Nike Metcon 9 Performance Review

 Like its chief rival the Reebok Nano, the last nine years have seen some major changes to the Nike Metcon (with mixed reviews) culminating in the new Nike Metcon 9. Not only has the functional fitness shoe landscape changed but so has the audience – namely going from niche to mainstream.

I can remember the shockwaves felt across the functional fitness world when in 2015 Nike announced the Metcon, its first shoe aimed at the then-fledgling world of CrossFit. And remember the “Banned” colorway? It’s the one training shoe I wish I had never donated.

As the holiday season rolls around and more folks look to get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions, the WearTesters team brings you more training shoe reviews than ever – and none of that would be complete without the flagship training shoe from the biggest shoe company in the world.

Though Nike was kind enough to send us some pairs of the Nike Metcon 9, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence this review.

How do the Authors Train?

Arune Singh (age 41, 5’11”, 215lbs): Trains daily with functional fitness programming provided by Deadboys Fitness, founded by Colby “Seth Rollins” Lopez and Josh Gallegos, along with logging 30-40 miles of running per week. He also has a medical history of Sleep Apnea and Myasthenia Gravis, meaning Arune’s focus is on lean muscle mass.

Drew Whitcomb (age 41, 6’6″ 195lbs): Trains daily with a focus on running, strength training, and mobility. He writes the majority of our running shoe reviews and runs a lot of miles both due to testing needs and his growing affinity for long-distance races. He recently completed the London Marathon. More marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races are in his future. His strength training and mobility regimen center around maintaining flexibility and lifting heavy to build power as a counterbalance to all the long-distance running he’s doing. His number one focus is staying injury-free so he can keep up the sweet gig of reviewing shoes for a living.

What is the Nike Metcon 9?

Nike describes it as:

Whatever your “why” is for working out, the Metcon 9 makes it all worth it. We improved on the 8 with a larger Hyperlift plate and added rubber rope wrap. Worn by some of the greatest athletes in the world, intended for lifters, trainers, go-getters, it’s still the gold standard that delivers day after day.

Training

Arune: I’ve owned a pair of every single Nike Metcon model since launch but I have kept very few after the Metcon 3, in large part due to my challenges with their performance – and other matters we’re going to discuss further in this review.

Unfortunately, I gotta be honest – training in the Nike Metcon 9 was an absolutely terrible experience.

We’re going to get into all the challenges with the fit and comfort later on, but I cannot overstate how uniquely this shoe failed me with nearly every lift.

Look, almost every lift requires you to plant your feet – even bench press – and the Nike Metcon 9 failed me because any press on the footbed caused the medial side of the shoe to completely collapse due to the rope guard construction,

Squats or lunges – even without weight – were a complete disaster as I lowered my body closer to the floor, a motion requiring much more stability. Unfortunately, that rope guard area of the shoe completely collapsed, like a deflated balloon, and I had to bail quickly on my lifts (aggravating a knee injury in the process).

I could keep going into more detail, but what are the upsides of a training shoe that completely failed me when I needed it most?

Well, I’ll say this – the outsole grips the floor like no one’s business, something that has always been a hallmark of the Metcon line. If you could marry this outsole with a stronger upper then I think we would have an exciting shoe.

But the Nike Metcon 9 is NOT that shoe and, honestly, I’m not sure what this shoe is meant to be. Perhaps due to the rope guard, Hyperlift heel TPU unit, or likely both, this shoe feels like an absolute cement brick on my feet. If this was a shoe meant for the world of CrossFit, I cannot imagine how anyone feels comfortable with any Olympic lifts without the necessary support or how they knock out batches of burpees with these shoes weighing them down. If this is a shoe meant for a casual lifter, then there’s no need for the TPU unit or the rope guard, both of which are not needed by the majority of people.

Did you actually have a good time in these, Drew?

Drew: While Arune’s experience was downright bad, I’d have to say mine was more of a meh experience. The last Metcon I tested was the Air Jordan 1 . That shoe was solid up front but struggled in the back and just wasn’t built to handle the wide variety of exercises necessary to keep up in a normal CrossFit or Metcon environment.

Unfortunately, while the Nike Metcon 9 improves on some of those weak points, it’s still the same basic shoe.

I didn’t have the rope guard collapse issues that Arune did and the shoe was largely stable and reliable for deadlifts, squats, and other lifts that require planted feet. But at the same time, the stiff heel, partially due to the plastic Hyperlift piece and partially due to a dense heel counter, was a liability for any side-to-side exercise. Curtsy squats, skaters, and agility exercises were all varying degrees of uncomfortable.

It’s a great shoe for walking around the gym, getting compliments (more on that later), and doing exercises at a slow, methodical pace. But the moment you try to inject some speed into your workout, the Nike Metcon 9 just can’t keep up.

Cardio

Arune: From the minute I put the Nike Metcon 9 on my feet, one thing was clear:

This shoe was going to be terrible for my cardio needs.

While the upper does actually bend and breathe quite well, nothing about the construction of the shoe feels meant for the needs of a functional fitness athlete or even acting as the “one for everything” shoe that people will definitely expect given the price jump (oh yeah, I’ve got thoughts there too).

If you’re using the Nike Metcon 9 for CrossFit or the like, you’ll find a way to sprint 400m or a mile because you’re used to doing it with a variety of uncomfortable shoes from every brand. You might not even hate it on an air bike, even though I don’t think the heel unit does you any favors.

But the cardio in which this truly failed for me was rowing, something pretty fundamental to everything from Crossfit to Orange Theory, and something supremely uncomfortable in the Nike Metcon 9. There’s not enough flex in the midsole to get a natural rowing motion and the forefoot area was ill-equipped for the constant pressures unique to a rowing motion. I couldn’t even finish a single rowing session in these shoes because of the pain in my forefoot and found immediate relief by switching back to my go-to training shoes (aka the Reebok Nano 2.0 or Adidas Dropset 2 Trainer).

This is another area in which the shoe failed me, What about you, boss?

Drew: I just want to note that Arune is not usually a particularly harsh reviewer so seeing him highlight a shoe’s shortcomings so bluntly means the shoe really let him down.

