The Nike SB Dunk Low review

 Everyone who likes sneakers knows this one, and even Skateboarders who aren't into Nike SB have at least heard of it or maybe seen it in the Nike SB movie "<a href="https://www.solesnk.com/items/nike-dunk-low-what-the-super-mario-andrew-chiou-custom/">What the Super Mario</a>" . The characteristical toebox has been copied many times by every skateshoe brand out there. Since day one, it has been the flagship of the whole SB line.

This is a review of the Nike Sb Dunk low from a skateboarder’s view.

To start at the beginning: If you decide to get some <a href="https://www.solesnk.com/product-category/dunk-sb-dunk/">Dunks</a> for skating be sure to get the right size. The recomendation is to buy them true to size. The shoe will stretch after several wears, especially the suede models, but also the leather ones, because the cusion in the heel will lose its original dimentions when put under pressure. If you buy them half a size too big, the cababillity of the shoe to hold your foot tightly in the right position will be lost, which might leed to ankle twists or other such injurys.

The break-in time that the Dunk takes is almost non existing, especially the suede models,

which are ready out of the box.The full leather ones might take a bit longer to break in, but after a few walk in them before you start skating them they are fine as well. If the still feel a little stiff, just bend the sole in all possible directions a few times to increase the flexibility.<img class="alignnone wp-image-123408 " src="https://www.sneakernovel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/dunk.jpg" alt="" width="416" height="236" />

<strong>Durability:</strong>

<p style="text-align: left;">The durability of a shoe is largely affected by the way it's built in the key areas. More layers of strong and

resistant material will last longer than fewer layers of weaker material, such as canvas. The Dunk has a 4-layer toebox. From the outside there is a layer of suede/leather, a layer or durable

rubber/plastic, a second layer of suede or leather and finally a layer of the inner material, normally some kind of woven canvas.</p>

<p style="text-align: left;">The Dunk is really durable compared with shoes by other companys in the same category. How long a pair will last will depend on how often they are skated in and the tricks people do, but they hold up very well for their construction and the boardfeel they provide.</p>

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Some other shoe models have soles that wear out faster than the upper. The sole gets holes in them, the

grip wears away, while the upper remains intact.

This is not the case with the Dunk. The sole of the Dunks is durable but still provides a great contact with

the board. The design of the sole is roughly structured and the grooves are deep, so it takes longer to become slick. Although there's no optional physical lace protection or hidden lace loops, the laces last longer than most compareable models because of the high cut of the inside and outside panels of the Dunk. This means the laces need to be tied relatively tightly, which provides some protection for the laces.

Before the introduction of the <a href="https://www.solesnk.com/items/313170-661/">SB line,</a> the Dunk had been improved for skateboarding from the original basketball model with the Pro B range. However, there are some weak areas that, although they don’t effect the over-all performance, do cause the shoe to look worn out faster.

The first weak spot is the toebox, which is secured with double stitching.. Since the layers of the toebox area aren't glued together, the shoe will start to fall apart once the stiching (that admittedly do hold up pretty well) are worn through.

The swoosh isn't glued on either, or is just single stiched, the same thing will happening to it. This is especially the case when doing a lot of heelflips or general tricks that involve the back part of the shoe.

Another weakness is caused by the inner lining of the Dunk, which bends slightly to the outsides of the shoe, and the mesh tongue. Both sections rip quickly when in contact with griptape.

Although these weak spots, and the swoosh problem, don't affect the performance of the shoe, they make it appear kind of ugly after only a few wears. A much more substencial problem is the unglued toebox, which could be easily fixed by Nike in the future. Until then, it can be reduced by putting a thin line of super glue on the toebox stiching, which will add protection to the stitcing.

<strong>Breathability:</strong>

Breathability is an often-underrated element of skateshoes, especially since the revival of minimalistic vulcanised shoes that classicaly lack materials that allow airflow out of the shoe. But whoever has skated on a hot summers day for several hours knows the feeling of "cooking feet" that breathable shoes can reduce.

Since most Dunks, with a few exceptions , don't use mesh on their uppers, the breathability is completely dependent on the few holes in the toebox and the tongue. And since the tongue is stuffed, the airflow here is reduced. As a result, the breathability of the shoe isn't too good. The part of your feet that is covered by the tongue especially gets critically hot in the summer, up to the point where it's a

pleasure to take the shoes off.

