Welcome to the 2017 Nike Technology Showcase! As always, Lebron is wearing the newest Lebron featuring all the latest and greatest Nike advancements to ensure that he’s playing at his best. Wait he switched to the Soldier XI that was on sale for $55 dollars last week? And the XIV? Frack is it 2013 or 2017? $&!&@
– Nike Executives
Pros:cushioning, fit, materials, stability
Cons: traction not very grippy, containment still only average, shoe rides very high compared to others and needs more stability or support features
Sizing: wide footers can go true to size or down half a size depending on preference. Regulat and narrow footers should go down half size
Best for:bigger guards to bigs
Buying Advice: wait as always. Not limited so no rush to buy them at retail. $130 -120 is fair, low around $80-95.
Weight:
17.5 ounces which is light for a lebron shoe. The 2-4 weighed 19 ounces on average. Exactly the same weight as the AJ 32.
Traction
I guess the Dame 4 and Lebron 15 designers had a pow wow one day in Oregon and had the idea of making traction less grippy for anyone not playing on NBA courts. They agreed to have a contest and see what works worse: one traction pattern is smooth with less texture while the other make the pattern look like their favorite dragon on Game of Thrones.
I’m kidding of course but someone in Oregon is smoking something if they think this traction is King worthy. I’ve said over and over that traction has never really been a strength of the Lebron sig line and these are really no different. I guess Lebron just likes it like this.
I compared these to the AJ XXXII the same day on a dusty 24 Hour court and the 15 just didn’t have that stickiness and bite like the XXXII. If the AJ 32 is a 9/10 in terms traction, then the 15 is a 6 or 7 out of 10. The good news about the pattern is that it doesn’t pick up dust thanks to the sharpness of the pattern so it stays consistently mediocre across all surfaces.
This pattern would be great on the football field or grass tennis courts
In my “expert” opinion, the spiked pattern is what causes the lack of bite since there isn’t really any surface area on the outsole to grab the floor; only one quarter to a third of the available surface area is actually contacting the floor with this spiked set up. I do believe that once the spikes wear down, traction will really improve since the spikes will become small blades (more surface area) like the micro traction patterns like you see on the Mamba Instinct, Kobe AD, PG1. I do wish they didn’t all run horizontally because lateral stops aren’t very good as is;it’s best to have pattern run perpendicular to the direction of movement not parallel.
Why don’t I wait to review the shoe once the traction improves ? It’s simple, I don’t feel very safe in the Lebron XV and I’d rather play in something lower to the ground. Add in some poor traction on dusty floors and I have near perfect conditions for an injury. That’s just me though, don’t take my word as gospel.
Cushioning
This is pretty damn close to cushioning perfection. The obvious comparison is the KD 9 or 10 but these sit higher and ride firmer than the KD. These play more like the “ancient” Lebron X but a little more fluid since they articulated the Zoom. However, they are still not as springy or bouncy feeling as the X due to the articulation. It might be connected technically but they really function as three separate air bags considering how thin that connection is. Try transferring a gallon of water through a straw and let me know how it goes.
Nike also added Max Air in the heel which I really enjoyed in the Lebron IX and 8 PS.
By adding Zoom and Max in the heel you get the stability in the heel (who would have thunk stability was important in the heel? This guy that’s who) and that Zoom feel.
Nice job Nike, let’s cut the height down the next go round.
Ride Height
This is the second straight pair of shoes that sat higher than I preferred. The heel sits about the same as the X but the forefoot feels like it sits higher. I tried doing some measurements so enjoy my purple ruler. These measurements are crude but you can see the XV sits higher by 3-5 mm across the board which is 10-15%. Please note the X measurement are to the creases which is approximately where the insole sits inside the shoe.
XV measures around 36mm, X 31 mm
XV measures around 29 mm, X 25 mm
For reference an average team shoe like the Lebron Soldier VI measures about 30 mmin the heel and 25 mm in the forefoot. The Curry 4 sits really low at 20 mm. Additional ride height isn’t going to kill anyone but it does raise your center of gravity just a little more. Higher center of gravity = easier to tip.
Fit
The XV runs a little long but fit fine true to size for my wide feet. I think regular and narrow footers will want to go down half a size though.
I had zero issues with heel slip and no movement side to side from the get go. Really just a tall sock. This fit is one of my favorite parts of the Lebron 15.
