The spawn of the Air Raid, Zoom Vick and Lebron XII might be ugly but beauty, or ugliness in this case, is only skin deep.
Here is the ugly contest performance head to head
Hyperdunk 2015 vs Soldier IX Head to Head
If you’ve read my Top 5, you’d know that the Soldier VI has been one of goto shoes for almost three years . I stocked up on them because they were that good (and still are). Excellent fit, cushioning, traction, support and containment, the Soldier VI excels at everything.
I didn’t like the Soldier VII bc it didn’t feel like it had the same Zoom as the VI plus they were super stiff and I didn’t like the VIII bc it felt like cushioning was made of only foam (I did love the fit though).
Which brings us to the Soldier IX
Traction
The Lebron Soldier line has typically been great in this department which is one of the reasons I love the VI. Although the pattern is very different from the VI the IX holds its own. The IX did a great job on all surfaces and was very consistent regardless of the amounts of dust even though I didn’t feel that bulldog bite I love from the very best traction setups.
I really like the pattern especially the vertical lines bc they really help stop you on hard cuts and defensive slides . The little nodules are similar to the Kobe X concept but aren’t nearly as small and flexible. But they really do a good job shooing dirt out of way like a toothbrush. 
It just doesn’t get clogged up with dust so you’ll never slip but other shoes like the Rose 5, Clutchfit, Aj xx8 all bite harder but I have to wipe more often with those shoes. A better way to put it is the Soldier IX traction doesn’t grab quite as hard as the best setups but it doesn’t get affected by dust as much as the other setups either. In other words they are just plain consistent.
Cushioning
Finally a Zoom set up that can compete with the VI. The VI had very large Zoom units which is a rarity these days and the IX is no slouch. These feel firmer than the VI but they actually feel like Zoom Air but still not as responsive and bouncy as the VI. Takes only a little time to bring the Zoom to life.
Fit
I went true to size with my normal sz 11 and these fit perfect width and length wise. It’s funny, as I was lacing these up, I was looking for more lace holes and there are only 4 total since the soldier’s lacing” system is composed of straps;one strap goes around the ankle to lock in the heel and ankle
while the other strap connects to some flywire that goes under and over the forefoot while the strap goes over the midfoot.
The result of the straps is perfect lockdown particularly at the midfoot. I didn’t feel the strap across the forefoot do anything unless I really tugged at it hard and folded the upper
I tugged and pulled the straps as hard as I could and I didn’t feel any difference with the Flywire. All of the tension increase I felt was on the midfoot and where the strap meets the Flywire IMO it is too loose and high above the foot to do anything bc it doesn’t sit flat on top and across the foot so unless you have a very voluminous foot you won’t feel it. It does add some nice color though . A standard strap set up would have sufficed but regardless you’re locked in.
Heel lockdown is excellent thanks to a padded notched ankle and strap of course
Reminds me of Alice in Wonderland
Below: The ankle collar wraps around the ankle unlike the XII which stops much shorter than the Soldier or the Elite XII
Versus the VI the fit is a little better but nothing significant
Support and Stability
Support is excellent in the Soldier IX without being overbearing.
The wing is part of the entire “frame”‘for the shoe which I really like. Since the wing is made of foam , it flexes and creases with the foot unlike Hyperposite or TPU.
It provides a nice stable base to build the entire shoe around because everything is connected to the one piece base.
Above: heel counter that is connected to the wing that is connected to the midsole that is connected to the hip bone ..
I also liked the fact that the upper is one piece
Above: the only stitching on the upper.
Soldiers have always provided a nice balance of freedom and support and these do it just right. I feel like these provide a little more support than the VI especially at the midfoot.
Containment
Almost every marquee shoe I’ve tried performs well in the typical categories like traction, cushioning and support but very few do a good job at containing the foot since the lightweight minimal upper movement. The Soldier line has always done a good job with containment and these are no different.
