Nike Basketball – The Gym Rat Review

March 24, 2016April 13, 2016 jtsittler Featured, Performance Reviews

Performance Review Throwback: Nike Zoom Kobe VI

Prose: Jake Sittler (@thegymratreview)

If you’ve followed the site for some time, you may know that the Zoom Kobe VI is my all time favorite performance shoe. For me, it’s the shoe that all others are measured against. The Crazyquick 1, Rose 6, Rose 4.5, TS Supernatural Creator, and Zoom BB II are also worthy of mention, but the VI tops them all. It’s a subjective thing of course, but it’s fun to dig into why they’re the best performance hoops shoe for ME.

Thanks to one of my consistent readers, I was lucky enough to stumble across a deadstock pair of ZKVIs in the red team bank colorway. These would be my third pair – the other two long destroyed on the court – and I had to pull the trigger. I also figured they’d be a great backup shoe to play in if the shoes I was testing were not cutting it (lo and behold, I’m on a run of two subpar performers with the Curry 2 Low and Ultra.Fly).

As a #tbt, I decided to put these through the testing process and compile my thoughts.

Fit
I’ve always gone with my standard 11.5 in the Kobe VI, as its narrow toe box allows me to go true to size rather than down a half to get a good fit all around. Back when the shoe first released, I was a little skeptical of the upper. I had owned the Kobe V as well, and the Skinwire kept tearing along the lateral side of my foot. The VI continued the progression of a second-skin upper, with Flywire embedded in a Kurim-enhanced urethane upper.

This upper though, was thicker and more durable than the Skinwire on the previous version. The scale pattern not only looked sweet, but also provided some scuff and abrasion resistance. The upper still flexes naturally and it really provides a supportive shell. No containment issues to be found.

As far as lockdown goes, I always thought it was perfect for a low. They laced up tight and the eyelets went up just high enough to help lock the heel in. Speaking of heel lockdown, Eric Avar and Nike nailed it for a low. The interior of the collar feels like memory foam, and it really molds to the foot after several wearings. It’s thick and padded at the top, which helps hold the ball of the heel in place once it’s laced up tight.

A partial neoprene innersleeve is snug from the start, and it’s extremely well padded and breathable with a rubbery, circular webbing sandwiched in between the neoprene base and a mesh top layer. It makes lacing the ZKIV very comfortable and is one of the best tongue designs I’ve seen. It extends well into the toebox, so it’s comfortable the whole way.

Besides that, the TPU heel counter was perfectly shaped and strong enough to provide real support as an outer shell. I’ve heard plenty of people complain about heel slip in the VI, but I honestly never had any that concerned me. I’d say it takes 2-3 runs to get the heel to mold properly, but once it does I found it locked me in exactly how I like.

I always felt like the Kobe VI achieved that extension-of-the-foot type fit that I long for in any shoe. The fact that it was in a low, providing the most freedom of movement, made it even better.

Heel-Toe Transition
The midsole setup is damn near perfect, and it makes for a smooth transition right out of the box. Forefoot flex grooves, a carbon fiber plate to bridge the heel-forefoot gap, softer rubber outsole, and the right type of injected Phylon give it a completely natural motion from heel strike to toe off.

Cushioning
Injected Phylon, a heel and a forefoot Zoom unit, a carbon fiber plate, plus (gasp) an anatomically shaped midsole and insole…that’s just about heaven for me. The shape of the midsole happens to fit my foot perfectly, providing support through my arch and a consistent feel overall. The Zoom units, while only a met bag up front, are perfectly placed and give me the type of responsiveness I love.

The insole is fairly thick and it wraps up around the heel a bit, aiding in the heel lockdown. The insole is basically an afterthought in most performance shoes today, but not in the ZKVI.

The shoe is highly responsive, thanks to the balance of flexibility and support in the midsole plus the right application of Zoom. Stability is excellent too – you feel low to the floor and a pronounced forefoot outrigger helps the lateral stability.

It really begins and ends with the shape of the last though – for some reason it’s mapped almost perfectly for my foot. A lot of midsoles today feel overly flat, without the shape or structure needed to support the foot. The Zoom units are deployed well, and the Phylon compound plus carbon fiber plate provide great support down to the floor.

Traction
This is probably the only area I have somewhat of a gripe with the ZKVI: they overdid the Mamba theme with the snakeskin patterned outsole. They drove it home just fine with the scaly urethane upper, and the outsole would have been just perfect with some kind of a herringbone pattern.

