Adidas D Lillard 2 Performance Review
Written by schwollo
Dame Dolla dropped a new song while Adidas dropped a better shoe for DLillard.
I decided to make this Shoesic video because it’s not often a sig shoe player has a song out at the same time. I did this all with iMovie on my phone so please forgive the amateurish state as this was my first attempt at anything like this . Hell I’ve never used iMovie !
The D Lillard 1 was a beautiful looking shoe especially for $105 . It didn’t have all the latest and greatest technology because Dame wanted to make it affordable. They were comfortable and had great traction but the heel fit was so sloppy I never really used it on court. I did make a few Mi Adidas though and Dame favorited it (he does that for everyone, I know but it’s still cool).
This year, Adidas gave the D Lillard 2 a little more oomph technologically speaking with engineered mesh and Bounce cushioning .
Pros: traction on clean/lighly dusty floors, cushioning, fit, stability, containment
Cons: some heel slip initially but locks in after a few wears, dust inhibits traction performance
Best for: any position
Sizing: go half size down unless you’re Fred Flintstone
Weight
16 oz which is slightly heavier than the
Kyrie 2 (14.5)
Curry Two (14)
Traction
The Lillard 1 pattern worked great and looked strikingly similar to the Rose 5 pattern. This year ( this model ) went with a story telling multidirectional outsole. I actually like how it looks
It works really well on clean and lightly dusty floors but it picks up dust and needs to be wiped to keep it tacky. I wasn’t slipping badly but it didn’t bite nearly as well. Adidas seems to be searching for a balance between tackiness and outsole design (shallow grooves) lately with the DRose 6 and these.
One night I tested it on a very dirty floor against my Clutchfit Drives and they pretty much performed the same due to all that dust they both picked up. Overall the pattern works well but like most outsoles, you have to wipe to keep it tacky on very dusty floors. I put these slightly behind the Clutchfit Drive/Curry One traction but still very good overall. I still prefer the traction on the DLillard 1 though due to overall consistency and tack.
Cushioning
Adidas upgraded the Lillard 2 set up and gave it the Bounce treatment. This is my first time with Bounce and I was extremely pleased.
Adidas made the cushioning dual density so it’s firmer on the outer portions for stability and quickness while soft in the middle for impact protection and it works perfectly. Soft on landings without lag on cuts and change of direction.
You can see the thicker sock liner ( I couldn’t pull it out without ripping) which helps with step in comfort. 
Despite being dubbed a “budget” cushioning set up, Bounce is great. It isn’t as lively as Boost or Micro G but it is softer than Charged while being more lively than Charged and Lunarlon. It feels a lot like Jetlon but with a more dense feeling.
Overall the cushioning set up feels thicker then most guard oriented shoes from heel to toe. Adidas didn’t skimp in the forefoot yet retained court feel. Maybe Nike should steal some Adidas technology and learn how to do this for the Kyrie 2.
Well done Adidas!
Fit
I bought a 10.5 which is half a size down from my normal 11 simply because they ran out of size 11 on December 26th. It runs a little shorter than my normal 11 but I’m glad I went with 10.5 because these run slightly long and wide.
These are next to my 11.5 energy Boost 2m which run small by half a size
I had no movement side to side or front to back with the 10.5.
* be careful when tightening the first set of laces. I tore the strap and adidas is sending a replacement *
The Lillard 1 had major heel slip and Adidas really fixed the heel slip issue by contouring and padding the ankle collar.
The entire inner sleeve runs from heel to toe to give a sock like fit while the rest of the upper adds strength and support to the shoe.
It took a few wearings but it eventually got locked down well. I can still feel some heel slip when the laces loosen during play but it is an acceptable amount similar to what I had with the Curry One Low. I have a difficult time finding a low that locks me in but these work great for me.
One of my favorite features of the upper that is hidden is the inner skeleton that runs along the medial and lateral side .
These really clamp down the foot. The remind me of brake pads for some reason.