Materials
Battleknit, or in layman’s terms, Flyknit with more texture and a synthetic backing. Nothing mind blowing, just another way to strengthen the Flyknit while keeping flexibility and to make consumers spend more money for the latest “tech”. Nothing really innovative, just a cool name.
If you want or need to have pure knit, get the AJ XXXII. I’ve always said knit needs more strength, I guess I was just that far ahead of my time and everyone is playing catch up. That or companies wanted some wiggle room to make these so called improvements.
Support and Stability
Since the upper is pliable and soft, support comes from the fit and heel counter. I’m used to a firmer heel counter on Lebrons in general but this one is a little more flimsy and than previous models. It still works fine although it’s somewhat small.
Stability is good and given my prior tippy and painful experience with the Lebron X, this is welcome change. You can see how much wider the outsole at the heel (and Zoom) is than the X.
The outsole is flat around the heel while the Max part of the cushioning keeps everything stable on heel landings.
However, due to the height of the cushioning, I really think Nike should have added an outrigger like they added on the X. Look how much wider the outrigger makes the forefoot.
I think an outrigger and wider outsole combo really would have made the XV feel safer especially considering the sock like upper and taller ride.
Containment
Battleknit is here to save the day. Just kidding not really.
There is no raised midsole and the synthetic backing is pretty flexible so containment isn’t the greatest. The Soldier XI features a raised midsole and does a far better job. Stick in a stiffer synthetic like the Curry uses and this might have worked but they didn’t so whatever.
It’s sort of acceptable since the synthetic snaps back a little but it’s far better than the M12, JC3, Soldier X and is pretty much on par with the Lebron 14. In essence, Battleknit just flipped the synthetic from the outside to the inside.
Conclusion
Once again, Nike strives for greatness and comes up short with only pretty goodness. There are a lot of positives with the LBJ 15 especially the cushioning, the fit, and if you are into materials, the soft materials. Traction, which I weigh most heavily, isn’t horrible but it definitely isn’t King worthy and needs some serious break in and wear to improve.
The XV also rides much higher than most basketball shoes and it doesn’t feel like it has the proper support and stability given the height. Raising the ride height raises the center of gravity so that makes it easier to tip over even if it’s only 5 millimeters. Even the Lebron X feels more supportive and featured an outrigger despite being lower to the ground in the forefoot.
I appreciate new technologies as much as the next guy but to slap labels and tech on a shoe doesn’t mean much if it doesn’t if it doesn’t work overall on the court. Hell, my super cheap and old Lebron Soldier VI does almost everything better than the XV. We will see if the Soldier XI does as well in the coming weeks. Overall, the XV will be noted solely for its tech and comfort unless the Lebron and Company win a ring this year so just wait a month or two if you want to save a some bucks on the latest and greatest from Nike Technologies.
Great review per the usual. Which one would you pick out of the 3 for best OVERALL performance : Lebron 14, LeBron 15, or Jordan 32? And in what order if you don’t mind. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
32, 14, 15 . 32 does everything right but nothing outstanding . Also best traction of the 3. 14 is decent overall but tippy heel and average containment. Hope that helps !
LikeLike
Not that you asked for my opinion but I have played in all three. All good but none are perfect. The 14 doesn’t have great stability in the rear half and the materials are pretty cheap quality for the price (heel lining is really crap, nothing plush around the ankle and it’s a foam-based upper you’d expect on something 50% less expensive). It has pretty good all around containment and good cushioning, but the lacing system sucks (almost pointless to use the laces and they are fat/weird) and impact protection is not great to me for whatever reason. I would rank those third but they are adequate; I own three pairs and put a good number of games into one.
The XXX2 I have played in just a little. It is an improvement over the XXX1 in terms of materials and traction but not great in either aspect. I liked the cushioning on the XXX1 more, especially in certain materials (e.g. Battle Grey makeup). It doesn’t have a fatal flaw but what is its selling point? Materials? I prefer the ones on the LeBron but many may like the XXX2 better. To me it’s sort of a five-tool player who isn’t a star, does everything pretty well but doesn’t have the “wow” factor you’d expect. I also don’t like the translucent rubber used on the outsole and the stability is still not great, though it’s better than the XXX1.
The LeBron 15 is the best one for me but for some people it will be a nonstarter for the reasons Schwollo and others have mentioned. That said, it has the most wow factor to me in terms of step-in comfort and cushioning. I also think it’s more visually appealing than the other two models. If you are a north/south player, GET THEM, period.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree with everything said above!