Fuse and the wing provide strength and rigidity to the upper to keep the foot contained, not the Flywire, on hard cuts. . I said earlier, there is too much slack in the Flywire so the upper absorbs the the impact and provides containment before Flywire can do anything. Regardless, I loved the containment in these. Reminds me of how the VI performs in this category.
Conclusion
While the Lebron signature line focuses on the latest and greatest technology, the Soldier line just plain performs proving newer and fancier isn’t always better. This shoe does everything better than the XII without all the gimmicks at a much lower price. This colorway retailed at $140 and hit $109 on Nike.com only a few weeks after being released , probably because they are so ugly and busy. Soliders never sell out so if you want to be frugal just be patient and prices will hit the typical $99 to $69 range and will eventually hit outlets for even lower. I’ve always felt the Soldier line was perfect for tweeners like me: Bigger/heavier players that can still move quickly and need flexibility and support and stopping power and these are fantastic. I love shoes that do everything well and the IX really has no weakness, kind of like Lebron.
Overall these could eventually replace my Soldier VI once I run out. They do almost everything as well as the VI (support especially under the midfoot was better than the VI). For now I’ll stick to my VI. Glad I stocked up but good to know there is a worthy alternative .
schwollo.com 
Finally sir thank you for the review. I will be waiting for other colorways as the one released in the Philippines is only the PINK color. Hard to purchase from footlocker or eastbay because of the long shipping process as well as the customs clearance (additional taxes). It will be my first time to use the soldier VI tomorrow so it will be interesting to compare it with IX once i get my hands on it. With my age, stability and support are my priorities now and i guess this will be perfect.
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I never knew it was so tough to get stuff in the Philippines . .let me know how it goes !
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Yup, I ordered the drose from eastbay it was shipped June 27 unfortunately it is still being held at the customs office and i am only expecting it by the last week of July.
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How is transition in these ? Are they smooth?
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Yes transition is very good
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Great review! Quick question… is the rubber super pliable, just right or firm? It looks like these could be a great outdoor shoe. I will wait for other cw’s to release because we only have a pink cw here (philippines). And did you feel any arch problems cause i get that sometimes in shoes with no shanks.
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No problem with arch bc the foam bucket acts as a shank .
Rubber is not super pliable and will be good outdoors in terms of durability and grip. It is on firmer side but not detrimental to traction performance.
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Oh thanks will be picking these up some time soon. Hope they release a solid cw, a simple blackout one will do. Don’t know about you but there is just something about straps on shoes that i love. My favorite being the jordan 8 and air raid. Glad that the aquas and chrome 8’s will release again, i will be getting one of those for sure. Jb’s holiday lineup is fire, will you be copping something there in that lineup? I like every release that jb has up until the next year tbh.
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Straps are comfy lol
Haven’t really looked at jb lineup im done collecting Jordans despite the remastered quality. Already have all the ones I wanted
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They are releasing the laney 14 lows for the first time since 98. Maybe you want them cause they been your top performer in forever it seems lol. Still hoping fir a rerelease on the adidas real deals. Best adidas shoe i have tried tbh and i love adidas.
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Oh yea I saw that . Nope I’ll pass bc they og were the only ones that were good and I didn’t like the laney lows back then and still don’t haha
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Oh haha thought you liked those. I can already sense someone from gsw will wear those come the reg. season haha.
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Are these painful in the side parts of the midfoot? Coz i feel that way in the 12s. And are these sizing tight just like the previous model?
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Do you mean the big lateral wing ? I never had discomfort with that in the 12 or these . The soldier wing is made of foam not hyperposite so it is softer. They run the same size as the Vi so true to size. The soldier viii ran half size small
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Curious if you’d pick these over the Jordan xx9 and if so which categories? Great review by the way.
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I like these better than the AJ xx9. Woven uppers feel great but they don’t do anything support wise. AJ xx9 wins traction , and forefoot cushioning but every other category goes to soldier IX
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And thank you !