Materials are more malleable than I typically prefer ( I’m not a fan of wovens) but with the inner skeleton I had no problems at all.
Engineered mesh/jacquard are soft and pliable and require no break in time . Only problem is scuffing and tearing with toe draggers.
Here are some side by side shots for comparison
Support and Stability
There isn’t much going on in terms of support other then the fit, forefoot outrigger and the heel counter.
Stability is fantastic though with a split heel ( I really like this trend ) that allows more of the heel to touch the ground rather than tipping . The Lillard 2 easily passed my heel test.
Here are some side by side shots of the heel do you can see the difference
Containment
Despite the mesh upper, containment is good thanks to the inner skeleton I mentioned previously. It adds strength where needed and allows the shoe to retain flexibility. My foot stayed in the footbed even on hard cuts.
Conclusion
Adidas is really showing me that they are indeed serious about the basketball shoe market. Why they didn’t realize how big the market was before 2015 is beyond me but I’m glad they are finely applying themselves.
The D Lillard 2 is a major step up from the 1. Adidas didn’t change the price at all from last year yet improved the cushioning and more importantly the fit. I personally love this Rip City colorway because it feels retro but looks fresh and different. Slap these on Magic Johnson and his short shorts and they wouldn’t stand out even in 80’s. As I’ve said before, a signature shoe should reflect the player ( thus the term duh) and these feel like Dame and his Dame Dolla persona really had input on how the shoe should look and feel. I wish the traction was better on dusty floors but everything else improved a ton without a change in price. Well done Dame and Adidas!
schwollo.com 
Nice review Schwollo! quick question? is this shoe a low top or a mid? Thanks!
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These are lows. I added some extra pics in the support section so you can see the ankle collar difference
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Awesome review, I was wondering if this shoe was a mid top or a low; I’m personally heavily against any lowtop shoe but these look too nice to pass up.
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These are lows. I usually don’t wear lows either but these are very stable
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Can’t wait to pick these up. Excellent thoughts as always
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Ha thanks how are those Kobes working out ?
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I got about 100 jumpers up in them yesterday, playing pickup tonight. Like the upgraded Flyknit, but not a fan of the cushioning. Maybe I’m crazy but to me a thin piece of rubber and a slab of lunarlon doesn’t make for a great ride
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Sounds and looks a lot like the 8 set up
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Man, you’re amazing. Thanks for all you do, you got these out quicker than anyone else! I tried Bounce prior to getting the Rose 6, and I really like it a lot. I haven’t tried any Micro G other than the Black Ice, so I’m not sure how that feels, but Bounce feel really good in the store (I was testing the Rose 773 IV, with heel to midfoot Bounce). If this is the same as those with full-length then these sound great. Without good traction, however, I’ll have to pass. Loving my Rose 6s (though still “disappointed” with the cushioning lol).
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Ha yea I’m the same way with traction and that’s the only thing keeping these out of my top 5. I will play in them though because o like everything else about them . Black ice micro g feels a little “flatter ” then current micro g so not quite as bouncy but still feels good. Sorry about the boost lol
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So last night I guess I finally “broke in” the Boost a little bit because now these are A-FREAKING-MAZING. I really want to try the Lillard 2 because the Bounce did feel good (plus I prefer lows), but man…..I may have to stock up on the Rose 6. They become way less bulky once finally broken in, and the Boost is just CRAZY man. It is a little squishier, but prior to last night, there was less “squish”. I hope they never bottom out…
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Hahha glad to hear it! Lillard 2 traction isn’t quite as good on dusty floors . Overall cushioning is firmer but not by much . Both are great
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Traction and fit/lockdown are the two most important factors to me. I actually hate wiping on every play and where I play it seems I would have to do that with this shoe. My go to shoe is still Curry 2 based on what I need. Anyway, great review as always!
