Pros: traction post break on clean floors and certain conditions, cushioning, fit, stability, containment, durable and holds its shape, feels like a more expensive shoe than its retail price indicates
Cons: traction needs hours of break in to improve, needs moisture and or wiping on less than pristine floors, doesn’t bite as well as the mid top to top tier regardless of surface
Sizing: true to size for wide footers, regular and narrow footers can stay true to size or go down half a size based on preference
Best for: any position
Buying Advice: wait as always. Retail is $115 but it’s always 15% off on Adidas. $90 price range is already in reach on Eastbay. $65-$55 range again with the very bottom around $30-45.
Weight
14 ounces is about average weight for a low and still two ounces lighter than the CLB16.
Traction
The Dame 4 uses a traction pattern inspired by the passage of time. Cool story, next
The rubber compound itself is soft, very similar to the rubber on the CLB16 and Explosive Bounce but the “passages” of time are thick and require break in to start flexing correctly. The first few runs with the Dame 4 were not good as the rear 2/3 of the the shoe would just give out even on clean floors. With runs and more wear the compound softened up and went from below average to decent to pretty good depending on the court conditions. Speaking of passage of time that’s why it took so long for this review.
Here’s a short vid I made.
Dame 4 traction semi dusty floor
After break in, traction is great on clean and lightly dusty floors or when the humidity is high (shout out to 24 hour fitness for never turning the AC on when it’s a 89 degrees outside). But when there is loose dirt, not the ground in dirt you see at 24, you don’t get the bite and need to wipe because the passages don’t flex much to brush dirt away so it just sticks on the shoe. Pretty much the opposite pattern of the Rose 7.
Overall, this is the weakest link on the Dame 4. It isn’t bad post break in but definitely isn’t middle top to top tier either. Comparatively speaking, the Dame 4 places last out of Dame’s signature line, even behind the Lillard 2. Sure the 2 needed wiping on dusty floors but it had some great bite when clean and needed less wiping than the 4 overall on dusty floors.
Swap out this passage of #lametime pattern with the Rose 7 and you’d have a pretty flawless shoe.
Cushioning
Full length Bounce is back again and I have zero complaints. There is less heel to toe drop than the Dame 3 and it feels lower to ground than the previous models. It isn’t as plush and soft as the 2 or even 3 but it a better blend of responsiveness and impact protection. Part of the reason for the change in feel is the actual volume of Bounce but Adidas also changed the strobel from foam on the 3 back to fiberboard
One more reason for the change in feel is the use of this ultra cheapo insole that can’t even hold its shape without some help…when the moment is right.
If you want a little more step in comfort just swap out the insole. The Lillard 2 had the thickest insole of the three by far which aided in that plush feel. If you want more actual impact protection stick to the more voluminous Lillard 2 or Explosive Bounce or get something with Boost. I feel like Adidas and Dame have firmed up the cushioning slightly the past two years which I personally like. If you like it softer, buy something else.
Sizing
I covered this in the first look but the Dame 4 has a more rounded and generous toe box than it’s predecessor so I suggested going down half a size. I have a finger width with a 10.5 and a thumbs width with a size 11. Width wise, the 10.5 works fine for my wide feet but I still prefer the width of the 11. Ultimately after weeks of play, the size 11 was the right choice for me because it fits my wide feet perfectly. Regular and narrow footers can go either way depending on preference due to the extra length.
Fit
Frack, these are just great out of the box. No heel slip, no lace pressure, no deadspace and no side to side movement even in my true size (and of course half size down). I was a bit worried from the pics but those worries were laid to rest quickly. Unlike the CLB16, there are seven rows of laces which helps a lot with lockdown. Additionally, the neoprene ankle collar hugs the ankle comfortably while the interior is padded correctly and well enough to prevent heel slippage.
Materials
This might be the most luxurious looking and feeling mesh I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t feel paper thin like a screen window door and has good strength to it thanks to the fishing line and reinforced mesh. I’d say this about four pound test line that you’d use for small panfish so it isn’t as thick as the Kobe XI fishing line.
The entire ankle collar is neoprene which is very comfortable. It was a pain to get these on initially but with some practice and some stretching, it got pretty easy to put on.
Overall, materials aren’t high end in name, but feel and look premiumish.
Support and Stability
The Dame 4 might look like a mid but the ankle collar is just sock so it won’t be saving any ankles. The support comes from the fit and firm internal heel counter.
Even though it shares a similar midsole design to the Explosive Bounce, midfoot support is good and doesn’t fold like a wallet while not being overdone like the Dame 3.
