Is the KD XI an evolution or a step back ? (Pun intended)
For the past four or five years I’ve read and seen people yearning and pleading for real Flyknit, real Primeknit, this upper is too stiff, this mesh is just mesh, oooh this synthetic backing hurts my feet, give us a stretchy Primeknit upper etc…
Well guess what, Nike finally gave KD and the internet jockeys a super soft upper for a socklike feel and all I have to say is you got what you asked for.
Pros: traction when clean, not bad on dusty floors, a very well balanced and fun cushioning set up, stable outsole
Cons: traction bite could be better, needs some wiping on dusty floors, rides a few millimeters higher than previous KD’s, heel lockdown is acceptable after break in but could be better, support is lacking, containment feels like a broken in KD IX or X
Sizing Advice: half size down unless you have super wide foot. Runs slightly long
Best for: lighter guards although everyone will like the cushioning. If you want a sock with a sole, look no further
Buying Advice: wait as always. KD is not MJ so just wait a month or two for price drops and coupons.
Weight
16.5 ounces so three ounces heavier than the KD IX Not a big deal to me but hey three ounces is three pounds to some #hitthegym I promise it won’t hit back. The distribution of the weight feels very off-putting at first since most of it is the midsole and below but you do get it in a few runs.
Traction
Works fine on clean courts, needs some wiping on dirty courts. On clean courts, the bite isn’t the best because it isn’t the super sticky translucent of the past but on the flip side, it doesn’t pick up as much dust as the sticky translucent. I have no major complaints about the traction since it is above average for a translucent and works adequately well on all surfaces. (At the same time I’m not excited about it either)
Cushioning
React plus Zoom. Yes please
I felt the KD IX and X were a little too squishy for me especially along the lateral side but this set up is a great combo. Imagine if the HD 17 cushioning had a love child with the KD8 full length Zoom set up and this is what you’d get.
Although Nike says they are both caged, the HD17 ribs feel softer to the touch than the KD 11. There is no give when you touch the cage of the KD
If you’re expecting Ultraboost softness you will be disappointed but if you want a set up that feels great underfoot with a nice bounce and without any lag, this is your set up. A thin 6-8 mm Zoom unit with no foam is not enough cushioning by itself so adding React to it just gives it just the right amount of ooomph. I do want to note that these sit about 25-26mm at the forefoot which is about 3 mm higher than the X but it only takes a little time to get used to it.
I think balance is the key to everything, including shoes and this set up is balanced just right.
Fit
Want a sock with a sole? Well KD did/does and that’s essentially what you get with the KD 11
I went half a size down with the KD XI not by choice but because I accidentally hit 10.5 on check out. Since it was limited to one pair I stuck with it and I think it’s the right choice for everyone except the widest footers. I had a finger width of space at the toe with a 10.5 and almost a thumbs width with an 11 that I bought a week later to double check sizing. You’d be surprised but you can actually fit more than one size and it isn’t life or death. Hell KD WEARS A FULL SIZE OVER HIS REGULAR SIZE DURING GAMES.
Anyways, comparing the size 11 and size 10.5, I just a had a better, more secure fit with 10.5 than 11 and didn’t experience width discomfort due to my wide feet. If you can’t try on in store, decide if you want comfort or a tighter fit and you can decide from there.
There is a good amount of heel slip to start with the XI mainly due to the placement of the top eyelets and the stiff outsole/cage.
You can clearly see a different in the top eyelet placement. If the XI moved it back a little more lockdown would be better.
Using such a soft upper with a stiff midsole just makes the shoe feel confused. However, if you’re patient, break in the shoe a few hours and allow the midsole to soften and bend, the heel slip dramatically goes down. I prefer more lockdown myself but I didn’t feel my heel moving all over the place like it did initially.
Materials
This upper is for the most part very soft with some overlays for strength. It is stretchy around the ankle collar and down the “tongue” but with less stretch around the outer portions.
However, it is not just pure Flyknit as you can see above. There is a thick nylon lining that runs throughout the shoe to give it more strength and support. It’s comfortable and slightly stretchy like a sock just like KD asked. Feels nice and comfortable and premium but does nothing performance wise in my opinion. Well it does but…
Support and Stability
Support comes solely from the fit and too flexible heel counter so support is only kind of there.
Err y’all forget to put piece of plastic in the heel counter Nike?
A typical heel counter, particularly Nike’s usually has a firmer internal heel counter that doesn’t have the flexibility this one has. I tried doing this with KD 7-10 but to no avail. I know a lot of people believe that support comes from the fit but if that were the case you could wear a sock on top of a sole or wear Nike frees and be okay. I believe it’s a combination of fit and firmness around the ankle but every person’s proprioception is different. Had the heel counter been firmer I think containment (see below) would have been better.
Stability is fine even though there isn’t an outrigger. It is the same width as the KD X at the heel and forefoot. No tippiness in the heel and the cage TPU is firm to keep things upright.
Containment
I’ve noted or mention before that the KD IX containment got worse over time due to break in and stretching. With the XI, the upper is already stretchy and broken in so you get that same feeling especially on hard cuts or changes of direction. As most of you know I don’t like the feeling with any brand including Brandblack’s JC2, 3, Jordan M12, Lebron XIV XV etc,l…the list goes on and on.
Why is the containment poor in the XI? KD wanted a sock like feel and that’s what he got, simple as that. Nike could have raised the outsole to created a physical barrier but they didn’t. Does that feeling affect my play? No not really but why settle for something I don’t like when I have hundreds of pairs of other shoes.
