Air Jordan XXX1 31 Performance Review
Written by schwollo
Executive Summary: Responsive and low to the ground ride with a great fit is offset by so so traction on dusty floors and below average containment. Plays similar to the Zoom BB but worse in nearly every catagory (I love the BB so standards are high).
Introducing the Fair Jordan XXXI
The AJ XXX1 is definitely a polarizing shoe. Not because of the silouhette but more because of the use of a Swoosh AND a Jumpman on the same shoe. Next year I’ll expect some Ricky Bobby NASCAR inspired shoes with ten logos. Looking at the shoe, I thought these would perform well and they aren’t bad but they aren’t great either.
If you didn’t tell me they were “inspired by the AJ I” I really wouldn’t have known. They seem more inspired by another well known shoe the Zoom BB I and even share a similar silhouette.
Pros: traction on clean floors, Zoom feels like Zoom and plays low to the ground, fit, support
Cons: traction on dusty floors, protruding Zoom takes a little time to get used to, lateral containment is below average, price still higher than other top performers
Sizing: runs a little short but true to size for wide footers. Narrow or regular width might want to size down due to width
Best for: guards
Buying advice: wait for sales as always (don’t fall for the fake sell outs)
Weight:
16 oz about average for today’s shoes
Traction:
The first time I saw the pattern I immediately thought of the the AJ XX1 with its double helix pattern which was a great performer.
On clean floors these worked great but what doesn’t as I always say. Slightly dusty floors require some wiping but on really dusty floors you’ll be skating like Kristy Yamaguchi.
I put these to the test against the Crazy Explosive and Rose 7 on the dreaded dusty Pergo floor and I had to wipe a lot to maintain any traction. The CE required far less wiping while the Rose 7 didn’t require any.
I think if the outsole were solid, these would have performed much better for dusty to very dusty floors. Probably the worst overall traction performance out of AJ XX8-XXX1. Overall not bad but the previous models just performed at a higher level on all surfaces.
Cushioning
Two shoes with full length Zoom released this year by Nike and JB? Must be my birthday.
Full length Zoom, Flightplate and unlocked Zoom got me excited but the actual execution of it left me wanting more.
Don’t get me wrong, it feels great but it doesn’t feel any better than full length Zoom from the past. One thing Zoom does better than other cushioning set ups is get you closer to the ground while providing a bouncy ride. Adidas’s Boost needs volume or height to provide a similar amount of impact protection.
As I’ve said in previous reviews, the secret to that wonderous Unlocked Zoom feeling seems to come more from how much the Zoom protrudes from the outsole and The XXX1 doesn’t protrude in the forefoot nearly as much as the XX8 or XX9 so it doesn’t feel as lively. Also since typical full length Zoom bags are about 6 millimeters versus 7-8 for a forefoot bag, you’re not going to get quite the same level of lively feel. The heel sticks out quite a bit and produces a wobbly feel that takes some time to get used to. Very similar to the Lebron XII and XIII but this Zoom is more rounded and thus more wobbly feeling.
By the way Jordan Brand, why did you go full length again? I thought we only needed Zoom in the forefoot and cored out foam in the heel for $225 ? Anyone who believed that line was a sucker.
The Zoom feels great and feels like Zoom but that wobbly feeling isn’t necessary as there are plenty of ways to make it feel like true Zoom.
Fit
I really enjoyed the fit of the XXX1. I went true to size and these fit me a touch short length wise but perfectly width wise.
Flyweave in the front two thirds of the shoe conform nicely to the foot while the heel transitions to a sturdier synthetic leather
The heel stays locked in due to a very comfortable inner sleeve that runs the full length and a ton of ankle pillows.
A bit of overkill if you ask me but my heel was locked in from the first lace up so I can’t complain.
Lastly Flywire is used to hold the foot down
Being a wide footer, I really enjoyed the fit. I had zero movement in the heel and no weird popping or deadspace anywhere in the forefoot. Narrow or regular footers will want to try these on because there may be too much movement inside the shoe.
Well done JB!
Materials
This version of Flyweave is softer than the KD8 and feels great on foot as I stated above. No weird bubbles like the Rose 7 since the XXXI has an actual regular length tongue. For comparison sake, the Flyweave is not as soft as the XX9 but it is softer than the XXX.
The heel transitions to a synthetic leather which I like since it provides support in the heel.
Quality of the synthetic is above average and feels almost premium. I didn’t have any Achilles rubbing but I’m sure that could be an issue for some especially those who wear low cut socks.
Overall, materials are nice but I’m not really big on materials. But it works and it doesn’t feel cheaply made.
Nicely done JB!
