Me:Why?
Russ: Why not?
Me: underside man boob
Russ: my son tore my shirt
Pic courtesy of GQ
Why: traction, balanced cushioning, fit, support, stability, containment
Why not: cushioning takes a lot of break in and still isn’t the Zoomiest, gets hot, stiffer than others
Sizing: runs a touch long but most should go true to size except maybe narrow footers
Best for: players that want a do it all shoe. This is not for players who want a real free flowing natural feel though
Buying advice: $125 is a fair price but I don’t see these moving much based on looks. $90 or less is even more fair. Bottom around $55
Weight
17 ounces. Take the straps off and it’s probably around 16 ounces.
Traction
Jordan brand took the Nike micro traction idea and ran with it to turn the outsole into a super micro traction set up. The rubber has just the right amount of pliability and just brushes dirt away.
I’m a big fan of this micro pattern because it allows each little blade to act like a brush by flexing and pushing dirt away.
Initially though, I wasn’t that impressed with the traction because it just didn’t have a lot of bite but over time, it started grabbing the floor better. Thanks to the micro blades, the shoe required very minimal wiping. Even on the worst floor I play on, I never slipped which is what you want out of traction. Left, right, front, back, it was just stop and go with almost no wiping. I’m undecided if this is top tier but I’m really leaning that way today.
Way to kiss up JB. Awesome job!
Cushioning
Full length Zoom ..hurray?
Yes it’s full length Zoom and it’s “only” $125 but it takes a long long time to break these in. The first few days these just feel like Phylon but they do feel a little more Zoomy with wear. However, even after nearly two weeks, it still feels more like Phylon than Zoom.
Picture courtesy of Fastpass.cn
The Zoom is bottom loaded and under a decent chunk of Phlyon. If you’re expecting that Zoom BB or AJ 31 feeling you’ll be disappointed because
1) The Zoom isn’t protruding like the AJXXX1 so there is no mechanism to push the Zoom upwards into your foot.
2) The Zoom isn’t top loaded or using a cloth strobel like the Zoom BB.
But just because you can’t feel it doesn’t mean it isn’t there or working. But boy would these be a lot more fun if they felt Zoomier underfoot.
Ride Height
I do want to note how low this sits.
At about 21 mm this sits just as low as the Curry 4. People love to say “well Curry wanted it low”. Probably true but it is possible to go low and still have a better cushioning set up.
Overall, I like the set up since it keeps a quick feeling but it could have been done differently to make the set up feel better. I’m sure Russ had something to do with that.
Fit
True to size for everyone except maybe narrow footers. There is a teeny tiny bit of extra length but not enough for me to size down. I had no movement front to back or side to side from the get go which I expected.
The excellent lockdown comes from the internal bootie set up and hidden lacing system, not the external shroud or strap. The strap can be tightened to add a little more restriction if wanted but it really isn’t necessary.
Lets hope you never break the laces because it won’t be fun to relace these.
The lace lock doesn’t really help and actually caused some lace lock pain and lace pressure so I had to loosen it up to make it feel comfortable. It does allow the wearer to put different amounts of pressure on the laces so I guess that’s a benefit.
Overall the fit was great right out of the box aside from some lacelock pain.
Well done JB!
Materials
Mesh and fuse are the primary materials on the Why Not and it works fine especially with the additional strength the shroud gives the upper. It’s really what you’d expect on a shoe this price.
Support and Stability
OUTSTANDING SUPPORT AND STABILITY
The heel counter looks like a brick but it isn’t bad at all and actually molds and flexes to your range of motion kind of like the D Rose 5 did. Actual support, wow what a concept. Can you share some of this heel counter with the Curry 4?
Stability is fantastic because the shoe is extra wide and feels almost like your playing in a waffle iron. Both the Dame 4 and Whynot feature wide outsoles for stability.
It sits ultra flat and low to the ground thanks to the cushioning set up and it isn’t overly mushy like some foams can get. Just a quick, stable, and safe feeling set up.
Containment
My foot sits where those creases are.
