Brandblack Rare Metal Performance Review
Written by schwollo
Executive Summary: I really wanted to give the Rare Metal a SF2 Perfect rating but the aspect I weigh most heavily, traction, let me down a little but it did break in…sort of (it’s complicated) Regardless, it’s an excellent all around shoe at a fairly wallet friendly price. This is the best iteration/imitation of the Kobe VI since Nike made these six models ago.
Brandblack came down to earth this year and priced the Rare Metal at $110 which is considered “budget” price range. No JCrossover contract really helped bring the price down I guess. If you’re someone searching for a budget shoe, I can easily say that this is the one of the best budget shoes you’ll find. I actually copped the black white pair of Dick’s for $83 plus tax minus ebates.
Pros: good traction on clean floors after break in, cushioning, fit, support and stability, containment, pretty
Cons: traction needs break in time to start biting properly but is still limited, traction pattern causes some inconsistency depending on your movement, some deadspace above forefoot, my pair smells like mothballs when new
Sizing: these run long and wide, true to size for wide footers, half size down for regular and narrow feet.
Best for: guards mostly
Buying advice: Finishline and Dick’s allow coupons on it already. I feel $99 and below to be reasonable fair price.
Weight:
12.5 oz is light but not Kobe 6 light (9.5 oz) but it feels light on foot which is what counts. It is still 3.5 oz lighter than the Crazylight Boost 2016 though. For reference the KD 9 and Curry 3 are 13.5 and 14 oz respectively.
Traction
I am going to ramble a lot here so skip ahead if you don’t want to read
I liked the JC2 wiper blade pattern and liked the JC3 even more, so my expectations were pretty high so and that’s why I was let down.
BB added notches to the blades to help keep dirt from sticking in between the grooves.
The problem with making the notches is that BB had to use a firmer rubber compound than previous models to prevent the nodules from breaking off. Also, the surface area actually contacting the floor was also reduced. In doing so, the tractions ability to bite was sacrificed. It took a good week and a half to break in the traction works pretty well on clean floors after but it still lacks a little bite.
Compounding (see what I did there) the problem, BB made the lateral sections in the forefoot and heel firm but a little softer and stickier than the notched areas (yellow). These areas stick well when clean but when dust gets on them they get more slippery than the rest of the shoe since they can’t brush or flex. The red areas are actually FOAM so as infrequently as I use that area to stop, that foam contacts the floor on occasion and causes spin outs since foam has zero gripping power. Using rubber or recessing that area would have helped.
Most of the time, the traction worked fine especially when moving or stopping forward and backward. Moving defensively was fine as well since I push off the inside of the forefoot.
The traction problem arises only when I use the lateral side to try and stop and push hard such as cross overs or when I need to stop and change direction to recover on defense. This would happen even on lightly dusty floors.
As you can see, it is just inconsistent whenever dust is present. In the video I’m doing the same movement in mostly the same spots and I get different results each time.
The good(ish) news is that the traction pretty much plays the same regardless of the amount of dust. You’ll still have to wipe on dusty floors though although the more you wipe, the better you’ll be.
Personally, I don’t like how the traction plays because I prefer more bite and consistency. I rate this below the Clutchfit Drive’s traction which is at the bottom of traction performance in my rotation.
I usually don’t use a numbering system but in this case I think it would help. I feel like the Rare Metal’s traction potential is limited to a 8.5-9 at best on clean floors, a 6 at worst but usually plays around a 7.5-8 which isn’t bad but it can go from good to terrible depending on the foot strike area. Most shoes are a 9.5-10 on clean floors and don’t have such a large gap which is why I keep talking and talking and talking. In the long term those notches will wear down and you’re left with a flat normal wiper blade pattern anyways. Keeping it simple would have been much better all around.
Cushioning
BB calls this Jetlon EVL or Plus and I really like it a lot. If you keep wishing UA would bring back Micro G on the regular, you’ll love these.