And, I agree with him completely on cardio usage. Since the 7th edition, the Nike Metcon series hasn’t been built for running. Even my beloved lateral elliptical, which I use for warming up my dastardly hips, was a rough experience in the Dunk.

Forefoot flexibility and cushion are solid and the outsole’s grip won’t let you down, but the whole backend of the Nike Metcon 9 is a mess when it comes to running or any cardio activity where flexibility is required.

Arune and I experienced the discomfort of trying these for various cardio activities. If you buy them, I’d recommend bringing your running shoes with you in your gym bag for a quick switch.

Comfort

Arune: Wouldn’t it be amazing if I started this section of the review by finally, FINALLY praising the Nike Metcon 9?

To quote WWE Superstar Wade Barrett, “I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news.”

As I do with all new training shoes, I put them on and walked around my home with them to see if I could break them in a bit (which is about the only time I wear shoes indoors). What followed was a solid three hours of foot pain, even though Nike finally widened the toe box to accommodate wide footers like me. I thought some toe splay might mean I’d finally enjoy a Nike shoe like the rest of America.

Everything about the cushion set up here didn’t work for my foot, but I want to applaud the fact that Nike finally reversed their trend of seemingly narrowing the Metcon with each iteration.

If you’re looking at sizing, I recommend going TTS (true to size) with your regular Nike size.

Drew: True to size is correct but the width will be a problem for wide footers. The Nike Metcon 9 is not nearly as narrow as the Metcon 6 but it’s still too narrow for ample toe splay unless you have a narrow foot.

I found the front half of the upper to be fairly comfortable but the heel was stiff and unforgiving. And what’s worse, the heel (collar, counter, and underfoot) never seemed to break in, even after 4-5 hour-plus weightlifting sessions.

A little more width and a better heel structure will go a long way towards fixing what ails the Nike Metcon 9.

 

Aesthetics

Arune: Now this is where the Nike Metcon 9 reminds me of the iconic Batman villain Two-Face.

On one hand, I think the overall shape and silhouette look really, really great. As usual, Nike offers the best colorways and they’re rarely going to NOT be a standout in this category.

But then there’s the rope guard.

It doesn’t look that bad on the lateral side, but the medial side looks more messed up than Harvey Dent after getting that acid thrown on his face – it truly looks like a disfigured shoe that’s going to terrorize the innocent citizens of Gotham City.

In full transparency, I got a lot of compliments from people on the Nike Metcon 9 – most importantly from my wife, who is the toughest shoe critic I’ve ever met. So, maybe don’t listen to me at all here.

Drew: Arune may be letting performance influence his opinion here. The Nike Metcon 9 looks great. I got more compliments at the gym on these than any previous training shoe, even the super popular NoBull training shoes.

Nike knows how to make shoes look good and has amazing people working up drool-worthy colorways. But making a decision purely based on this shoe’s looks would be a mistake.

Price

Arune: On the surface, $150 feels like a fairly standard training shoe price these days and I can rail against that all I want, but it’s reality. Given the “Nike Tax” we see on so many shoes where it seems like we pay a bit more for the Swoosh, this time Nike is right in line with its competitors.

That said, the Nike Metcon 8 was just $130 a year ago, and that $20 increase is a bummer. I understand profit margins, competitive pricing, and that everyone at Nike needs to get paid, but these constantly escalating prices have an impact on customers.

I received these shoes for review and you’ve seen how harsh I’ve been in my critiques, but I would be livid about the myriad of performance issues if I had to pay a premium price.

Drew: Arune is right, the $20 price increase stings, mostly because the performance didn’t improve accordingly. $150 for a top-of-the-line cross training shoe is almost expected these days but not when it can’t match that price point in terms of performance.

And it’s easy to see the public agrees with our take. You can already find the Nike Metcon 9 on sale on Nike’s site and the shoe has only been out a month or two.

Nike Metcon 9 Final Verdict

Arune: There’s no chance that I will recommend the Nike Metcon 9 for anyone to purchase.

The shoe is not a high performer in any category for me, provides some real safety concerns with the medial side collapsing, and lacks the comfort to make this something I even recommend for casual usage.

Drew: The Nike Metcon 9 is a slight improvement from the Metcon 7 and 8 but it still has the same issues including the too-stiff, uncomfortable heel and a fit that’s not accommodating. Add the price increase on top of that and you’ve got a shoe that won’t make our list of best cross training shoes. There are a bunch of better options out there, just click through and read about them.

Personally, I’m hoping Nike goes all out for the Metcon’s 10th anniversary, fixes the problems, and once again establishes the Metcon as a shoe that can be used to tackle even the most cardio-intensive CrossFit/Metcon sessions while maintaining an ability to provide support on heavy olympic lifts. I like to dream that it’s possible…but we’ll have to wait till 2024 to find out.

Nike LeBron 21 Review

 The Nike LeBron 21 is damn near identical to last year’s model, which is actually a good thing. The main changes are aesthetic, so you’ll just have to decide which look you prefer.

Release Date: September 28, 2023

Price: $200

The Nike LeBron 20 was one of the best basketball shoes of 2023 and one of the best LeBron James shoes ever, which means the Nike LeBron 21 has a very good chance of being one of the best shoes of 2024. The fact of the matter is that both shoes are basically the same, which, in this particular case, is a good thing. The lack of innovation can be forgiven when we are talking about such a high-octane performance model.

There are, however, some changes that won’t affect performance per se, but they might affect the all-around experience on court which we’ll go over in this article.

Once on-court performance is out of the way, the big question is if you appreciate these aesthetically. Look good play good and all that. And here we do see some major changes when comparing them to last year’s model, so let’s dive in and see exactly what is different in the LeBron 21.

Nike LeBron 21 Tech Specs:

Nike LeBron 21 Traction

Traction on the Nike LeBron 21 should be superb as long as you keep them on a (preferably clean) indoor surface. The shoe features a translucent rubber outsole with a unique traction pattern that is somewhat similar to what we saw on the LeBron 20. It definitely feels very similar after our initial testing.

The rubber compound is on the softer side, which is great for indoor use, but not so much so for outdoor use. On top of that, the traction pattern isn’t very deep so you won’t have much traction pattern to wear down if you do choose to take these outside.