Support and stabilty
Support comes from the fit and the synthetic heel and I’m pleased with the support. It isn’t just a flimsy sock like most shoes these days.
My heel was locked in and stayed that way the entire time so the use of a stiffer synthetic upper did its job well.
Nicely done JB!
Stabilty on the the other hand..or foot, is confusing. The shoe itself passes my heel test because it doesn’t turn over when I try to turn it over. However, when stationary that Zoom protrusion does cause the shoe to rock side to side but it catches itself so your ankle isn’t in any real danger. It’s just unnerving when you’re walking slowly and it feels tippy. I guess you could say the outer heel acts like an outrigger for the Zoom. During actual play I pretty much forgot about the wobble altogether since it was always compressed when I was moving.
The forefoot is nice and stable though since the Zoom doesn’t poke out nearly as much and it has a nice forefoot outrigger
I’m not sure how to rate stability because it’s not tipping to the point where I feel in danger but that rocking feeling doesn’t have to be there if the design was made differently. Overall I think it is fine but just needs some games to get over it.
Containment
Hmmm, Flyweave in the mid and forefoot with no raised midsole.
I think you can guess how this went for the most part.
I’ve felt much worse containment on shoes such as the M12, JC2 and 3 so the Flyweave does a good job relative to those shoes. But relative to top containment shoes such as the Hyperrev 2016, any d Rose or Crazylight Boost 2016 and these don’t even compare.
Conclusion
People will never talk about the Jordan 19 to 30 (or 15- 18 that matter) with the same reverence as they do about the AJ I-XIV. We witnessed things we’d never seen done before in a style that we haven’t seen since then. I still remember my friend telling me about MJ’s free throw line dunk the next day at school and wanting those shoes (we didn’t have cable, Taiwanese parents don’t believe in that).
And therein lies the problem with Jordans; high expectations that can almost never be met again because MJ is the ultimate shoe salesman
Russ is great and he has that maniacal drive and crazy athleticism but he isn’t Mike. You can make up a story of how a shoe was inspired but that’s all it is.. A story.
So take away the story, the MJ name, and the price, you have a solid shoe that feels great underfoot with so so traction on dirty floors. The wobbly feeling will take some time to get used but I don’t think it is a deal or ankle breaker and I have a phobia of tippy shoes. Will it make my top 5 ? No, not with the poor dusty floor performance and poor containment but that’s just me. At $185 there are plenty of shoes that outperform the XXXl. It really comes down to how much you want to be like Mike or be your best self on court.
schwollo.com 
Another great review! Well done.
It’s a shame that the traction was a bit of a let down. Here’s hoping they’re able to improve it with future colorways.
I recently got a chance to try these on and I still think ill pick these up once they go on sale. I really enjoyed how they fit and the materials.
Keep up the great work
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Thanks ! You’re not missing out on anything if you wait
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👍👌👍 Review as always…you know, since this shoe is indeed inspired by the Jordan 1… Why. not they use the beastly Jordan 1 traction?
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I’m more impressed that I found someone who lived the Zoom BB as much as I did. That was such a great shoe. I wish I could get my hands on some.
I had the same issues you did in terms of traction with the AJ XXXI. The overall fit was comfortable though.
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eBay has some on occasion but pretty rare to find. So simple in design but so fun to play in
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Is this really Josh Childress? Lol
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Great review! I truly believe you are the most honest sneaker performance reviewer on the Internet.
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Thanks 40plus! Really appreciate it!
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Hi schwollo. Do u think the zoom instability would be more of an issue for lighter players since the zoom won’t be compressed as much? Thanks again for the awesome review man.
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Also, since you said that the zoom doesn’t feel like anything extraordinary, would u say it feels better in the HD elite since u gave a much more positive vibe in your review of those. Thanks.
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I should rephrase how I wrote it. It feels good like Zoom should feel but it doesn’t feel any better than what’s out there now like the HD elite or what’s been done in the past. It’s a bunch of tech terminology that results in the same feel (to me).
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I don’t think it will be tough to compress even for lighter players.
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Never planned to buy these but I like reading your reviews anyways. Good job once again!
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Thanks Zoom!
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Another great review man! I’m currently playing in the KD 9, Curry 2s. I enjoy C2s traction, lateral movements but cushion is very weak(too firm) for my liking. KD9s have awesome cushion but lag in lateral movements. Not really looking for C2 traction but are the xxxi’s close enough and is the cushion way better? Thanks
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Xxx1 traction isn’t close enough on dusty floors. containment won’t be as good either
Curry 2 cushioning is firm. I suggest trying the Rose 7 and your problems will be solved.