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Yep traction is most important to me and that’s why these won’t make my rotation. Too much energy expended trying to recover from slips. But they will make my low top rotation when I’m feeling extra randy or I know the court is cleanish. Most lows don’t lock down well for me but these do after breaking them in. Good to hear from you 40plusballer!
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1 outdoor?
2 whats with the shitty laces. adiddas has the most awful laces .
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The grooves are so shallow that I don’t think it would last . I don’t mind the laces personally
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Schwollo, the first lacehole that broke,is it just quality control issue? Or it just isnt durable enough?
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I think it was a quality control issue. My right shoe didn’t tear .
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Torn between the d lillard 2, rose 5, or soldier 8 for the all around player. Slasher, post up, shooter, rebounder, defender…plz help…lol
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I personally didn’t like the soldier 8. Soldier IX is a nice step up though
I love the Rose 5 and it has better traction on dusty floors then the Lillard 2.
I guess what matters most to you ? Any of those work for you
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Thinking d rose 5. One last question. The away white and red and Chicago ice has different materials. Which one is better?
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I like stiffer uppers personally but the Chicago ice feel nice on foot . No break in time required
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Hi schwollo, loved the review! quick question: I’m a speedy, somewhat bouncy guard that prefers lighter shoes like the Kobe 9 EM and the CFD 1 low. I also bought the D. Rose 6 because I was intrigued by boost in a basketball shoe, but when I played it in it just seemed a bit too heavy for me. Seeing as the Lillard 2s are 16oz, would you say that the weight of them are noticable when playing? If so, how does it feel? (Light/moderate/heavy) Thanks in advance!
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That’s a tough call for me to make because I’m not big on the weight of shoes. ( I play in old Lebrons that weigh over 18 oz ) The Rose 6 weighs 1 oz more then the Lillard . I don’t think it feels heavy but it isn’t a featherweight like the Kobe 8 . I’d wait for the Kobe Xi reviews to come in ( me included )before deciding because that sounds more up your alley. Also the Hyper Rev 2016 feels great underfoot btw but I haven’t hit the court with it . I think it will be a hell of a performer though
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That’s a tough call for me to make because I’m not big on the weight of shoes. ( I play in old Lebrons that weigh over 18 oz ) The Rose 6 weighs 1 oz more then the Lillard . I don’t think it feels heavy but it isn’t a featherweight like the Kobe 8 . I’d wait for the Kobe Xi reviews to come in ( me included )before deciding because that sounds more up your alley. Also the Hyper Rev 2016 feels great underfoot btw but I haven’t hit the court with it . I think it will be a hell of a performer though
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You know how I tell if a shoe has good impact protection? After I play a few hours of balls, my lower pack doesn’t hurt. That being said, the only shoes that doesn’t hurt my back after a few hours are the lebron xiii because of its cushioning. How is the cushioning/impact protection compare? Mind you I play alot of balls and my style of play has me jumping up and down and putting alot of pressure on my joints. Please let me know I really love the look of these shoes and Im only going to buy it if the cushion is good.
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It has really good impact protection. Everyone , including myself , gushes about boost but Bounce is great . Since they made the inner portion soft, it really softens the landing . My knees didn’t ache at all ( I don’t have back problems knock on wood) . I like this cushion better than ua charged which I love as well but impact protection is way better .
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Hey Schwollo! I have been reading your reviews for quite a while and really like what you are doing.
The problem is, I can’t seem to find shoe that fits me.
Currently I’m looking at Jordan super fly 3 po and super fly 4, as well as nike hyperdunk 2015, soldier ix and even
kobe xii.
I’m 6’5 and 165 pounds. I like to play different positions, from 2 to 4, which means i like to cut, cross, run, post and shoot. You know, all around. Which should would be best for me?
I really like how jordan super fly 3 po looks, but isn’t it heavy? Would it be suitable for 3 position? What do you think?
BIG THANKS !
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hey what’s better UA’ s micro g or Adidas’ bounce in terms of impact protection and bounciness??
