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Altra King MT Performance Review

In 2016 when the brand released its new shoes, there arose a heat discussion. Although the shoes were not so impressive in appearance, they did impress us by its outstanding performance. And before long it launched another new shoes, the Altra King MT, which also got plenty of attention. Let’s get to know more about it then.

The first look of the shoe box might not impress you that much. It is simply a combination of black and white with the regular information  of shoes on the sides and a large Altra logo in the front. Upon opening the box, you can see the introduction and evaluation of the innovative technology of Altra shoes. And the odds are that you can’t wait to experience it after reading the introduction. But what is more considerate of Altra is that it also provides you with a guide for buying and wearing running shoes, which is rather nice for beginners.

As for the shoes, as its name suggests(which is named after Kings Peak, the highest mountain in Utah), it is excellent as a pair of cross-country shoes. And it is the white pattern on the shoe body that comes from this originality. Therefore, it is safe to say that the mountain pattern printed on the shoes is a bold innovation.


The vamp is made of tear-resistant breathable fabric and the two sides are made of TPU mesh which provides excellent air permeability as well as enough support and protection. However, on the strength of my experience, when I was going downhill, I felt that the support was a bit insufficient. In terms of the wrapping, although some buyers said that the vamp was as thin as a piece of paper, it is still prominent for it wraps the heel very well.

The toe is the symbolic FOOTSHAPE which is specifically designed to fit the shape of our feet so that there is enough space in the toe part instead of bringing press to our feet. In addition, the leather used in the front to a large extent enhances protection for our toes and durability for the shoes.

The Foot Lock Steap buckles are characteristic and are also one of the highlights of the shoes. And the innovative Velcro design helps prevent dirt from entering our shoes. Some may be wondering if the Velcro will be out of use in a short time because of the accumulated dust it absorbs during the process of running. For this problem, I should say that it won’t let you down too much, but you’d better build too much on it, either.

The outsole features a tech called the Trail Claw and Vibram’s new Megagrip. As a pair of off-road shoes, it meets the most basic requirements of providing steady and enough grip and anti-skid performance.

In the midsole, Altra King MT adopts EGO, a newly developed vibration-absorptive material, which is very soft and elastic. It not only protects our knees from shocks but also gives us continuous feedback. However, since the EGO is a bit thin(15mm), it might not be that good in protecting our feet. But do not worry. Aside from the EGO, there is the  Stone Guard built in between the midsole and the outsole to offer protection in case any sharp foreign matter would pierce the soles and injure our feet. 

Overall:

Altra King MT is a lightweight off-road shoe with a large toe and attractive appearance. Honestly, when I first got the shoes, the Kings Peak design in the vamp and the personalized Foot Lock Steap instantly evoke my desire to take a off-road climbing. Generally speaking, it is a pair of off-road shoes that is more than suitable for short distance racing.

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361°Stratomic Performance Review

361° launched its fall Stratomic running shoe in the summer, which is not an unusual way for launching shoes. Then in terms of the performance of today’s protagonist, the 361°Stratomic, I am going to share with you some of my experience.

 

Besides the colorway, black/silver white, in the pictures here, there are also two colorways available which are blue/cherry red, and coral blue/scarlet.

361°  Stratomic is integrated with a number of running shoe technologies, such as QDP-L!TE midsole and the QDP(QU!K Dynamic Performance). But regrettably there is no more detailed introduction in the  technology respect.

361°  Stratomic is “slim” and looks compact in shoe type, making it all the more attractive. In the vamp, the mesh with the stripes comprises of the first layer which enhances air permeability. And the “3” is located in the middle, indicating it identity. Apart from that, the mesh holes in the vamp look quite like the spots of a leopard, which I think implies that the running shoes can help you run fast like that animal.

The anti-collision shoe toe is relatively short and there are also support strips inside the shoes, so they might not be that friendly to wide-footers after a short time of running. Therefore, here I recommend you  pick a bigger size in case there would be any inconvenience.

The vamp is composed of two layers of fabric, the outer large holes sparse, the inner layer tight and dense. Seemingly, they are super breathability, but in fact, the performance in this respect is just moderate. However, since the shoes are for autumn wearing, the design would be more than suitable.

The tongue is not sewn together with the shoe body, and the filling is thick and  soft, and it won’t bring burden to our insteps. In the heel, there is a built-in TPU that strengthens stability and support.