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killed it per usual man, really looking forward to playing in a solid outsole version if possible, I tried these on the other day, and for a wide footer, it really fits like a dream. Plus zoom is my favorite cushion, so i’m definitely going to give these a go!
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Real zoom is fantastic . Not this chintzy stuff Nike had been putting out past few years.
Don’t all Koreans have wide feet? Lol
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yeah i’m pretty sure we all do, really wanted to give the kd9s a go, life is unfair lol
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Lol I think the kd9 can accommodate wide feet maybe give it a try on at least
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I’m waiting for this review for a long time. Great review as always.
I have a couple questions.
1. Compare this xxx1 to kd9, which one do you prefer?
2. After a bunch of new tested shoes, what are your current top 5?
Thanks in advance. Keep up a good work.
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Kd9 by a little mainly bc Traction is better. Zoom is a little to soft on the kd9 when cutting
I only have two shoes out of 2016 that made my top 5 but the Hyperrev already got kicked out lol
Rose 7, curry 2, soldier vi, Rose 6 and or Clutchfit drive, zoom bb I, Kobe I and iv (I know that’s more than 5 lol)!
BB
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Have to try Rose 7. Thanks sir!!!
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Great review and once again it’s very informative. Well done Schwollo! I wonder how the shoe will perform with solid rubber and with separate Zoom bags??
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Solid rubber it would probably perform like the xx1 which is basically the same pattern (and was good). I think Zoom is fine as is just that bulge feels odd. A bigger thicker full
Length zoom would probably feel awesome almost KD 9 like
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do you think that all black colorway, new images that surfaced is with solid rubber??? that pair with some green gradient on heel i think…
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I doubt it is solid but who knows. I think it will
Be smokey black
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Another great review Schwollo! Thanks again for your contribution to the community.
I have the Rio 31s. Love the colorway. Overall I think it’s a good to very good performance shoe and can see plenty of people really liking them on the court. This is definitely a step in the right direction for JB. We have heel zoom again. They have lowered the price. There are other shoes out there that perform better and are cheaper, so these aren’t a must have for me.
The Good:
I found the traction on them to be good to very good on all courts I play on. Definitely not as good as the Curry 2s and XX8s (my favorites so far – can’t wait to get the Rose 7s soon), but still very good on most courts. Minimal wiping. Cushion is the best balance of impact protection, bounce, and court feel in a Jordan in the last few years. Like this full length zoom better than KD9 and HD16 primeknits. This shoe has me hopeful JB can give us better zoom again. Transition was very good for me. Fit was TTS and toebox width was fine for me with my average width foot. I’m heavier and found the zoom to be very stable 95% of the time.
The Neutral:
Containment was fine and is very playable for me. Definitely better than JC3 and HD2106 primeknits. Not as good as more traditionally built shoes. Still haven’t played in the CLB16s, CEs, or Rose 7s, so I can’t compare.
The Bad:
I get a lot of achilles pressure in my pair. Get some at the top of the inner collar and I can also feel the top of the synthetic material collar too. Don’t notice it most the time when playing. Mostly noticeable on really hard cuts, time between games, and I feel achilles irritation/soreness for a while after I’m done playing. This is really annoying. I’m going to try another pair and see if that helps. The protruding zoom cause some issues about 5% of the time. Sometimes the shoe skips a bit as I go to plant/cut. There are some angles when I catch the edge of the protruding zoom bag before it can compress and the have zoom area of the sole in the same plain as the outer edge of the sole. This is a bigger issue with the heel area and has caused me to practically fall down a few times. Would be great if JB had the heel zoom protrude just a little less.
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Is the achilles pressure really bad?
I have history of achilles tear on my right foot.
Currently im playing in drose 6 prime knit and it has some minor achilles pressure as well so i remedy it by wearing a neoprene ankle sleeve.
Shoes that i feel really bad in achilles preasure was the melo m10.
Shoes that i think really comfortable without any achilles preasure was the lebron x elite.
I was thinking to cope this aj xxxi but afraid if the achilles preasure will bother me or not.
Thank you.
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I didn’t have any pain myself but I’ve heard about it. Must really depend on ankle and heel
Shape. Sorry couldn’t be of more help!
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Fair to say that Nike/Jordan is doing a little better this year by lowering prices(at least on KD9 and AJ 31) and using better full length zoom……..but are screwing it up with the traction? Seems like Adidas and the UA got Nike shook enough to improve some things, but it’s frustrating that they can’t get the traction right. I’ve almost tripped over my own feet just walking through the kitchen in my Jordan 1s because they stick so hard. Just use that every time. As it stands, I won’t bother with the AJ 31 or KD 9. Mediocre or worse traction is an easy deal breaker.