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I’m torn but may just have to try it on in the store. I love my xx8 right now and looking for something similar
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Did you read my xx8 vs xx9 review ? Tough to replicate the zoom in the xx8.
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Soldier IX upper is beefier than the xx8.
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I did read your review and I am still deciding what’s best for my game. I think you and I have similar styles based on ur top 5.
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What is in your current rotation ? If you have a similar style you’d like the soldier IX or Superfly IV
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Yep I narrowed it down Btwn those two. I only have the xx8 now. I like the fact that the soldier 9 has zoom in the front and back but waiting on more reviews w the superfly 4. You have a clear fav btwn those two? I am 6 ft 170 but I don’t slash in all that much but like to run around to get my mid range jumper.
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I like both for different reasons but As of today I like the Superfly more . More guard like shoe better traction lower to ground. Review should be up Friday i hooe
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After some thought I think you’ll like the sf4 more. I posted my review just now.
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It’s really a lower to the ground cousin of the xx8
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Thanks and I read the sf4 review and I think I’m going to go with the soldier 9. Great read.
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Nice !
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I ended up changing my mind and went w the sf4. Lol
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Haha nice ! Can’t go wrong eithe way
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On nike dot com the description of the Soldier 9 premium mention that they have something called HARG rubber outsole for the blacktop. The regular soldier 9 doesn’t mention that in the description but nike has been known to goof up their tech descriptions. Just wondering if you have any info about that since I only play outdoors.
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I’m not sure i didn’t buy the premium. The rubber on the reg soldier isn’t as soft as the Superfly and it seems like it would be durable outdoors. Sorry couldn’t be of more help
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These or the cp3 viii ae for the slasher, rebounder type of player? Also, does responsiveness in a shoe translates to jumping quicker?
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Soldier ix better overall shoe imo for doing everything (like lbj) .More responsiveness / firmer set up helps since no lag time. Cp3 8 ae good shoe overall just not my cup of tea
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Hey bro love your work too bad ive only discovered it just recently, more in depth and helpful than youtube reviewers. I just wanna ask which do you think is the overall better performing shoe this one (lebron zoom soldier 9) or the jordan superfly 3 PO? Reading your reviews on both im still torn between the 2, leaning more towards the jordans just bc on looks alone. Also they’re similarly priced here in the philippines thats why im having such a hard time deciding. Thanks again bro and keep it up you’re a big help to ballers who cant afford to spend that much for a decent rotation pairs.
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First off awesome user name
It would be down to Rose 6 and Lebron solder ix imo. I think Boost just blows away cushioning and everything else is about the same so id go Rose 6. If you wait a little prices will drop though. Thanks for the kind words and reading !
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Are those breathable? I am wondering if i am gonna bust some holes where the pinky finger is, afther some usage?
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They are average breathability. You won’t bust holes bc that synthetic is strong and you won’t drag on outside of foot
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Love your reviews! А friend of mine bought a pair, so i was able to try them and for me they were so comfortable that now i wonder if i should worn them beside court.
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Thanks !
If you like how they look rock them off court too
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Do these seem heavy at all? Looking for something comfortable, somewhat light, and affordable.
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No they are not heavy at all. They just look bulky due to the shape and padding. What else are you looking for in a shoe ? What shoes are your favorite and I can point you in the right direction
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Thanks for the great review. My game sounds similar to yours. I’m about 6’6″ and play in the post a lot, but am decently agile and move to the wing and run in transition sometimes.
I’ve been using the Soldier 6’s for a couple years and have loved them, but they are wearing down. I tried on the Soldier 9’s in the store and for some reason they seem like I’m standing higher in the shoe and a little heavier/stiffer (almost more flatter to the ground, and no rounded edge for quickness). In my mind the soldier 6’s I normally play with seem ligther weight, more agile. However, that could be because I had my normal street shoes on right before trying on the 9’s.
Are my concerns with the 9’s valid? Loved the 6’s and wanted to find something similar to what I was used to there (or better).. thanks!