<strong>Boardfeeling/Shape/stickyness:</strong>

The boardfeeling and stickyness of the sole used on the Dunk is extremely good for ashoe with a cupsole.You could even go so far as to say that there are vulcanised shoes out there that provide less boardfeeling and stickyness.

Although my goal is to write an as objective review as possible, i'm very picky when it comes to soles. I can't stand slippery soles at all, and was very pessimistic about the Dunk in the beginning. However, it satisfied my high expectations completely.The good boardfeeling has its roots in the low design of the midsole and the fact that there's simply not much material between sole and the inner part of the shoe. The 5 mm zoom air airbag supports this whole concept. On one hand, it protects your heels against heel bruises, on the other, it keeps your foot as close to the board as possible. I wouldn't recommend skating a 12 stair with Dunks though, because the shoe isn't specifically designed for it. Another important feature is the shape of the toebox, since that's the part of the shoe that you "work" with the most, from doing an ollie to complex flip tricks. The toebox of the Dunk combines the best from two different shapes, it's in the middle between an arrow shaped toebox (think Lakai Manchester) and a round toebox, like the Lakai mj-3 or the Adidas Campus. Because of this combined shape, most skaters feel comfortable with it, perhaps even when they normally would prefer a clear arrow/round shaped toebox.

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If you compare the overall impression of the Dunk compared with shoes of other brands they have a rather tight and narrow shape. If you lace them really loose they get a "fatter" shape, but several skate shoes of other brands are still way bigger and more stuffed.

The described cut is especially an advantage for skaters with narrow feet that normally "get lost" in shoes by other companies. Dunks still fit quite close to your foot if you like your skateshoes laced loose. If a narrow shape is important for you, you should, in general, pretty much choose between either Lakai, Vans or <a href="http://www.ajnovel.com/">Nike SB</a>.

Comfort/Support:

The Dunk feels comfortable on your feet. The stuffing is concentrated in key areas, which means only the heel has thick stuffing. The middle and front don't have stuffing materials except for in the tongue.

On one hand, this composition is supportive for the overall boardfeeling of the shoe, on the

other, your feet will get hurt easier. A main disadvantage of the Dunk is the lack of support

in the heel area. This area generally consists of more than just leather and suede layerssewed together.

In many skateshoes you'll find an additional support element, which is made out of either plastic or a special cardboard. The bigger and stronger this element is,the more support the whole shoe will provide, preventing twisted and bruised ankles. This element in the dunk is neither big nor very strong, you can test it by simply squeezing the heel., If you compare different shoes and brands you'll find that the Dunk is pretty weak in this area. You can diminish this weakness by lacing them tight and up until the last whole, but it will be a higher risk for your feet compared with stiffer shoes.

Improvements:

Althought it seemed that Nike SB wants to keep the original shape and feel of the Dunk, there are some minor improvements that would improve the overall performance without changing the shape.

The toebox area could have hidden stiching, like Nike already do with the Harbor shoe.

This means the toebox doesn't need to be glued on but the durability would be much better. This is also the case for the swoosh, which falls off far too easily.

The tongue straps could be bigger and maybe placed a bit higher up the tongue to stop it bending in an almost horizontal way if you just lace the first 5 holes, which most people do.

This would also add some support.

Finally, there should be more leather or suede tongues instead of mesh. The mesh looks ugly after a few sessions because it gets destroyed so quickly. The mesh doesn't even provide much breathability anyway. So a perforated leather/suede tongue would be more durable and allow just as much airflow as the already-existing mesh tongue.

Another solution might be a top part of the tongue made from leather, while the rest of the tongue that's hidden under the laces stays mesh.

“One sentence summary”:

The Dunk low is a basic and universal shape that most skateboarders will like. Except for the breathability and the heel support the Dunk is a great skate shoe that is grippy, has a balanced amount of board feel and is quite durable.