On top of that, the “3” in the middle part and the stripes also play a good part in enhancing support.

The midsole is the so-called QDP-L!TE which consists of two materials, the QU!KFOAM and CMEVA. As you can see, the black part in the image is Qu!KFOAM while the white part is CMEVA. In other words, this is a double density midsole.

(the black QU!KFOAM is much softer while the white Cmeva is slightly stiffer and the two midsoles are matched to provide more efficient cushioning)

The sole embraces a famous running shoe technology, the QDP(QU!K Dynamic Performance) that along with the midsole cushioning technology greatly helps improve efficiency for runners.

You can see the QU!KFOAM through the hollow design at the heel and that the heel is connected to the front part by the hard TPU, which improves the support and stability of the midsole. If my memory serves me right, another version of 361° last year also adopted the same design.

The wear-resistant rubber pattern of the front part is somewhat dazzling and changeable for me, but I must own that such design has a prominent performance in grip and anti-slipping.

The insole is made from QU!KFOAM. 

The shoes are not so heavy, but not that lightweight, either. A single shoe weighs 325 grams, which is a moderate design.

Overall:

361 – STRATOMIC has also an excellent performance in wrapping, so it is unnecessary to  worry about slipping inside the shoes because the shoes would hug your feet as do a pair of socks. And with the prominent outsole, you can enjoy the excellent stability.

All in all, after 10 days of testing, the shoes did live up to my expectation. 361 – STRATOMIC is suitable for all kinds of roads and can be long-lasting companion.

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Hybrid Fuego x First Mile Performance Review

As more and more attention has been paid to environmental problems, many manufacturers also attach great importance to their products which should not cause any contamination to the environment. Since April 22 was the Earth Day,  many environmentalists have called on people to take actions to protect our planet. So in order to make some contribution to this appeal, Puma has launched its Hybrid Fuego X First Mile, an eco-themed running shoe, at the same season. Keep reading this article then.

Looking at the shoe box, you might think that “how ordinary a shoe box it is.” However, so long as you get to know it better, chances are that you will get astonished at how wonderful it is. Firstly, not only can the eco-theme  be traced in the shoes, but also in the box——it is made of recycled paper which feels a little rough. Secondly, the quality of the box, I must own, is worthy of recognition.

The running shoes are designed in olive green and bright yellow, with a blue cougar LOGO attached to the heel, which is quite an eye-pleasing embellishment.

But honestly, before I tried the shoes on, I felt they were kind of elegant and low-key in their style, but no sooner did I make the very first test than I changed my opinion about it.

The whole vamp is made by the design of seamless splicing, making the shoes look like a pair of socks.  And in  the outer edge of the vamp, the patches can prolong the durability of the shoes. But what ensues is that the design can be a bit tight for wide-footers.

The upper is a double mesh design and you can see  the unique texture in the bottom layer  through the first layer of black mesh.

The black EVA insoles are also made of recycled materials with moderate thickness, which again echoes the theme of protecting the environment.

The lining, as you can see in the picture,  is quite nice with excellent stitching, which is in line with the style of PUMA. And looking from the inside, you may have some idea about the breathability of the shoe as the shadows have justified itself.

For the outsole, the different grooves increase grip, and the wear-resistant rubber is added to the toe and heel with a moderate thickness and hardness.

The midsole is, in fact, not a whole-foot Hybrid, but a Profoam that covers a Hybrid at the heel. The Hybrid is not large though, which accounts for about one third of the midsole, it is undeniable that this small part of Hybrid plays an important part in cushioning. Simply put, a gentle press of the Hybrid can distinguish it from the surrounding white Profoam that is more prominent in start-up.

The anti-collision shoes toe with a small puma LOGO is not only practical, but beautiful.

The tongue is a traditional separated design, which can be easily adjusted if necessary. Above the tongue is a “PUMA” logo that is relatively pretty and eye-catching.

The inner side of the running shoe seems more low-key than the outer side, with only one small patch extending from the arch, which provides some support.

The ring TPU bracket is built into the heel of the running shoes and has a certain extent of hardness. Besides, the spongy cushion is of average thickness, which makes it suitable for spring and summer wearing.

