Jordan Super.Fly 4 Performance Review
Written by schwollo
The Super Fly has never really been on my radar until the Super Fly 3 PO and that’s only because the price dropped so quickly after the Clips got bounced by the Rockets. I’ve always admired Blake and I think once he believes in himself during crunch time he’s really going to reach a new level. Until then he will have a great pseudo sig shoe to play in which happens to be my favorite shoe of all the summer releases.
Pros: traction, fit, lower profile cushioning, good stability and containment, very light
Cons: none really. Heel Zoom would be nice, maybe a little better containment? Design is a little boring ? I’m really nitpicking
Best for: smaller bigs, any guard although smaller guards might want ever more minimal shoes
Weight
13.5 oz in a sz 11
Crazy light Boost 2 14.5 oz
Didn’t think the Sf4 would be this light
Traction
Jordan Brand did a great job with the SF4 traction. Last year’s models (AJ XX9, M11, SF3) all performed well but didn’t bite as hard as the XX8 due to the flatter patterns across the models. This pattern is very defined and sharp and made with a soft rubber so I doubt these would last long outside. Regardless of durability, the SF4 traction is fantastic. Squeaky sticky even on dirty floors. Still needs some wiping but not much. Best pattern I’ve used of all the summer releases.
Cushioning
The first thing I noticed when I put these on was that the shoe feels a lot lower to the ground than the SF3 and XX9. It feels more like a guard shoe rather than a bulked up Jordan XX8 or XX9. It rides about the same height as the Clutchfit Drive. Personally I love the lower ride. I think the lower ride comes from the Zoom being almost flush with the outsole and Blake’s desire for a lower, quicker shoe (did you see point power guard forward Blake vs the Rockets??)
You can see how little the Zoom protrudes from the sole.
You can see how much lower it rides compared to the XX8 and XX9 (sort of) . There is just less of everything on the Sf4.
A large articulated Zoom bag in the forefoot and the Flightspeed plate are the highlights of the cushioning set up.
This set up doesn’t have the wow factor the orginal unlocked Zoom of The AJ XX8 had but it still feels great. The Zoom feels like Zoom should, which is great considering how rare that is nowadays. This isn’t the newest technology (Aj XIV, Pippen II ) but it’s the first time they molded the outsole to highlight it.
The Flightspeed plate is a full length plate instead of a forefoot only Flightplate that is supposed to provide energy return to the entire foot from the forefoot Zoom. I think the whole unlocked Zoom feel comes more from the protrusion of the Zoom out of the sole rather than being unlocked. If Zoom is sticking out and you step on it, it has to go up into your foot, right ? From the XX8 to XX9 to the Sf4, the ride has gotten lower and that unlocked Zoom feeling has been reduced each time. Just a theory of course.
First time I’ve see a segmented heel. Can’t tell if this is what makes the heel foam feel great but no downside to the segmentation
I couldn’t tell if the springiness in the heel came from the Flightspeedplate or the segmentation but whatever they did, the heel feels less dense and bouncier than the SF3.
I was worried about transition but it isn’t slappy like the XX8 or XX9 because there isn’t nearly as much space between the forefoot and heel
Above : XX9 vs Sf4
Below: XX8 vs Sf4
Overall I really liked the set up on the SF4. Great job JB!
Fit
I went with my normal size 11 and these fit perfectly. I had a one finger width of space between my biggest toe and the end of the toe box and no space side to side. I have a wide foot so I don’t see anyone sizing up for width reasons because the upper is flexible. I felt zero heel slippage right out of the box thanks to a deeply notched heel.
Fuse reinforces the lace loops. If it wasn’t there I could see the mesh and foam tearing pretty easily.
The marketing material mention “web straps integrated into lace loops”. There is one on each side so technically there are straps not just one strap. The XX9 had them down the entire row of laces.
The upper is a textile upper (foam backed mesh) which feels somewhat cheap to the touch because there isn’t much structure but feels good on foot thanks to the foam. I liked the upper the more I wore them. It’s flexible and supportive where it needs to be. If the Hyperdunk 2015 put some padding inside the upper like these, it probably wouldn’t have felt so plasticky, cold, and unrefined.
Since the upper is basically mesh, it really conforms to the foot well, flexing and moving with no hot spots. Think of it as a poor man’s Flyweave without the fancy name.
Support and Stability
There isn’t much support other than the fit and the flexible heel counter.
The shoe rides low and is very stable so any extra support isn’t warranted. I never felt like I would turn my ankle because of how stable the shoes played. These passed my heel test easily.