Stability is excellent thanks to a very wide outsole and firmer, lower cushioning. I feel like my foot was sitting in a nice wide life raft so I didn’t feel any instability at all.
Great job Adidas!
Containment
I’ve always harped about lack of containment in modern shoes but Adidas listened (to Dame, not me) and the Dame 4 left nothing to chance.
My foot sits at the crease along the entire lateral side. No movement at all on hard cuts or changes of direction.
Well done Adidas!
Conclusion
I really really really enjoy playing in this shoe but only on clean courts and slightly dusty floors only.. or when it’s humid…or when it’s just pick up and I just want the exercise. But the fact that I would even consider playing in these despite the meh traction speaks volumes about how fun this shoe is overall. The Dame 4 is much more comfortable and fluid than the Dame 3 and doesn’t feature a useless lacing system (I told you in the Dame 3 review it would be gone).
Should you go out and buy the Dame 4 now? Absolutely not despite the “low retail” price. Eastbay already has them coupon eligible and they aren’t moving plus they are literally everywhere. Wait a month or two and you’ll see price cuts where you can stack with coupons for some serious bang for the buck.
Will these make my rotation?
Hard to say for sure but probably not because the traction depends so much on the court conditions. The Dame 4 is great and fun but isn’t trust worthy on every surface, so not really marriage material. I know exactly what I’ll get with my rotation and the Dame 4 traction requires certain conditions to be effective. If know the court is pristine I won’t hesitate to wear them but in less than ideal or dry conditions I’ll reach for another pair.
schwollo.com 
Been waiting on this one, as my 3rd pair of Kobe VIs are basically toast and I only trust the HD Flyknit 16s about 85-90%. I hate hate hate when they mess with traction, but I typically play on clean courts so I’m still leaning towards these. I tried them on the other day and was instantly impressed with the fit and materials. It’s dumb but I like Dame a lot and what he’s about with his shoes too.
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I like Dame a lot too so it’s ok lol. I will say I don’t feel bad for spending $100 on a shoe I like to look at as shallow as that may sound. Look on eBay stock x goat app for Kobe vi.. they aren’t going for much lately aside from collectible colorways. Stock up on your favs as I always say.
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I’ll be returning the pair I just received for a half size down. Everything about the shoe impressed me so I’m bummed to hear about the traction. I’ve heard though that gum outsoles grip better. Do you think that would be the case here? The white pair is looking quite lovely to me and I miss playing in bounce.
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If you like them just keep them imo. And don’t just listen to my review maybe you’ll find they work better for you than for me.
I had the home (gum) and away Lillard 2 and they worked the same for me so I’d expect the same here
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You think they will come out with different sole material and will it make a difference to the traction?
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Probably not. I had the gum and solid outsole on the Lillard 2 and had the same issues .
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Great write up Schwollo
I know how much you value traction so it speaks volumes about how good the rest of the shoe is.
For the most part I enjoyed the Dame 3’s….took a while to find the right lacing set up but I still have a few small issues with them and these seem like an improvement in almost all aspects
As much as I like these, I mostly play on pretty gross courts so I’ll have to wait for a decent discount before I pick these up….. Well that’s what I’m telling myself lol
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Haha yea not sure how Canada pricing is vs US. 3’s have been super cheap at outlets so expect more of the same with the 4. Picked up a pair of rip city for 29.99 last month lol.
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Where I live in Canada (in the prairies), the selection in store is quite weak so I have to rely on purchasing shoes online. I’m about a 5 hr drive to the nearest outlet/factory store. Unless I buy from a big chain (ie: Footlocker) there’s usually no returns (from eBay or Canadian Boutiques) so this is why I really appreciate your in depth and unbiased review on shoes.
Lowest I’ve seen the Dame 3’s was actually at Footlocker – they were $100 CAD so about $75 US.
Luckily, I found a kid locally who hated his Dame 3’s after a single wear so I was able to scoop them up on the low. His loss was my gain.
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Nice !! Footlocker isn’t too bad on pricing at least and the return policy is 90 days . And you get “free ” healthcare which is worth lots more than shoes !
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Yeah being another Canadian I get your point – much harder to get a deal compared to the US. If you are close to a sportchek note that they started carrying a lot of basketball shoes and accept online returns. They also have good sales on old models and for newer ones will have 25% off friends and family sales. Their 10% coupon for signing up for email will often work on top of sales too.
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Another great review Schollo. Def appreciate you doing these.
