in some areas. I would have loved to have had the free Flyknit we’re used to in the running line along with reinforcements in critical areas.

The laces are also the worst I’ve had in a while. They’re thin and feel like they would only last a few months of wear. I had to be careful when lacing them up because I feared snapping them.

Heel Containment

This con led me to test them in less time. However tightly I cinched the laces, my heel wouldn’t stay still. The collar height for me was too low. The lace loops looked like they ran down until the footbed, which is misleading. They’re just lace loops. It would’ve been a much better experience if Nike had made them like Flywire. Adidas’ cat’s tongue lining could have also been used here to avoid issues. The heel counter did not help either, as it’s flimsy and can easily be deformed. It was heel slip galore every time I put these on, even when it was just for casual use.

Lack of Rubber

The outsole is mostly foam, contributing more to sustainability marketing. Again, I am all for this if it functions just as well as regular builds. But it didn’t. The lack of rubber didn’t feel as secure and wasn’t as durable as other outsoles. The rubber that’s there is thin and quickly wears down. That could’ve been slightly mitigated if the whole outsole had rubber coverage.

Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature Summary

The Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature is a shoe for sustainability fans and no one else. I can’t recommend this product for serious weightlifting, HIIT, jump training, or any other exercise. I know that the marketing says that you’re supposed to be able to use these casually and in the gym, but even walking around in them isn’t the best because of the heel slip. Virtually every other cross-training shoe we’ve reviewed is better than this. Check out our Best Cross-Training Shoes list here.

Are Air Jordan 1s Good For Basketball?

 The Air Jordan 1 was conceived as a basketball sneaker. But are Air Jordan 1s still good for basketball today? Read on to find out!

Are Air Jordan 1s Good For Basketball?

Although the Air Jordan 1 was designed for hoops, they are outdated compared to current offerings from sneaker brands. Still, the support and traction are good enough to play in if the AJ1 is your only option.

When the Air Jordan 1 was created, there was not that much actual tech out there for basketball shoes. Nike changed this by incorporating Air technology in the midsole. Theoretically, this would help with cushioning.

The reality is that previous Nike hoops shoes such as the Air Force 1 have a lot more of that “air” feeling in the midsole. Although the tech is there on the AJ1, that isn’t why the sneaker was good for basketball at the time.

Unlike the AF1, the Jordan 1 provides a slim midsole with more court feel. This makes them similar to the Converse and Adidas models that Michael Jordan initially wanted to wear. The goal of the AJ1 was not only to make a great hoops shoe, but also to sell MJ on Nike.

Of course, more than 30 years later, way better tech exists for playing basketball. The Air Jordan 1 is intended for casual wear at this point, much like many other retro sneakers. Still, in a pinch, the AJ1’s court feel, traction and ankle support can still function as a decent shoe for ball.

What the Air Jordan 1 Got Right About Basketball shoes

The Air Jordan 1s excel in traction, court feel and ankle support. These elements stand the test of time as far as basketball shoes go.

The traction on the Air Jordan 1 stands up to modern basketball sneakers easily. Whether cutting left and right or running up and down the court, the circle pattern on the forefoot and flexible rubber allow for secure movement. This works well when playing on either indoor or outdoor courts.

The AJ1 provides a decent lockdown for the foot as well. The collar on the high helps secure the ankle and cup the heel, which adds a stability to the sneaker. Additionally, the traditional leather makeup of classic Air Jordan 1s adds to the sturdiness and durability.

As mentioned above, the Air unit on this sneaker is encapsulated in the heel. This fact, combined with an already low-profile midsole means that the Jordan 1 gives plenty of court feel. You don’t feel like you’re hovering over the ground, rather you get a stable and low to the ground feeling underfoot.

Reasons Not To Wear The Air Jordan 1 For Basketball

The Air Jordan 1 was created as a basketball sneaker, but struggles compared to modern hoops shoes due to heavy materials, outdated traction and tech and lack of cushioning.

Ever since the first Chicago and Black Toe colorways were rocked by MJ on the court, the Jordan 1 has been put to the test. For it’s time, the J1s cushioning and materials were par for the course.

Nike would go on to innovate even better technology however. Zoom Air for example provides the same court feel on modern hoops shoes with increased durability and longevity. Modern tech adds a responsiveness that is missing in earlier b-ball sneakers such as the AJ1.

While the traction is quite good on the Jordan 1 (some might argue that the traction is the most enduring feature), the herringbone traction found on most modern basketball kicks is generally superior. Not by much, but enough to warrant looking at other pairs to play in besides the J1.

The heavy materials on the Jordan 1 can’t quite provide the same experience as flywire, flyknit and other current variations found on modern hoops sneakers. Modern basketball shoes are designed to provide even better lockdown while still being flexible and lightweight. This is a balance that had not yet been achieved in the 80s when the J1 first surfaced. Newer shoes also improve on the lackluster ventilation found in the old AJ1.

Probably the biggest failing of the Air Jordan 1 is the cushioning. The sneaker just isn’t comfortable in the way a newer basketball sneaker is. For brief casual wear, Jordan 1s are perfectly fine. However, extended wear either on or off court proves to be less comfy than a lot of other options out there.