Hybrid Fuego is positioned as lightweight and having excellent cushion. But this is in fact very difficult to achieve the two features are actually at opposite ends of the spectrum. However, Hybrid Fuego has made it by combining the two features. A single shoe of size 42.5 weighs 226g, which is satisfactory.

Overall:

Finally, let’s go back to the theme of environmental protection. In my opinion, Puma Hybrid Fuego X First Mile is in line with its positioning of environmental protection. There is no magnificent decorations in the shoes , but it remains quite cool and pretty. In short, it is a superior choice for long-distance running and whether you are a beginner or a senior runner, you can have a try. Surely, it won’t fail you.

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Adidas ULTRABOOST 2020

Since 2019, Adidas started to cooperate with NASA to bring the BOOST insole technology to develop in ISS international space station. After one year, they cooperated again, with the Artemis moos mission, they will explore the limits of the human body in space.

To salute this cooperation, Adidas released ULTRABOOST 20 ‘Artemis’ running shoes.

Artemis Colorway

The main colorway of vamp is silver, including the PK material, BOOST insole and lateral supporting plate of vamp. It offers stability and good comfort level to the runners. The side shoe tongue has the arrow mark of Artemis plan. The right shoe tongue is the Moon Goddess of Greek mythology.

The silver TPY design fix the shoe heel.

Special Boost

We can see the orange mark BOOST technology tested in ISS MICRO GRACITY LAB on the insole. The BOOST technology has been authorized by the ISS LAB test. Most of the runners should be inquisitive for the difference of Boost from space and the traditional Boost technology.

Continental Outsole

It still uses the classic Continental rubber outsole, which brings the excellent durability and traction performance.

With the deep collaboration with NASA, Adidas will bring more surprise to the runners. We look forward to it.

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Unboxing and Closed Look:KYRIE 7

The Kyrie series basketball shoes are the top three NIKE basketball shoes. It has several colorways and it’s comfortable. The price is also competitive.

KYRIE 7 EP

The shoebox design is concise, it’s printed with Kyrie’s logo.

The tag on the side of shoebox

It has the designing drafts inside.

The vamp is knit and covered with nylon reinforcing mesh, and it has the hot-melting stripes to improve the supporting performance.

The knitted vamp is covered with nylon reinforcing mesh, and it has hot melting tape to improve the overall supporting performance.

It cancels the Velcro and uses 4 pieces of plastic buckles to cover the vamp.

The unique shoe lacing holes and Kyrie logo is special.

It has Swoosh logo on the side of vamp. The mesh fabric footwear upper reduce the weight.

It’s said that the eye color on the shoe heel is different if the colorway is different.

The shoe heel insole uses groove design, it will deform when stressing to improve the comfort level.

HIS LEGACY IS GOING TO LIVE ON FOREVER is in honour of Kobe Bryant. It’s to continue the Mamba spirit.

The integrated outsole has a big Kyrie logo on the arch position.

The left shoe head is ELIZABETH, the name of Kyrie’s mother.

The right shoe head is AZURIE, the name of Kyrie’s daughter.

It has 7 shark teeth shape on the forefoot sole. It means Kyrie 7.

ZOOM TURBO is the cushion technology of Kyrie 7.

The new knife shape pattern is big and deep. It’s easy to get stuck the small stones.

The inner side of outsole has upturning design.

It has Kyrie mark on the shoe heel.

XDR rubber

The shoe-pad is printed with ARTICULATED ZOOM multidirectional separated ZOOM, which is also used in Kyrie 5 and Kyrie 6.

The composite textile vamp

The computational traction pattern has good traction performance.

It’s better not to take off the shoe-pad, as the glue is strong.

The length of EUR42.5 shoe-pad is 274mm.

The width of EUR42.5 forefoot shoe-pad is 95.05mm.

The thickness of EUR42.5 shoe-pad is about 4.9mm.

The EVA insole fabric

Kyrie 7 VS Kyrie 6

Kyrie 7

Kyrie 6

Kyrie 7 uses multi-layer composite vamp. The inner side of outsole has upturning design to improve the supporting performance and protection. The structure is succinct.

Kyrie 7 cancel the lace up, it uses several pieces of TPU to reinforce the vamp.

The outside TPU of Kyrie 7 forefoot vamp cooperate with the rubber outsole to improve the lateral supporting performance.