Shoe sounds great except the iffy traction. Luckily the two courts I play on 90% of the time are in great shape and well maintained, so these should be good for me most days. Now that these have hit miadidas I might just make a custom pair. adidas still allows coupon codes on custom pairs, so $140 with 15-20% off is a steal for a good performing, customized signature shoe.
Looking forward to your review of the XXX2s and Lebron 15s.
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Yea you should be good on those floors. Haven’t even played around with the mi adidas yet lol
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Thanks for the review. Man I was praying the traction would be better after break in as I have been interested in getting a pair of Dames since the 2s but never did simply cause I never liked the way they looked. This is the first pair I actually like the looks of, and every aspect of the shoe’s improved except traction…why can’t things be simple =(
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Never hurts to buy a shoe you like to look at .
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especially when it’s miadidas right? 😉
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Lol yep! I have two Lillard 1 miadidas and 2 Lillard 2. Didn’t like the color blocking on the 3
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Is the Dame 4 your top Shoe for 2017 so far?
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For me personally, no traction isn’t nearly what I want. HD17 AJ xxxi low and Explosive Bounce, are all much better traction wise and I’d put them ahead of the Dame 4 bc of that.
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Schwollo you know what I did today? I used dlillard2 insole in my drose7 and OMG IT FINALLY FEELS SO NICE NO MORE SUFFOCATING WITH 2 ADIDAS CHEAP INSOLES HOLY SHIT!
Also dlilard2 used the same hard strobel board and I wonder why it never bothers me playing in it….the secret is the INSOLES 😀
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Hahha yep . Hard to believe such a little piece of cheap material makes a big diff
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Yup! Back then, I swapped a pair of insoles from the original Rose 773’s into my CLB 2015’s and they’re still in my rotation thanks to that
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Based on the currently available shoes today, what your top 5 based on traction?
P.S.
You should test Curry 4 and Lebron 15 ASAP 🙂
Excellent review as always!
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Top 5 traction from this year only ? Off top of my head Explosive Bounce, HD17 come to mind Kobe NXT (haven’t tried the mids yet) aj xxxi low solid outsole (friend of mine plays similar style as me has the low clear and said it sucks) . Curry 4 was pre ordered earlier this month so don’t worry they’re coming !
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Great honest review. I might cop on clearance for off court use.
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How much are they in the U.K.?
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As always a great review.
I’m looking for a shoe mid/high cut shoe that will offer good traction and cushioning. I’m eyeing the Dame’s but I’m not sure how the low cut design will hold up with my ankles. (The sock had me thinking it was a mid) What would you recommend?
Also, I play with responsive shoes like the Kyrie 3 and Curry 2. How’s the impact protection on the Dames compared to the shoes i mentioned?
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Dame 4 is a little softer than the curry 2 and Kyrie and it’s good blend of responsiveness and impact protection. I don’t think ankle support is an issue with the Dame 4 bc it is very stable. Rose 7 and 8 might work well. HD17 is also something else you’d enjoy.
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Hey schwollo, I always play on the same, somewhat dusty court. How will the Dames hold up post break-in?
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You mean traction wise? That fb video
I added is post break in on a semi dusty Ymca court.
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Great review as usual, much more detailed than most, u do a great job. Can’t wait for ur curry 4 and jordan 32 reviews.
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If only the curry 4 would get here
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Thanks for your detailed reviews! Keep up the good work! (I decided to go with the Explosive Bounce, as it dropped to $66…) Just curious… what is your experience with Eastbay? Are they reliable? (from the online reviews, it seems people either love them or hate them… I’m worried they may take forever on returns and refunds…)
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I’ve never had an issue with eastbay. Takes about one to two weeks for refunds after you’ve shipped them back. Take a pic of the tracking number in case any issues arise.
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Once again an excellent review! I think Dame’s signature line is the most consistent line so far and i love the way that Adidas changes the silhouttes without sacrificing performing and price.
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Hey Schwollo! Have you ever owned a pair of the nike air max fly by? Blake Griffin wore them in the dunk contest I think. It was similar to the original hyperfuse but with an air max bag in the heel and a strap
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I never owned those sorry!
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Hey Schwollo! Have you ever played in the Kobe 7s, and if so, would you consider doing a performance review on those
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I have and I will. In summary, good traction good cushioning, stiffish upper, poor heel slip.
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Thanks for always replying man, appreciate it
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No problem!
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It seems like this shoe is similar to the hardens in that it has mediocre traction, low to the ground cushion with impact protection, and good fit and stability. Which would you say is better, supposing you had no arch pain in the hardens?