LikeLike
“…so it stays consistently mediocre across all surfaces.” Lawwwlll. I’m dubbing these the McCain® Deep’n Delicious® traction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job, thanks. I tried these on i am pretty sure that playing in these at some point i would roll my ankle, kind of like Lebron already did in a couple of games this season. I suspect that stability of these is a problem for him and that he won’t be using them on court anymore, exept a few games just to promote the shoe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks ! I agree considering Lebron is very rarely injured. It isn’t totally the shoes fault but it doesn’t help at all that support is lacking on a higher than normal shoe.
LikeLike
Thanks for the review. Easy pass for me as being high off the ground with weak traction is the exact opposite of what I want. Only shoes this year that have interested me so far are the Hyperdunks. Waiting to hear more on the Curry’s. Nothing else seems like anything I’d like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hd is my number one this year but got a month to go 🙂
Curry 4 review coming soon
LikeLike
Great review. I took my Lebrons back in less than 2 days. Didn’t like them at all. I was so hyped to try this shoe, just to be met with great disappointment. Very comfortable, but they sucked preformance wise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bingo.
LikeLike
Another thorough and well informed performance review! Excellent once again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review as usual Schwollo! Any early thoughts on the Soldier 11’s? I like them far more than the 15’s…excellent cushion, fit, decent traction. I wish that the heel lockdown in the 11’s could be a little better, I own 2 pair…TTS and 1/2 size down (which was a little better but not great). So close!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everything you said. Heel
Lockdown is fine just doesn’t feel like it sort of like the hyper rev 2016. They improved everything I said was wrong with the Soldier X . Solid shoe overall
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not a huge fan of the Soldier models with all the straps. Traction and cushion could both better in the 11. Totally different experience from playing in the 15, but I prefer the 15
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everyone has their own tastes so if the 15 works for you awesome!
LikeLike
Great review as usual! I usually play volleyball in my basketball shoes so I need alot of stability (lots of opportunities for ankle injuries in volleyball) and fast cushion in my basketball shoes, im gonna have to pass on these, but the curry 4 looks awesome, cant wait for your review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lebron xv would not be good for volleyball lol
Curry 4 might be based on your needs. Def fast cushioning
LikeLike
Thx for the helpful response! Just curious for your opinion, why do you think lebron would prefer the 14s over the 15s, since he switched to those.
LikeLike
14s sit lower than the 15 yet offer a nicely cushioned ride similar to the 15. I don’t like the tippy heel but Lebron doesn’t mind it. Don’t get me wrong, the shoe has nothing to do with how he well he plays but if he feels the xiv is safer, better be safe than sorry. Just my opinion of course
LikeLike
Do NOT get these for volleyball! You don’t like volley ball shoes? Mizuno makes some great ones. I like the gum rubber and a VB specific last. Asics has some decent ones but they run narrow, which I don’t like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
question about airsole of lebron 15- how strong and durable is it? I use lebron x and i had problem with 3 pair of them every shoe broke down in 1 week airsole just burst so is this airsole any beter and stronger that lebrons x?? im 6.10 in height and 250 in weight …
LikeLike
Sounds like you’re Lebron size. I haven’t played in them since my review bc I don’t trust them. Nike is pretty good with warranty (2 years) so don’t let that stop you
LikeLike
Did you try returning your X to Nike when that happened ?
LikeLike
Would get these for holiday trips with lots of walking! Is the traction durable?
LikeLike
The rubber is soft so the spikes would wear down which is a good thing traction wise.
LikeLike
I do a lot of trips with heavy walking. These are decent because of the cushion and materials but LOUSY IN THE RAIN. Do not wear these on a trip where you will face wet surfaces. Slippery AF. Much like the Harden 1.0 (which had better on-court traction and stopping power!), these absolutely suck with moisture present, I mean they would be dangerous. I used older Nike models like the Aggress Force for long trips but mostly I stick to runners for that. Get yourself a nice pair of Mizunos or Brooks IMHO.
LikeLiked by 1 person
which basketball shoe makes you feel the quickest when playing in it?
LikeLike
Personally ? Curry 2
LikeLike
wow thanks for the prompt reply! Another question: Which nike basketball shoe makes you feel the quickest when playing in it?