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That’s a tough question but micro g is bouncier. It is thinner overall and feels like it compresses more than Bounce . Bounce is like a thicker piece of meat so I give it the nod for impact protection though ( at least with the Lillard 2). Both feel great though
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Hey schwollo got some question here,have you ever got a chance to try rose 773 IV??if so hows the cushioning on them compared to this,i cant wear low,my ankle have been injured quite often so mentally i cant wear any low,if 773 IV feel as good cushioning wise that could be an option for me
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I have a PE of the 773 that is too big but I’ll compare as best I can when I get home
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From trying them on, the 773 IV had Bounce from midfoot-heel. That portion feelt great from a cushioning standpoint. The forefoot was noticeably lower with a different foam. The lockdown felt good from trying on, but I’ve read and heard that lockdown isn’t the best in this shoe. The shoe has have a slight outrigger for stability.
If the Lillard has the same cushioning I felt in full-length form instead of only mid-foot and back (which it does), the cushioning would be next to Boost and a little above (IMHO, only from trying on and not playing in) Micro G. Mind you, I haven’t played in Micro G since the Black Ice, but Bounce cushioning really shocked me from trying them on; I could only imagine how they would feel broken in. I actually almost bought these instead of the Rose 6, but my wife surprised me in time with the Roses as a gift.
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Wow. What a great in-depth review with even more in-depth photos. This is almost a surgical review. Keep it up! Hope you will do a review on the All-Star Lilard 2. I might me getting those too if they come out with a color way similar to the home, away or Monkey.
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Thanks for reading ! I’m not sure I’ll do a review on the all star bc it looks like a crazy light boost set up more the anything else. But those knows lol
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I’m just a little worried about materials durability.That kind of grey suede seems someway cheap to me.Do you think that could be a problem?Always glad to receive your answers.
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Which ones are we talking about ? The woven grey with splatter sole ?
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I mean that grey material on the upper that has the sets of laces on it.It seems not durable to me.All this discussion is possible thanks to the photos of your fantastic review.I really love how you minutely go through the shoe.Great job !
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Oh it’s fine I haven’t had any problems . Thanks for the kind words !
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Schwollo ,thanks alot,cant wait tou thoughts on them
Clinton,thanks too for the comparison,which shoe that doesnt have a great lockdown?this lillard or rose 773?
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I was talking about the 773. For me, I went down half a size for the Rose 6 and they fit me perfectly. Lockdown is great. This is the 1st shoe I’ve ever gone down half size, but I remembered adidas shoes play big (the last shoe I wore was the Rose 2.5).
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Hey man! Great review. I was all set on ordering the kobe venomenon 5, but then I saw this Lillard 2 review and now im holding back haha. Have you had a chance to try the venomenon 5? I tried them on for a bit (a friend has them)… I thought the traction and responsiveness was amazing. I guess I liked how explosive I felt in them.
Do you feel explosive with this shoe also? Quicker on the first step I mean. I got the D Rose 6 but can’t say I feel much explosiveness in them, just mega comfortable. Thanks! Keep up the great work
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I have not tried them. I’ll reply to you in am need sleep lol
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Hey don’t forget to reply 😀
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Ha ha sorry been swamped. I have not tried the venomenon .. Any for that matter so i can’t say. The Lillard is firmer underfoot than rose 6 so maybe that’s the feeling you’re looking for ? Kobe shoes in general are firmer and lower to the ground than most shoes including the Lillard 2. Sorry I wasn’t much help since I can’t compare
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The venomenon is similar to the kobe 8 I heard… It also has forefoot and heel zoom. Could you shortly compare the kobe 8 to the lillard 2? I know the kobe is much lighter, and I would probably feel more explosive/lighter on my feet. Haven’t balled in kobes so I don’t really know
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What Is most important to you in a shoe ? Traction ? Cushioning ? Support ? All zooms aren’t the same so still not sure how venomenom feels
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Hi thanks for your review. which one would you recommend for an overall basketball shoe ? this one or the Drose 6 ?