Kyrie 7 uses mesh fabric and leather on the upper and shoe heel.

The height of Kyrie 7 is increased.

The outsole pattern of Kyrie 7 is big and rough.

The unit weight of EUR42.5 Kyrie 7 is 369.9g, and the unit weight of EUR42.5 Kyrie 6 is 421.3g. It’s lighter about 12%.

Overall

The appearance of Kyrie 7 is more succinct. It doesn’t have complicated design. It keeps some previous design, but also has obvious change.

The pull-tab of shoe heel is useful. It’s convenient to put on and take off. The fitness and stability is good. The shoe upper uses textile material, it’s a little soft.

We can feel the resilience of forefoot ZOOM Air cushion. It reduces the center of gravity. We will test it to see the actual performance.

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Disassembling Harden Vol.4

Harden Vol.4 doesn’t use the Boost cushion insole as previous Harden Vol. Series shoes. It uses the same Light Strike cushion material as Adidas Next Level.

Harden Vol.4

The shoe head uses chamois leather. The main material of vamp is mesh fabric.

The vamp run through the elastic nylon tape to increase the fitness.

The inner padding of shoe heel is printed with ‘HASSAYAMPA 106 STREET’, it  is said that it’s the address of barber shop which Harden use to go to.

The leather shoe heel increase the supporting performance. The shoe heel is surrounded with TPU which has Harden logo.

The TPU is printed with ‘DESIGNED WITH JAMES HARDEN’ which means Harden has participated the design of Harden Vol. 4.

The outsole uses the separated idea, the pattern is transformative grid pattern.
The outsole is embossed with 0001.9.59.11.12 which is the birthday of Harden’s mother.

The unit weight of size EUR42.5 is about 395g.

Splitting the left shoe from middle

We can see the specific inner structure from the side section. It uses the full-length LightStrike cushion material with TPU stabilizing plate.

Separating the vamp and insole

The knitted padding fit the foot, it’s comfortable.

The shoe heel is filled with thick foam. It has built-in counter and surrounding TPU. The stability of shoe heel is good.

The blue shoe-pad and shoe heel are printed with Harden logo.

The surface layer of insole fabric uses foam material.

The bottom layers uses non-woven fabrics.

In recent years, the Adidas basketball shoes use soft foam material as insole cushion material to make it softer, so it needs to use big stabilizing plate to reinforce the insole to prevent the deformation of insole.

The stabilizing plate covers the full feet.

The stabilizing plate is printed with SS19 BASKETBALL_N3XTL3V3L, which is used in N3XT L3V3L.

It has 3 raised lines on the reverse side of stabilizing plate.

The length of EUR42.5 stabilizing plate is about 208mm.

The width of EUR42.5 stabilizing plate is about 85.45mm.

The width of EUR42.5 shoe heel stabilizing plate is about 57.47mm.

The thickness of EUR42.5 stabilizing plate is about 3.84mm.

The LightStrike cushion material is mainly to absorb the energy and feedback.

The metal material Harden logo

The shoe heel is surrounded with TPU to reinforce the insole.

The thrust height of forefoot sole is 13.94mm.

The thrust height of rear sole is 22.33mm, the drop height of keel is about 8.39mm.

The assembly units of Harden Vol. 4

Disassembling Report

Vamp: It’s made of mesh fabric with chamois leather. It has good stability and air permeability. The separated shoe tongue is convenient for putting one and taking off. The elastic nylon belt on the instep increase the fitness.

Insole: It uses LightStrike cushion material. The cushion performance is obvious. The insole can satisfy the request of defenders.

Overall: In recent years, the Adidas basketball shoes use soft foam material as insole cushion material to make it softer, so it needs to use big stabilizing plate to reinforce the insole to prevent the deformation of insole. It’s warm welcomed by the shoe fans. But the soft foam materials can’t adapt to long-term request of cushion performance and supporting performance of basketball shoes.

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Nike LeBron 18 Performance Review

Today, we want to talk about the performance of Nike LeBron 18.

As the champion’s sneaker, LeBron 18 get more attention and expectation. What’s its variation? Below is my comments:

  1. It’s the best LeBron series shoes in recent 4 years.
  2. It’s a pair of nice shoes, but also a pair of worse shoes.
  3. It’s still unsuitable to most of people.