The blades on the pattern they used are very thin – they don’t collect dust but they also don’t grip really well, especially on the first few wearings. It’s a soft rubber compound too, but after a week or so you can really feel it start to grip properly. I can still get a squeak on a quick stop and pop, but the longevity of the outsole is an issue too. It’s prone to wearing down before the rest of the shoe (although my first two pairs each lasted me 8 months to a year).

Materials
As covered before, I think the application of materials was perfect. The updated upper with embedded Flywire and a urethane shell was both supportive and naturally flexible. The Zoom units were placed well and plenty thick, while a real carbon fiber plate helped with both support and transition. The Phylon was injected and sculpted well to contour to the foot, and they even put a legitimate insole in it.

I need to pause and get my wind after all this breathless praise.

Sometimes it feels like a shoe is just made for you. After playing in probably 75+ pairs in my lifetime, I’ve decided that these were simply made me for me. Everything about them is – subjectively – perfect outside of the traction pattern. For me, that was pretty much a non-factor as I thought that once broken in, the traction worked really well.

I’ve had the all-black colorway, the purple gradient (from a Nike Factory store, no less) and now the scarlet TB colorway. I only wish I’d have bought about 5 pairs to have stocked for the rest of my playing days (if you have a deadstock 11.5, email me at thegymratreview@gmail.com and we’ll talk).

Comment below and let me know your favorite performance shoes of all time – I love to discuss this stuff.

February 3, 2016February 3, 2016 jtsittler Featured, Performance Reviews

Performance Review: Nike Zoom HyperRev 2016

Prose: Jake Sittler (@jtsittler)

Following up my initial impressions last Friday, I’ve had a chance to hoop in the HyperRev 2016s a couple more times to complete the review.

The silhouette itself is polarizing, but I find it to be one of the best looking Nike shoes in recent memory. They went for a totally different look and construction and for that, major props to Tony Hardman (still remember his unreal Kicksguide renderings back in the day) the folks behind it. It reminds me of the 90s era Nike models that would take some chances in terms of design and construction. The $110 price point makes it insanely accessible for most. With those two things going for it, we’ll do a little deeper dive on the 2016 Rev and how it plays on court.

Fit
I mentioned the totally different construction, and the build of the shoe is integral to its performance on court. The base of the upper is basically a neoprene/mesh bootie that extends up over the ankle bone with a stretch fit collar. This shoe is extremely hard to get on your foot (I went TTS with an 11.5), and wide footers or those needing ankle braces probably won’t be able to get them on. I’ve found the best/fastest way is to get a death grip on the front pull tab and just mash the heel counter down with your foot until you can get it on. Not ideal.

Once on foot though, the fit is fairly snug and supportive. The support and lacing system comes in the form of lace straps stitched into the midsole (thankfully NOT Flywire) and I felt that the lacing system here is far better than the last two Rev models. It’s not as flashy as Flywire and doesn’t have a fancy marketing name, but it gets the job done. Like the previous versions, the top eyestay is just below the ankle bone so you’re not getting a ton of lockdown above there – the shoe could have easily been a low top.

The other aspect for fit and lockdown is the large Hyperfuse strap that’s integrated into the lateral side of the upper. It goes across the midfoot with a simple Velcro attachment, and provides more security. I did not feel the strap impeded flexibility at all.

Overall, fit was very good but probably just short of great. I always felt like there was extra space around the heel – possibly because of how the collar and heel were shaped with that rubber heel counter – but I couldn’t go down to a size 11 because it was tight in the toe box. I never felt a serious amount of slippage, but there was just a little extra room all around.

Heel-Toe Transition
Transition is very smooth right of the box with a fairly standard Phylon midsole with heel and forefoot Zoom units. The outsole also is segmented to promote natural movement and a decoupled (split) toe enhances the feel. No issues at all through the footstrike.

Cushioning
I’ve mentioned it before, but it bears repeating: this is an extremely well cushioned shoe, and even more so when you consider the $110 price tag. Nike’s Zoom based shoes should always come with this kind of setup. No more thin met bags or dull heel bags. The Zoom used here is responsive and gives you the stability and court feel all in one. It’s certainly one of the best cushioned shoes I’ve tested in awhile, coming in just below the Rose 6 in my unofficial rankings.

Besides the excellent Zoom usage, the whole package is very good all around. It’s light but provides adequate support for most players, uses a large forefoot outrigger for extra stability and gives a very natural feel all around. It’s not a complicated setup, but it works to perfection.

Traction
The diamond grid pattern provides very good grip on most court surfaces. I didn’t find it real squeaky, but it stopped on a dime pretty much whenever I asked. I’m not sure that it’s built for outdoor play, but it’s good for all indoor surfaces. Deep flex grooves help here too.