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I prefer the Rose 6 because overall traction is better . However I had to add an extra set of eyelets to get the lockdown I wanted on the Rose 6. What are you looking for in a shoe ?
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I am playing on kobe 9 elite and lebron 9 And am looking to add another pair on my rotation. Am looking for something that will preserve my knees but I also like to have a court feel. Don’t know what to choose between :
rose 6
Kd8
Melo 11
JC2
Super fly 4
Lillard 2.
How would you rank these performance wise and comfort wise?
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That’s a tough question but I’ll try my best . Cushioning: Rose, kd8, Lillard 2,sf4, melo, jc2.
The last three can be moved around but that’s just how I ranked them. Didn’t really like Jetlon but I do like Blackfoam on the jc3. I like the zoom on m11 better than sf4 but the heel foam feels better on sf4.
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Performance wise: Rose 6, kd8, sf4, melo 11, Lillard 2, jc2. I did have to mod my Rose 6 for better lockdown. Kd8 is a very underrated low and does everything well. I’d rank the Lillard higher but traction isn’t quite what I like. JC 2 has no lateral containment. I put traction at a premium of you didn’t know
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Hi Schwollo, what do think about SF 4 vs lillard 2?
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Traction better on sf but full length cushioning on Lillard vs foam and forefoot zoom. So comes down to what you like in a shoe. Materials also in Lillard favor. I’m a traction first guy so id go Superfly
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what about stability, fit? In previous article SF 4 you said: “Best for: smaller bigs, any guard although smaller guards might want ever more minimal shoes” I play 1-3 on the court.
I also thinking about hyperrev 2016 but I worry this heel slippage. 6-1, 210 lbs, 40 inch vert
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Hot damn 40 very? Stability about the same , fit goes to Lillard due to better materials I guess but both fit well. I think you’re decision comes down to what cushioning you want and your traction needs. Lillard 2 can handle bigger guys as well bc the cushioning is dense
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Hey, just ordered a pair the same size as my drose 6 which fit me well. Do you think I should have went down a half size more? Drose6 are a great fit in the size I ordered
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You’ll be fine with the same size. I tried a size 11 and fit was still very good.
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Schwollo , what runs for you better ? 11 or 10,5 for dliliard 2 ? (since i concluded that we have same size of foot )
Best regards
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I went with 10.5.
I bought an 11 on the black away colorway and they fit ok but felt too clunky so exchanged for a 10.5
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Just got my pair in (Florist city). I like the way it feels from the first 4 hours of play. Quick question though, do you know anything that is similar to the lillards? Want something else to rotate with cause my rose 6’s are still not broken in(although getting another pair of lillards doesn’t seem to be a bad idea)
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I can’t really think of a shoe that feels like the Lillard 2. The cushioning is very distinct in a good way. Get an mi adidas pair ?!
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I can’t get miadidas sadly. I live in the Philippines and miadidas used to be avail here but right now it’s not.
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That sucks
I can order and ship to you if you get that desperate just PayPal me
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Really interested in these. I tried them on in my regular size 9 which had heel slippage so I tried a 8.5 which felt better but still a little slippage. You just it gotta break them in and slippage won’t be there anymore? Heel slippage is my major pet peeve. Thanks
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Yep i had slippage at beginning but it went away.
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these or the all star model with boost for outdoor use?
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Neither because the uppers will get torn up outside. But if I had to pick the regular bc the outsole of the all star is the same as Crazylight boost 2015 and it is super thin
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Hi I trust ya review more than any others. I got CFD1 after I read ya review n lm pretty satisfied with it thank you so much! I have a question. Do you think d lillard’s primeknit has same quality of containment with the original? People talk about its same tooling of cushion n traction setup with CLB 2. But how about containment?