No issues at all here. Raised Phylon midsole runs the entire length of the shoe. It does add a little stiffness to the transition but it does break in.
Conclusion
The Why Not Zero.1 is a very nice start for Westbrook’s signature line from a performance standpoint. It does everything extremely well although it isn’t for everyone. If you want a tight fast ride that lets you go hard without fear, the Whynot Zero.1 is for you. Sounds a lot like the player it’s made for. What a concept huh?
If you prefer a softer free flowing sock like set up like the Crazy Explosive 2016 or a lowtop you may not like these due to the firmer cushioning and more supportive set up.
Personally, I really like playing in this shoe but I don’t love it even though it fit my very game very well. I found the cushioning a bit of a snoozer compared to other cushioning set ups and the shoe itself felt more shoeish than I prefer. I swapped out the Why Not with the Dame 4 and Curry 2 one night and those two shoes just brought the fun factor back. Even if it’s not the most fun shoe for me, I will say it’s trustworthy and reliable on the court which is all you can ask for sometimes.
I had a tough time trying to pick where these should go since technically it performs well even if it doesn’t get me excited. I’ll put these on the second team for the time being. Great on court but just not something I really want to reach for.
Pic courtesy of SI
schwollo.com 
Nice review Schwollo
Been a little m.i.a lately (getting a new puppy can do that) so I have some catch up to do with some of your recent articles. But this shoe has had me intrigued since I first saw pics.
Little disappointed at the cushion but I guess there’s always next year – still seems like it’s worth a shot so hopefully I won’t have any issues getting my fat foot in there lol
Thanks for another great write up
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Haha puppies are tough keep him or her away from your shoes.
Cushioning isn’t bad just doesn’t feel like I wanted. The Why Not isn’t hard to get your foot since it isn’t a super narrow opening like some other shoes.
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Great review! I’m debating on getting the Why.not or the PG2. I hope the phylon in the heel feels better on the PG’s this year. I’m also excited to see what improvements are made on the HD 18’ and KD11. . I just need better traction on the KD and a zoom unit in the heel of the HD.
The Dame 4 is a really fun shoe for me, but the traction is a**. Really killed the whole experience.
Is the curry 4 cushion similar to the HD17?
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I have high hopes for the pg2 bc it sounds like the improved the boring cushioning from last year.
Yep the dame 4 is super fun but it’s been relegated to shoot around and pick up only. Didn’t even realize we are getting closer to Kd11and hd18 time!
And Hd18 time
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Curry 4 cushioning is not like the hd17. Its like the risewear halo720 but thinner and lower. Hd17 has some bounce back for me while the curry 4 doesn’t feel much like anything. Hard to describe.
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My guess was that the stuff cushioning/extra Phylony midsole + the stability of the heel counter was direct from Russ. I was surprised when they first released pics that it wasn’t a decoupled midsole with a significant plate in it – Russ always seemed to prefer the beefier FlightPlate setup on the XX8/XX9 and the garbage that was the 30. That midsole build must have done the job though. Great review as always!
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Midsole is thick and sturdy so that makes sense. Very different feel from the aj 31 which I don’t think Russ wore much at all. Great performer overall , I’m just not connected to it like I want to be.
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That was my first thought too..Kinda disappointed to see the final product is that great since Russ was always picky about his shoes.
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He probably wanted it like that. It’s a great shoe but lacks that fun factor that I like cushioning wise.
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Thanks for the review. This sounds like the 32s with muted zoom
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Kind of . It’s even more muted. Feels quicker and lower too
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it’s about time Shoeish™ becomes a thing
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Lol I’m going to rename my site that now lol
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Haha! Yeah, I had a similar takeaway from this review: similar to the 32, shoeish.
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Lol less clunky than the 32 lower to the ground better traction still shoeish though
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Ah, OK, gotcha. Thanks!
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Sick review! Definetly picking up a pair! I’ll wait till it’s on sale!