Materials/Durabilty
I have a few reservations about the long term durability of those lace straps and some have heard of issues with the strap not hooking up with the Velcro patch very well. I also wonder about the rubber heel counter, which seems to just be glued or fused on. The sock-like upper is going to stretch and pull under stress and I could see the heel counter beginning to peel away over time. No issues have popped up in my initial wearings though (you’d be surprised at how many shoes do show flaws early on) so I have nothing to report so far. All in all, I think they’d be durable enough as a team shoe option, especially with the solid colorblocking.

The HyperRev does just about everything well and has an exceptional cushioning setup – one of the best on the market. Lockdown could be a little better at the heel, but that’s just about my only complaint. It’s simply a great shoe at an unbeatable price and should be near the top of your list to pick up next. Wide footers and big guys may have an issue getting the shoes on, so it’s definitely one that needs to be tried on in-store before a purchase.

January 28, 2016March 18, 2016 jtsittler Featured, Performance Reviews

First Impressions: Nike Zoom HyperRev 2016

Prose: Jake Sittler (@jtsittler)

After two league games, some pickup and a couple shooting sessions, I thought it was time for some initial thoughts on the Nike HyperRev 2016. Look for the full review early next week after I get another league game in, and check out this review over at tackl.com as well.

Fit
There’s a lot to go into from a fitment perspective, but I’ll save most of it for the full review. I will say this: it is extremely hard to get on your foot. There’s no heel pull tab and you basically have to smash the back of the shoe all the way down and torque on the front pull tab to get it on. It’s not a deal breaker by any means, just annoying. I do think it could deter some parents/younger hoopers who aren’t expecting it in-store.

I’m also very pleased they did away with Flywire for the lacing system. The 2014 and 2015 models relied heavily on that tech, and it just doesn’t provide sufficient lockdown on its own. More traditional strap eyelets get the job done.

The full neoprene base gives you a comfortable sock-like feel and with the Fuse overlay and strap, provides good containment, although I’ve had some slippage in extreme cases i.e. on a step back at full speed in transition (probably not the best shot selection anyway).

Much more to come in the full review early next week.

Heel-Toe Transition
Transition has always been a strong point of the HyperRev line and it’s very good once again. Flexibility, adequate support and full volume Zoom bags, along with a unique pseudo split toe make for a smooth heel-toe strike.

Cushioning
I mentioned it on Twitter yesterday – if they can put this kind of cushioning/midsole setup into a $110 package, it’s embarrassing what they put into shoes at price points that are 30% higher. The Zoom is plush and responsive, and feels like it’s articulated at the forefoot. Some of the best cushioning in a Nike silo in a looooong time. The KD 7 and 8 were good and the ’15 Rev was solid too, but this is a dream cushioning setup.

Court feel and responsiveness are predictably very good.

Traction
The diamond pattern on the outsole is a bit reminiscent of what was used on the AJ 2012 (yes I bought those that no one liked, in the orange Jordan Brand Classic colorway with the triple stacked box, two booties and three insoles). It’s solid, but could perhaps benefit from slightly deeper grooves.

Materials/Durability
No issues so far. I could see the big rubber piece at the heel possibly peeling away from the neoprene – because it takes a lot of abuse when putting the shoe one – but no signs of that yet.

The full review will be posted soon at TGRR and tackl.com.

January 21, 2016January 23, 2016 jtsittler Featured, Performance Reviews

Performance Review: Nike Kobe XI 11 Elite

Prose: Jake Sittler (@jtsittler)

As I wrapped up my testing of the Kobe XI Elite, I have to admit I didn’t feel great about the whole thing. It’s definitely been one of the tougher reviews I’ve done in awhile. I was pretty conflicted about the shoe and how it performed and while I really liked playing in it at times, I always felt like there were things that it could have done better. As I write that, I think that’s theme that will run through the XI as we go.

Fit
As I mentioned in the preview, I went with my normal off-court size of 11.5 rather than my usual 11 in hoop shoes. Things get a little narrow in the toe box and I’d suggest going true to size.

The biggest tech innovation on the Kobe XI Elite is the use of TPU-reinforced Flyknit for the upper, rather than the pure knit weave. You can see the little iridescent strands woven into the upper upon close inspection and you can definitely feel them. This version of Flyknit is much more rigid and structured than any setup I’ve seen before. It works too – the upper containment and support is good, as is lockdown from heel to toe. I didn’t necessarily love the laces and lacing system (really would have liked some paracord laces or something heavy duty) but it’s a small gripe.

This version of Flyknit feels closer to Fuse than original Flyknit, and that’s not a bad thing on a hoop shoe. I hope they stick with the TPU weave, although I do have my doubts as I’m sure it adds some complexity to the manufacturing process.