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Do you think that the traction will get better over time, like you know break in time? I remember the 30s had great traction after you wore them in.
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Not sure. It’s possible but I’m not in love enough to keep at it with the XXX1. I thought the 30 traction was good out of the box.
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Maybe they’ll fix it with solid rubber outsoles on some versions? I believe there are some Kobe 11 elites out there with rubber outsoles where the traction is supposed to be great, as opposed to most of the versions that have the translucent outsole and are supposed to be slippery(I avoided the Kobe 11 elite completely due to price anyway so just going off what I heard.)
A cheaper (assume the usual discounts will happen eventually) Jordan 31 with better traction would seem like a great option. One can hope! If not, I’ll just look at buying the discounted next Melo model for 1/ 2 the price and similar performance.
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I’ve heard that but I wasn’t in love with the line xi enough to bother trying. Same with the Jordan xxx1.
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These comparable to XX9 lows in your opinion?
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I did not like the xx9 bc of the tippy heel so I never tried the low. I think the xxx1 feels safer than the xx9 for what it’s worth
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I’m super jealous that you still have a pair of Zoom BB’s. I balled in mine for like 4 years until they died. Any suggestions on shoes that play similarly?
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The xxx1 is the closest I’ve seen in years but still not up to snuff. I’ve seen some on eBay floating around but they are usually used… But they usually go for cheap too !
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Zoom BB was my favourite shoe to ball in too back in the day…i had the blue with orange hint that Nash wore on the Nike ads..plus i have some nostalgic attachment too..after the BB, it was the kobe 4 and 5! until now, i don’t think anything is comparable to the three, but the Kobe Vs will always be my favourite!
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Great trio! The bb and the Kobe iv are still in my
Top 10. Loved the look and feel of the v but traction wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be. But damn so sexy
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Thanks for review! What shoe do you recommend for jumping a bit higher or feel bouncy or your favorite shoe so far?
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Nothing will make you jump higher. The xxx1 is good in terms of bouncy cushioning. Hyperdunk 2016 flyknit, KD 9. Id also look adidas new line Crazylight, Rose and Crazy explosive even though the CE didn’t work for me in the forefoot the rest of the shoe feels great
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In your opinion which do you recommend for a guard? Jordan 29, 31 or KD 9 ..and is the 31 traction really that bad as people say? Thanks!
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I didn’t like the xx9 bc it didn’t contain my foot well and the heel was unstable. The xxx improved on containment but still had the same heel issue. Xxx1 heel is wobbly but in a different part that isn’t quick as unsafe feeling. Traction is bad on dusty floors and you’ll have to wipe a lot. Kd9 is a nice shoe but a little too soft for my taste. What are your favorite shoes and I’ll try pointing you in the right direction.
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I’m at the point where I want to volunteer to clean my school gyms floor. It’s so bad it could ruin any shoe. I own the xxxis and are great performers for me at a size 9.5. I go to all different kinds of courts to play games and well kept floors obviously work the best. On dusty courts I don’t really mind the wiping because I have opurtunitys to wipe and it doesn’t really matter to me!
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Cool! If it works it works!
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Whats the weight on these? Can’t see the picture clearly.
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16 ounces .
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i miss the day when jordan make the se version of their shoes,i remember jordan xx1 se,and those thing are amazing,no gimmicky “change your cushioning “,and, simply pure performance,and judging from your review,the 31 need SE treatment
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I think the shoe is solid, just don’t like the bs backstory.
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yo schwollo, should i get aj 1 or aj xxx1? i have 220$ budget and idk.. it’s for next 4 years and cant wait to get a nice basketball shoe! (i’ve been ballin with chucks for life)
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Wait for sales on the AJ xxx1 . AJ 1 more for style
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They just released a solid outsole version … retest? 🙂
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Haha I’m 99% traction is better on the solid outsole with the AJ xxxi.
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Great review site. I just ordered up the Jordan XXX1 as the KD 9s have the issue with the front air zoom unit popping and the Hyperdunk 2016 Flyknit are just too hard to remove with the sock liner and I didn’t feel much of the zoom air unit in the forefoot.
Does the XXX1 offer better cushioning than the Hyperdunk 2016? I know the KD 9s have full length Zoom Air Max units so they are the most plush.
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Xxx1 is very slightly better in terms of Zoom . Kd 9 are best in terms of cushioning for sure though
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What other shoes can you recommend that fit similar to this? I tried the 31 on in-store and it fits my wide-ass foot perfectly, and I love that it doesn’t run long like other shoes.