LikeLike
Kobe iv
LikeLike
Interesting because to me the Kobe 4 was quick but too flimsy. The Curry 2 was very stable and somewhat quick but the lack of cushion kind of dampened the speed I felt in it, plus it wasn’t just without cushioning, it was a bit rigid. To me I feel very quick (well as quick as *I* can be lol) in the J Crossover 2.5, D Rose 6, Penny III, Zoom Flight 1.0, Jet Flight and early Adidas Kobe models (also the Real Deal series). Kobe 8 and 9 EM also had nice bounce to them.
LikeLike
I felt like sludge in the penny iii.
LikeLike
Great review! Would you say that the soldier 11s are more stable? Im looking for a stable basketball shoe with good zoom cushion and traction.
LikeLike
I haven’t gotten much time in the soldier but yes it is more stable and traction is better than the xv although I’m not sure it’s the best Nike has out.
LikeLike
Really? I played in the black OGs only but I thought they were nice and quick. PU midsole was a nice tough, got me from the heel to the forefoot real quick. The IV was a little slower but also sturdy, great shoe though the more recent retros leave a lot to be desired.
LikeLike
7 ps? I just like it a little firmer
LikeLike
I saw your video for the Lebron XV traction test..Yikes. I see someone getting hurt in these. I don’t understand why they didn’t mix up the traction by making some muti-directional patterns. I am sure it would fix the current problem and make the shoe a better performer. I think the zoom bags are more dense due to the fact that Lebron is a big dude and needs a firmer ride in his zoom unit. The articulation is suppose to help with the flexibility, without making the shoe too stiff, like the previous renditions using zoom. I thought the midsole was carved out a bit so you are actually sitting on top the zoom unit (like the new Jordans?), but from the looks of it is not. I agree, a higher ride will decrease stability which can cause some tipping. This would be a huge issue for most of us. I do hope Nike will fix this in a Elite version, otherwise, we’ll see Lebron wear the Soldiers again come Spring. These were the most anticipated Lebron for me since a while now. I love the clean and minimial design. You can barely make out the swoosh! I can’t see myself getting these unless for dirt cheap at an outlet store just for the sake of owning a pair since I love the design so much. Thanks for the great review. I got a pair of XXX2 for about 100£ (about $130) for Black Friday! I think its a pretty good deal for a new shoe. Can’t wait for them to arrive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha minimal logos are the new thing I guess .
Yea I like the cushioning a lot but the x feels springier. No issues with its “stiffness” as Nike puts it. Yep traction was a big let down for me but it should improve over time. Lebron II still the best out of the Lebron line imo.
LikeLike
Like the Curry 4. I loved my Lebron 2s. I wished I doubled up on those back the day. I had the All-Star version since it was the only one they had in my size. I really wanted the black and reds. I think I got a pretty good deal on the XXX2s, though we’ll see come January everything gets reduced significantly. I wanted to get the XXXi. But I couldn’t find a better deal for them. The price range seem to only be between £90(lows) and £100-£110 (mids) from an original retail price of £159(low)-£169(mid). I stuck with a newer model at this price. What the bottom prices for the XXXi over there?Would love to try out the lows!
LikeLike
You got the curry 4? XXXI mids are sitting around 150 before coupons but they haven’t officially hit outlets yet. The lows were at about 82 bucks last week on Nike still sitting .
LikeLike
I meant minimalism in shoe design and logo placement. Lebron 15, Curry 4 both of the popular ones are going this direction. No, I haven’t gotten a pair of Curry 4s yet. I am still waiting for your verdict, but per usual I am really hoping to get the lows if I do end up getting them. I’ve been a convert of Low top shoes for basketball since the Kobe 4s. 82$ is quite a nice price. Any chance you can use a coupon for the lows? I am really looking to get XXXI in flyknit+leather upper. It’s about the same here for the lows but 80 quid is about 100$ sizing and colors are quite limited as soon as they were discounted.
LikeLike
Oh I see. 82 bucks was with a coupon so that’s as low as I’ve seen. Curry 4 should
Be done this week or early next week
LikeLike
XXX1 hit the outlets months ago, man, I got the Chicago ones, black/royal and all-star ones at the outlets all well under $100 (around $85). The Chicago they had in abundance. I went Thanksgiving Weekend and they restocked with a handful of colorways, around $75 after the discount. They can be had cheaply, even on NDC they had pairs on sale for $120 and then an additional 20 or 25 percent off
LikeLiked by 1 person
And nice deal on the 32 esp across the pond !