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I like the Dame 4 more just a better fit, more stable .
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Thanks man 😀
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Did the dame 4 pass the heel test? Does it have solid support? I have been playing in the Curry 3 lately so support wise how does it compare?
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Yes passed the heel test very flat wide and supportive. IMO the dame 4 is more stable due to the wider base. It does not have a collar like the curry 3 so it’s more flexible up top. Curry 3 is slightly more restrictive due to the ankle collar . Traction goes to curry 3 easily (thought I’d throw that in)
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Hey Schwollo. I’ve got a question for you. I play basketball and badminton. It would be nice to only have one shoe for both sports. Badminton court is basically the same as basketball court and it uses mostly the same movements, just much less jumping and more short burst steps so lightness of feet is more important than in basketball. I’m 5’8 170 lbs with wide feet. What would you recommend as a happy medium to play both sports?
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I’d go with a firmer and lower to the ground set up bc of the speed of badminton. Aj xxxi, Curry’s, Kobe’s hyperdunk 2017, kyries all come to mind off the top of my head. No “lag” with the cushioning but enough cushioning for landings and Bball. Hope that helps
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Oh dame 4 would work too but just wipe and break in the outsole
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Thanks man. Which one of these do you think is best for 2E wide footer?
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Hmm dame 4 maybe? They all run about the same width wise so it’s really a toss up
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Went the triple black Dame 4 TTS because they’re so sexy. But it hurts my wide feet a lot. Is the upper going to break in eventually? I don’t think I can take too many weeks of the pain.
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That sucks . Mine were good out of the box. Going up half a size would be super long.
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Yeah I notice this shoe is crazy long. I’ma try loosening the laces to the max. If that doesn’t work then maybe sell it and wait for the primeknit version.
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It’s probably the midsole “rails” that might cause your wide feet to hurt but that’s just a guess
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You mean the black rubber part along the sides? You think it will break in?
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Depends where your pain is. It might form more to your foot?
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Schwollo, I found the thing that hurts my feet is….you know the lace holes that sticks out has some sort of wire that goes to near the midsole? You can feel it if you press on the inside of the shoe upper. That wire is the cause. I think that’s it because it’s so stiff. It hurts a lot just walking around casually in the mall! So I just skip lacing the 3rd lace hole (1st one that sticks out) and the pain is much much better now, almost gone. If anybody’s having pain, try this trick.
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Schwollo whats your tts in nike and adidas? Thinking of getting dame 4? Is adidas really a half size bigger? And if i am a us 13 in nike should i go 13 in this or 12.5?
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I’m size 11 in Nike almost always. Adidas I’m usually an 11 but can go down half a size if needed bc usually a little long. Also I’m wide footed. You could go half a size down w dame 4 but it was a little too snug for me .
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Hey. I always like your reviews. I never seem to feel the same about a shoe as the other reviewers. I bought the Dame 4 amd was not happy. I have boney feet and my forefoot is sore after playing in many different shoes. The Dame 4 was too stiff and I prefer a higher cut just mentally so I will return them. I know I could add insoles but what would you suggest trying to give the most forefoot cushion? My favorite shoes of all time were the zoom BB2 and I usually am happy with hyperdunks. I’m worried about the react on the new ones though. I have The anta kt2 and it is nice but the forefoot cushion bottomed out fast so I don’t want the new ones. I don’t love the Rose line. Usually feel bulky on me. What would you suggest? Thanks for your help!
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Thanks lance ! Sorry about the dame 4 did you break them in? That raised midsole is thick so it might take some time to break in. Aj xxx1 is really an updated zoom BB1 so I’d take a look at that. There are solid outsole options now as well (that’s why I liked the solid low xxxi so much). If you didn’t like the dame 4 cushioning you probably won’t like the react set up. Kobe AD Mid is also a good option they made the forefoot thicker than normal Kobe’s. Although not my favorite hardens and the crazy light boost have nice cushioning. If you’re a zoom BB fan though I’d try the xxx1. Xxx2 is not recommended since the midsole is stiffer than the dame 4.