Only problem is it’s $320 local retail price and I sure as shit am not paying that much for shoes that are getting indoor-only use.
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Crazy explosive pk would be your best bet..maybe not quite as wide foot friendly but close. Def not the hyperdunk fk 16 though .. if i think of others I’ll
Let you know
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Thanks, your reviews help a lot. Most of the stores in Australia are pretty trash, I can’t even find half the shoes out to try on so I rely on reviews for sizing before ordering online lol.
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That’s surprising ! Glad to help !
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I am torn btwn these and the hd 2016 elite, which full length zoom can u feel more, the xxx1 or the hd elite.
Thanks for ur consistent and detailed reviews btw.
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You can feel the Zoom more in the xxx1 but both have a nice Zoom feel regardless. Thanks for the kind words!
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do you plan on reviewing the xxx1 low at some point?
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Waiting on some sales. Tried them on in store and they felt great especially the fit. Hoping to review soon
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Hi.
I have the low’s and I like them except I find the unlocked full length zoom too bouncy for my taste. I tried the mids on in the store and they seemed like maybe they were a bit more firm and stable. I am thinking about picking up a pair. Did you feel like the mids were any less bouncy?
Thanks 🙂
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No they seemed the same to me. I thought you were done with your searchlol
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Hey man any follow up on the break in on the outsole? Most reviews I heard that the solid is just as bad. I have the Chicago colourway with red translucent and Ive worn them like 3 or 4 times now but just can’t do it traction is so bad on even semi dusty floors. If it gets better I will soldier through a bit but I just copped a pair of the 32s and worried these 31s are gonna become a 300 dollar style shoe 😦 (which isnt even that in the Chicago cway lol)
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Haha no solid outsole on the lows are better than translucent. Wore my friend’s translucent on the lows and they were not good just like the mids. Youre probably SOL w your pair they do not get better. Solid outsole doesn’t pick up dust like the translucent outsole. You paid 300 for the 31?!
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245cdn plus tax retail. 😉 I read the black cat solid was still shit from solebros
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Damn that’s expensive. Well I can say I tried mine out same day same court and it was better I don’t know their methods of testing. If you’re not in love with the 31 go find something else for better traction or wait until it’s even cheaper before trying again.
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Well I bought 32s now so cause I loved the 31s in every way except for the traction
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Let me know how the 32 goes
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The fit anf cushion feels very similar even tho I got the lows instead of mids. Ill let you know how the traction out of the box is tonight after ball
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Update for the 32 Low traction on the carolina colorway [translucent rubber] : Played last night and the floors at this gym are typically filthy and were dirty again. At first, the traction felt similar to the 31s and was worried I had wasted the money on another pair. Thankfully, with regular wiping the traction remained decent between plays. Seemed as the night went on, a bit of a residue or break in started to happen and I wouldn’t have to wipe after every play. i’d say it’s still not great on dirty floors but it’s manageable. Hoping that it continues to break in. Might break out the 31s to try and do the same thing and break them in a bit more.
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I also liked the Zoom BB but I didn’t see too many similarities here. Zoom BB to me rode even lower plus no protrusion of the Zoom. Upper also offered great support but used leather (generally) and was no-frills. It was also more of a speed-oriented shoe with great stability. I see some overlap but they played very differently to me.
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I don’t think it’s the same shoe but it plays very similarly but with an “updated” upper. Zoom is just implemented differently. It even has a similar silhouette.
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Not sure if this will reach you, but I’ll try anyway.
Size 11 fits me perfectly on my kd 12s, usually I’m size 10.5 but gotta half size up for them 12s due to my wide feet, should I do the same with these?
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I don’t think you need to size up but you can just might need thicker socks all depends on the player
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that’s good to hear, I went true size 10.5 for my pg1s and they’re one of the best fitting shoes I’ve had. In terms of Zoom I’ve tried kd 12s (awesome), why not zero 1 (forefoot is great), jordan 28 (too scared to play in them, even for casual wear lol), 29 (meh), pg1 (meh). How does the Zoom feel now since it’s been 4 years (already, dang), if you have worn them at all after the testing? Is it something that I should try? I’m eyeing a pair at $80. I don’t think I would actually play in them since traction stinks (I tried on a pair at the outlets about 3 yrs ago and don’t remember how the cushion is at all but the traction is so bad + being $130 I just put them back and move on lol), will probably wear them for shooting around, light practice and whatnot, also casual wear.
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Zoom is still awesome. Kd 12 feels a little better since it’s right under your foot snd you don’t have to deal with protrusions but overall the 31 is still a great comfy shoe.
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