CONTAINMENT
I was worried about the containment since I rarely fair well with mesh/woven shoes but these did a great job. Not quite Solider VI or Rose 5 level but I didn’t feel my foot sliding out on hard cuts. Part of the reason it does well is the footstay. It isn’t very high but it is fairly firm and long so it covers a lot of the forefoot
There is also a little extra glue on the lower half of the mesh to help with containment.
The other reason these contained my foot well was due to the thicker foam areas. The black portions of the upper are mesh only that provide flexibility while the maroon parts are made of dense foam. This setup helped keep the foot in place on hard cuts and change of direction. I’m sure the Aj XXX will have a similar set up with a fancier name like “Flightlight” or “Flyweight” rather than foam backed mesh. It wouldn’t be a Jordan without it.
Ventilation
I don’t really care about ventilation but I thought these did a good job . I really like this idea because if there is one place I sweat a lot, it’s right at the top of my ankle. This cut out is on both sides.
Conclusion
Jordan Brand actually listened to Blake to develop this shoe.. What a concept eh? The end result is near perfection for a wide range of players. I really have nothing bad to say about this shoe. It’s fun to play in, feels great underfoot and does everything well especially traction. It isn’t very over priced at $150. Of course with all BG shoes, expect these to hit outlets and sales for sub $80 prices but you get a lot of bang for the buck. It is a bit generic looking but I don’t really care if it performs. If you couldn’t tell, the Sf 4 is my favorite shoe out of all the summer releases. Great job Jordan Brand, if this is the appetizer I can’t wait to see the main course, the AJ XXX.
schwollo.com 
Great review i will wait for other cw’s, the ones that have released so far are weird looking imo. I hipe the xxx(30) has the molded zoom unit on the outsole but protrudes it ala aj 28. That would make for a hell of a ride.
LikeLike
Ha I doubt they will do that . They like to use the same set up for Melo sf and Aj but we can always wish
LikeLike
Nice review as always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks !
LikeLike
Great review,however the upper is a bit concerning,as they become even more minimal than sf2 and 3,me as a bigger player probably not gonna like it as much as previous superfly,but i hope the fit and lower profile cushioning worth the support tradeoff ,because it could promote more natural movement for foot
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep everyone wants lighter faster. I really like playing in these despite the soft upper but if I were injured or coming off injury, I’d look for something more structured.
LikeLike
Great review. @ec12902 is correct, need to wait better colorways but I am actually anticipating the melo m12. If it is based on this tooling but with premium materials (leather) that would be perfect for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha probably right. Although I do like the Marvin Martian colorway
LikeLike
What is the difference between high and low profile cushioning
LikeLike
A high profile set up would be the Lebron x that emphasizes cushioning and protection over stability and quickness. Low profile example is anything that sits lower to the ground like the super fly or Kobe line. Usually guards like lower profile while big
men like more cushioning since they don’t rely on quickness and cuts . Hope that helps
LikeLike
Really appreciate it! which shoe do u think is more ideal for a guard, superfly 4 or hyperdunk 2015?
LikeLike
Super fly easily. Does everything as well or better at similar price
LikeLike
Do u think that superfly 4 is the best superfly? I guess jordan brand doesn’t want to make Blake griffin’s shoes that bulky and restrictive because of his different playing style. He has been improving every year.
LikeLike
It’s my favorite by far .
LikeLike
Great review. Been waiting on a solid performance review of the sf4.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha no problem! Glad you liked it
LikeLike
hi, thanks for the great review. Couple of quick questions. I have read through and watch tons of reviews on both the super.fly 4 and lebron soldier 9. Lebron soldier 9 seems to get consistently better reviews however if I had to choose between these two, what do you think should be my deciding factors? Furthermore are there any other shoes I should be taking into consideration at the price point/performance ratio of these two shoes? Lastly would you know if these are good for flat feet or if u have any recommendations for flat feet players?
Thanks a ton for taking the time to read and answer my questions. Really appreciate the input!
LikeLike
Depends on 1) more support and structure or more freedom ? 2) soldier plays a little higher off ground. That’s pretty much the two factors IMO . I’m flat footed so you’ll be fine in either. What are your fav shoes to play in playing style etc and I can point you in right direction better.. I reviewed all the summer releases and Soldier and Super fly were the best two IMO by far bc did everything well which is what I want out of a shoe. Hope that helps !
LikeLike
Thanks for the speedy reply. Thing is I haven’t been hooping for a while and I’m going back to it. I did wear AJ’s long time ago. So I’m starting on a fresh slate now. I only manage to try out the soldier 9’s in store. Lockdown was insane but other than that I’m not too experienced like you are and can’t tell anything else.