Thanks to Tim Weissberg who had a look at the grammar and spelling

Nike Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf: Grass Volleyball Review

 The Nike Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf is a fairly unassuming shoe (despite a very long name). It’s not exactly a huge line and it doesn’t have a big name attached to it (Zoom Trout review coming soon). To start this summer off, I tested the Zoom Trout, the Nike Dunk Low What the Super Mario (the .5 was unexpectedly incredible in the grass. The 6 loses that magic traction and also is way too warm to use in the sun), and the Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf.

I didn’t expect the latter to be not only my favorite grass shoe of the group but also possibly my favorite overall. Keep reading to find out what makes the Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf such a great grass shoe.

Nike Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf

• Rundown: The Nike Nike Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf is a turf shoe meant for baseball that also works great for grass volleyball.

Pros

• Traction
• Lockdown and Stability

Cons

• Cushion
• Mud

Pros

Traction

Traction is always the most important feature in a sport performance sneaker. In the grass, it’s so important that other features are really afterthoughts. Grass gives some cushioning by itself, and on uneven ground, most shoes are pretty unstable no matter what. The best thing your shoe can do is provide traction.

The Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf has soft rubber cleats that give traction in multiple directions. This is an advantage over trail runners, which are primarily meant to grip when moving straight forward. These cleats are soft, loose rubber, so they’re safe and legal (regular cleats are frowned upon because they can hurt other players’ feet and if they grip too well you are risking serious knee injuries). I have tried these on grass that was dry, wet, long, short, thick, sparse, and even mostly dust/dirt. They aren’t perfect, but they are the most surefooted I have felt in grass shoes.

I will add that there is an exception to this: thick mud. I’ll expand on this in the cons section.

Lockdown and Stability

The Nike Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf is not the most high-tech or flashy sneaker, but it’s well-designed. Sometimes the fundamentals are all you need. One of the most important roles of sports footwear is providing confidence in movement. Traction is the first piece of this, but then comes lockdown and stability. You can think of it from the ground up. The outsole should grip the ground without sliding (traction), it should stay relatively flat on the ground (stability), and your foot should stay in place in the shoe (lockdown). If all three of these things happen, you can focus on the sport instead of your footing.

In the Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf, your foot sits a little low into the midsole, which helps it stay in place inside the shoe. There’s not really an outrigger on the shoe, and there’s no added lateral containment, but it’s definitely as stable as any shoe can be on grass. The laces are very basic, but they work great. The Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf has simple, effective stability and lockdown. They’re not as fun or exciting as something with air jordan 38 playoffs or a carbon plate, but they’re good enough that you forget you’re wearing them and feel confident moving around.

Cons

Cushion

The cushion in the midsole is nothing special. It’s Nike Dunk, a relatively stiff foam, and since you sit low in it, there isn’t much under your foot at all. In the grass, this usually doesn’t matter. In fact, it’s generally better for stability if there isn’t too much cushioning since grass can be soft if it’s rained recently. But on dry grass, or mostly dead grass and dirt courts, you can really start to feel the landings adding up. Just think about what the grass you usually play on looks like, and decide based on that.

Mud

The traction on these shoes is among the best I have tested in the grass. Trail runners might have a slight advantage, but they have other issues (they’re not designed for direction changes and jumping). These performed excellently in almost all conditions. The exception is mud.

I tested these in a particularly rainy tournament (shout out to the Pottstown Rumble), and they held traction well at first. As the ground became muddy, though, the soft rubber cleats were completely caked in mud, deep into the seams that the rubber comes out of. This happens with other shoes and even trail runner lugs, but not as fast and as severely as with the rubber “cleats”. I tried to keep scraping the mud out, but I ended up switching to other shoes I had with me.

Nike Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf Summary

The Nike Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Turf is not a flashy sneaker (I do wish it came in brighter colorways). It does what it needs to do though, and for that reason, it’s an excellent choice for grass volleyball.

I feel like every shoe I’ve tested in the grass has had a trade-off of some sort. For indoors, most shoes are good and some are great. For grass, most shoes are kinda bad and some are good. This is an example of a good shoe. Its only trade-off comes in either extremely dry weather or extremely muddy weather. In those extremes, you’re probably going to have issues anyways. For that reason, these are my current pick for the best grass volleyball shoe.