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Containment will be similar to regular Lillard. Mesh vs Primeknit about the same in that regard . I prefer reg Lillard cushion over the all star set up btw feels more consistent
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yo finally got and played in the rose 6 prime knit edition
the back rose logo still annoys me as being bulky and unncessary.
boost is absolutely great
schwollo is spot on about the lacing lock down ………i cant believe they would mess upsuch an obv and basic feature of lockdown performance….
all in all a great performer lets see what theytt do with the rose 7
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Rose even had extra holes poked in his from some
Pics I saw. So I wasn’t crazy after all!
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Hello.I am between Nike hyperrev 2016 and Adidas D Lillard 2.cushion and stability is important for me.which shoes is better Nike or adidas?
Thanks you in advance!
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In those two categories, stability is same. I prefer the Zoom in hr16. Traction better in hr16 though while the Lillard upper is softer and more flexible. Hope that helps !
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Hey man, great review. I was wondering if you would recommend these shoes to someone who has had an ankle sprain. I sprained my ankle 3 weeks ago wearing the Kobe Mentality 2’s and I’m really not trying to have that happen again lol. I’m debating on either these shoes or the Melo M11’s, or any other recommendations.
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It isn’t going to make a huge difference in terms of support since it is pretty low. Lillard 2 is stable though. I like shoes like the soldier ix or rose 6 when I’m feeling the need for some extra support. In the mean time close eyes and balance on one foot. Really helps strengthen ankle muscles. Calf raises and band work if you have them too .
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i see these for 80$ on the US adidas site. what’s the cheapest you can get for these?I saw the solebrothers copping Lillard 2’s for under 30$??that’s crazy..i’d like to give these a try..
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Primeknit version is 84 on adidas right now. I only copped the home , away and two id ‘s. under 30 is insane
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Hey Schwollo. I have size 9.5 wide feet, but Footlocker only has that size availible. Will it be good or too tight for my foot?
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That’s your normal size ? You’ll be fine. Might feel a little long but your wide feet should help
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The royal colorway is a primeknit upper but I can’t tell if it has a translucent outsole which is worse(?) for traction?
White/Royal: http://www.eastbay.com/product/model:256855/sku:B49711/adidas-d-lillard-2.0-mens/damian-lillard/white/black/
Shark Black: http://www.eastbay.com/product/model:256855/sku:B42355/adidas-d-lillard-2.0-mens/damian-lillard/black/grey/
Not sure which colorway I should get because I also don’t know the upper material for the shark black colorway
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Primeknit on the Lillard 2 makes no difference I have both regular and Pk and both play the same. Adidas translucent isn’t terrible bc it isn’t as sticky as Nikes but It varies from shoe to shoe (Rose 7 pk was sticky ). Lillard 2 traction will
require wiping no matter what outsole so I’d go with the one you like looking at more to be honest. Hope that helps!
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Awesome, thanks for the insight! I always come here to look at your reviews before I consider buying a shoe 😀
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Hi, I just found out that the Lillard 2s and the Hyperrev 2016 are both on sale at the same price. Which one do you think is a better deal? Thanks
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How Much are they
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both on $69
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Hr16 cushioning and traction are awesome. Lillard 2 traction is good on clean courts and need wiping in dusty floors. Cushioning is pretty good as well. I like the fit and looks of the Lillard 2 more though. Kind of up to you what you are looking for. Are you in the US? $69 still a little steep for the HR16 . I’ve seen the Lillards for about that much on eBay
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Which one do you think has better cushion? I’m in Canada
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I love real Zoom and hr16 does it right. Bounce is good too though.
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btw different name but still me 😀 one I log in by Facebook and the Jason I used my email
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Lillard 2 or CLB 2016 in terms of cushion (impact protection), fit and durability? Price doesn’t matter to me lol
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Fit wout modification goes to the Lillard 2 easily. Cushioning CLB16 but it’s fairly close. Durability ? About the same since the uppers are similar. Outsole of the clb
Might last longer but neither are in my rotation so can’t say for sure
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Thanks for the reply! I think I will get the Lillard in “away” color way since there is only one colorway on the CLB (solar red).
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Sweet!
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