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Thanks for the reply. I don’t spend much time playing in the Dame 4 I will admit. I don’t feel comfortable in lows and once I got them on it never felt right. I also never felt locked in so that didn’t help. Just not for me I guess. I will look into the xxx1 and Kobe AD but have also been interested in crazy explosive17 PK. I’m concerned though that they may not have the support I like. I just like good forefoot and a mid fit around my ankles. I had been playing with ASO braces for years but have been without them the past year. I love not wearing braces but I won’t go low top just for the mental hurdle they present. I think I’m between CE17; the new Rose even though it looks bad if it is light enough and cushioned id try it, Hyperdunks17 with sofsole inserts or xxx1. The Kobe Ad look low to me. Thanks for your feedback. I don’t have the luxury of trying them out so I really do pay attention reviewers insights and expertise.
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The ad mid is a low I just reviewed it lol. If you have a mental hurdle don’t go for lows just bc it’s the popular thing. The Rose 8 is 16.5 or 17 ounces so it isn’t light but it is supportive bc of the heel design. Really good shoe despite the lack of hype. XXXI Is fun but clear outsole ruins things so stick with solid. Ce17 also good shoe but too thin in the
Forefoot and it really is just a sock up top (that’s what I didn’t bother reviewing the low). Feel free to ask questions !
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Hey Schwollo- I’m having a tough time finding a shoe that is wide enough for my foot. I saw that the dame 4 came out with a rose city colorway with a knitted upper. I’m hoping this will be a comfortable shoe for me.
Do you have any suggestions on other shoes to try if this one doesn’t work out? I feel like i’ve Tried
just about everything and i’m Getting discouraged.
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Dame 4 is pretty wide foot friendly .. saw Finishline has that color way on sale for 86 bucks . Jordan xxxi are wide footer friendly as well. Adidas Explosive bounce or rose 8 are as well . Hope that helps !
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Schwollo, other reviewers have said the traction is great. Why are their performance reviews different than yours in this regard? Just trying to figure it out if it is a good traction shoe or not.
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It isn’t bad after break in but it isn’t good on dusty floors even after break it. It’s fine in clean floors though. Prior to break in it is bad on all floors though. Why other reviewers say otherwise is beyond me but I weigh traction more than anything else and that’s the only thing keeping me from wearing these as gotos. Love everything else about them though. Hope that helps !
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Which shoe is better for High Performance Player cause basketball season is coming up for me
1.) Dame 4
2.) Curry 4
3) Rose 7
4.) Ektio Alexio
5.) adidas explosive primeknit 2017
and my size is a 11 US
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What’s most important to you?
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not trying to get my ankles broke or my leg snapping a shoe that’s comfortable and got boost and that will stick to the floor like glue
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Hey Schwollo, happy new year! Loved the awards.
I’m a size 10 in Nikes and I consider my feet regular (if not narrow). Having said that, I couldn’t handle going down half size in the Rose 8s (way too tight width-wise) and my natural size 10s had my feet lost inside that absolutely mammoth of a toe box. My feet would slide north-south inside the shoe and my toes would come crashing down on the toe box on every hard stop. I have the Dame 3 in both sizes: 9.5 and 10. My feet gets a little suffocated in the 9.5 and, with a Rose 2.5 insole, the size 10 fits me comfortably. Which way should I go on the Dame 4s? I’m a very shifty guard who relies on speed so I can’t have movement inside my shoes (specially north-south). I’m afraid the Dame 4s in size 10s are gonna be huge as the Rose 8. Thanks!
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That’s a tough call. I went true to size w the Dame 4 and there is a little extra length in the toe box but I could fit half a size down as well. I guess it comes down to which is bothers you more. It’s sound like width so you could go true to size bc it def isn’t as big and long as the Rose 8. I don’t think you’ll be sliding around inside the shoe. If there is anyway to try on in store I’d do that first.
Hope that helps!
With the Rose 8 true loosening the laces around the midfoot some while tightening the ankle collar laces more and see if that helps with sliding and midfoot pressure.
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Thanks a lot man! I think I’ll go with a size 10 and if I think it’s too lose, I’ll try a thicker insole.
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No problem let me know how it works out.
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Hey man, my Dame 4s (finally) arrived. I followed your advice and went tts with a size 10. Good gosh, it fits me perfectly. No movement whatsoever…can’t wait to hit the court in them. Probably the best fit I’ve ever had in an adidas bball shoe. Thanks for the much needed help!
PS.: mine is the Start to Finish CW (Weber ST), which features a jacquard upper. Don’t know if that helped…
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Yep definitely fits great! Upper didn’t really make a diff I tried those on felt the same as the rip city. Let me know how it goes!
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Would the Dame 4 be good outdoor courts? If not what would be some good basketball shoes for that?
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It would be pretty good outdoors but that mesh might rip if you drag your feet. Outsole might wear down since the rubber is soft.
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