Lastly, there isn’t much space between the lines of the traction pattern which will mean that the LeBron 21 will have a tendency to pick up dust on dirtier courts. This wasn’t a huge issue with the 20, so we doubt it will be in the 21, but just keep it in mind.

Nike LeBron 21 Cushion

In terms of cushioning, we have the exact same setup as in the Nike LeBron 20, which was one of the most comfortable basketball shoes of 2022-23. What we have is a Cushlon midsole which houses a Zoom Turbo unit in the forefoot and a large volume (13 mm thick) bottom-loaded Zoom Air unit in the heel. This is an almost perfect mix of cushioning elements.

The Nike LeBron 21 will offer a very well-balanced experience on court. This setup is light and responsive while still offering a ton of impact protection and step-in comfort. It’s also one of the most versatile configurations you can find, meaning, it will work well for the majority of players and playing styles out there. In terms of cushioning, this will be one of the safest bets this year.

Nike LeBron 21 Materials

Here we have the biggest difference in regards to the Nike LeBron 20. The shoe is built with 3 distinct layers. The first is a fully textile layer which is covered in a second layer of flywire, which is then covered with a relatively high-quality leather shroud. You can see all 3 layers poking through the swoosh logo on the medial side of the shoe.

Finally a high-performance signature shoe with premium materials! Now, it isn’t the most performance-driven design we have ever seen but, as they say, “never look a gift horse in the mouth”. This leather covering will add a ton of support and containment but will require a bit more break-in.

We also have Nike Sphere in the heel which will mold to your foot and improve support the more you play in it. The tongue is very reminiscent of Nike’s Torch technology, which we’ve seen a lot on past Kobe models, and in this case, it’s also quilted on the side that’s in contact with your foot.

Lastly, we have to mention the laces on the LeBron 21. They are thick, and fit the luxurious look and feel of the shoe, but these type of laces does have a tendency to come undone as you play. More on this once we have completed our in-depth testing of the shoe.

This is the aspect of the shoe that has suffered the most if we compare it to last year’s model. Perhaps in an effort to cut costs, Nike decided to switch out the carbon fiber shank plate for a TPU shank plate. The leather they have used on the upper isn’t cheap and Nike’s design team most likely had to sacrifice the carbon fiber to build the upper the way they wanted.

By no means does this mean that support and containment will be bad on the LeBron 21, it’s just interesting to see. The shoe is equipped with a very wide base, a stable cushioning system, a substantial heel counter wrapped in Nike Sphere, that ultra-supportive upper, and then we have that TPU shank. This will be more than enough for the immense majority of players out there.

Oddly enough, one of the few players that this setup may not be enough for is LeBron James himself. But maybe Nike will keep the carbon fiber shank in his personal pairs. Once the season starts we should be able to see what he’s playing in.

Nike LeBron 21 Fit

The Nike LeBron 21 fits true to size and offers a very similar fit to the Nike LeBron 20, so if you played in that shoe you know what to expect. If you didn’t, go with whatever size you typically use for Nike basketball, and you’ll be getting a great 1 to 1 fit, which is exactly what you want in terms of performance.

Nike LeBron 21 Overall

The Nike LeBron 21 promises to be a beast on court. It can be described as a remix of the Kobe 4 black, and, again, that shoe was amazing. Barring any unfortunate surprises, this will be one of the top models this year, one of the most versatile, and one of the most comfortable on court, as well as an attainable Kobe substitute.

Last year we saw LeBron reaching frequently for the all-leather versions of the LeBron 20, as well as the Nike LeBron 2. Maybe he was looking for extra containment. That would explain the upper updates and the all-round design. If the assignment LeBron issued to Nike was to create a LeBron 20 with insane lockdown, then he must be thrilled with the Nike LeBron 21.

If Nike had been able to innovate a bit more, to push the envelope in terms of design, then we might have had an all-time great on our hands, but that’s a lot to ask for. And in all fairness, there’s little to complain about in the Nike LeBron 21.

lululemon Chargefeel 2 Performance Review

 For the record, it goes against every fiber of my selectively nerdy being to forego capitalization of proper nouns. So, dear reader, please know that when I write “lululemon”, I’m simply abiding by the company’s own standard set forth in the marketing materials I received. Great. With my conscience clear and still clinging to the ever-controversial Oxford comma, let’s get on with the review…

Truth be told, footwear isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when I think of lululemon. But over the last couple of years, the brand has developed a small lineup of performance and recovery shoe options to accompany its activewear, the lululemon Chargefeel 2 among them.

I will leave it to the wise reader to determine what exactly the name “Chargefeel” is meant to conjure in our collective hearts and minds, but let’s at least find out together how this second iteration fares in the overall performance picture.

lululemon Chargefeel 2

Release Date: August 8, 2023

Price: $138

Weight: 9.1 oz.

Drop: 9.5mm

Sizing: True to size for a snug fit, half size up for wide footer or those that want more room

Also available in a Mid version for $148

How Does the Author Train?

Annie trains daily with a focus on running, strength training, and mobility. Most of her running is structured with the half-marathon distance in mind. Her cross training—which consists of mobility work and activations, cardio kickboxing/HIIT workouts, strength and recovery yoga, and other bodyweight strength training—is all geared toward overall health and longevity, functional movement, and staying as injury-free and flexible as her not-so-naturally-flexible body allows.

What is the lululemon Chargefeel 2?

The Luka 2 is a cross training shoe intended to cover a broad range of workouts. It comes in both a Low version (tested here) and a Mid version. lululemon describes the shoe as follows:

“Bounce for running. Agility for training. Do it all in chargefeel 2.”

Welp. If we could just get some clarity on the capitalization front, it would really help my brain…

Aaaaannyway…

The Setup

The brand looks to deliver that promised versatility via dual-foam cushioning tuned for both lateral cuts and forward motion.

There are two structural pieces that blend into the midsole on the medial and lateral sides of the heel area, presumably to aid with stability. They did help keep me centered on the platform, but I occasionally felt the medial piece against the side of my foot a bit more than I would have liked. It wasn’t painful, but I noticed it. The sensation thankfully faded into the background as testing continued, so it either broke in a bit, or I simply got accustomed to its presence.