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Thanks! (From the other side of the pond )
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Hey man, keep up the fantastic work. Best reviews on the web, no sugar coating, just facts! I might be one of the 2 or 3 people in the entire world who thinks the Air Jordan 30 is the best shoe ever (out of this world lockdown, instant responsiveness and, at least where I play, the traction holds its own). If I ever played a game with my life at stake, I would use the 30s (or the Curry 2s). Having said all of that, there’s no fun to it. It’s just a hard, quick as hell and not very comfy (usually painful) experience, but I need to be blazing fast on the court. It’s a trade-off I accept. Do you think the Westbrook 1 (I refuse to call it by its official and ridiculous name) would be a more forgiving experience? I’m getting old (36), my feet and knees are starting to break down and I’ll need at least some cushioning from now on (retired from the Kyries). Sorry for the rant. Thanks!!!
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I actually did not hate the 30 and I think Nelson at hoop life liked it a lot too. A little less zoom feel traction was ok for me and I didn’t find it painful lol. I think the whynot will suit you if you like that fast feel. The name is ridiculous but the shoe is pretty good overall
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Hehehe, thanks! Everybody is raving about the fit, so I’m expecting an Air Jordan 30 but more forgiving. Maybe I’ll pull the trigger on them.
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I bet you’d like it more if the zoom was a bit thicker, or the phylon midsole in the heel wasn’t too thick. it seems the traction is a winner. but i wouldn’t want to wear a shoe with little ventilation, not when there are so many options out there. but from your review, i would totally give this a try once they go on sale and release more decent colorways..
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Bingo!
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Unrelated to the topic, but pal I want to hear your take on the this: https://streamable.com/rfjc6
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I saw that yesterday and I saw the apology. JJ isn’t dumb enough to say something like that on purpose but it’s unfortunate he said it. No malicious intent like “I hate Chinese ppl” or a blooper reel that caught him doing something dumb so I’ll just move on.More important stuff going in the world than an NBA player use of a slur…I’ll bet if you record an nba game or practice you hear a lot worse said on the court and in the locker room. The video editor and camera man didn’t do his job at all though.
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I was thinking to go for those OR for the Huaraches 2k4. I generally love all the older shoes like Zoom BB, Lebron 2, Kobe IV etc. as you do, so you understand that we both have similar preferences and love the older basketball sneakers. Which one you would advice me to buy? Great review once again. Keep up the great work.
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2k4 has more natural feel to it but traction isn’t great. (I have a review on here just search the side bar)My only beef with the Why Not is the firmer cushioning but I had no issues with pain or anything. 2k4 does look better though lol
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Jordan 32 or these? Or what shoe has very good cushioning for impact?
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32s have more zoom feel to it bc they are thicker bags. For Impact and a more plush feel you can look at KD X Lebron Xv XIV or Boost.
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Heard stability in lebron 15s is meh, kind of worries me. KD and Rose 7 dont fit my wide feet. I am considering crazy explosive 2016 but the materials worry me, maybe not supportive enough. You think CE 2016 are safe on cuts?
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Yes Lebron xv isn’t the most stable I wrote a review on it. Ce is fine on cuts but forefoot is thin.
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Can you fit an ankle brace in these? I wear an ASO ankle brace which isnt the thinnest thing in the world? Will this fit? I really need to know this before purchasing. Thanks Schwollo. By far my favorite reviews out there.
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Just tried to get my Zamst in and it fit but took some effort. ASO doesn’t have hinges like the zamst so you should be fine. Neoprene inner sock is stretchy
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I use my forefoot more than my heel, what are a couple good stable shoe with good cushioning? Considering jordan 32, 29, 28 CE 2016, or these Westbrooks atm
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All those are good shoes . Ce was too thin in the forefoot for me. 28 zoom will probably bust on you. Westbrook has the best traction of the last three while the 32 has the best overall cushioning(29 forefoot feels better ) 29 was a tippy in the heel for me though. hope that helps
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Thanks man, jw what shoe has best boost in forefoot for you? I think I will try out the 32s, 29s, or the westbrooks
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Rose 6 clb16 most even feeling
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Great Review per the usual. Trying to update my shoe rotation for hooping. Please rank from best to worst. I look for cushion/impact protection first and then traction. And on that traction note, I am done with translucent bottoms. Translucent seem to work on pristine courts but those far and few in between around my way. Solid only.(Jordan 32 MVP. Bron 15 Ashes, BHM, Gum Bottoms are all that are available at the moment for public consumption) Although with the Westbrooks all I have seen are translucent bottoms. Shoes to rank are Lebron 15, Jordan 32 and Westbrooks. Thanks for any help or advice that you can provide.