Once the heel molded to my foot more, the collar area became very comfortable; it’s stiff and well-padded in order to lock the heel down and eliminate slippage. Overall, it fits really well and inspires confidence from a low top. I didn’t find any issues with containment, lockdown or stability.

Heel-Toe Transition
Transition is extremely smooth and natural. The outsole and drop in Lunar midsole are flexible – maybe too flexible – but nonetheless make for a very natural footstrike.

Cushioning
I have a feeling this will be the most polarizing aspect of the shoe, so here it goes with my opinion.

First, the shoe is plenty comfortable on foot. Lunar begins as a pretty responsive platform and the Zoom bag in the heel is definitely noticeable and plays a role in impact protection in the footstrike. It’s plenty of midsole for casual wear or if you only hoop intermittently (but then why drop $200).

Day in and day out, over the course of a 40-minute game, I just don’t think a drop in Lunar midsole is the answer for me. Some folks may be able to tolerate it – I’d like to see what Kobe actually plays in and whether it’s a stock midsole – but it’s just not for me. That slab of Lunarlon (which has a bunch of geometric flex grooves in the forefoot) is basically the only thing between me and the gym floor, and it’s just not enough protection or support over the course of a game.

My complaint here is this: a full Zoom midsole is already and option for NikeID, why not make it THE midsole for your Elite version? I feel like it would make a world of difference to beef up that midsole with a full Zoom bag. And yes, I tried swapping in the LeBron 11 midsole and it did not fit.

It’s difficult because it is a comfortable shoe and the cushioning overall isn’t bad at all. It’s pretty responsive and definitely stable (two lateral outriggers aid lateral stability also). But I have never found the drop in system to work all that well, especially long term.

Traction
Without a doubt the weakest area is the traction. The outsole is extremely thin and flexible (two things that made the Kobe IX have fantastic traction) and the pattern features a deep flex groove down the middle of the foot surrounded by a multi-directional pattern.

These things absolutely collected dust and I was constantly wiping and worried about sliding laterally if the courts were even slightly dirty. On a good, clean court it was adequate but not the level I’d expect from a Kobe model.

Materials/Durability
The upper is sturdy and well made, and is sewn into the outsole – similar to the old double lasting technique. I couldn’t find any glue spots or loose strands in the upper, and I the XI holding up pretty well to normal wear and tear. I would hesitate to use them outdoors because of the thin outsole and a traction pattern that is not very deep. I dinged the materials a bit because I would have liked to see full Zoom on a $200 Elite model – especially when the midsole setup already exists.

Good but almost great is probably how I’d characterize the Kobe XI Elite. With a different midsole and a better traction design, these would have been fantastic. The lockdown, fit, transition and some aspects of the cushioning platform were all very good. The shoes are gorgeous in person too. But unfortunately, these will probably be relegated to casual wear and passed up for the HyperRev 2016 or Lillard 2 next.

January 11, 2016February 3, 2016 jtsittler Featured, Performance Reviews

First Impressions: Kobe XI Elite

Prose: Jake Sittler (@jtsittler)

I picked up the Kobe XI on release day at my local House of Hoops in the Achilles’ Heel colorway. The shoe is gorgeous in person, and I was struck by the very minimal design. Time will tell how they perform but here are a few initial impressions after a shooting session yesterday.

You can find my first impressions along with tons more performance review content over at tackl.com as well

Fit
I went with an 11.5, my normal size in off-court shoes. I started with an 11 but the toebox was pretty cramped both width and length wise – definitely go true to size if you’re thinking about ordering. I’ll get into it more in the full review, but the XI Elite features an improved Flyknit setup with TPU fibers woven into the knit. I’ve been critical of knitted uppers and their ability to support and contain the foot during high intensity basketball games, but it appears to be a step in the right direction.

The shoe feels a lot like the Kobe IX EM in terms of the upper – supportive and more “stiff” than a knit upper in that it does have some structure. This is absolutely a good thing. It’s pretty well padded at the heel but I had some early heel slip as it hasn’t yet molded to my foot.

Heel-Toe Transition
Extremely smooth. It’s a highly flexible shoe – probably too flexible for me – but it makes for a smooth, soft transition.

Cushioning
I have a certain beef with drop-in insoles, and that’s what we get once again with the XI Elite. It’s a pretty substantial block of Lunarlon with a Zoom bag in the heel. It borderline infuriates me that a $200 shoe doesn’t have full Zoom, when that insole is obviously already in production since it’s an option on the ID models. Hell, give me TWO insoles at that price – one with Lunar + Zoom and the other full Zoom.