Comprehensive Assessment:

Suited court: indoor court

Suited People: the frontline, inside lane, and the players whose weight is over 80kg and has strong ankle strength.

Suited foot type: normal size, it’s unsuitable for flatfoot

Insole

The insole of LeBron 18 is more suitable to most of people than LeBron 15, 16 and 17. The full-length Zoom Air has excellent feedback, it’s similar to the full-length air cushion of KD12.

If you are heavy weight, you can feel the feedback of rear sole Max air cushion obviously.

So the insole of LeBron 18 is suitable to most of people.

The feedback of forefoot air cushion is excellent. And the grooving design on the outside of forefoot sole is convenient for exerting force when starting.

The air cushion performance of rear sole is undoubtedly. The cushion performance of LeBron series basketball shoes is great.

But the insole of LeBron 18 is unsuitable to the flatfoot. It will be very hurt.

Outsole:

The disadvantage of LeBron 18 is the outsole.

The outsole of LeBron 18 has good traction performance. But the abrasive resistance is worse. After playing a few basketball games, it has the obvious abrasion on the outsole of LeBron 18. It’s unsuitable to wear LeBron 18 to play basketball games on outdoor court.

But the biggest disadvantage of LeBron 18 is the anti-rollover and stability.

The center of gravity is low comparing with other LeBron series basketball shoes. But it’s still high comparing with most of shoes.

The outsole of LeBron 18 doesn’t have the anti-rollover design. The outsole can’t cover the vamp. It can’t guarantee the security. If you don’t have strong ankle strength, it will be easy to sprain the ankle.

But the anti-rollover performance of LeBron 18 is better than LeBron 15 and LeBron 17.

Vamp

The new updated KnitPosite 2.0 improves the supporting performance comparing with LeBron 17.

But it needs to fasten the shoelaces tightly.

The vamp of LeBron 18 has good ductility and supporting performance.

If the vamp has good ductility, the strength won’t be good enough. And if it has good supporting performance, it doesn’t have big moving space.

We can see the obvious deformation of vamp when moving.

As the outsole can’t offer security, the ductility of vamp will be a potential risk.

The size and shoe tree of LeBron 18 is normal. The fitness is good.

The problem of the fitness is the stiff shoe tongue.

Integrality:

The anti-torsion performance of LeBron 18 is good. The insole of LeBron 18 is stiff, but if you are heavy enough, the feedback will be good.

LeBron 18 is also too heavy, the unit weight is 500g. After running a long distance, it will expedite your energy loss.

Rating:

Fitness: 8.5 scores

Supporting Performance of vamp: 9 scores

Feedback of forefoot sole: 9 scores

Cushion performance of rear sole: 10 scores

Anti-torsion Performance: 10 scores

Anti-rollover Performance: 6 scores

Traction Performance: 9 scores

Protection: 7 scores

Overall Supporting Performance: 7.5 scores

Overall Stability: 7.5 scores

Overall Rating: 83.5 scores

LeBron 18 is a pair of nice shoes, it uses good configuration, but it’s un-suitable for most of people. It’s designed for LeBron, it’s a pair of Champion’s basketball shoes, so it’s only suitable to LeBron, not normal people.

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Air Jordan 35 Performance Review

Today, we want to talk about the performance of Air Jordan 35 which are expected by many people for a long time.

Suited court: indoor court

Suited players: the frontline whose weight is above 70kg.

Suited foot type: it’s suitable for the players whose foot is wide and high instep. If your foot is thin, it’s better to have a try before purchasing.

After releasing, the appearance of Air Jordan 35 is controversial.

I think that AJ35 is similar to AJ33, but it doesn’t suitable for most of people.

Vamp:

The raised part of shoe heel is very stiff, the shoe heel is hurt when moving and turning.

It’s really hurt during the breaking-in period. After wearing it about half month, the shoe heel part becomes softer. It’s better to wear terry socks.

The shoe tree is also a little wide, if your foot is think, it will be a little empty.

The fitness of other parts are good and comfortable.  The Flightwire technology offers excellent fitness.

I’m also satisfied at the supporting performance. The two pieces of chamois leather on the vamp offer good supporting performance.

The strength of AJ35 is great, it’s not a problem to play high strength basketball games.