LikeLike
I watched an unboxing of the Black/Gum colorway of the Lebron 15 and the guy who was doing the unboxing stated that the Black/Gum colorway doesn’t feature max air in the heel like he other colors just zoom, do you think there could be any truth to that? Thanks for all your reviews.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm not sure that’s an odd move by Nike if so. Link to the video?
LikeLike
I saw the video that he’s referring to. The guy who uploaded the video has absolutely no idea what he’s talking about and when someone called him out on it in the comments section, the uploader turned off the comments. Basically the comments calling him out stated that from time to time Nike will paint over a zoom/max air unit for aesthetic purposes (like they’ve done on multiple colors of the KD X) but this doesn’t mean that the cushioning has been replaced with some EVA foolishness. The uploader was so flabbergasted by the idea that Nike would do this that he replied by asking the commenter “if that’s the case, then why don’t I see air bubbles on the black/gum colorway the same way I do on the Ashes colorway? Where are they? Please show me”. Don’t waste any time searching for the video unless you need a serious laugh, lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha I didn’t watch it yet but sounds about right. Just bc it’s on YouTube doesn’t mean it’s true!
LikeLike
Ignore that. The black/gum colorway has the same setup as all the other colorways.
LikeLiked by 1 person
great reviews! Which lebron signature shoe (excluding soldiers) makes you feel the quickest/fastest?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lebron ii and ix
LikeLike
regular ix or ix elite?
LikeLike
Same thing pretty much in terms on how they play. Traction better w elite though
LikeLike
damn never thought that lebron 9s would help someone play fast lol…that shoe had little to no flexibilty in the forefoot
LikeLike
Haha relatively speaking to the Lebron line.
LikeLike
Here’s the link
LikeLike
I didn’t realize that someone had posted the video. This man does not have a single clue on earth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yea I didn’t believe him just had to share the video I wanted to hear others opinion on it you guys are harsh lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Consistently mediocre across all surfaces- I’m dead :). No traction no good for me. I guess they will be okay for casual use. Nice review man!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks my man!
LikeLike
schwollo, have you ever owned a pair of the hyperfuse 2010s? and if so, how do they fit
LikeLike
No I passed on those
LikeLike
I see; Have you owned any shoe from the Hyperfuse line
LikeLike
No I haven’t
LikeLike
Slightly long and narrow. I hated the HD 2010! The first model was decent and the 2011 was awesome. I liked the Lunar models but they weren’t very durable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review Schwollo.
Your experience with them basically confirmed all of my concerns. Love the look of them, but I don’t feel like getting another ankle injury on the court.
Been feeling a little underwhelmed with a lot of basketball shoes that have come out recently (either due to performance, aesthetics, and/or price) and nothing has really jumped out at me as a must have at full price or near full price (is any shoe really?). I thought the XV’s could be the one – I guess I’ll save my pennies.
Been wearing the Solider XI’s (Prototype colorway) for the last couple of months and have been pretty happy with them overall (got them at a steal for $80 CAD). Only issue I’ve had with them is the top strap feels like it’s stretched out a bit and I can’t get that super tight feeling around my ankle anymore. I’m constantly readjusting them to try to get them tight at almost every dead ball. They’re still not bad – it’s just a little annoying.
Again, another nice write up Schwollo – keep em coming!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just started messing with the soldier Xi and it’s a big improvement over the x. 80 cad is cheap isn’t that about 65-75usd? Loose strap would be annoying I’ll try and think of something to fix that lol
LikeLike
Yeah about $65 USD at the time. Maybe I’ll just wear longer socks and fold them down (ala Steph, Harden, and other non Nike athletes covering up the Nike logo) to create more volume around the ankle lol.
Not sure if it’s been asked yet – but since it’s almost the end of the year are you going to be doing a 2017 summary article?
LikeLike
Hhaha not a bad idea. I am going to have a summary but I have a few reviews to finish first. But you can always ask me questions
LikeLike
and yes nothing groundbreaking coming out and there are so many models out . Probably why I didn’t review too many shoes this year. Five colorways max per shoe not twenty please.
LikeLike
Im guessing youve already seen the new lebron 15 hes wearing? He played in the soldier 11s for a bit and now hes wearing the lebron 15 with outriggers on each zoom pod
LikeLike
I’ll have to check it out but doesn’t surprise me. What an excellent idea Nike lol
LikeLike
link please! we’d all like to see!
LikeLike
https://solecollector.com/news/2017/12/nike-lebron-15-lebron-james-pe-modifications
LikeLiked by 1 person
how bad was the traction on the lebron 8 and 9?