I was not a big fan of Jetlon as it felt a lot like watery Adiprene but I did like Blackfoam and this feels like an nice compromise of the two. To me it feels a lot like the Micro G on the Clutchfit Drive 1 but a little firmer and denser which is right in my wheel house. UA should really look into using this because if little olBB can do it, so can they. Just a nice combo of court feel, bounce, and responsiveness.
These sit lower to the ground than the JC3 and very slightly higher off the ground than the JC2 (I think, I sold my JC2/3)
Hey Adidas take a look at this, a nice quality thick insole is included. What a concept!
The insole is fantastic and lined with faux suede? I think that the mothball smell I’m getting is from the insole. Gladly that smell subsides after about three days. I’m nostalgic and all but I had enough of the mothball smell growing up.
Well done Brandblack !
Fit
These run a long length wise and are wide so regular and narrow feet will want to go down half a size for a tighter fit. I prefer a finger width and I got a thumbs width just like I did with the Crazylight Boost 2016.
I actually had a shallow deadspace bubble so if you’re feet are on the narrow side, you’re going to get an even bigger bubble if you go true to size. It doesn’t bother me but some guys are more anal than others with bubbles like these.
The Rare Metal qualifies as a low although they call it a hybrid with a higher cut in the front and lower profile in the back, sort of like a reverse mullet. Regardless of what it’s called, it works as I had no heel slip from the get go.
I really wondered how I’d like the hybrid set up and frankly I love it. I was confused as to how it would pull the ankle back but it actually just keeps it from moving forward. If you want more freedom, just don’t lace the top eyelets because it doesn’t affect the heel fit.
The fit in the midfoot is also fantastic and my wide feet filled the forefoot just fine. I’m always looking for a one to one fit and the balanced weight and fit gave me exactly that.
Awesome and innovative job Brandblack!
Materials
Everyone and their moms are using the term jacquard nowadays. It’s probably because saying jacquard sounds a lot better than saying cloth or textile.
Jacquard actually isn’t even a material, it’s a process for adding patterns, per Wikipedia. Only the sneaker world would convolute a process into a material.
The term “Jacquard” is not specific or limited to any particular loom, but rather refers to the added control mechanism that automates the patterning. The process can also be used for patterned knitwear and machine-knitted textiles, such as jerseys.
Basically it’s a simpler way to add pattern and texture to a fabric. I found out jacquard(ing) is common on table clothes, drapes, curtains, napkins etc… the internet is amazing I tell you.
Anyhoo, it works well but it isn’t as soft as other shoes that have featured jacquard because they used a little synthetic backing to strengthen the upper
But they left it out where the foot flexes.
This allows the forefoot to flex naturally without any break in time while retaining strength everywhere else.
I personally don’t mind the slightly stiffer upper but I know lots of people want a sock like upper so if that’s your thing, you may not like this upper.
Smart design Brandblack!
Support and stability
Support comes from the excellent fit and the sturdy and firm heel counter. It is not flimsy at all like the KD 9 or HR 2016.
Here can see a little midfoot shank.
I guess it works since I didn’t notice any midfoot flexing or plantar fascia pain.
Stability is excellent thanks to a flat outsole, forefoot outrigger and a stable heel that easily passes my heel test.
The JC2 was the best in this department so the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
Well done Brandblack!
Containment
The weakest aspect by far of the JC2 and JC3 has been the containment. I could slide out of the shoe on hard cuts and changes of direction easily in both models. Brandblack addressed this by raising the midsole in the forefoot to give the shoe a physical barrier. Guess they read my post about mesh and wovens a few months back..
The raised portion isn’t the stiffest material since it is foam so I could feel some give. I could still feel my foot come out slightly at the midfoot since there was no barrier but at least the synthetic backing was there to help. Overall containment is good, not great, but still a massive improvement over the JC 2/3 and more than acceptable.
Thanks for listening and improving Brandblack!