Well, I guess I am looking for the best all round shoe as I’m not exactly fixed on my position and stuff. And after so many years I’m bound to alter my play style. So mostly everything is fresh for me.
Well most of what I said is pretty vague and probably wouldn’t help. So I guess the all round shoe is what I would be looking for. (I know this is hardly existent, but the closest will do) thanks once again
LikeLike
Ha well can’t go wrong either way really. Really comes down to looks. Bad knees or older ? Go with Lebron bc cushioning is thicker all around. Super fly is more minimal. I still use Lebron soldier Vi but the IX is just as well rounded . Nike.com has a 30 day return policy even on worn items so if you’re really torn just try both. Free shipping and returns (U.S. At least )
LikeLike
Well, I’m 21 but I do have a knee problem and have to wear insoles. Really like the marvin the Martian look and it is more subtle than the soldier 9. But the cushion part maybe the turning point. Thanks still!
LikeLike
Ha let me know how it goes !
LikeLike
Great cool. Thanks for the help. Last question. How long would each shoe last out doors? Maybe an estimate using hours?
LikeLike
No clue I don’t know how you play how hard you stop etc. if you’re playing outdoors a lot Lebron soldier def better bc Superfly will wear down fast . Had some peeling already and that was indoor only
LikeLike
care to expand more on the BG shoes? is it boys grade size? 41 max?
LikeLike
Hello Schwollo, thanks a lot for the great (again) review!
Just one question: how light do these feel (compared to the Adidas CrazyLight for example)? Do you have their weight?
Thanks a lot and keep it up, it’s fantastic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much ! I’m currently out of town but I’ll see if I can get the weight for you. They actually feel quite similar in weight bc the crazy light boost 2 isn’t super light like previous models. My guess is the Superfly is about 1- 1.5 oz which I can’t tell on foot anyways. Thanks for the kind words!
LikeLike
Super fly 4 is 13.5 crazy light is 14.5 oz!!
LikeLike
Are these the best performance shoes at the moment?
LikeLike
For the summer releases it comes down to this or the soldier IX or Clutchft drive 2 (looks wise are blah though ). I still like my Clutchfit drive 1 and rose 5 more but these are close
LikeLike
How much padding is on the tongue? I have two shoes that you have reviewed so maybe you can compare them. The Kobe Zoom 3 and Nike Shox BB4, both of which have great interior plush feelings IMO.
LikeLike
Tongue is more like the bb4 but not quite that padded. Definitely not a thin tongue like the Kobe iii. Hope that helps
LikeLike
How would you compare this to the M11?
LikeLike
Very similar. Upper of Superfly is more flexible and thinner . Heel foam is better on sf4. Sf4 lower to the ground as well . I like the sf4 more but m11 is cheap now so buy two m11s
LikeLike
Great review! I hope you give inputs about the woven versions as well. I am really curious on how it affects the support, containment and durability. And comparisons against the AJ XX9
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll have to check them out and if I do ill let you know !
LikeLike
Hey, nice reviews! I’ve been browsing through your reviews trying to figure out which shoes to buy next. I’ve narrowed it down to the Super Fly.4, Soldier IX and Rose 5. How do they compare and what’s the difference between the zoom and boost technology?
I previously had the blake griffin hyperdunk 2011 and enjoyed those, but in the end they suffered from a bit of deadspace, especially around the toe box. I’m a 6’2 SG/SF that plays very aggressive defense and needs speed to play my game, but at the same time want some stability (don’t want low-tops) and require good cushioning because of my bad knees. What shoes would you recommend?
Thanks so much for taking time to answer my questions. Once again, I love your site.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d go with the soldiers just bc if your knees . Both of these were my favorites if the summer releases. The sf4 plays lower to the ground and is more of a minimal socklike shoe while the soldier provides support and structure wout over doing it. I didn’t put the rose 5 in the mix bc you stated you didn’t like the deadspace and unless you out and extra insole in you will have deadspace. However everything else is great with the rose 5. Boost feels amazing so if you can try it on somewhere in any shoe you’ll see. It’s soft but responsive and feels great in transition and landings. Super stable shoe too. Not to mention cheap since the 6 is coming next week (yes I’m reviewing it )
Thanks for reading! I’m trying to clean up the menu to make it easier to sort just haven’t had time.
LikeLike
Which is more responsive? clutch fit drive 1 or sf4?
Thanks!
LikeLike
Clutch fit drive 1 but not by much. The foam in the sf 4 feels really good and feels firmer overall than the cfd set up.
LikeLike
I recently purchased a pair of the super fly 4s and they have been rubbing the back of my heel on my right foot. Has anyone else experienced this? I have played in them twice and my previous shoes were the hyper revs if that helps. Will this go away if I continue to play in them because my left heel is fine, and there is also some rubbing on one of my toes on the right foot.