The mesh upper and lightly padded tongue give the shoe a slipper-like feel. It’s soft, silky, and very comfortable (Oxford comma FTW) (Editor’s Note: stay in your lane Annie!). The lululemon Chargefeel 2 offers lots of flexibility while still providing good hold and enough structure to feel secure. I never worried about sliding around inside the shoe regardless of what type of exercise I was doing.

The way lululemon incorporated breathability along the sides and on top of the forefoot is effective, and it also happens to give the upper the aesthetic bonus of a visually interesting texture.

The promo materials describe the outsole as “mapped”. So, today is your lucky day if you’ve always thought to yourself, “I like this outsole well enough, but I think it would really sing if only it were mapped.”

The website clarifies that what we’re actually talking about here is pressure mapping, but I prefer a world in which I could stumble upon buried treasure if I just follow the path laid out on the bottom of my shoe.

I digress…Sorry, Drew. Though, I feel like you’re at least used to it by now, so there’s that…. (Editor’s Note: I actually can’t disagree here, a treasure map on the bottom of a shoe would be cool)

Right, the fit!

Fit & Sizing

Given the broad use-case for which the lululemon Chargefeel 2 is intended, I want to draw attention to sizing options.

In a dedicated running shoe, I almost always go a half size up from my true (measured) shoe size. This allows for toe splay and continued comfort if any mild swelling occurs over extended efforts. For a training shoe, I might be more inclined to go with my true size for the sake of staying nimble for multidirectional movement.

Seeing as the Chargefeel 2 is meant to fill both fitness roles, I had to pick a side of the fence on sizing. As someone with an average-to-slightly-wide forefoot and having never worn a lululemon shoe before, I played it safe with my (half size up) running shoe size.

I tend to prefer a little more wiggle room rather than not enough, so I was very happy with that choice throughout testing. The lockdown was consistently solid for me, so it didn’t present any concerns about function or safety and never felt sloppy.

In fact, it hugged my foot nicely through the midfoot and heel but opened up comfortably in the forefoot. Given that the main place I favor a bit of extra width is indeed that forefoot area, I might have been able to get away with my true size as well. Whether or not that has anything to do with the shoe being designed on a female-specific last, I couldn’t say. But it did happen to suit me well.

The bottom line, however, is that unless you’re a true wide footer (in which case, I’d recommend going a half size up), it may come down to your personal preferences as to whether to favor your usual training shoe fit or your usual running shoe fit for optimal sizing on the Chargefeel 2 Low. For me, my running shoe fit was the way to go.

Pros

HIIT & Cardio-leaning Strength Work

The shoe shone best for me during cardio kickboxing, Tabata-style intervals, and other HIIT workouts that required a wide variety of sharper, uptempo movements.

It had enough cushion for plyometrics but avoided being too squishy when lateral stability was needed for things like skaters or other explosive, side-to-side motions (which I wouldn’t dare attempt in the majority of my dedicated running shoes).

It also felt locked down and stable enough for bodyweight/functional strength work or when intervals called for lighter free weights.

And I have to say, I enjoyed that (pressure-)mapped outsole. It had ample grip for things like burpees and mountain climbers on a hardwood floor, but it didn’t stick so abruptly that it became a hindrance to more complex moves involving quick pivots and rotation. The traction was well balanced for my purposes, allowing me to feel both agile and sure-footed.

No More Annoying Shoe Changes Mid-Workout

If the inconvenience of having to change your shoes between your warmup or cooldown cardio and the rest of your gym routine has kept you from getting the most out of your training in the past, you’ll be glad to know that the lululemon Chargefeel 2 can successfully bridge that gap and help get you through your session more efficiently.

It is indeed capable of a few miles on the treadmill and has an unobtrusive, neutral feel from a running perspective. And its lateral stability properties as a cross trainer made it a good choice for pre-run activations, dynamic warmups, as well as for post-run stretching.

Potentially Fewer Shoes in General

This will of course depend on your aesthetic preferences, but the lululemon Chargefeel 2’s understated silhouette and neutral look could transition well to life outside of the gym for many people, adding a little more value proposition to what is otherwise a relatively mid-range price tag in this category of performance footwear.

Cons

To be fair to lululemon, the shoe does what it sets out to do. But it likely comes as no great shock that the Chargefeel 2’s strength of versatility means it’s going to falter when measured against more specialized shoes that firmly occupy a single fitness lane. There will naturally be scenarios in which you’ll need to instead reach for one of those more focused options.

Not for Targeted Running Days

For example, despite enjoying my pre- and post-run routines in the comparatively stable lululemon Chargefeel 2 and feeling confident in its ability to cross over to cardio equipment in the gym, I wouldn’t want to take it out on the roads for longer distances or when the goal of a given day’s run required more demanding paces.

Not for Heavy Lifting

Similarly, if you lift heavy, you’ll do best to rely on your trusty Dunk Low or similar, as you’ll require more balance and a much sturdier, flatter platform than you’ll find here in the Chargefeel 2. As for our CrossFit-loving friends… Wait, you probably aren’t even reading this because you know that your affinity for rope climbing alone will shred this upper to ribbons…(Editor’s Note: She lost the Crossfitters as soon as she opened this article with a paragraph on proper capitalization).

Durability

Speaking of ribbons, the supple materials that give this upper its slipper-like feel could come at the cost of durability. The comfort outweighs that concern in my case, as I don’t usually find myself rapidly burning through uppers. But if you’re the type of athlete who is notorious for beating up on your equipment, be aware that the lululemon Chargefeel 2’s upper is not likely to withstand much in the abrasion department before showing it.

lululemon Chargefeel 2 Summary

The lululemon Chargefeel 2 Low is a versatile cross trainer that definitely leans toward the cardio fitness side of cross training rather than the weightlifting side. If your main gig includes a few treadmill miles, some floor work or circuit training, a HIIT workout, or your favorite general fitness class, you’ll find a ready training partner in the Chargefeel 2.

The lululemon Chargefeel 2 can also conveniently take you through the rest of your day without loudly broadcasting the fact that you just came from the gym. It may, however, be unable to refrain from proudly asking passersby, “Have you seen my outsole? It’s mapped.”

adidas Trae Young 3: A Big Improvement

 The adidas Trae Young 3 is a quick, light, reactive, and grippy shoe that also boasts top-tier lockdown and stability.