Also, looking forward to seeing your review on the Kobe Protro, especially with the updated full length zoom.
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Easy one thanks
Cushioning: lbj xv, aj 32, Why Not
Traction: Why Not aj 32, lbj 15
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Hey schwollo, I play on slightly dusty courts, and I want a shoe that has decent impact protection. Which one would you prefer: Zero.1 or Dame 4’s?
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Zero 1 has better traction. Cushioning isn’t as fun as the dame 4 set up but it works fine. I’d go zero 1
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Awesome, review, spot on with the details. I bought these for the containment, traction and full length zoom. They are really hot though, do you think it would be a terrible idea to cut open the top layer in the forefoot? A couple big holes in the plastic where the jumpman logo is? I tolink it would help alot with airflow (really tight right now too) without destroying the shoe?
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I don’t think it would change things much. Majority of containment comes from the raised midsole not the shroud. They do get hot I should have noted that.
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It’s a decent start from Jordan Brand. Can’ wait though for the Nike Greek Fr34k!
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I think everyone is waiting to see that shoe !
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Nice, review!
I like how why not zero.1 looks personally. Do you think they will last a year if I use them only indoor? I play about 5 hours indoor every week. I hope the rubber holds up well.
Thanks schwollo, keep up!
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Thanks Mariano!
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i couldn’t figure out the lacing system to so the shoe was extremely tight on just the try on. my foot started to go numb so i had to return em. love the way they look and the traction looked like a beast but me having a widefoot didn’t help.
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You have to put your hand down into the shroud to unloosen the laces. Def a good performer cushioning isn’t the the best feeling but it works fine
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ok thanks. ill probably try em again when they go on sale cause theyre still sitting everywhere
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That is a great idea.
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Nice review schwollo!
i am looking for guard shoes and I am interested in why nots. One reviewer in Nike.com said the rubber wore down very quickly only in indoor.
If I play 4 hours a week evryweek for a year only in indoor court, you think they will last?
Also, do you like kyrie 4s or why nots or harden vol 2s?
I have been wearing curry 2.5 for more than a year and they lasted great. The traction is still awesome and there is no tear. It is stil my favorite shoes.
Thanks a lot!
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The pattern is composed of very small nodes so there would be more durable traction options like the curry 2.5. I rotate my shoes so I can’t say for sure (plus not sure how you move) but you’d get at least 6 months out of them. If you love the curry 2.5 you can always find another pair for cheap (60 or less at least in the US) . Of those three, harden v2 is my favorite. Does everything well and traction worked great . (Review on menu on side ) hope that helps !
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Thank you so much for sharing!
I am just wondering how harden vol 2 would last in indoor court. Is the rubber hard?
What about the forge fiber?
Do you think they are as durable as curry 2.5s in your opinion?
Thank you so much schwollo!
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Rubber is soft but the pattern is thick so it should last indoors. Forged fiber seems sturdy so it won’t rip it’s pretty thick. Curry 2.5 is built like a tank esp with that synthetic upper but I think the harden should last pretty long
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Between these and the soldier 11, which one feels more zoomier lol?
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Soldier xi. Much thicker zoom in the heel especially and it has the slight protrusion to push up into the foot
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Thanks, Your the man brother.
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These just got alot more appealing to me for my next shoe since they just went on discount on nike.com for only 75 bucks now lol. Guess not many ppl bought them if nike put on that much of a discount. Im also considering the low top version of this shoe that nike is supposed to be releasing soon.
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Price and looks matters to most consumers so not surprised lol
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Thank you for the review!
How do u think the traction would last overtime in indoor? Can u compare with other shoes like Harden vol2, kyrie4, curry 4 and pg 2?