Insole:

It has a big piece of ZOOM Air on the forefoot sole. We can see the area, shape and thickness of the zoom air cushion from the disassembled drawing.

The cushion performance is not obvious in the beginning, especially for the players whose weight is not heavy. And the shoe-pad is stiff.

After breaking-in, the cushion performance is obvious. But I think that the feedback of the cushion is not obvious, it’s soft, but the elasticity is not good enough.

If your weight is heavy enough, you will have the excellent experience of the cushion performance.

The cushion performance of rear sole is great. The U shaped Zoom Air cushion performance is excellent for the heavy weight players.

Outsole:

The outsole of AJ35 is the normal herringbone pattern.

The crystal pattern has great traction performance. But it’s easy to absorb dust. It needs to clean the outsole frequently.

The abrasive resistance of AJ35 is good, but it’s better not to use it on the outdoor court. Afterall, it’s crystal outsole.

Integrity:

The Eclipse Plate insole reduces the overall weight of AJ35. The overall strength of AJ35 is also excellent.

The anti-torsion performance of AJ35 is great, I feel safe when playing high-strength basketball games.

But it needs time to break-in the Eclipse Plate raised insole. If your foot is flat type, it’s better not to purchase it.

We can see the obvious slope between the vamp and outsole, with the built-in air cushion, the center of gravity is low, so the anti-torsion performance is good. But the extending part of outsole is not obvious, if it’s wider, the anti-rollover performance will be more excellent.

Comments:

Fitness of vamp: 8 scores

Supporting Performance: 10 scores

Feedback of forefoot cushion: 8.5 scores

Cushion performance of rear sole: 10 scores

Anti-torsion Performance:  10 scores

Anti-rollover Performance: 8 scores

Traction Performance:  9 scores

Overall Protection:  10 scores

Supporting Performance:  10 scores

Stability:  10 scores

Overall:  93.5 scores

The overall performance of AJ35 is better than AJ34. But it also has some disadvantages, many guys can’t adapt the Eclipse Plate and the shoe heel.

So should we expect AJ35 SE?

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Nike Zoom Freak 2 Performance Review

Today we want to talk about the performance of Nike Zoom Freak 2 which is popular in 2020.

The forefoot sole of Nike Zoom Freak 2 uses ZOOM Air Cushion and TPU stabilizing plate in the part of arch.

But it doesn’t have the air cushion design on the rear sole.

It doesn’t use the double ZOOM Air cushion as previous series.

For the insole configuration, Nike Zoom Freak 2 is totally different with Nike Zoom Freak 1.

It keeps the inverse Swoosh logo design.

The colorway of Nike Zoom Freak 2 is named as Naija.

The big Swoosh logo on the side of Nike Zoom Freak 2.

The insole is white, and the outsole is black.

The vamp covers with green decorative design, like the botany leaves. The design inspiration of this colorway comes from the uniform colorway of Nigeria football team.

The appearance and insole configuration of Nike Zoom Freak 2 close to PG1. The design of Nike Zoom Freak 2 and PG1 have many similar parts.

Nike Zoom Freak 2 doesn’t have the inner sleeve design. The shoe tongue is separate.  It’s suitable for different height of instep.

It’s a pity that it doesn’t have inner sleeve design.

Nike Zoom Freak 2 uses knitted vamp. It doesn’t have reinforcement on the forefoot vamp. Only the big Swoosh logo is the reinforcement of vamp.

The black pull-tab on the shoe heel extends to the big Swoosh logo, and it also has padding on the lining of shoe heel. It improves the comfort level.

The Nike Zoom Freak 2 uses 2 pieces of outsole. The forefoot sole is water wave pattern, and the rear sole is special design signature and chirography pattern.

The rear outsole has the name of Giannis’s father Charles, his mother Veronica, his brothers Francis,Thanasis, Alexis and Kostas, and his name Giannis.

Cushion Performance: 80 scores

Nike Zoom Freak 2 uses fanshaped ZOOM Air cushion on forefoot sole, so the cushion performance of Nike Zoom Freak 2 is similar to PG1.

But the difference is, the tenacity of Nike Zoom Freak 2 is more elastic than PG1.

Comparing with other series basketball shoes, with the thick foam, the rear sole of Nike Zoom Freak 2 has some cushion performance. It’s unexpected.