Are Nike Blazers basketball shoes or something more? This question has sparked debates among sneaker enthusiasts and sports fans alike. While Blazers have roots in basketball, their influence has extended beyond the court, captivating the worlds of fashion, street culture, and skateboarding. With their iconic design and versatile appeal, Nike Blazers Demystified effectively blur the lines between sports and style. Let’s delve into the multifaceted nature of Blazers and explore why they’ve become much more than just basketball shoes! The Burning Question: Are Blazers Basketball Shoes? The short answer is: yes, Blazers are basketball shoes in every sense of the word. But why the confusion? Why is there even doubt about the Blazer’s pedigree as a basketball shoe? Over the years, Blazers have transcended their original purpose and become a fashion statement, embraced by sneaker enthusiasts and style-conscious streetwear followers. Blazers have evolved beyond their original purpose as performance basketball shoes and have become fashion icons. Their popularity in fashion might lead some people to question their credibility as serious basketball footwear. Of course, Blazers have a rich history in basketball, with a legacy spanning decades. While part of the Blazer legend is due to its widespread popularity in fashion, they still maintain the performance features necessary for the sport. Why are Nike Blazers a Good Choice for Basketball? Besides being fashion icons, Nike Blazers have earned a reputation for providing the necessary support, traction, and stability for basketball players to perform at their best on the court. Let’s take a look at why Nike Dunk are highly regarded as basketball shoes and how they elevate the game for athletes and others who lace them up: Traction: Nike Blazers offer excellent traction during use, thanks to the herringbone tread and durable vulcanized rubber soles. The tread patterns on the sole help improve maneuverability on the court’s surface. Materials: Nike Blazers feature durable suede and leather uppers, making them well-suited for the demands of basketball. These materials ensure longevity, provide crucial support for the feet and heels, and improve stability during gameplay. Support: The mid-top versions of Nike Blazers offer superior ankle support and protection, making them ideal for running and dribbling. With their high-top design, each pair provides added stability and protection for the ankle. Blazers vs. Other Basketball Shoes: Style, Performance, and Functionality When choosing the right basketball shoes, the options can be overwhelming. Among the many choices available, Nike Blazers stand out as a distinct and iconic footwear option for both on and off the court. But how do Blazers stack up against other basketball shoes regarding style, performance, and functionality? One key factor that sets Blazers apart is their unique and timeless design. With their retro-inspired aesthetic and classic silhouette, Blazers exude a sense of style that appeals to sneaker enthusiasts and fashion-conscious individuals. In terms of performance, Blazers may not offer the same level of advanced features as specialized basketball shoes. But they still provide adequate support, cushioning, and traction for recreational play. Blazers are particularly popular among streetball players and those seeking a combination of style and moderate performance. Functionality is another aspect to consider. Blazers are extremely versatile, as they can be worn for various occasions beyond basketball. They are suitable for everyday wear and can complement various outfits, making them ideal for those seeking a shoe that transcends the court. Admittedly, Blazers may not meet the needs of professional athletes or those who require advanced performance technologies. While they may not be the go-to choice for professional athletes or those seeking cutting-edge performance features, Blazers hold a special place in the sneaker world and appeal to individuals who appreciate their iconic design and versatility.

 Are Nike Blazers basketball shoes or something more? This question has sparked debates among sneaker enthusiasts and sports fans alike.

While Blazers have roots in basketball, their influence has extended beyond the court, captivating the worlds of fashion, street culture, and skateboarding. With their iconic design and versatile appeal, Nike Blazers Demystified effectively blur the lines between sports and style.

Let’s delve into the multifaceted nature of Blazers and explore why they’ve become much more than just basketball shoes!

The Burning Question: Are Blazers Basketball Shoes?

The short answer is: yes, Blazers are basketball shoes in every sense of the word.

But why the confusion? Why is there even doubt about the Blazer’s pedigree as a basketball shoe?

Over the years, Blazers have transcended their original purpose and become a fashion statement, embraced by sneaker enthusiasts and style-conscious streetwear followers.

 

Blazers have evolved beyond their original purpose as performance basketball shoes and have become fashion icons. Their popularity in fashion might lead some people to question their credibility as serious basketball footwear.

Of course, Blazers have a rich history in basketball, with a legacy spanning decades. While part of the Blazer legend is due to its widespread popularity in fashion, they still maintain the performance features necessary for the sport.

Why are Nike Blazers a Good Choice for Basketball?