The adidas Trae Young 2 was a very disappointing model, so much so that we didn’t even bother testing them with a full on court performance review. The adidas Trae Young 3, on the other hand, looks like it will be a very solid basketball shoe in terms of performance and a huge improvement on the 2.

adidas decided to totally revamp the Trae Young signature line: new look, new tech, and even a new logo. So, if you were expecting to get hints of the previous 2 models in this shoe, we’re sorry to say that you will find none of that here. What you will find is a funky-looking, seemingly 3D-printed, signature shoe that was constructed to cater to Trae Young’s playing style. So let’s get into the review and see exactly what the Trae Young 3 has to offer.

adidas Trae Young 3 Review

adidas Trae Young 3 Tech Specs:

adidas Trae Young 3 Traction

Traction on the Trae Young 3 can be defined with one word: grippy. The outsole features two different types of rubber and two different traction patterns. We have a solid rubber portion in the forefoot with a wavy nubbed pattern, and the rest of the sole is translucent and features a tried and true herringbone. This setup offers great multidirectional coverage and grips the court superbly.

The two drawbacks of this setup are its durability and its propensity to accumulate dust. The sole will hold up fine if you use the Trae Young 3 exclusively indoors, but it will get worn down quickly outdoors. And, because the traction lines are so close together, they will tend to pack in dirt and will need periodical cleaning on less clean surfaces.

adidas Trae Young 3 Cushion

The Trae Young 3 reportedly was going to feature a mix of Lightstrike and Boost, but in the end what we have is a brand-new, wedge-shaped, foam cushioning setup that was designed specifically for this model. It does feel Lightstrike-adjacent, but it is its own new style of foam. The setup is reactive and bouncy and keeps you very low to the ground as you play.

The sensation of underfoot is very similar to another adidas model from the past, the Lebron 21. If you have played in shoes you know what to expect. This is all good news for lighter, more nimble players, but for bigger hoopers that need a bit more extra protection, this won’t be the shoe for you.

adidas Trae Young 3 Materials

Materials are pretty nice, all things considered. The Trae Young 3 features a primarily textile upper, with some fuse and neoprene details. The main textile is micromesh and is reminiscent of jaquard, a high-quality, lightweight textile adidas has used a lot in the past (most notably on the Dame 2) and it’s as good as a textile can get.

The upper will take some time to break in, however, because it relies on a layer construction to add all the containment that a guy like Trae Young needs. Once it does, that jaquard-like material conforms well to your foot. It’s lightweight and provides really nice containment on court.

One nice detail is the heel sculpting. The shoe features substantial heel pillows that will help keep your heel locked in and boost that 1 to 1 fit.

adidas Trae Young 3 Support

Support was clearly a focal point while designing the Trae 3, and it might be the shoe’s best feature. Trae Young has had ankle issues in the past, so a stable and secure-feeling shoe is probably exactly what he needs and wants. The shoe features a very wide base, with those pseudo-3D-printed portions of the midsole that protrude out and act as light outriggers.

The sole is wavy, but, when you put them on and apply pressure, you will get a lot of contact area between you and the court.

Through the translucent portions of the sole, we can also see a “Y” shaped torsional plate that extends slightly into the forefoot of the shoe, so you’ll get a good amount of torsional rigidity, and a slight spring plate effect as well.

Lace cables are placed on either side of the midfoot to boost containment and lateral stability, and lastly, we have the heel of the shoe. Aside from the heel pillows we mentioned, the Trae 3 has a substantial external heel counter. Both of these together will provide very secure and stable scaffolding for your ankle.

adidas Trae Young 3 Fit

The adidas Trae Young 3 fits true to size, so go with whatever size you usually use with adidas. If you were looking for a SUPER snug 1 to 1 fit, you could go down half a size, but make sure to try them on in-store if that’s what you are looking for.

adidas Trae Young 3 Overall

The adidas Trae Young 3 is a massive improvement in regards to Trae Young 2. It’s a quick, light, reactive, and grippy shoe that also boasts top-tier lockdown and stability. This makes it a very solid performance basketball shoe, but it also makes it one of those shoes that just won’t be everybody’s cup of tea.

If you are an agile, springy player who doesn’t require much impact protection and enjoys a fast and secure ride on court, all packaged in a pretty outlandish design, the Trae Young 3 will be perfect for you.

Brooks Beast GTS 23 Performance Review

When the Brooks Beast GTS 23 arrived, I was confused. How was it different from the Brooks Glycerin 20 GTS? The differences (including the looks) are so small.

Now, after running over 50 miles in the Brooks Beast GTS 23, I’m not sure this shoe is necessary. It’s so close to the Glycerin 20 that I find it difficult to figure out why it exists. That said, you may be the target audience if the changes from the Glycerin are what you need in a running shoe.

One clarification before we get into the review. The Brooks Beast GTS 23 is a men’s only shoe. The women’s version is called the Lebron 21, which we reviewed last month. If you click that link you can read that review from one of our female running testers, Annie Keris.

Now let’s tame this Beast! (Editor’s Note: ugh, please stop)

Brooks Beast GTS 23

Release Date: September 1, 2023

Price: $160

Weight: 11.9 oz.

Drop: 12mm

Sizing: True to size

• Rundown: The Brooks Beast GTS 23 is a men’s only shoe with max support and protective cushioning.

Midsole

The Brooks Beast GTS 23’s midsole is DNA Loft v3 but it’s not as soft or bouncy as when the same foam was used on the Glycerin 20. It looks similar, but even after a break-in period, it’s just denser than the DNA Loft v3 I’m used to.

This is partially due to less foam being used in the Beast GTS 23. The Glycerin 20 features 38mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot while the Beast GTS 23 has only 26mm in the heel and 14mm in the forefoot.

This does help with stability, which is one of the main goals of the Beast GTS 23, but it’s off-putting if you’ve ever enjoyed DNA Loft v3 before. I don’t understand why brands keep the foam name the same when they’ve tinkered with the formulation. It’s confusing for consumers who get used to a certain feel.

And even though the midsole doesn’t deliver as billed, it’s a solid midsole. The protection is good and it works as an easy day shoe and can even pick up the pace a little. But at the same price as the Glycerin 20 GTS I’m not sure why anyone would recommend the Beast over the Glycerin, especially anyone concerned with cushioning.