LikeLike
I didn’t but it sounds like something that would go away . Sometimes hotspots just rub the wrong way . Good luck !
LikeLike
Ok thanks
LikeLike
tape ur feet. sometimes the foot and the shoe are incompatible )
i have the same problem with my left foot.
oh actually since i started training more, it kinda went away. standing on my toes all the time especially on my left foot.
LikeLike
Try this tape called mole skin as well . Works like a champ. I use it on irritated skin
LikeLike
Hey schwollo. Thank you for the good review. It seems you know your job. I am still waiting for my sf4 that i have ordered but i am a bit worried because of the review at youtube by the solebrothers. They say its a avarage shoe. From their review i donr have the feeling that its a good shoe or best 2015.
Another question. Whar about a ankle brace. Will it fit in?
Thanks
LikeLike
I don’t know who the sole brothers are but it is way better than an average shoe. I’d take sf4 over the majority of the 2015’releases. Excellent traction, fit, good cushioning and containment adequate support and good stability. Where did you buy them from ? Nike. Com allows returns for 30 days even worn shoes.
LikeLike
Hey Schwollo, thank you for reply. The sole brothers were some guys on youtube. doesnt matter.
The Shoes came today. The SF4 jacquard (black/white). the Shoe looks superb and feels realy great. But there is a big but. I had a bad ankle sprain 2 years ago and I am wearing ankle brace (3rd grade-maximum protection). The shoe isnt the greatest for that kind anklebrace. Another thing is my comparing my present shoes (Hyperdunk 2013). I am still lower in the HD13 vs SF4 and the front sole od SF4 is 1 cm thinner than my HD13 so I have the feeling they are not so stable (ankle support). The SF4 are light, comfort (at the same size), traction (only in my room tried) cushioning is better then by the HD13 but i like the lunarlon better because I am lower and better stability because the sole is wider (my foot is like a duck foot :))
So i am disappointed that i must return them (Nike.com in europe) because the shoe looks phenomenal, but i am 31 and i am scared of ankle sprain again. I need upgrade for my Hyperdunks 2013. The HD 15 are not with lunarlon and you said the SF4 are lower and now i dont know what next. maybe i´ll wait for kyrie 2.
What is your opinion for HD 13 upgrade.?
thanks once again
LikeLike
Man that’s a tough dilemma. Have you rehabbed your ankle ? I recommend standing on one leg trying to balance. Really helps a lot. Anyways Have you considered Curry two or Rose 6? Both guys wear ankle braces so they accommodate the braces well. Curry two sits low like the HD. I’d say Lebron Soldier IX but it sits higher than the HD. The HD 15 cushioning feels terrible compared to lunarlon and I don’t like lunarlon lol
LikeLike
Why not get another HD 13? Great shoe and very cheap now. Under 60
On eBay
LikeLike
Thank you. I never had the UA shoes so i dont know how the sizes fit. I am a fan of nike. Adidas was always streng for me (last one a3). In Europe there are no shops where I can try UA Curry shoe.
So i will order HD 14 from ebay.com I know that they are a litlle bit worser (traction) then HD13 but i dont wont the same shoe.
P.S.
what about the kobe 10 hi? they have in the front also the lunarlon? are they wide?
Thanks and keep going
LikeLike
Kobe 10 high will be very hard to get your ankle braces in. It doesn’t do anything functionally anyways so go for the lows. They are not as wide as the HD13 or 14 but a low would fit your brace. You might like the X .
Nice cushioning more stable than Kobe 8/9
You might even like the Kobe 8. Plays very low
Here is my Kobe X review
https://schwollo.com/2015/02/16/nike-kobe-x-performance-review/
LikeLike
or kobe IX elite? they are lunarlon/wide?
LikeLike
Hey scwollo,
do you recomend the SF4 or the SF3po
LikeLike
Depends what you want. The sf3 Po is more cushioned and padded while the sf4 is more
minimal and lower to the ground. Both have excellent fit. The sf4 is what the hyperdunk should have been imo
LikeLike
Do you Jacquards will work better in term of materials that the normale ones?
LikeLike
I haven’t tried them but it would be pretty minimal change or upgrade if any imo
LikeLike
Hi there, the super.fly 4 po is already available here. Will you do a performance review? Decided not to get the jordan xxx based on your review.
LikeLike
I don’t plan on it. The only change from the looks of it is they added leather ? I think Duke on wt got them though . PO stand for Punch Out the equipment manager this year ?
LikeLike
alright, will look out for his review then. thanks
LikeLike