It’s great as far as step in comfort but I’ve never been a huge fan of Lunar on court. I didn’t like the feedback from the midsole upon first wearings but it does need to be broken in. I should have a better feel after some pickup ball tonight.

Traction
The YMCA floor I played on was fairly dirty from high kid use on a Sunday afternoon and traction suffered because of it. On a clean floor, combined with the flexibility of the outsole, I think they’ll be just fine.

Materials
The aforementioned Flyknit is excellent – much closer to Engineered Mesh or Fuse that to traditional Flyknit. Still salty about the midsole tech. But the fit and finish is very nice, and it’s a sweet looking shoe. The next week or two will see heavy use out of them and I’m excited to see how it holds up.

December 28, 2015March 31, 2016 jtsittler Featured, Performance Reviews

Performance Review: Nike Kyrie 2

Prose: Jake Sittler

Before I dive into the Kyrie 2, just a quick note: starting with the Rose 6 review, you’ll be able to find all TGRR reviews featured on tackl.com. Tackl is approaching shoe reviews from a crowd-sourcing standpoint, aggregating feedback from other wearers on just about any hoops shoe out there. They’ve asked me to post some expert reviews for them, and I’m happy to get TGRR content on more and more platforms.

As noted in my first impressions post from a few days back, the Kyrie 2 is a very different shoe right out of the box. The highly rounded midsole/outsole not only looks unique, but also feels unique on foot. I’ve now had a chance to get in a few 2-hour runs in them (thanks to the annual Columbia City Christmas break hoop sessions) and I’ve gotten a handle on one of the more intriguing (and sought-after) shoes out right now.

Fit
If you’re familiar with the Kyrie 1 at all, you’ll remember that the shoe ran very narrow. I never played full-time in the 1, but in my store try-on I needed to go up to a 12 to get the right fit because of the extremely narrow last. The Kyrie 2 is still fairly narrow, but is much improved especially under the midfoot. I went with an 11.5 in the Kyrie 2, which is true to size for me in everyday use, but I almost always go down to an 11 in hoops shoes.

From a general point of view, the full Fuse upper provides good lockdown and containment from heel to toe. It’s a better quality upper compared to the 1 and is pretty straightforward (there are a couple medial notches at the forefoot to aid flexibility) until you get to the neoprene heel area and strap setup. The heel is well padded internally, conforms to the foot and is nice and flexible, and the strap kept my foot locked into the collar pretty well. There’s not a particularly solid heel counter in there, but the strap does help with heel security. The strap basically only affects the heel/ankle fit – but the midfoot laces up plenty tight. I didn’t notice any slippage internally and felt secure on all hard cuts, stops, and starts.

Heel-Toe Transition
The Kyrie 2 really shines here. The rounded sole came with a lot of scientific jargon in the Nike press release, but it boils down to this: it feels easier to roll from heel to toe during the footstrike. It’s a natural movement, and I kept getting the feeling that I was rolling inward just slightly – making it easier to push off the ball of my foot and big toe on hard changes of direction.

The shoe isn’t going to make you quick or improve the speed of your crossover (hit some ballhandling drills with tennis balls and hit the weight room for that) but I do feel that the radiused midsole/outsole promotes more natural movement than a lot of shoes. If you’re a quick guard or wing to begin with, you’ll probably like the feel of these.

Cushioning
While the rounded sole was great for transition purposes, it did leave something to be desired from an overall cushioning standpoint. Some of this may have been because I came from playing on the pillowy Rose 6, but the Kyrie 2 cushioning felt very thin and firm. It’s a Phylon midsole with a tiny Zoom bag dropped in the heel and that Zoom is pretty non-existent. It also would have been nice to see an insole upgrade from the relatively thin unit used here (brands across the board, for whatever reason, are really skimping on the insoles lately).

With that said, I think that the thin, firm midsole was necessary for the shoe to function as it was a intended. A thick, cushioned midsole isn’t going to be as flexible and responsive as the Kyrie 2 needs to be. I’m not even sure a Zoom bag in the forefoot would feel right with as rounded as the sole is. However as a guard, I don’t really mind the low, firm feel because it gives me great court feel and responsiveness. My knees might feel it after playing in these for another month or two, but so far I haven’t noticed any additional soreness. I had some of the exact same feelings about the Crazyquick 1 (which I loved playing in) in that the thin cushioning platform was a necessity and it’s benefits outweighed the lack of step in comfort.

Overall I think it was a well-designed innovation from Nike even if their science is a bit dubious. It plays very low to the ground and is as stable as they come – look how the lateral side midsole wraps up around the heel to prevent a rollover – just don’t expect a plush ride.