Second Opinion

Chris Chung’s take on the midsole: The ride of the nitrogen-infused DNA loft v3 midsole was smooth but not cushioned. I personally didn’t feel any bounce or responsiveness in the foam.  It just felt a little stiff for me. I read a lot about the midsole breaking in and softening up after approximately 25 miles, but I just didn’t find that to be the case.

For a shoe with a pillowy tongue and padded upper, that design did not translate over to the midsole.

Stability is the name of the game. Everything from the wide outsole, stiff midsole, and GuideRails support system with a structured and padded heel counter screams stability in the Brooks Beast GTS 23.

Upper

The Brooks Beast GTS 23 sports a typical ho-hum engineered air mesh upper. It’s basically the same as you get with other Brooks models. Fairly comfortable, nicely padded, etc. If you like Brooks’ usual uppers, you’ll enjoy this one too.

Outsole

As is typical with high-end Brooks outsoles, the rubber on the Brooks Beast GTS 23 is great at preventing slips. However, the rubber wears quickly, unlike the equally priced Brooks Glycerin. This will be a deal breaker for runners who want a more abrasion-resistant outsole. Annie did have better results with the outsole on the Ariel GTS 23 (which is essentially the same shoe) so your mileage may vary (Editor’s Note: these corny jokes are awful).

Is the Brooks Beast GTS 23 wide foot friendly?

Yes, the Brooks Beast GTS 23 is wide foot friendly. The upper is accommodating and will work for a wide range of foot types plus Running Warehouse carries it in both 2E and 4E widths if you need extra room.

Is the Brooks Beast GTS 23 worth $160?

The Brooks Beast GTS 23 just doesn’t have quite enough cushion for the pushing (Editor’s Note: that doesn’t mean what you think it does). Why pay for less cushioning when you can get similar support from the Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 at the same price? There’s no reason not to upgrade to the Glycerin line.

Brooks Beast GTS 23 Summary

The Brooks Beast GTS 23 is a solid shoe with fantastic stability. But at $160, you might as well buy the softer, bouncier, top-of-the-line Brooks Glycerin GTS instead.

Nike Zoom GT Hustle 2: Victor Wembanyama’s New Shoe

 The Nike Zoom GT Hustle 2 is a low-profile, agile guard shoe that boasts a full-length Zoom Air Strobel. If you liked the original Nike GT Cut, you will like these.

Colorway: Black /White/Pink Foam/Pure Platinum

Release Date: 2023

Price: $170

If you were wondering, no, there isn’t a first version of the Nike GT Hustle. Nike’s GT (Greater Than) line originally had 3 models: the Nike GT Cut, the Nike GT Jump, and the Nike GT Run. Of the bunch, the Nike GT Run was clearly the weakest model, so Nike has decided to sub that model out for the GT Hustle. So it is, technically, the second version of a Nike model, but that model is the GT Run.

It also seems that the GT Hustle 2 will be Victor Wembanyama’s shoe for 2023-24 which is odd because it is very clearly a low-profile guards shoe. Wemby is shifty for a 7’4″ player, but I don’t think anyone would say he plays or moves like a guard.

The GT Hustle 2 is actually very reminiscent of the first Nike GT Cut, which is high praise ’cause that shoe was awesome. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and let’s dive into the review to see the strengths and weaknesses of these potential bad boys.

Nike GT Hustle 2 Review

Nike GT Hustle 2 Tech Specs:

Nike GT Hustle 2 Traction

The traction on the Nike GT Jump 2 is weird. The sole of the shoe is covered in traction pods that are somewhat similar to running shoe spikes. Those pods are etched with a herringbone traction pattern. After brief initial testing, it seems like this traction pattern will work splendidly on court. Those pods seem in no danger of being ripped off and the traction pattern sticks to the court very well.

The herringbone traction pattern provides great multi-directional coverage, and, as an added bonus, the rubber Nike used to construct the outsole looks like it will hold up better than most to the rigors of outdoor play. One aspect that might not be optimal is that the traction looks like it will accumulate dust easily on dirtier courts, but a quick wipe should suffice to keep you going.

Nike GT Hustle 2 Cushion

The Nike GT Hustle 2 comes equipped with a firm Phylon midsole (some Nike materials claim that it’s Cushlon) that sits below a full-length Zoom Strobel. This is probably the shoe’s best feature, if what you are looking for is a VERY low profile, reactive setup with just enough impact protection. The GT Hustle 2 is a guard’s dream in terms of cushioning and is very reminiscent (as we have mentioned) of the OG GT Cut.

This setup proves that you really can build a shoe with elite court feel, and reactiveness that’s very low to the ground and still maintains a good amount of comfort, compression, and impact protection. If you are looking for max cushion set up this is definitely not the shoe for you, but if you want an agile guard show, the GT Hustle is as good as it gets.

Nike GT Hustle 2 Materials

Materials on the Nike GT Hustle 2 are very nice by today’s standards. There is nothing premium on the shoe, and it’s primarily built with mesh and textiles, but all of these are top-notch. They provide a really nice comfortable 1 to 1 fit, conform well to your foot, and keep it well-ventilated. They’re also layered in such a way that they will also provide good lockdown and containment.

One nice detail is the tongue. It’s built in a perforated, fluffy neoprene-style foam. This will help alleviate a ton of lace pressure and add a good amount of comfort and ventilation as well.

All in all, the materials feel cheap in hand, especially considering the $170 price tag, but they feel and perform very well on the hardwood (or blacktop).

Nike GT Hustle 2 Support

There really is nothing much to say regarding the GT Hustle’s support, because there really isn’t much of anything to boost this feature in the shoe. We have no shank plate, no spring plate, and no containment features outside of the materials and the all-around build. The shoe is wide and the cushioning is stable but that’s about it.

Now, that doesn’t mean that this shoe is unsupportive: The Phylon midsole is dense enough to not require a shank plate, you play so low to the ground with such a minimal cushioning setup that stability is not an issue, and the materials of the shoe hug your foot in such a way that it isn’t going anywhere no matter how hard you stop or cut as you play.

What it does mean is that if you’re a player who needs a little bit extra in this department, then you will have to look elsewhere. Torsional support can be an issue for some foot types and you have very little of that in this shoe. One option you could consider if this is an issue for you and you still want to try these out is using a sturdy insole with a built-in shank plate, like Move Insoles.