LikeLike
Not bad good on clean need some
Wiping on dirty floors. 8 has some bite 9 isn’t as strong but both still ok
LikeLike
so its similar to hyperrev 2015’s traction eh
LikeLike
Not quite that good
LikeLike
were the lebron 8 ps good hoop shoes? how do they fit length wise?
LikeLike
It is a pretty good shoe. Very similar to the ix but less padded and slimmer. Very pronounced arch support which irritated my flat feet. Good balanced zoom forefoot and max heel. Traction pretty good not great. Half a size up bc they run short.
LikeLike
So would you recommend the lebron 8 ps over the lebron ix and lebron ix elite?
LikeLike
Depends what you’re looking for. Slightly better traction slimmer profile same cushioning but hard arch support. I don’t play in either but cushioning is nice for both
LikeLike
ohhh nice; did you prefer playing in the 8 ps or the 8 v1/v2
LikeLike
Regular 8. V2 is plasticky more than the curry 4
LikeLike
I see; what made the regular 8s better than the ps?
LikeLike
Depending on your needs the 8 has more overall cushioning while the ps has zoom in the forefoot. The fit is better on the reg 8 bc of plushness and padding inside the shoe. Traction goes to the PS by a little. Hope that helps
LikeLike
Yeah that helped alot! Thank you so much for answering all of my questions
LikeLiked by 1 person
how do the lebron 8 v1 and v2 fit length wise?
If I wear a size 9 in lebron ix elites, should i get the same size in the v1s and v2s?
LikeLike
They fit a little tighter that ix elites due to padding but I’d get the same size
LikeLike
which shoes from the lebron signature line would be good for quick players that like to attack the basket?
LikeLike
Lebron ii and ix are the most guard like imo.
LikeLike
Ohh interesting; I’ve read your review on the ii’s. Do you plan on doing a performance review for the ix’s some time in the future?
LikeLike
Yes I will. My plan was to go in order and next up is the vi
LikeLike
I can’t wait! Love reading your reviews man!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha thanks!
LikeLike
How much does a stiff midsole hinder the traction on a shoe
LikeLike
Zero
LikeLike
ik this is somewhat unrelated, but which lebron playoff shoe(ie: 7 ps, 8 ps, 9 elite, 10 elite…etc) is best for guards?
LikeLike
https://www.google.com/amp/s/schwollo.com/2016/11/12/the-archive-nike-lebron-vii-7-ps-post-season/amp/
7 is a little too soft but zoom is enjoyable. 8 ps most guard like followed by the 9 .
LikeLike
hello
I wanna ask alot of questions regarding these lebrons
1. will an insole help?
2. will an ankle brace help the ankle issues?
3. does gum bottoms work on dusty courts?
4. i kinda don’t get the traction part where u said that “traction will improve when wear down”
Sorry but i’m intrigued on his latest sig. shoe
LikeLike
1)Will an insole help what?
2) A brace will help in the case that you turn your ankle but that problem comes from the outsole design not having an outrigger and being high off the ground
3) yes they work fine
4) traction is very pointy so not a lot of surface area touching the floor. As it wears down you’ll get more surface area to touch the floor
LikeLike
Did my reply show up?
LikeLike
ya
it did help alot for me debating on getting the lebron 15 or not
as for the insole question- well basically in terms of comfort and support (not sure on that since some insoles have a somewat “support” such as cupped heel pad or a carbon fibre arch part)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think any additional comfort is necessary and I don’t think and insole will help for support. The issue is the height and center of gravity being higher than normal
and no outrigger (if you didn’t see in the comments Lebron has a modified version w outriggers when he actually wears the xv)
LikeLike
I see
well thanks for the answers and some of ur tips though since i myself had a wide feet and normal arch
i decided to get the jordan 32 :3
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey schwollo, great review as always. Just wanted to ask how the cushioning on these compare to the KD 9, KD 10, and AJ 31? And what is your preference when it comes to these models? TIA for the response, always looking out for your readers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
In terms of pure comfort kd 9,10
(Barely firmer than the 9 if at all) lbj xv aj 31. In terms of which I like best to play in Aj 31, kd 10, 9, lbj xv. Lbj just sits too high for me
And I like the lower ride of the 31.
LikeLike
Cool, thanks for the reply! Seems like I’ll pass on the LBJ 15 then, especially since the Ghost colorway I wanted seems to be gone everywhere. Merry Christmas, man!