Traction
Once again, the Kyrie 2 scores very well. A soft, pliable rubber makes up the multi-directional traction pattern that wraps up on the lateral side of the midsole. Designed to give traction in all directions (aren’t most traction patterns?), I found it to be a good performer on YMCA courts ruined by kids with dirty shoes and an excellent performer on two clean high school courts.

Materials/Durability
It’s a pretty no-frills build, but I think it’ll hold up very well. Fuse is a tough, long-lasting upper material and the midsole cushioning has enough density and support that I don’t see it breaking down too quickly. The strap is a quality hook and loop setup and the overall finish of the shoe is pretty good for a $120 price point.

I have a hunch that reviews will be all over the board for the Kyrie 2. I actually have loved playing in it so far and plan to keep it in the rotation for the time being, but I can completely understand if the cushioning setup turns some players off. At $120, these deserved a better heel Zoom unit and a beefed up insole. For me though, the smooth transition, overall lockdown and stable, low to the ground feel are perfect for my game.

This review can also be found at tackl.com, right here

December 19, 2015February 3, 2016 jtsittler Featured, Performance Reviews

First Impressions: Nike Kyrie 2

Prose: Jake Sittler

I picked up the Kyrie 2 on release day – something I don’t always do with performance shoes – but I was excited to get in them for a couple of reasons. First, I was intrigued by the construction. The radiused outsole is something we haven’t seen much of in a performance hoops shoe, and especially not to this degree. I really wanted to see what kind of affect it would have as far planting and changing directions quickly. Second, my beloved Rose 6s are having a couple of durability issues and I needed to pick up a new pair while I send the Roses back.

What follows is a brief rundown of the 5 aspects of the Kyrie 2. You can also check out more info on the shoe over at tackl.com.

Fit
I was immediately impressed by the overall lockdown. The Fuse upper laces up very tightly and the tongue extends up higher than normal for a pretty secure feel. The midfoot strap only enhances the lockdown across the top of the foot, and I don’t have any movement to report on the interior. I don’t anticipate the strap causing any discomfort, as it’s pretty flexible and is well placed across the foot, helping to lock the foot into the heel of the shoe. Very good overall.

Heel-Toe Transition
The midsole is a bit stiff right out of the box, but it breaks in well in no time. The footstrike, thanks to the curved outsole and midsole, felt a little weird to me at first. I felt like my foot wanted to roll inward slightly off the big toe with each step, but I have to think that’s by design with the curved sole. Some extra support on the medial heel would have been nice in my opinion, but you really feel the effects of the curved sole with each step. I think the curvature is a good idea and while it’s not going to make you blow by every defender now, it does promote easier movement when changing direction and off my first step.

Cushioning
It was a bit of a shock going from the plushness of the Rose 6 to the rather spartan setup in the Kyrie 2. It’s firm and plays low to the ground, with decent flexibility and responsiveness. The heel Zoom bag is…there I guess? I never was a huge fan of heel Zoom since I don’t typically play on my heels. Would have loved to see it in the forefoot, but I have a hunch that would play well with the curved platform. As a guard, I like the cushioning setup from the freedom of movement standpoint, both laterally and in a linear manner, but it’s nothing outstanding.

Traction
The multi-directional traction pattern was designed so that Kyrie would be able to stop on a dime or accelerate as fast as he needs to. I, as a matter of fact, am about 1/100th of the athlete he is but for me it’s worked very well. It’s rather soft, however, so I don’t anticipate it being a good outdoor option if you hoop a lot on asphalt.

Materials/Durability
So far I’ve been very impressed. Fuse is pretty much bulletproof and this iteration feels like it’ll last awhile. The midsole is Phylon and feels pretty supportive out of the box. Overall, the fit and finish is very good.

After three wearings and a total 0f 5 or 6 hours, I’ve been impressed with the Kyrie 2. I like feel of the radiused sole and I think it’s an innovation from Leo Chang that directly aids performance. We’ll see what a couple more weeks brings, but I’ve liked it so far (especially at $120).

April 2, 2015January 12, 2016 jtsittler Featured, Performance Reviews

Performance Review: Nike Zoom HyperRev 2015

Prose: Jake Sittler (@jtsittler)

When I first saw images of the HyperRev 2015, months before its release, the first thing that came to mind was “Jet Flight”. The cult classic shoe of the Dirk/Nash-era Dallas Mavericks featured a unique mesh bootie build with second upper layer that laced up around it. Atop a Zoom forefoot/heel Air Max midsole, the shoe was one of the best performers of the early-00s and is probably my all-time favorite performance design.