Conclusion
Brandblack claims this is a shoe for every position and it could be. In actuality, there is no shoe for any one position, there are only preferences. Look at Boogie Cousin, that guy is a monster but loves wearing lows and minimalist shoes. One the other hand or foot, Under Armour made a tank of a low top for Brandon Jennings with the Bloodline. What’s he weigh 175 lbs soaking wet at 6’2″?
In actuality, the Rare Metal is a shoe that does nearly everything well and if you didn’t know by now, I’m looking for a shoe that does everything well. Maybe that’s what Brandblack means by a shoe for any position, I’m not sure. The Rare Metal still plays more like a guard shoe in my opinion and actually plays a lot like the Kobe VI maybe even better. It even requires traction break in time like the Kobe VI 
If the traction was more consistent and more aggressive, I wouldn’t hesitate to put this into my rotation maybe even into my top 5. However, due to its traction inconsistency it will be relegated to pick up and shoot arounds or when I know a court is pristine. I don’t take plays off so neither should the shoe. Nonetheless, it’s still a great fun shoe, well worth the $83 I spent.
schwollo.com 
Great review! Well done once again.
Sounds like the length is similar to the CLB2016, what about the width? Did you find it similar or wider?
Thanks
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Similar length and width too but better fit overall . And thanks !
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Great review bro! I didn’t purchase them on Finishline because they didn’t have your colorway in my size. Anyway, can you elaborate how you grew up with the mothball smell? Is that a Chinese thing because it’s bringing back memories for me too. .. haha
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It’s a Chinese/Taiwanese/Asian thing but mostly Chinese thing lol. Never enough mothballs in the drawers!!
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That’s one tradition or habit I have not passed down to my kids.
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Definitely not something I’m passing down
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Check dicks and local footactions. What size btw?
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i wear mostly 10, but sometimes 9.5. At this point, I’m going to wait.
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Not a bad idea to wait
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Interesting stuff. Are you going to be trying the future legend? You may have just inadvertently sold me on it since it looks like a very similar shoe with better traction.
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I don’t plan to anytime soon because those are going to hit clearance prices even if they perform.
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Super nice revie! Now i need them to hit UK soil with a cery discount price- which may not happen
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Do shoes even go on sale in the U.K.?
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Nice review as always man. which is more responsive/bouncy and feels lighter-on-foot, this new jetlon or blackfoam? Thanks
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Feels the same as blackfoam but less of it to me. Probably the same thing but just less of it .
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Hey awesome review per usual!
How did you get the discount at Dick’s?
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They have sales and discounts almost daily . Finishline has 20% or did all week as sell
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that thing about jacquarding is great man,i didn’t know that jacquard is not a material rather its a procces!!
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I don’t think anybody knew that or bothered to fact check . I only looked it up because every jacquard had some kind of print on it lol
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Thank you for the review. Looking forward to those solid-outsole CEs off Amazon. Have you got yours?
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Yes I got them.i have a rereview partially done lol
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Bought my pair now- bloody difficult to get bb in Europe i tell you
Should be delivered before Xmas so will test it then
Alex
Ps really like your reviews: Personal views and opinions which makes them a great read actually
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Nice! Thanks for the love!
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Do u have the kobe ad yet? I know you enjoyed the kobe x and they are similar so far
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No I struck out
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I really like how clean the shoe looks, just the traction is now worrying me if I should get these.
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Ha me too I like everything about it but traction isn’t the best (not the worst either but could be better)
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The traction on these is like a fine wine…it gets better and better with time. It just takes a while though.
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I was having slight traction issues as well as forefoot pain particularly in my big toe on my strong leg. I unlaced the top loop like you said and I feel like the traction has become more consistent and the pain has subsided mostly. I’m a quick player that hops into moves and I feel when fully laced my steps felt slightly awkward and had me pushing off my big toe practically all on its own which caused pain and didn’t allow the shoe to get enough contact on the ground to fully utilize the traction. Since dropping down a lace loop things have improved. I feel like the ever so slight increase in mobility allows my foot to bend just enough for my other toes to get more contact in the ground which takes the load off the big toe and improved traction allowing for quicker cuts and more confidence when playing.