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Your concerns are valid . . They do sit a little higher. The Zoom and traction isn’t as good as th Vi but pretty close . The IX is the closest thing I’ve found to the vi . I’d sell you some of mine but I doubt you’re a size 11 at 6’6″ lol
Have you looked on eBay ? You can still find them under retail .
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Thanks for the quick reply and info! And def. appreciate the offer! 🙂 Size 13, but I actually have a second pair I ID’d but the first time I wore them they felt stiff and gave blisters that lasted over a month above my heel.
On the second pair, I customized them with XDR soles for playing outside (and used my current ones for playing inside). I read that XDR inside has poor traction.. but is that anything to worry about?
Sprained my ankle tonight, otherwise would try them soon.
Thanks again, your reviews are great!
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I honestly have no shoes with xdr except actual tennis shoes so I haven’t had a chance to compare. Give it a shot ?
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Ok definitely, will make sure to.. If i can’t find any replacement 6’s, from some reviews it seems like the Super Fly 4’s may be a good alternative?
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It’s an ok alternative but it is more like a hyperdunk. The sf 3 plays more similar to soldier vi. I took a quick look in eBay and saw a few 13s.
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Ah ok, thank you again Schollo, I’ll definitely check that out.
I appreciate your help and great site!
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Thanks and no problem !
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Not sure if you mind slightly used
http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/111860284052
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Ahh thank you sir. Just placed a bid! Really appreciate it.
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Ha np . I usually wait until last minute to bid so nobody snipes me at the end . Or use esnipe.com good luck
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Good call, I appreciate it!
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Hi Schwollo… quick follow-up question for you. Based on the playing style described above, would the d rose 6 be a good replacement for the Soldier VI?
Also as a side note, you need a donate button on your site! 🙂 Couldn’t help much, but would like to show some appreciation for the quality content and work you put out.
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You’d like the Rose 6 although the cushioning is a lot different in a good way. Where the vi feels firm yet bouncy the Rose is soft but bouncy but not to the detriment of court feel . Rose 5 is actually a great shoe as well and has a stiffer upper similar to the soldier vi. ( both are in my top 5)
Haha thanks for the suggestion and kind words . If in going to buy this stuff anyways might as well let others know my thoughts .
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ah, thanks again sir. Definitely appreciate your very helpful/quality reviews.. thanks again man!
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No problem ! Let me know what happens !
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Ended up getting those Soldier 6’s you linked to off of Ebay for 40 bucks.. Just played in them the other day and that was a great find. Thank you again!
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Awesome!
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Hey man, just found your website looking for reviews of the M12 and took the time to read most of your recent reviews. I live in Brazil, so shoe selection is very limited here. Today I am using the Hyperrevs 2015 and really love it but the zoom is starting to being felt less and less so I am looking for a new shoe. I can get Rose 6s (the cheapest of all I am listing), Soldier 9s, Jordan M12 (the most expensive of the three – a lot cheaper than the Superfly line, though) and a few other shoes (probably the new Lebron Ambassador a Hyperrevs 2016 will be available soon around here). Which one of those you’d get for a 5’9 combo guard, that relies on strenght mostly to play and needs great cushioning (bad back) and preferes lightweight shoes instead of bulky ones?
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Definitely no to m12 get the m11 if anything. Cushioning is terrible on m12
Rose 6 is great but very padded which some ppl do not like ( see my review I had to modify mine). I’d say your decision comes down to m11. Soldier IX since you want less bulk . m11 is the least bulky though .. I hope that helps !
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I tried these on today thanks to your review. I have a “high instep” so getting them on was tough. I heard folks can go up .5 and still lock in. True?
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Should be ok since you its all straps . Inwent true to size
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Good reviews as usual. which one would you choose between the soldier 9 and the jordan rising high ?
i have the opportunity to get one of them but i dont know which one to choose.