Nike GT Hustle 2 Fit

The Nike GT Hustle 2 fits true to size so go with whatever size you usually use with Nike and you should be good to go. It’s also a nicely comfortable and snug fit, but if you like a very snug-fitting shoe on court, you might be able to get away with going down half a size. If that’s your plan, make sure to try these on in-store.

Nike GT Hustle 2 Overall

The Nike GT Hustle 2 is an enormous improvement on the Nike Dunk and might just be one of the better performance models we see this year, but it’s definitely more of a niche basketball shoe. The very low-profile cushioning system, the minimal support features, and the traction could make the Nike GT Hustle 2 one of the best guard shoes of the year.

But it might not be enough for bigger players with a more power-based playing style. This also makes it a strange choice as Victor Wembanyama’s first shoe with Nike in the NBA. He might eventually switch models if these can’t keep up with him, but all around the GT Hustle is a top-notch performance model, maybe just not for everyone.

NikeCourt Zoom Pro Performance Review

 The NikeCourt Zoom Pro is one of Nike’s more affordable court shoes and we have taken it out for testing on the pickleball courts. Does it have enough to compete with the Skechers Viper Court Pros and New Balance Coco CG1s of the world? Let’s find out with another pickleball performance review.

Pros

Court Feel

The NikeCourt Zoom Pro succeeds in providing a connected feel when navigating the pickleball court. The low-profile midsole setup is smooth as far as the north and south transition between lines and didn’t leave much to be desired in terms of a low ride.

While the decently sized (as far as coverage goes, at least) forefoot Air Zoom bag did not hinder court feel in any way, I have to say I was disappointed in the lack of feedback I got from it. I assume it’s a really thin unit to maintain court feel, because I honestly wouldn’t have noticed the shoe used this tech had it not been advertised and highlighted through the outsole (that along with another interesting thing I noticed that we’ll discuss later). Despite this experience and my wonder about the need for Zoom at all, I am still happy with the court feel of the NikeCourt Zoom Pro.

Lightweight Build

The lightweight build is achieved by lightweight textiles and minimal layering in the upper combined with lightweight EVA running full-length through the midsole.

At 14.7 ounces (Men’s 11.5 US), the NikeCourt Zoom Pro is the lightest racket sports shoe I’ve tested to date. This was extremely beneficial when trying to cover ground by split-stepping and getting a read on the opponent’s next shot as well as general movements around the court.

Outsole Durability

There’s not too much detail to go into here, but as a tennis shoe made for hardcourt, the durability of the sole did not disappoint. I would say the outsole is on par with Skechers Viper Court Pro I previously tested and a little bit better than the New Balance Coco CG1. Nice work Nike for not coming in last as far as outsole durability.

Cons

Fit

While the NikeCourt Zoom Pro runs true to size in length, it’s a very narrow fit. Wide footers will want to go at least a half-size up, but PLEASE try any colorway you can find on in-store if you have the opportunity.

The narrow fit is concerning as I myself skew just slightly towards the narrow side, though I fit most standard-width shoes just fine in my true size. Though not uncomfortable for me, I still notice the narrowness of the NikeCourt Zoom Pro every time I put it on, even after weeks of testing and breaking it in. It’s also not helpful for containment as there’s no outrigger and the shoe’s base is just as narrow.

Quality/Craftsmanship

Alright, I’ll start with when I first put my feet into the NikeCourt Zoom Pro. They just felt warped, especially in the right shoe. Yes, I know…no two feet are the same (even our own two), it had just been delivered off a truck in the middle of a North Carolina summer, and the fit is narrow. But even now, something still feels off after they’ve had time to mold to my feet. Definitely a little more than your average manufacturing discrepancy between shoes.

Then, for the longest time, I would continually check the bottom of my shoe to see if I stepped on gum or something sticky. It was on and off, but the same right shoe every time. What it really seems to be is a loose Zoom unit snapping on and off some type of adhesive.

Lastly, the upper durability. I understand Nike isn’t going to invest too much into the materials of a $100 shoe, but more could be done to protect a tennis shoe. I have small tears forming on the outer textile layer of the upper, one on the medial side of the left shoe, and the other on the lateral side of the right shoe. Both are forming where the rubberized toe cap begins to wrap around and while it’s nice to have some protection around the toe, it’s just not enough and doesn’t seem to work well with the upper.

Long story short, the NikeCourt Zoom Pro does not seem built to last, and maybe that’s why it seems to have had a longer-than-usual product lifecycle.

NikeCourt Zoom Pro Summary

While I love the price, agility, and aesthetic of the NikeCourt Zoom Pro, I do not find it likely to make my top air jordan  list. I found things I was looking forward to, such as Zoom Air, disappointing, and frankly, there was just too much to think about before and after games when wearing the shoe.

Some may love the NikeCourt Zoom Pro, and that’s okay, but if I were to make a recommendation, it would be to spend another $15-$20 on something more substantial from the start, or something higher quality from Nike af 1 or another brand that may go on sale. $100 looks like a solid price for a good-looking Nike shoe, but there’s a high likelihood you will shortly spend more money on a replacement pair, if the shoe isn’t covered by a trustworthy return policy.

Nike Sabrina 1: An Excellent First Signature Shoe

 The Sabrina 1 is Sabrina Ionescu’s first signature and a very solid one at that. It’s very reminiscent of the Nike Kobe 5 and the Nike Kobe AD Exodus. If you enjoyed those models you’ll love the Sabrina 1.

The Nike Sabrina 1 looks and feels like a Kobe. In fact, it would have been really cool to see Sabrina repping the new Kobe brand, but at the same time, it’s nice to see her get her own signature line.

Nike did a very good job with these, balancing the Kobe influences while creating a shoe and a new signature line with its own personality and unique vibe, and at the same time producing a top-notch performance basketball shoe. They even nailed the materials of the shoe that are synthetic and performance-driven, but still feel nice in hand, but more on that latter.

Nike Sabrina 1 Review

Nike Sabrina 1 Specs:

Nike Sabrina 1 Traction

The Nike Sabrina 1 features a solid, no-nonsense, traction setup. The traction pattern, for all intents and purposes, is full-length herringbone. It is a slightly more artistic and funky rendition of herringbone, but at the end of the day we have an aggressive triangular pattern with lines going in every direction, so it should perform very well on court.