Just want to say thanks for the tip, I didn’t really think about it because the fit was so awesome it just made me feel that their was a design flaw with the outsole perhaps that resulted in the slight pain and traction problem.
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Ha it’s weird how one little thing can do that isn’t it? It’s a great overall shoe I just want better overall traction for all surface conditions. Glad they are working out for you now!
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Hey schwollo. Did u have to break-in the cushion? Just tried them in-store and they felt sorta stiff tbh. Thanks for the great work as always.
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No they felt great out of the box. Didn’t really soften much imo
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Got my pair delivered today: been wearing them the whole day- hopefully will play tomorrow to test them
Really like them and seem to lock the foot in nicely. Feel super light too.
Cheers
Alex
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Yep they do fit very nicely . Let me know how it goes!
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First game.played: love them. Cushioning is exquisite: i had xx8 and these were the best performance kicks i ever had. These are really really close: i have pulled a couple of moves i typically don’t do. Had to wipe quite often but i do that anyways
After a couple of landings i really noticed how plush the cushioning was/is
Great shoe from BB: switching from lilards 2 to these. Really like that hybrid approach: wonder when nike will pick that up
Also i never paid attention to the weight but these are super light
In other words : super satisfied:)
Alex
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Nice. Very comfy shoe great fit. Feels light bc it feels like an extension of your foot. Always fun to find a shoe you like
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Yo Schwollo, I really enjoy your reviews and attention to detail as well as your writing style…makes it very easy to understand your thoughts. I always feel I know the shoe better after these and definitely know the shoe as well as I can without actually having the shoe in hand so thank you for what you do! Quick question, I know I’ve read what size you are but I forgot, could you remind me by chance just because I wanted to know what size shoe the weights are based on.
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Size 11 usually
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There is now a pair with gum on the side, do you think it would help? I love the silhouette of the shoe but that traction gets me worried, since I live outside US I cant really try any pair on and have to rely on reviews, I feel the same way you do about the Rose 5 and Hyperrevs that are the pairs we have in common. I bought a pair of Currys 2.5 but were to small so I gave them away and now Im in the need for a top tier shoe
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I don’t think it’s enough to make a difference. The notched area is still the same . Try the 2.5 again imo
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I cant trust the Fit on the 2.5, on my regular size 11 my left she was great but my right shoe was a whole 1 size short so if I were to buy a size 12 my left shoe would be to big. Im thinking on a Rose 6 since they are cheaper now and for some reason I never get fit issues on Adidas shoes.
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Whoa that’s weird . Are you sure your feet aren’t different sizes ?
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Yea, it´s the only pair of shoes were I´ve had this trouble, I almost only buy shoes online since its to hard to find any decent shoe that its not overpriced (hyperrevs 2016 costed me $220) so I usually get true to size and wing it, the only ones that havent been the correct size have been this ones, and maybe de M11 that were just a bit to snug but they broke in, the currys broke me lol.
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Wow 220?! What country are you in
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Costa Rica, Soldier X for example costs $300, its way to much for such a bad shoe
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Holy cow. Let me know next time you’re looking around can’t be that much to ship to CR
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For real? That would be awesome, Im waiting for any good discount to appear
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Yea just let me know
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Hi, I´ve been thinking, if you ever como across a great deal instore or something like that dont hesitate in contacting me, i think its easier for someone over there to find a good deal than for me over here, so if you ever need something from here, only that I dont really know if anything is cheaper here lol
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How breathable are the Rare Metals? Dying in my old leather Jordan 21s!
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Not many shoes have worse ventilation than the AJ xxi. Rare metals breathe pretty well I’d say above average
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Thanks mate! What do you make of the new Rare Metal version called “Liquid Metal”? As good, better or worse than the original?