Thanks for your hatrdwork
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I can’t say bc I’ve never tried the rising high. Sorry! Thanks for the kind words and reading !
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Love your review. How heavy are these and how do these stack up against the Melo M11, Super.fly 4 and the Clutchfit Drive 2 in terms of outdoor traction and court feel. What would you recommend for a player who drives the lane often but not too much cushion that you can’t feel anything? Thank you once again
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Are you talking about outdoor traction durability? I don’t play with any of my shoes outdoors. Superfly 4 will get worn down quickly vs the others.
In terms of cushion, they are all pretty similar although the super fly 4 is the thinnest lowest to the ground feel while the Soldier is the thickest most plush (still
Really not plush ). I guess need more info to give you an idea of what to get
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I like cushioning that’s firm but won’t make my knees feel like they’re falling apart (say lunarlon), and overall not too heavy and bulky. as for traction I dont hoop outside much but on rare occasions I need something that won’t fall apart after 3-4 games. My favorite shoes to hoop in used to be the Hyperdunk, but I dont like the Hyperdunk 2015 so I’m looking for something else. As for position I’m a small forward, and I drive inside a lot.
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I’ll just compare to the HD 13. Most similar shoe would be the Superfly then m11. The cfd 2
Is more similar to the soldier ix as it is more supportive and firmer. The soldier has more cushioning and rides a little higher than the hd13 and is more supportive. The sf4 is the least supportive of the four shoes but still a fun shoe.
Melo m11 is nice but I wish the heel cushioning was anlittle softer like the sf4. Does that help? .
Does that help? Melo
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Thank you, your advices are very valuable
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Do they have good ankle support?
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Yes. Better than most
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Yea you can take it and a standard insole will work to replace it. It is not like the Kobe drop ins
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Thnx! Could you maybe remove my email adress from the message above (don’t know how that happened).
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Done
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Am now looking to get these as my street shoes and for dunking outdoors. Am looking to get the PRM version in particular because they have harder rubber for outdoor. Just wondering if they’re hard to put on though btw? Just a minor issue though, but since they’re gonna be my street shoes I’m gonna be taking them on and off a lot so that might be a bit of a problem.
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No they are not hard to put on. Just undo the strap a bit to get on
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Ok, sounds good. Am now also looking for my uncle to get an XDR version for me from hong kong lol. But yea, they’re gonna be my street shoes too so definitely gonna need more durable rubber.
I normally wear nike free’s or nike traienrs as my street shoes, but decided whatever and recently started wearing some of my older basketball shoes out. Currently wearing my hyperrev 2015’s out, kinda a pain always taking them on and off though.
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The outsole is pretty durable on the soldier ix so either way you’ll be ok
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I see. I think that yours is the quai 54 version though too which has the HAGR. I think the team version has a bit softer rubber which may be better for indoor use. But yea, gonna get these for my street/outdoor shoes. Might even go back to the old days a bit and use these for indoors too, but definitely not gonna wipe at all lol, you step on a lot of gross stuff walking around.
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Just got these and man the fit and lockdown is just a beast. I got the PRM versions, apparently the traction is a bit more durable, so I’ll stick to using these outdoors. I probably will take them indoors though to see how good the traction is.
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Sweet! Yep fit is great on those. Traction should be decent indoors still.
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Yep. I’m wearing them around my house and it’s sticking pretty well. Will see how well they stick after softening up the rubber by taking them outdoors though. Nightwing gave these a HOF badge for traction, and he used them both outdoors and indoors. If they stick well indoors after, I’ll definitely be getting atleast one more pair lol. Probably gonna get the team model though which apparently is made more for indoor with a softer outsole.
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They aren’t the grippiest I’ve ever played in but they are consistent on all floors. Way better than the x and cheaper too !
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I see. Yea, reading the reviews on the X, it seems like it just isn’t good at all.