Can You Play Basketball In Air Jordan 1 Lows?

While many sneakers function well for basketball, it is inadvisable to play in the Air Jordan 1 Low. The sneaker has the outdated design of the AJ1 high and mid, minus the ankle support.

As mentioned above, one of the best things about the Air Jordan 1 for playing basketball is the ankle support. To this day, if you are forced to rock some Jordan 1s in a game, you can at least rely on your ankles being locked in.

This advantage is lost when transitioning to the Air Jordan 1 low. While some might appreciate the freedom of movement and perhaps increase in casual comfort on a pair of J1 lows, one of the main advantages of the model is stripped away in the lower cut. Cutting, juking, lateral movements and landing from jumps will all be impacted by the lower collar. Technically one could still play in some AJ1 lowtops, but there are better options.

For example, sneakers from the KD and Kobe lines have provided low top versions in the past that were perfectly suitable for playing while still feeling that support around the ankle. I personally played in the Kobe 6 often back in the day and never rolled an ankle! Well, almost never. Still, these sneakers made advancements in traction and ankle collar construction that helped negate the impact of a lack of physical material around the ankle.

So, What Are Air Jordan 1s Good For If Not Basketball?

The Air Jordan 1 isn’t the WORST sneaker for basketball out there, but it certainly isn’t the most optimal today. It IS however great for casual wear and collecting. The model holds its value and looks great on feet.

Air Jordan 1 ROTY 

Lets face it, most people rocking Air Jordan 1s probably aren’t wearing them on the court. The sneaker has become one of the most collectible shoes out there.

The timeless look of the shoe, the simplicity of the silhouette and the history of the AJ1 all tie into this. Even the less desirable colorways that come out manage to eventually sell out. There’s a reason the sneaker is kept in production even though Nike continues to innovate their sports offerings.

So if you ONLY own a pair of 1s, sure, play a game of basketball in them. However, if you have the means to purchase a different sneaker for playing a game in, by all means research the latest pairs from different brands to find the best tech for your playing style. But keep those 1s on hand for casual wear and your sneaker collection!

Asics Novablast 3 Performance Review

 

I’m just going to say this upfront so you can stop reading and click one of the orange buttons below. The Asics Novablast 3 is the best all-around running shoe of 2022 so far. Why? A bunch of reasons. Keep reading and I’ll cover them in depth.

 

Asics Novablast 3

Release Date: September 13, 2022

Price: $140

Weight: 8.9oz

Drop: 8mm (23mm forefoot, 31mm heel)

Sizing: True to Size

• Rundown: The Asics Novablast 3 is a bouncy, smooth-riding, do-it-all running shoe. We highly recommend you add them to your running shoe rotation.

Pros

• Bouncy and Plush
• Ride
• Stability
• Upper
• Outsole

Cons

• Slippy tongue

Pros

Bouncy and Plush

The FFBlast+ midsole of the Asics Novablast 3 is just awesome. FFBlast+ is a very good foam, as we’ve seen on both the Asics Glideride 3 and the Asics Gel-Nimbus 24. Both of those shoes are on our list of Best Asics Running Shoes in large part because of their cushion. The foam itself, combined with the midsole geometry of the Novablast 3, creates the fluffiest, bounciest iteration of FFBlast+ to date.

The valley down the middle of the outsole also circles around the forefoot allowing the FFBlast+ foam to expand and fill the space. This results in both plush, pillowy protection on landing and a bounce back that’s more typical of shoes sporting a composite or TPU plate. It’s also more bounce than you typically get for the $140 price point (running shoes at $140 used to be $130 but thanks to inflation here we are — insert sad face emoji of your choice).

This is the kind of midsole that feels great whether you’re running 3 miles, 6 miles, or 10 miles, chasing kids around a theme park, or just casually walking the streets. It’s an ultra-versatile setup that feels amazing.

Ride

The rocker on the Asics Novablast 3 isn’t super pronounced. It doesn’t swoop down at an angle like Asics’ top-of-the-line Metaspeed Sky+ marathon racing shoe. But, though it doesn’t look too rounded, the ride is super smooth. Touch down to toe-off is extremely smooth and the shoe feels like it’s helping you along the way. It’s the type of ride that makes you feel like you aren’t working quite as hard any time you pick up the pace.

Stability

Look down at the Asics Novablast 3 from above and you’ll see that the midsole naturally provides four generous outriggers. It flares out (without looking ugly or fat) at the lateral forefoot and heel and the medial forefoot and heel. Quick turns or jumping over obstacles doesn’t even register as anything remotely difficult. You can even move quickly from side to side and feel pretty secure. This sort of security is not normal for a running shoe this bouncy.

Upper

The recycled mesh upper is super comfortable and practical. Think air jordan 37 level of comfort. It lets in a ton of air, keeps the foot secure, but never feels anything but light and roomy. It’s an upper you stop thinking about as soon as they’re on your feet…it just gets out of the way and does its job.