Besides being fashion icons, Nike Blazers have earned a reputation for providing the necessary support, traction, and stability for basketball players to perform at their best on the court.

Let’s take a look at why Nike Dunk are highly regarded as basketball shoes and how they elevate the game for athletes and others who lace them up:

Traction: Nike Blazers offer excellent traction during use, thanks to the herringbone tread and durable vulcanized rubber soles. The tread patterns on the sole help improve maneuverability on the court’s surface.

 

Materials: Nike Blazers feature durable suede and leather uppers, making them well-suited for the demands of basketball. These materials ensure longevity, provide crucial support for the feet and heels, and improve stability during gameplay.

Support: The mid-top versions of Nike Blazers offer superior ankle support and protection, making them ideal for running and dribbling. With their high-top design, each pair provides added stability and protection for the ankle.

Blazers vs. Other Basketball Shoes: Style, Performance, and Functionality

When choosing the right basketball shoes, the options can be overwhelming. Among the many choices available, Nike Blazers stand out as a distinct and iconic footwear option for both on and off the court.

 

But how do Blazers stack up against other basketball shoes regarding style, performance, and functionality?

One key factor that sets Blazers apart is their unique and timeless design. With their retro-inspired aesthetic and classic silhouette, Blazers exude a sense of style that appeals to sneaker enthusiasts and fashion-conscious individuals.

In terms of performance, Blazers may not offer the same level of advanced features as specialized basketball shoes. But they still provide adequate support, cushioning, and traction for recreational play. Blazers are particularly popular among streetball players and those seeking a combination of style and moderate performance.

 

Functionality is another aspect to consider. Blazers are extremely versatile, as they can be worn for various occasions beyond basketball. They are suitable for everyday wear and can complement various outfits, making them ideal for those seeking a shoe that transcends the court.

Admittedly, Blazers may not meet the needs of professional athletes or those who require advanced performance technologies. While they may not be the go-to choice for professional athletes or those seeking cutting-edge performance features, Blazers hold a special place in the sneaker world and appeal to individuals who appreciate their iconic design and versatility.

Jordan Luka 2 Review: An Improvement on the Luka 1?

 The Jordan Luka 2 is similar to the Jordan Luka 1 in many ways, but at the same time, it is a very different performance model. It should prove to be a great hoop shoe for certain types of players.

Colorway: Manhunter

Release Date: 2023

Price: $130

 

8.5/10

Total Score

The Jordan Luka 1 was designed specifically to enhance Luca Doncic’s signature stepback move. In the Jordan Luka 2, Jordan has tried to take the concept to a new level, boosting traits in the shoe to make it an even more effective tool for Luka’s game.

This, however, means that the Jordan Luka 2 does not feel much different on foot from the Jordan Luka 1. The Jordan Luka 1 was one of the best basketball shoes of 2022-23, but it was a very guard-specific shoe. So yes, it was great, but for a certain type of player. But let’s jump into the breakdown of the Luka 2 and see what’s new and what isn’t.

Jordan Luka 2 Review

Jordan Luka 2 Tech Specs:

Jordan Luka 2 Traction

The traction on the Luka 2 is practically identical to the traction that was featured on the Luka 1. We have practically the same radial traction pattern and the same translucent rubber. But, in this case, this is good news. The traction on the Luka 1 was amazing.

It offered great multidirectional coverage and gripped the court like no one’s business. So we should get exactly the same performance out of the Luka 2.

The one big drawback of this setup is that it’s not good for outdoor use, so make sure to keep them indoors if you want that tread to last.

Jordan Luka 2 Cushion

Again the cushion is very similar to the Luka 1. What we have in the Jordan Luka 2 is a full-length slab of Jordan’s Formula 23 Foam, housed within a dunk midsole carrier. Supposedly, this is a new version of Formula 23 which proved to be a very dense and reactive setup with very little compression or impact protection.

Now, this iteration might be bouncier, but not more plush. This setup feels almost neutral and slightly stiff. This is not a bad thing if you are looking for a reactive guard shoe that will get you off the blocks quickly, but if you want impact protection, look elsewhere.