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Does nothing better than the ix
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I’m to fat and maybe to old (60) to play ball anymore however I am finally going on a diet and want to move around more; walking and maybe shoot some hoops inside and outside. I’m looking for a comfortable, good fitting, all purpose “high top,” easy on & off sport shoe (I’ve had 2 ankle surgeries and it’s hard to bend my foot down all the way to get into some shoes, yeah and my stomach gets in the way). The Soldier 9 looks like it could be a good choice with the ankle support and sounds easy to get in and out of but they are getting hard to find since the 10 came out. What are your thoughts on the 9’s as a choice or any other suggestions? (I live in a smaller market where selection is hard to find).
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If I didn’t own a bunch of other great shoes, I’d get the soldier ix. Inexpensive and does everything well. Great that you’re motivated ! Best of luck !
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Hey man, in the last couple years you helped me decide on staying with the Soldier 6 even though I tried other shoes.
Thanks again and you were totally right. Honestly, I don’t know if I can ever find a better fitting/comfortable shoe for my playstyle (6’6″, 250).
I’ve had 5 or 6 pairs now, and starting to struggle to find them on Ebay at this point (size 14). Guessing a chance of a reissue for this shoe is pretty much nonexistent, is that right? 🙂
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Yea I really doubt the reissue these anytime soon since it’s just a team model. Maybe in 2032? lol I suggest scooping up whatever you find on eBay. Search Lebron soldier vi as well as Lebron soldier 6. Good luck !
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haha! I hope my game holds up til then.. thanks bud! Def will keep an eye out. take care!
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So I bought some IX’s true to my fit and they are just REALLY tight, uncomfortable so across the top of the foot. I like the strap system for my ankles but need to open the shoes up at entry point somehow as well to get them on & off easier, too. Is there any known way to open them up permanently by stretching them or adjusting the webbing?
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Or, should I try a half size larger? Will the same problems exist but just have a longer shoe?
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No sizing up increases the size across the whole foot not just the length.
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Thx, I may have to do that then. DM
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Unfortunately the soldier ix doesn’t stretch too much. Try half a size to a size up and you should be ok from that point on.
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My shoe size is 10.5 us, so should I get an 10 us pair? I’m afraid it’s gonna very uncomfortable.
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No get your regular 10.5
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I’m considering between the Lebron Soldier 9, the KD Trey 5 iv and the PG1. What do you think? I usually play Center (my weight is ~75kg, 1m75 high) so I need a pair which has nice cushion for impact protection, good support and durable at outdoor courts. I need your advices. Thank you
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Never tried the kd trey but I’d go Soldier ix . Good cushioning traction and durability for outdoors.
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thanks, I would give it a try, hopefully it won’t dissappoint me xD
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Cool let me know how it goes!
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If we compare between lebron soldier ix vs lebron xiii elite based on cushion, support, and comfort, which one is better in your opinion? I’m play on PF 180cm 95Kg.
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Cushioning xiii but the soldier is no slouch either but it feels firmer
Support : close but I like the soldier better in this regard
Comfort: probably the xiii overall due to overall cushioning.
Hope that helps
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Thank’s for the reply, i just follow your web, and your review are very detail and honest. Really love it. Keep up the good work.
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Thanks !
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Soldier 9 traction compared to Kyrie 2? I was thinking about get the Kyrie 2 but the cushioning kinda held me back, which one would you recommend? My play style is quick, explosive, do lots of drives, layups & shooting. I don’t really want superior cushion, just need it enough to not make my legs hurt or any problems for a long time of playing in them. Thanks!!
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Kyrie 2 . Soldier 9 traction is good but Kyrie is better on all surfaces . Cushioning is a lot firmer than the Soldier 9 though . I prefer Soldier cushioning vs Kyrie though. But man kyrie is balling lol
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Soldier 9 vs Dame 3 in weight, traction? Did the Soldier 9 feel bulky?
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Dame 3 is heavier Soldier 9 weighs around 15 ounces. It is more restrictive than the dame 3. Bulky ? Not really but I like mids and that ankle strap actually works
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