Thank you so much for the advice on my knees last time. It helped me out a lot.
Thank you
Keep up your good work
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I’ll reply later today !
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You mean comparing durability over time or how it performs?
Durability should be the worst of the group due to the micro sized grooves
Actual traction, it’s easily better than the vol2 kyrie, and about the same or better than curry 4 pg2.
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Hi Schwollo recently I tried a US12 why not and I have about a thumb width (plus just a bit more) on the shoe length. As such, my forefoot is some what free to move side to side, while the midfoot and heel lockdown is excellent. I’m kinda scared the raised midsole won’t be able to contained my feet.
I tried on US11 but the fit is suffocating. I saw another store with US11.5 but I have yet to tried it. Thoughts?
Btw I got my kobe protro all star recently feels good man 😀
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11.5 should work just right (12 sounds too big for you). What’s your normal size? I had no movement in my true size and only a finger width at the toe.
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My jordan and nike size has always been US12. Except for som aj retro. Even the protro is us12 maybe because it’s based on newer model size. My feet is the usual Asian wide feet haha. Anyway I’ll try it next week.
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Weird I found true to size tight lol
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GENETICSSS lol
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I just bought them and have been wearing them around the house since I haven’t had a chance to hoop in them inside yet. I went with a size 10 and the lockdown is great and they are tight but there is a thumbs width between my big toe and the end. I’m a little worried but I think they should be ok. If I size down they would strangle my feet, like the harden vol 1 did, those little buggers put my big toe on top of the toe (index toe?) next to it. The cushion is great. I prefer the fit of the harden vol 2 though, same length, less tightness, more coolness. Keep up the reviews. Even though I’m not in the market for shoes for a while I’ll keep reading!
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You’ll be ok with a thumbs width
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Howard do you feel about the CHAOS version? No shroud
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Shroud doesn’t make a big difference I’m sure it’s fine maybe a little looser without it
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Hi, thanks for the honest review 🙂 will the traction last outdoors? at least half a year perhaps?
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Depends how often you play and your playing style. Half a year should be doable though
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Just played in a pair of the lows right after playing in my old Melo 11’s and although the zoom is not as thick I can feel it right out of the box, can tell already its going to be a fun shoe
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Sweet it’s a great all around shoe
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This shoe left me wanting, because conceptually it was strong and well-rounded but my experience wearing and playing in it was unexciting. I got some PEs, one pair was broken in already, one was slightly worn and one GR pair I got was DS. Out of the box, there is almost *no* step-in comfort. I am a heavier player (235 pounds on a good day) and so typically I can feel cushion, compression, etc. I felt next to nothing in these, only slightly better in the almost broken-in pair. The broken in pair (and the second one I eventually broke in) felt OK but again not what you think of *full length Zoom*. I actually though the much maligned React Foam from the SF2017 and HD2017 felt better once it was broken in, though it was also not great. That’s the first issue. From there, they are stiff, very stiff. This is a guard’s shoe? It was the stiffest shoe I have worn since the Hyperposite 2 if not the first Hyperposite. Not bad for me as a big man–I appreciated the north/south ride and outstanding containment–but I don’t get this as a point guard’s shoe, even a powerful one like Russ. It does ride low, which is nice, I guess, but I wouldn’t say it had great court feel or fluidity. The shoe is heavy, breathes poorly and doesn’t really offer premium materials that you might think would offset those characteristics. The heel counter also started off stiff but eventually loosened up a little.
Anyway, I saw these and thought they might be the total package of traction (they deliver), cushion (not really), containment (yes plenty of that) and ride (nope, pretty clunky). Instead they just leave us to wonder what might have been. They bricked pretty hard and thus far the second model seems like it will, too, however I do think I will like the performance more.
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Sounds a lot like my experience with the Zoom. It’s there but it isn’t the zoom we all love. It’s a good shoe but not one I reach for.
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Try the Chaos version. Not super bouncy but you can feel the Zoom. Breathes better, is quicker and more fluid, too. Still not great lateral mobility but overall a big improvement IMHO
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