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Looks like a different upper probably no real difference
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Hi, bro. I really enjoin your review, and I’m also pretty interesting these shoes now. So, after reading your review, I have two questions, 1. if comparing these shoes with the J Crossover 2, which one you would pick? 2. For the size, I can wear 10, and sometimes 9.5. I got 9.5 for Kobe VII and really enjoined how snug fit it has. However, I can’t fit them with Nike elite socks, or any thick socks. The trick thing is that I can fit Kobe VI (size 10) perfectly with those thick socks even though there is a little space. So, What size should I get for rare metal if I wear elite socks?
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Kind of depends on how wide your feet are. The rare Metal runs a little long but fits fine for wide footers. If you have narrow or regular feet you can probably drop down half a size and still have a little room up front. The Kobe vii is a very tight fitting shoe so you probably would have been ok with a 10 as well. I like the RM more than the crossover 2 but I wasn’t a crossover 2 lover either (I have a review on here). Nice shoe just not great that’s all. Hope that helps and thanks for reading !
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Thanks, man. Help me a lot.
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No problem!
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So I ordered a pair online, half size down which is 9.5 US (that should be 43.5 EU Nike, Adidas etc) but upon unboxing a package the sneakers didn’t look big enough to say. I checked the box and it said 9.5 US 42.5 EU and they fit small. Bummer! I just don’t understand it. First with Adidas 9.5 Jacquard fits awesome, and 9.5 PK is half size smaller and now this. So I had to return them and pay additional 20$ for it as it came from another country. Just my rant…
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What did you order ? Rare Metal?
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Yeah, I ordered Rare Metal. Comparing it with regular CLB 2016 it’s obviously smaller, I would say at least half size. Just wondering how 9.5 US has become 42.5 EU. Makes no sense to me.
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That sucks.. try reaching out to brand black on twitter or email customer service. Small companies will sometimes go the extra mile. Can’t hurt to ask
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hello sir. have you tried the rare metal lightning? can i have your opinion about the sizing of that shoe lengthwise? do you think it’s long like the rare metal thunder?
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I have not tried the lightning. I’m guessing they are similar in length you may want to ask a wear testers person
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hey tried on the rare metal today and played awesome–however, I did think one thing was odd. The fit. I usually wear a 11.5 or 12. (j crossover 2 I wore 11.5 fitted perfectly). On these, I i wore the 11.5 and the length was soo long! so I did have to exchange for 11 which were really too snug. Did u have the same issue? or is this an isolated incident?? thx.
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I found it ran a little long to size but I didn’t try half size down. Could be quality control or your feet just happen to be just the wrong size.
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On ma76bball’s insta brandblack founder david raysse posted a comment saying that the rare metal lightning and I assume the watercolors one as well has a stickier compound then the thunder. The one you were using was the thunder so the other color ways possibly will perform better in the traction department
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I’ll wait until they fall to bargain proceed before I bother trying again. I wonder why they changed it ?
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I’d say they saw the other traction complaints from the other reviewers and were able to put out a traction update with the new patterns
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They’ve got a good habit of learning from the criticisms of buyers and updating models
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Love your reviews! I am struggling to find a place that have these in store so I can try it on.. Should I get these in the same size as the d’lillard 2? My d’lillard 2 size is 7.5 and crazy explosive size is 8. Thanks in advance.
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They do run a little long but pretty sure you can go 7.5 and be ok even w wide feet. If you want to be safe go true to size.
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I ended getting a size 7.5 RM lightning and it fits great. I just finished playing 2 hours in it today and it feels great after a small break in. Before breaking it in, there was a bit of pinching on the left shoe where the ball of my foot meets my big toe. I enjoy the cushion on this very much, it has a good balance of responsiveness and cushioning. Which made me feel quicker compared to the crazy explosives. Traction was also good for me too (played on a 24 court which is a bit dusty).
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Nice glad to hear it!
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does anybody know if there’s going to be a 2018 bb rare metal model?
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Not sure just ask a wear testers person I’m sure they know
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Schwollo, thanks for the excellent review as always. I just got a pair for $46 bucks including shipping. Anyone else who’s interested should check out Nordstrom Rack immediately (website)
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Man they’ve been that price for awhile! Still a great price !
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