The HyperRev 2015 isn’t exactly the same thing, but seems as if it carries on some of the lineage of the Jet Flight: Zoom forefoot cushioning, a full inner bootie base with a Fuse/Flywire outer shell, and wraparound heel counter integrated into the eyelets. Like its distant relative, it’s a premier performance option on court as well.

Fit
One of my biggest complaints about last year’s HyperRev 2014 was the poor fit all over the shoe. With just five eyelets that barely laced to the top of the foot, a few measly Flywire cables and no heel counter, I could not get any kind of lockdown or security despite the layered mesh build. The 2015 version jut about remedied all of that.

I did go down a half-size to an 11 for this shoe – for those wondering about sizing info – although I can do this easier with a narrower foot. The neoprene bootie by itself provides a better fit than last year’s version – and is snug enough that it’s tough to get on at times. A Fuse shell wraps around much of the upper, providing more security and lockdown than the 2014 model. In fact, the forefoot fit was really pretty solid with minimal slippage compared to any shoe out there. It’s not going to give you full lockdown – you lace through and rely quite a bit on 4 sets of Flywire cables – but it’s pretty good and the fact that the inner bootie holds your foot so secure to begin with that it makes it feel glued to you.

Speaking of that lacing system, you do lace through Flywire cables but also directly through eyelets of the Fuse shell. I’d like to experiment lacing through the eyelets only and forgetting about the Flywire to see if that gets rid of the inconsistent fit and feel of the Flywire.

The molded TPU heel counter makes the heel fit absolutely miles ahead of the 2014 version. The cage wraps around the heel and has two eyelets at the end to tie it into the lacing system. It’s positioned pretty perfectly around the ankle bone and really locks the heel in. There are also two molded Achilles notches on the interior of the bootie – a tremendously overlooked aspect to providing good heel fit. The whole thing really fits like a sock and moves just like an extension of the foot.

Heel-Toe Transition
Transition is super smooth – on par with the best out there. There’s no internal or external midsole shank so support may be an issue for you but it’s a flexible, fairly responsive setup that lets you move naturally.

Cushioning
One fantastic aspect of the original HyperRev was the full length Zoom unit – something we don’t see too often anymore. Housed in a soft Phylon midsole, it was a pillowy, responsive cushioning setup that most people – including myself – loved. It had very little structure though, and I found my arches quickly getting sore from the lack of support.

The 2015 switches to a firmer midsole foam and independent forefoot and heel Zoom units. Responsiveness is very good, probably a step down from last year, but still nice and bouncy. The flexible midsole and sock-like fit allow the shoe to move with you no matter what.

Court feel is also awesome thanks to the low profile cushioning and great flexibility, and overall the cushioning is fairly plush compared to most on the market. It’s firmed up some and feels thinner than last year so don’t expect it to feel exactly the same, but you get better structure and support from the 2015 cushioning setup overall.

Traction
I thought the traction on the 2014 model was pretty terrible, and I’m happy to report the 2015 is much better. Deeper, wavy herringbone grooves and a seemingly tougher rubber compound gives you better grip on most floor conditions.

Materials/Durability
With the neoprene bootie, Fuse shell and TPU counter there are plenty of independent pieces to the HyperRev 2015 but I expect them to hold up pretty well. They didn’t seem to accumulate a bunch of wear even playing in 3 to 4 leagues per week, and I haven’t seen any issues crop up so far. I’ve only used them indoors, FYI, and I’d probably hesitate to take them outside.

I really loved playing in the HyperRev 2015, and it’s been one my favorite recent pickups. It’s a little thin on forefoot cushioning but that’s probably my only real gripe – I think as I get older my old bones value impact protection more and more so that’s probably part of it.

It fits like a glove and the flexibility and responsiveness make you forget the shoe is even on. I personally love the inner bootie construction and the natural feel; as a point guard, is something you always value. The vastly improved lockdown simply makes the HyperRev an awesome guard option and one of the better performers out there right now.

September 21, 2014September 22, 2014 maxsmithbball22 Performance Reviews, TGRR Blog

First Impressions: Nike Zoom Soldier VIII

The Zoom Soldier line, LeBron’s team shoe iteration, has more or less performed solidly overall and this generation is no exception. These thoughts are based on a decent one hour workout. Stay tuned here for a full review in about a week or two – I always log at least 15 hours in a shoe before I start writing a review. I usually prefer at 20 to 25 wearings before I fully make up my mind, but here are my initial thoughts.

