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?