Nike Basketball (any brand) Rotation/Performance Reviews

[lynchpin33]

Back-2-back hoop sessions (last night & this morning) in the 38s. I'm legit in love with these. Need 2 more pair.

How’s the X-Plate separation issue on your pair? This was one of the first mids and there were a lot of images of the defect. Same thing happened to my aquas after the first run in them. Debating on trying the Chinese New Year pair, since it is the last of the mids so far and unlike the others has a milky outsole like the Gratitude 11’s. Not sure if that matters, but willing to try. These are such great shoes to hoop in.

 

[bigHazy32]

For you guys with calf pain and tightness, try massaging the muscle belly something like the handle of a kettle bell. Put your calf on top of it, and move your foot up and down and side to side.

 

[blueprint10]

How’s the X-Plate separation issue on your pair? This was one of the first mids and there were a lot of images of the defect. Same thing happened to my aquas after the first run in them. Debating on trying the Chinese New Year pair, since it is the last of the mids so far and unlike the others has a milky outsole like the Gratitude 11’s. Not sure if that matters, but willing to try. These are such great shoes to hoop in.

No separation issue on mine. *knock on wood* I haven't enjoyed the feel, comfort, performance and overall look of a shoe as much as I have with the 38 mids in a very long time. Very tempted to try a pair of the lows. But the andle support is something I like about the mids and not sure if the lack thereof in the lows would tarnish my experience of this iteration.

 

[agrizzly21]

Can anyone comment on the Move insole difference if they’ve tried? I have the game day and have used them for quite a bit but wanted to see if anyone’s paid up for the $60 version. I can always use extra cushion!

 

[frank mucus]

I've never used the regular game day but I like the game day pro. It feels really cushioned the stiffer shank is nice.

 

[grittyman]

Can anyone comment on the Move insole difference if they’ve tried? I have the game day and have used them for quite a bit but wanted to see if anyone’s paid up for the $60 version. I can always use extra cushion!

I own both.

Game day = basically a thicker insole w/ extra cushion in the heel

Game day pro = carbon plate for more support, same extra heel cushion.

Honestly I think on shoes that have some sort of shank plate you probably won’t really need the pros…but it does add some extra rigidity to the midsole. If you already have one pair I’d say it’s probably not worth the upgrade but if you’re thinking about coping for the first time go ahead and pay the extra cost for the GDP.

 

[talonmarko]

Random question, is there any place where to find same kind of laces that KD 14's use? My pair is gonna have their laces snap at anytime soon, and I really been struggling to get some good laces on them.

I mean sure, sports stores etc are filled with different kinds of laces but I'm especially fond to these, and it feels like I get way better lockdown with these kinds of laces than something like flat laces would and I like that they have little bit of elasticity to them so you can crank down those laces real good. I bought these earlier this year: https://www.outsole.nl/laces/nike-laces/nike-sb-laces/nike-sb-laces-white/ but they are a real puta to be lacing, since the lace loops are much smaller in diameter than the laces so they get really stuck in there and you have to adjust them one-by-one, one side at a time.

Something like Amazon is preferred since I live in Europe and some of those small companies can charge a hefty sum from shipping to Europe (Was gonna order some Move insoles back in the day, but decided not to since their postage fee to my country was over 100 dollars, which with taxes would have made them cost over 200 dollars ) but a good webshop is fine also.

Thanks!

 

[tm10]

I would definitely get that checked out.

Sidenote: These shoes are comfy as hell

do they need to be broken in? wore them once and i didnt feel the extraordinary cushioning that many shoetubers have been raving about or it should provide based on the thickkkkkkkkkk midsole. toe box fits snug going TTS as well but midfoot and backfoot felt fine.

 

[duke40]

Random question, is there any place where to find same kind of laces that KD 14's use? My pair is gonna have their laces snap at anytime soon, and I really been struggling to get some good laces on them.

I mean sure, sports stores etc are filled with different kinds of laces but I'm especially fond to these, and it feels like I get way better lockdown with these kinds of laces than something like flat laces would and I like that they have little bit of elasticity to them so you can crank down those laces real good. I bought these earlier this year: https://www.outsole.nl/laces/nike-laces/nike-sb-laces/nike-sb-laces-white/ but they are a real puta to be lacing, since the lace loops are much smaller in diameter than the laces so they get really stuck in there and you have to adjust them one-by-one, one side at a time.

Something like Amazon is preferred since I live in Europe and some of those small companies can charge a hefty sum from shipping to Europe (Was gonna order some Move insoles back in the day, but decided not to since their postage fee to my country was over 100 dollars, which with taxes would have made them cost over 200 dollars ) but a good webshop is fine also.

Thanks!

I’ve been ordering off of Lacelab.com for the neon AE1 laces and they have a huge variety. Not sure if they ship to Europe though.

 

[talonmarko]

I’ve been ordering off of Lacelab.com for the neon AE1 laces and they have a huge variety. Not sure if they ship to Europe though.

They actually do, have ordered from them a couple of times! Could you post a link to the laces that you use for your AE1's? Also, if anyone has lace recommendations for Kobe 1 Protro "Final Seconds", would be glad to accept them!

Much appreciated sir!

 

[the red model]

do they need to be broken in? wore them once and i didnt feel the extraordinary cushioning that many shoetubers have been raving about or it should provide based on the thickkkkkkkkkk midsole. toe box fits snug going TTS as well but midfoot and backfoot felt fine.

I'd say the cushion is thick and soft. I'm not sure what is mean by extraodinary but it feels really good imo. It feels like the NB 1080 but for hooping.

I bought the Grey Day version. The color is amazing but they're super narrow compared to the other colors. I hope I got a bad pair.