LikeLiked by 1 person
merry Christmas to you too!
LikeLike
So I have never owned a max air shoe as they don’t feel like they compress expect maybe a little around the edges and away from the pillars – I guess this is different and the heel actually has bounce to it?
LikeLike
Hi! Very good review congrats! Which is better for u in resposiveness and impact protection between Lebron 15 and Hyperdunk 2016 elite FK ? And the better shoe overall ?
LikeLike
Impact protection Lebron, responsive about the same. I like the hd better bc it sits lower and has better traction
LikeLike
So how high would you rank these Lebrons out of all his shoes he has release excluding the solider line (zg-15) and what would be your top three Lebron shoes?
LikeLike
Aside from cushioning it ranks low overall due to traction containment and unusually high rise height. My favorite lebrons : lebron ii, Lebron v, and ix maybe the VIII.
LikeLike
Have you tried out the Zoom all out? I heard the Zoom is nuts in those
LikeLike
I’ve tried them on in store. Very comfortable very soft Zoom. I wouldn’t hoop in them but they are nice to wear around
LikeLike
nice review, schwollo!
do you think lebron 15 is durable for 1 year of in court play? I play 5 hours a week only in incourt. Is the rubber hard and the battle knit durable?
Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
It should last for a year with that amount of play. Rubber will wear down since the “blades” are thin but not to the point to where it is bad.
LikeLike
Thanks for the review. How do you feel about the Lebron 15 Low? I’ve recently bought a pair coz I like Lebron a lot and these are my first pair of his shoes. I like how the cushion feels and the upper material, as well as the look. Had a bit of containment issue especially in the heel, and when I make hard cuts/stops. Do you know if it will become better when they are broken in and the sole gets less stiff?
LikeLike
No containment will probably get worse as the upper loosens up with play. Nothing to do with the sole. Lebron 15 lows look pretty good and cushioning sits a lot lower which I think is a great thing.
LikeLike
I thought the sole would become less stiff once broken in, and therefore bends better and conforms to the foot when in motion, which could help with containment. Guess I was wrong. But still hope the upper won’t loosen too much coz they do feel great.
LikeLike
That would help front to back but not side to side (my definition of containment is lateral so when you stop on defense side to side).
LikeLike
Yea that makes sense. But for containment issue like the slight heel slip I’m having, once the sole broken in the fit at the heel should improve a little bit right?
LikeLike
Yea it should (I count heel slip as part of fit). Just bend them with your hands to accelerate process
LikeLike
Hey Schwollo! Just wondering, what does the Max Air in the heel of the LeBron IX feel like?
LikeLike
Feels good? Firmer than zoom but compresses enough to give some spring back in the heel. Smooth transition since it is so damn big heel to almost forefoot.
LikeLike
Oh I see. So zoom air is the cushion that is most similar to it, right?
LikeLike
Kind of? It isn’t really zoom like either meaning it doesn’t compress and spring up as much. Go try on a pair of Lebron xv lows and that’s what it feels like. Lol
LikeLike
Somebody help me please: which Lebron model adds the most height for a measurement? And what Nike shoe and model overall adds the most height? I have heard one of the Lebron models will give a full 2 inches in height and my nephew and I are interested in finding out which one? I know the Nike Air Max 720 also reportedly gives a little over 1.5 inches in height but they are not a basketball shoe and he is a basketball player. I have heard some of the Kobes and some of the KD also add a lot of height. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
LikeLike
Lebrons sit the highest out of them all specifically the Lebron xv xvi and x. They are about 27-30 mm in the heel hope that helps
LikeLike
Thanks!! But I am confused as 30mm only adds slightly over an inch and I know some Air Max models that I have that give 1.25 to near 1.4 inches to height. And again I have heard at least one LeBron model adds roughly 2 inches to height. I would be very grateful if you could clarify further. Sincere thanks.
LikeLike
I’ve never come across a shoe that is 2 inches off the ground which is about 50 mm. Most are in the range I stated. Good luck
LikeLike
I am speaking of the difference in height gained from a barefoot measurement to a in shoe measurement to be specific. There are lots of basketball shoes 1.25 inches or more. Plenty or LeBron shoes over that. Air max that tall or higher even though they arent a basketball shoe. Some of the KDs also.
LikeLike
Most lebrons run about the same height as I stated earlier good luck
LikeLike