Fitness: 78 scores

The Nike Zoom Freak 2 doesn’t have inner sleeve design. The knitted vamp has some protection to the foot. Comparing with Nike Zoom Freak 1, the knitted vamp of Nike Zoom Freak 2 is thicker, so the fitness if better.

But the shoe tongue is not thick, and it doesn’t have the inner sleeve, the fitness of Nike Zoom Freak 2 is not good comparing with other signature basketball shoes.

Anti-torsion performance: 80 scores

The TPU design on arch with the black part design bring the excellent anti-torsion performance.

Traction Performance: 85 scores

The traction performance of Nike Zoom Freak 2 is great. The forefoot sole is water wave pattern and the rear sole is intensive pattern. It can grip the ground well.

Weight: 78 scores

Although Nike Zoom Freak 2 is a pair of low type basketball shoes. But its weight is a little heavy comparing with other low type basketball shoes.

But the center of gravity is good. It’s not too heavy.

Overall, the anti-torsion performance and traction performance of Nike Zoom Freak 2 is excellent. The insole configuration is also upgraded. The size is a little bigger than normal size, we suggest you to have a try on physical store before purchasing it on line.

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Nike KYBRID S2 Performance Review

Many guys are expecting the performance of Nike KYBRID S2 EP. Today we will share our performance review with you.

Comprehensive Assessment

Suited Court: Indoor and outdoor court

Suited Players: The defenders whose weight is over 85kg

Suited Foot type: the shoe tree is narrow. If you have wide foot, it’s better to choose half size bigger than normal size. It’s better not choose it if you have high instep.

Abrasive Resistance: High

Air Permeability: Low

Cost Performance: Medium

Comfort Level: Low

The actual performance of Nike KYBRID S2 EP is good. I would like to talk about its disadvantages. Firstly, the shoe tree is quite narrow, especially the shoe head. My foot is not wide type, but it’s tight for me.

Moreover, it’s hard to put on and take off.

The second disadvantage is its traction performance. The same as KYRIE4, the outsole of Nike KYBRID S2 EP is stiff and thick, and it’s easy to absorb the dust. So the traction performance is not good on indoor court.

The cushion performance is not bad, it uses full-length cushion and U shaped Zoom air cushion on rear sole. With such configuration, the cushion performance of Nike KYBRID S2 EP should be better than Kyrie 5, Kyrie 6 & Kyrie 7, but it’s not.

The cushion performance of rear sole is not good. And the cushion performance is easy to decline. But its cushion performance is enough for the defenders whose weight is not heavy.

So why is it called as the best Kyrie basketball shoes? Why does it get good reputation?

As the separated parts’ performance and the overall performance is great.

Due to the Dionaea muscipula design, the fitness of Nike KYBRID S2 EP is great.

And you can adjust the shoelaces to fit your foot. If you like the tight fitness, Nike KYBRID S2 EP is suitable to you.

For shoe heel, the fitness of Nike KYBRID S2 EP is better than KYRIE6. And it uses the same outsole design as KYRIE4.

The supporting performance of Nike KYBRID S2 EP is perfect. Although the material of vamp is not special, but the actual supporting performance is excellent.

Both sides of Nike KYBRID S2 EP insole has upturning design. It increases the strength.

For insole, the cushion is softer than Phylon. But it’s stiff in the beginning, it needs time to break-in.

The outsole of Nike KYBRID S2 EP is suitable for outdoor court.

Comparing with Kyrie series basketball shoes, what’s its advantages? That is, stability, supporting performance and security.

The anti-torsion performance of KYBRID S2 is also great. It has built-in supporting plate as KYRIE4. The stability is better than Kyrie 5 and Kyrie 6.

Overall, both of the performance and appearance of KYBRID S2 is the best of Kyrie series shoes.

Comments:

Fitness: 9 scores

Supporting Performance: 9 scores

Feedback of forefoot sole:7 scores

Cushion Performance of rear sole: 8 scores

Anti-torsion Performance: 9 scores

Anti-rollover Performance: 9 scores

Traction Performance: 8.5 scores

Protection: 9 scores

Stability: 8.5 scores

Overall Performance: 86 scores

The overall performance of KYBRID S2 is great, but it’s not suitable for most of people, as the shoe tree is a little narrow. Comparing with Kyrie 7, I prefer to Kyrie 7.