 

[tm10]

I'd say the cushion is thick and soft. I'm not sure what is mean by extraodinary but it feels really good imo. It feels like the NB 1080 but for hooping.

I bought the Grey Day version. The color is amazing but they're super narrow compared to the other colors. I hope I got a bad pair.

Thanks for sharing. hooped in them for the second time and they felt less narrow and more plush. extraordinary I guess would be pro nitro , thick, plush and responsive. The FF BB 2 are not as soft as I expected to give up on the responsiveness. I guess I prefer a more responsive set up.

 

[duke40]

They actually do, have ordered from them a couple of times! Could you post a link to the laces that you use for your AE1's? Also, if anyone has lace recommendations for Kobe 1 Protro "Final Seconds", would be glad to accept them!

Much appreciated sir!

I used these for my all star and best of adi volts - they have 3M in them and reflect with the toe box - and they stay tied. 54 inch

Volt 3M Reflective Rope Laces

3M Reflective Rope Laces add some bright color with a bit of shine. Pick these replacement shoe laces for your custom sneakers.

www.lacelab.com

 

[Jayz4daz2]

The way that Performance basketball sneakers have been made the past few years has been great. You can go to any sneaker store and pick a great performer from any brand. JB, Nike< Adidas, UA and the other mid major & private owned brands have great performers too. It's A really good time to be a hooper/sports enthusiast. ENJOY!!!!

 

[the red model]

The way that Performance basketball sneakers have been made the past few years has been great. You can go to any sneaker store and pick a great performer from any brand. JB, Nike< Adidas, UA and the other mid major & private owned brands have great performers too. It's A really good time to be a hooper/sports enthusiast. ENJOY!!!!

I only wish I was atleast 20 years younger lol.

 

[talonmarko]

I used these for my all star and best of adi volts - they have 3M in them and reflect with the toe box - and they stay tied. 54 inch

Volt 3M Reflective Rope Laces

3M Reflective Rope Laces add some bright color with a bit of shine. Pick these replacement shoe laces for your custom sneakers.

www.lacelab.com

Thank you sir, much appreciated! WIll be checking them out them later

 

[RickBlast]

What ball are you all using for outdoor play? for the past 5 years i've been using and rebuying the Wilson NCAA Replica Game Basketball but it now appears to be discontinued.

I hate the rubber outdoor balls and usually go towards a indoor/outdoor ball with a more leathery feel to absorbs the moisture and reduce the slipperiness when playing on concrete. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[si3n4]

Spalding Zi/O has been my outdoor ball the last few years.

 

[talonmarko]

I would gladly have some ball recommendations for indoors, been using WIlson EVO NXT for the last three years and I have went through three balls in that period.

Did I just get my balls from a bad batch or is it normal for these balls to be super slippery and lose all their touch in year when playing 3-4 times a week strictly indoors? Would gladly try something new, but I think that Wilson's authentic NBA ball might be bit of an stretch..

Heard some good things about Molten's leather balls, anyone have experience with those?

 

[clippermitch]

Picked these for $50 and the move game day insoles. Less than $100 but the setup is amazing. Light and cushioned. Only complaint is the shoes gets really hot.

 

[blueprint10]

Finally got it in during a really good hoop session to really test out the Tatum 2 "neon". First game, I laced them up normally, and noticed that I wasn't locked down like I have enjoyed from my normal rotation of Hustle 2s, Jordan 38s, and Sab1. Took an L so I had time to re-lace them with the "runner's loop". This made all the difference in the world. Fit was snug and secure. I loved the cushioning on my start/stops and the lack of extra springy feeling that killed the Tatum 1s for me. My only issue (very minimal) was the need to wipe my soles a few times during my 6 games. Admittedly the floor was dustier than it's ever been bc of AAU sumer league games earlier in the day and we didn't mop prior to starting. With that said, this was a very positive test run and makes me want to take them for another spin. Gonna be tough putting them down long enough to test the KD17s.

 

[KilroyIverson21]

Updated rotation. Finally got around to grabbing the PROTRO 1. I had the OG pair and ran them into the ground so these were more of a sentimental purchase; that and they are supposed to still be decent performance wise. I’ve been able to put a little bit of work in them the last couple weeks and I’m excited to see what they’re like once they’re really broken in. Kobe 5s are still elite and the LeBron 20s are still the reliable go to

 

[grittyman]

Really forgot all about this thread lol.. I have plenty of newer shoes that I've been testing out in 2024.

Maybe I'll make a list and do a quick summary one of these days

 

[mister friendly]

This was a good color way as well but to me having had the Shining pair really made it easy passing on everything else. The 2K pair is essentially the lighter version of the Shining pair minus the scales so they would’ve been a go day one as well but they were too limited. Those two would’ve been it for me. Performance wise they were average at best for me.

I have a pair of those also, I enjoyed the fit wasn't a fan of the cushioning or traction.

 

[mister friendly]

Updated rotation. Finally got around to grabbing the PROTRO 1. I had the OG pair and ran them into the ground so these were more of a sentimental purchase; that and they are supposed to still be decent performance wise. I’ve been able to put a little bit of work in them the last couple weeks and I’m excited to see what they’re like once they’re really broken in. Kobe 5s are still elite and the LeBron 20s are still the reliable go to

I have two of those models, Kobe I and Lebron XX

The OG felt softer to me than the Kobe 1 Protro, I was still playing in it til the pandemic.

I love the Protro; something is missing though.

The Lebrons were number 1 in rotation for like 1 year recently they feel like bottomed out.

How is the Kobe V Protro vs the OG?

Have any of yall tried the Book 1? I like it a lot.