The fit of the Asics Novablast 3 is narrow at the heel but widens nicely in the toebox. If you’re a wide foot with a wide heel, be careful and try these on before buying. Everyone else should be able to go true to size without an issue.

Outsole

When I first got the Asics Novablast 3, I worried a bit about the outsole. There’s plenty of rubber but the pattern doesn’t look like it would bite the pavement. Surprisingly, the thing gripped impressively. Only a ridiculously mildewed section of boardwalk caused any slippage (it does that with almost every road shoe I test). Otherwise, I could fly around in wet, humid conditions with reckless abandon and count on the traction to keep me from slipping.

If you run on a lot of dirt, cinder, or do a fair amount of road-to-trail running, check out the soon-to-be-released Asics Novablast 3 TR. It replaces the standard road outsole of the Novablast 3 with lugged traction that should increase the Novablast’s versatility even more.

Cons

Slippy Tongue

This is a relatively small complaint and it may not happen to everyone, but the tongue on my right shoe was always slipping to the lateral side of my foot. Yes, the tongue is gusseted, but the mesh gussets didn’t hold it in place well enough.

I’m not sure if a lace loop on the tongue would solve the issue but that would have been a nice addition. As it is, I’ll likely cut a small lace pass-through in the tongue with an Exacto knife to keep my right tongue from sinking to the side.

However, this isn’t a major issue and I wouldn’t let it dissuade you from buying an otherwise perfect running shoe.

Asics Novablast 3 Summary

The Asics Novablast 3 is just about the perfect shoe. After this review, it sits atop our rankings as the best running shoe of 2022. The combination of bounce, impact protection, breathability, stability, smooth toe-offs, and lack of weaknesses cement its status. It also doesn’t hurt that the Novablast 3 looks spectacular. If you only buy one running shoe this year, make it the Asics Novablast 3.

Nike Kyrie Low 5 Performance Review

 The Nike Kyrie Low 5 nearly has the same tech specs as the previous Low release. You get most of the same performance with a change of materials.

Release Date: 2022

Price: $120

Athlete: Kyrie Irving

Total Score

I enjoyed playing in the Kyrie 8; it’s probably my favorite performance model of the year. The Kyrie 8 was a departure from the rest of the Kyrie signature line because it’s a very well-cushioned model. When I saw the Kyrie 5 Low, I thought it was just a low version of the Kyrie 8. Visually they’re very similar, something that hasn’t happened with the Kyrie Low line (until now).

Aesthetically, I think this was a good move. The Kyrie 8 is a very attractive model, and the Kyrie 5 Low just streamlined everything and made some slight improvements.

Performance-wise they are very different models. The Kyrie 5 Low switched out the cushioning from the signature model and reverted to the usual Kyrie Low setup: Zoom Air in the forefoot and a foam midsole. So, going into my testing, I wasn’t sure I would like this shoe. But let’s jump into the review and see how they held up (check the video above to see the short review)

Traction

The traction, as in the Kyrie 8, is excellent. They both have similar traction patterns, and this version was just as good. You get grippy multidirectional coverage that is perfect for the agile, streamlined look and feel of the shoe. You feel speedy and shifty in the shoe, and the traction pairs with that perfectly.

Cushion

The cushion is low profile and reactive. Very different from the Kyrie 8. This is not a bad thing necessarily or even a downgrade. It’s just a question of if this setup fits your playing style. This setup is optimal for court feel and moves like sprints, crossovers, speed changes, etc. It is not great for absorbing impact after jumping.

You have a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and nothing but foam in the heel. I liked the setup very much. But, I’ll reserve them for playing on parquet floors. I’m 6’3″, 230 lbs, so when I play outdoors, I need a bit more cushion, but I love playing low to the ground and feeling speedy.

Materials

The materials are almost the same as those on the Kyrie 8; there are just fewer of them. The shoe features a mainly textile upper, which is lightweight and supportive. It’s nothing premium, but it doesn’t feel cheap either. You also get some “leather adjacent” details that make this shoe not feel cheap.

The one big difference between the two models is the tongue. The Kyrie 8’s tongue was polarizing. It was puffy like a ’90s skate shoe but super comfy. On the Kyrie 5 Low, you get a soft tongue as well, but this version is textile and much more subtle. Also, the shoe laces are cheap, but you can switch those out.

Fit

The Kyrie 5 Low fits perfectly 1 to 1. If you like that glove-like fit, you will like these very much; if you have had issues with this in the past, you should try them on or go up half a size.

Support

Support is fantastic. The Kyrie 5 Low inherited the Kyrie 8 Dynamic Strap System, which works well in this model. Instead of having four anchoring points, the Kyrie Low 5 has 2, but it still gets the job done. On top of that, you get a good heel counter and the overlays on the medial and lateral side of the shoe boost containment.

Aside from that, the wide forefoot and the stable cushioning setup add to the shoe’s support and to the feeling that you can pull off any type of move on the court with no issues

Overall

The Kyrie is an excellent performance basketball shoe. Now, is it a basketball shoe meant for every type of basketball player? No. The shoe has some intentional “weak points” to cater to a specific playing style. You wouldn’t use a catcher’s mitt to play in the outfield, right?