The sole combines solid and translucent rubber, but it’s predominantly translucent. This means it won’t be a great outdoor option, but indoors it should offer excellent grip. Even if Nike gave us a fully solid running shoe type outsole or even a sole predominantly built with solid rubber, it still wouldn’t be great outdoors in terms of durability.

Nike Sabrina 1 Cushion

The cushion on the Nike Sabrina 1 is excellent, assuming you are looking for a reactive, low-profile setup. The Sabrina 1 features a full-length React midsole with a hefty Zoom Air unit in the forefoot. This configuration is perfect for lighter shiftier players who enjoy a quick, low-to-the-ground experience on court with just enough impact protection.

This setup might not be enough for bigger more powerful players who put a beating on their joints every time they are on the hardwood, but it should be enough for the vast majority of players out there.

Nike Sabrina 1 Materials

Materials on the Nike Sabrina 1 are what you would expect from a modern hoop shoe and also not at all what you would expect. Shoes built with synthetics and textiles can feel cheap and flimsy in hand, but that isn’t the case here. The textiles used along the upper feel nice, perform tremendously, and add a lot of depth and texture to the overall design.

If you are going to go with textiles on your shoe, this is the way to do it. The materials are layered in such a way that it boosts the shoe’s lockdown, which combined with the lace cables and the lacing system itself, is going to provide a very secure feeling ride on court.

Nike Sabrina 1 Support

Support is also a strong point of the Jordan 1. It all starts with the cushioning setup which is very stable and low to the ground. Then we have that very wide, Kobe 5-esque outrigger and a substation TPU shank plate in the midfoot, both of which will also boost stability while playing.

On top of that, we have those really nice materials that conform to your foot and lock it down effectively, those lace cables on either side of the shoe that draw your foot back into the footbed, and lastly the lacing system itself and the heel counter which works together to lock in your heel.

Nike Sabrina 1 Fit

The Sabrina 1 fits true to size and offers a great 1 to 1 fit. HOWEVER, they do come in woman’s sizing so, if you are looking for your Men’s size you will need to go a size and a half up (12 Men = 13.5 Women). If you don’t want to risk it, try them on in-store.

Nike Sabrina 1 Overall

The Nike Sabrina 1 is a great first signature shoe for Sabrina Ionescu and is one of the best basketball shoes Nike has to offer in 2023/24. It’s a shoe that visually, and in terms of performance, could easily be a Kobe shoe, so if you’re looking for a shoe that will give you that “Kobe” feeling on court this one is a safe bet.

The Sabrina 1 is a top-notch guard-style shoe that will give you great traction (indoors), a speedy and reactive cushioning setup, along with elite lockdown and support. If you’re looking for a basketball shoe with beefy and plush cushioning, this might not be the shoe for you, but that is hardly a drawback.

Nike Ultrafly Performance Review

 

When I heard rumblings that Nike would release a trail shoe with ZoomX late last year, my first thought was, “Well, I guess I’m buying it.” My second thought was, “I guess I should find some trails.” Well, I did and I did.

Enter the Nike Ultrafly. Nike’s first foray into a plated trail running shoe – featuring a full-length wrapped ZoomX midsole, a Vibram outsole, and a (not-so-new) Vaporweave mesh upper.

This has been a fun shoe to test and has made my runs more enjoyable (more on that below), but it comes with quite a hefty price tag.

Release Date: August 17, 2023

Weight: Men’s 10.1 oz., Women’s 8.8 oz.

Drop: 8.5mm – Sizing: True to size

Pros

ZoomX (Off-road)

While a lot of readers have experienced ZoomX in Nike’s road and track racing shoes, the Dunk on the Nike Ultrafly doesn’t really make a difference until you hit softer terrain. It’s soft, springy, and supportive. As I’ve said in prior reviews, the true test of a shoe is when I don’t think about it, and for the most part, I wasn’t thinking about this shoe when I was out on the trails. I attribute much of that to the ZoomX.

Fit (Toebox)

The wider toe box and lockdown across the whole shoe are great. So great, in fact, that I wonder why more of the Nike line can’t be as dialed in as this shoe?

Versatility

I’d anticipate that the Nike SB Dunk Pink will pull in a lot of non-trail runners (me). And for that reason, I have found a lot of enjoyment in my test runs because I was exploring new areas, different terrain and not defaulting to my usual routes and mileage. While I don’t see this leading the pack as a daily runner on the road, it’s not shabby, so while the price is high, I can easily argue that you’re getting a more versatile shoe than what it may seem on the surface.

Cons

Price ($260)

Let’s face it, $260 is just insane. I was anticipating $220 when I heard the rumors and even that would have given me pause. While I know people will eat this up (as I write this on release day, inventory is scarce – but we all know how that game goes). I think committed trail runners (who admittedly have more experience than me in trail-specific footwear) will reach for other shoes at a lower price point that feature a lot of similar benefits.

Tongue/Lacing

The blatant absence of a tongue loop for the laces to slot through and keep the tongue secure is a huge gripe. In all my runs, the tongue would end up bunching at the base of the laces because it would slip down. To mitigate that, I have to tighten the laces more than I would like to keep the tongue up.

Lugs

To my point above about pulling some non-trail runners into the mix, I think Nike went conservative with the lugs as I don’t see them being as effective for technical terrain or extreme ascents or descents.

Nike Ultrafly Summary

To me, the Nike Ultrafly is what I expect a Pegasus Turbo or regular Pegasus could and should feel like. The ZoomX shines on softer terrain and in combination with the subtle Flyplate – the comfort off-road is enjoyable. The general fit and finish of the shoe are great (why do I feel like Nike trail shoes are always made better?) and I love the launch colorway because what’s more fun than getting a clean shoe nice and dirty?

Outside of the price, my nitpicks aren’t showstoppers, but the price is solely dictating my rating. If you’re a pragmatic spender, I would recommend finding some discounts or dusting off any gift cards you might have laying around.

If you’re not worried about price and want to jump into something new and exciting from Nike, I’ll green-light you all day because it’s a fun shoe.