Fit

Wow. This might be my favorite fitting shoe that I’ve had. I ended up going with a 13 instead of my true to size 12.5 due to cost reasons alone. I ended up getting mine for $80 brand new (eBay steal). Although I’d prefer the 12.5, the 13 fits me well. Length is fine, feels a lot similar to the Kobe 8 length wise. The shoe just absolutely molds to your foot while also supporting it. The strap is a nice touch, but I think the shoe fits very well without it.

Cushioning

Very nice. Soft Phylon and I can feel the Zoom. It’s important to try these on, not so much for the length toe wise, but instead to make sure the ball of your foot actually rests on the Zoom unit. If you try these on and can’t feel the Zoom, (if they feel a little small) try on a slightly bigger size. Feeling the Zoom in the proper spot will enhance the responsiveness for sure, but the Phylon feels great alone.

Traction

Decent. It didn’t hold me back from throwing a couple down and that’s a good sign.

August 29, 2014April 2, 2015 maxsmithbball22 Featured, Performance Reviews

Performance Review: Nike LeBron XI

Prose: Max Smith

The latest installment of LeBron series features some of Nike’s latest tech for arguably the game’s best all-around player. The shoe features Armorposite (a lighter and revamped version of Foamposite), a drop-in, full-length Zoom and Lunarlon combo, and Dynamic Flywire.

The shoe has received a ton of scrutiny after LeBron himself barely wore it on court this season, opting for the Soldier 7 the majority of the time. The XI, being narrower/tighter in the toebox than some of his past models, didn’t fit his foot well and has been maligned by some reviewers. However, for my fit, needs and playing style, the XI worked out really well.

Fit

To preface this section, I have a normal width foot and my true size is a 12.5. My pair is a 13 due to a 12.5 being rare and seldom on sale. The fit is a little long in general (even tried a 12), but the width, due to the Armorposite, is fairly narrow to me. I’d definitely recommend trying these on in person if it’s an option.

I feel the pain of people living in rural areas that don’t have shoes like these and are forced to buy online only. Overall, the 13 fits me fine as a half size up and I really have no issues.

The lockdown on these is quite good. The collar and lacing system really holds the foot down and works well for me. Also, the shoe really performs well when changing direction. Give the Armorposite some time to mold to your foot – it is stiff at first – but don’t assume it will stretch all that much. It doesn’t allow the shoe to get significantly wider, but it will get more flexible with a little time.

Overall, getting the right size will be key for this model. If you can’t try these on and you’re between two sizes, I’d recommend going with the larger size.

Heel-to-Toe Transition

To be honest, I don’t really notice the transition in these, and that’s a great sign. When you notice yourself transitioning from heel to toe off, that’s when you run into problems. The Lunarlon/Zoom combo does a great job giving springback and cushioning in each and every step.

While the shoe is fairly has a fairly flat midsole with very little curvature, I feel transition is pretty good and shouldn’t be a problem for you in this model.

Cushioning

With no surprise to me, this cushioning setup is probably my favorite setup of all time. The Lunarlon and full-length Zoom combo is perfect for someone who loves to jump like me. The Zoom keeps the shoe responsive, while the Lunarlon provides the impact protection. Takeoffs and landings are near perfectly cushioned, which is rare to find in the market today.

Also, the shoe sits fairly low to the ground and provides excellent stability. Seldom have I used a shoe with such great stability AND cushioning. The responsiveness overall is a bit of a step down from the Lebron X, probably because the Zoom is housed in Lunarlon, but is still very good for me. Cushioning is well-executed and might be the best I’ve ever used and one of the best on the market today – good thing too, when these set you back $200 initially.

Traction

Now this is where the problems lie for me on this model. The traction just doesn’t work very well at first. I believe this occurs due to outsole being flexible, and the Lunar/Zoom insert not being as flexible. There’s not a lot of depth on the traction pattern either, and that causes problems for a lot of different shoes.

My advice is to wear these outside a few times to break in the upper and the outsole rubber. I hooped in these lightly one time and the grip improved considerably. To my surprise, the grip gets better as it wears out/gets broken in. I have an older pair with the traction showing a lot of wear, and they have better grip indoors than my newer pair.

Now as the traction wears in, it becomes pretty average to me. It’ll work well on clean courts and decent on dusty floors. The traction is average, but shouldn’t necessarily deter you from the shoe-it’s still a beast.

Materials/Durability

The materials on this shoe are pretty high quality, but still a step down for the luxurious Kobe 9 elite. The Armorposite and Hyperfuse combo is durable and should last a while, but the traction definitely won’t, if used primarily outdoors. Indoors only, the traction will be plenty durable, but be wary of heavy outdoor use.

Overall, this is a durable shoe that should suit most players’ needs, while providing excellent cushioning, lockdown, and stability.