Jordan Luka 2 Materials

Materials are a little hit or miss. On the positive side, the design is very Jordan-esque and this might turn out to be one of the best-looking shoes of the year. Also, in terms of performance, they do everything you want them to do. The synthetic suede overlays add containment, where the shoe needs it, and the textile portions keep the shoe breathable and lightweight.

On the other hand, and especially considering that these are $20 more expensive than the Jordan Luka 1, a material upgrade would have been nice. There weren’t big tech updates so upgrading the materials would have given us a bit more bang for our buck. But again, they will perform well on court so…there’s that…

Jordan Luka 2 Support

Support is where we have the most upgrades compared to the Luka 1. The Luka 2 has a similar spring plate in the forefoot that wraps around the midsole providing torsional support and lateral containment. The new materials on the upper will provide better lockdown and containment, but the lockdown was already great on the Luka 1 so it won’t be a very noticeable upgrade, and finally, the heel counter has been beefed up considerably.

Now the problem with this is that the shoe will require a longer break-in time to mold to your foot, so just keep that in mind.

Jordan Luka 2 Fit

The Jordan Luka 2 fits true to size, so go with whatever size you usually use with Jordan. Again, keep in mind that they will feel slightly stiff at first, and you will have to break them in. 

Jordan Luka 2 Overall

The Jordan Luka 2 has the potential to be a great hoop shoe on court, but no matter how good it ends up being, it will most definitely be a shoe targeted for lighter, shiftier guards. This is not a shoe that everyone will enjoy. 

Now, if you were looking for a shoe with awesome traction and lockdown with a reactive and responsive cushioning system that will keep you light on your feet as you play, the Luka 2 might be the shoe for you.

Air Jordan 3 Retro Performance Review

 Hit the jump for full review…

Traction – The traction surface was much like the Air Jordan II, performed well no matter what you were doing. Texture is abundant throughout and the giant pivot point did not hinder their performance at all. Out of the first three Air Jordan models, the AJ1 has been the most equipped where traction is concerned but the AJ 3 are well above average.

Cushion – As you already know, my knees and legs cannot handle the cushion. The polyurethane midsoles are far too dense for me and even with an insole swap I was only partially pain-free until a certain point. There is some compression which is good but overall… it’s just not an ideal setup. If you are young, you won’t have much of an issue but for some of us older players, especially older players who can still run quickly, we need to be able to absorb as much impact as possible so our bodies can endure on-court play.

Material – The leather upper is decent enough and has some durability to it. Flexibility of the material itself was actually pretty good and I had no real issues with it. As far as the lighter grey panels… quite possibly the cheapest materials one could find were used and that is where I was irritated. Had I used the White/ Cement colorway, this may not have been a problem but this particular version left much to be desired with those panels.

Fit – The areas covered with eyelets were great. I experienced a thorough lockdown from the midfoot to the heel. When moving at a rapid pace and quickly changing direction, the forefoot was unable to handle the torque applied to the materials so that was a slight drawback as you could feel your forefoot slip a bit when enough pressure is used. Overall, I can’t really complain as this is common amongst shoes from the 80’s & 90’s so for what it’s worth, it did its job for the most part.

Ventilation – There wasn’t any… While there are perforations, they don’t puncture through the material completely so they are more for looks rather than serve a purpose. This caused the material to soften up while playing – trapping heat and moisture inside – but again, ventilation wasn’t as popular back in this era so it’s to be expected.

Support – The arch is sculpted providing you with a better fit and support while flexing the foot. I wish I could say the rubber heel cup worked but it wasn’t used as well as it had been in the Air Jordan II. All things considered, the fit from the midfoot to heel was substantial enough to where this didn’t hinder performance too much as a whole.

Overall – The real killer here is the midsole. Polyurethane is still used today for insoles but rarely for midsoles. Even when being used in today’s footwear, it’s accompanied by some sort of foam which absorbs most of the impact before it reaches the PU insole. Had the cushion been more protective, I think the Air Jordan III would have made a very good performance shoe. This is actually a model I’d like to see receive the ‘.0’ treatment…Saiyan Goku x Air Jordan 3  anyone?

Basically… if you are young, these won’t hurt you too much. For those of us who have been playing Basketball since we were 11… our bodies have been abused to a point to where we need a bit more out of our shoes than just the ’basics’.