Conclusion
I wasn’t sure how to approach this review because there are a few things I really like and dislike about the KD XI which are all preferences and aren’t measurable at all. But there is also quantifiable data (ie stats) that show me that feel isn’t real and I’ve been wasting my time reviewing shoes. In other words, I got buckets and played great in these. But at the same time, based on my methodology and “scoring” of these, I really shouldn’t like them all that much. Hell, maybe I all the practice I put in actually paid off? #itainttheshoes
If containment isn’t something that bothers you, you’ll probably love the shoe. If it is something that you weight heavily in your shoe decisions, you will hate the shoe. If it affects how you play in your mind, you’re going to hate the shoe. If you have enough confidence in your ability to play the game itself, the shoe won’t affect anything at all. It won’t affect your shot, your passing or ability to think. If the 2nd best player in the world is playing in this shoe for millions of dollars a full size up from his normal size, you’ll be ok making buckets at a dirty 24 hour fitness. One of my teammates got the exact same pair as mine and he loves loves them so don’t let any review from an influencer actual well..influence your decision. Buy what you want not what someone else says is the “best”.
Overall, I find the KD XI a very attractive shoe that does a nice job bridging the gap between off court style and on court functionality. It has decent traction, excellent balanced cushioning, a pretty good fit after break in and a sock like feel (and support for that matter).
*I mentioned the off court appeal because 90% of consumers don’t buy shoes for their intended use*
Is the KD shoe for me? The KD XI works adequately for me but as you all know I want my shoes to excel at everything and while the KD XI has its strengths, I have plenty of other shoes that far outperform its weaknesses such as containment and support. If you wanted a sock like shoe with great cushioning this is your shoe but if you want a little more of everything like I do, there are better shoes at a lower price point.
Overall rating : third team
schwollo.com 
great review as always bro. how’s the cushion on these compared to the 31, or even HDFK2016?
LikeLike
It is very slightly softer than the 31 and HDFK probably due to the React being used instead of phylon. It’s a hard feeling to describe but it’s very nice. Definitely my favorite aspect of the shoe
LikeLike
Nice review as always! That stretchy upper scares me. Could just be a mental thing but I keep spraining my ankle playing in knit uppers so I’ll probably stay away.
How do you like the React/Zoom combo compared to something like the Protro or XXXI unlocked zoom?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yea if it’s mental the only way to overcome it is to play in knits again lol
This combo is better feeling than the protro and xxxi but the React just gives a little more bounce and feel. Probably doesn’t give anymore actual impact protection but feels great
LikeLike
Thanks for another great review.
I had the EYBL for a bit. Really like the cushioning. As you said it’s a great mix of impact absorption and bounce. I hope Nike keeps playing with mixing React with Zoom and implements it in other shoes. Traction was fine. Heel lockdown was also fine. Didn’t like the containment (felt like too much side to side movement and stretch) and they felt tippy for me. In the end I decided they didn’t work for me and my style of play – they felt more like casual shoes or a shoot around shoe. I can definitely see some guys really liking these though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. Didn’t feel tippy to me but if you don’t have confidence in a shoe you won’t enjoy playing in them
LikeLike
I actually like the design quite a bit. Unfortunately the lack of containment is what puts me off. Especially coming back from a pretty bad ankle injury. The KD line has gone in a bit of weird direction in terms of support imo. The 8’s I found great and an improvement over the 7’s. The 9’s were totally adequate support wise, but not spectacular. The 10’s really threw me off. The 11’s completely lost me 😢. Kinda bummed because they all offer so great cushion.
Appreciate your review, very well done as always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
8 was super stable and low to the ground. I still like playing in them.
LikeLike
Nice one! I’m not planning on getting these, but if they hit sales rack- they would definitely be the 90% and rock these casually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol multi purpose
LikeLike
Hm…I might give them a try. I’m only really looking for traction and cushion. All I do is run around and shoot lol.
31 lows are my fave and I’ve also been playing in the Lebron XV lows.
LikeLike
Might work out for you lol
LikeLike
Great review schwollo.
I know you’ve mentioned that the material on the 11’s is stretchy, but did you notice any stretching / material getting looser after playing in the shoes for a while? I actually ended up going a half size up from what I had in my KD 9 and 10s, but I’m a bit worried that the shoe might break in and stretch over time and may become too loose in the end (actually thinking about grabbing another pair in my KD 9 and 10 size now). Thanks.
LikeLike
Sorry for the delayed reply I didn’t see this comment till today. I didn’t notice any additional stretching but it’s hard to tell if it did to be honest with you
LikeLike
Schwollo your best pick from Jordan 1 to 11 for outdoor hooping and these are the only choices I have in my size
LikeLike
Sorry didn’t see this until today. Aj X is my pick. Feels great overall and is durable . One of my favs to play in indoor or out. Aj 1-9 not anything special to actually play in aside from nostalgia
LikeLike
The shoe looks like I would enjoy it, however I’m a bit wary about the stability since some reviews I saw complained about rolling over the footbed. I’m always in the air when I play basketball but I don’t always land perfectly, do you think this shoe would be able to cover some off center landings without tipping?
LikeLike
Rolling over the footbed occurs on cuts and changes of direction so that’s not really in the same “support” area. I will say it is stable and flat but the upper and heel counter is flexible which isn’t great for support. If your goal is staying on court and injury free you probably want to look elsewhere. These feel like a sock with a sole literally
LikeLike
Too bad the shoes soooo supportive and tippy. Anyways, hows the Lebron Soldier 12?
LikeLike
Soldier 12 is very solid. No frills fits well, feels good, good traction..needed to add extra Velcro though lll
LikeLike
Summary of this review sounds like my experience with the LBJ 15….I have tons of shoes that perform better on court but I still managed to find a small spot for them in my rotation because hey, he’s one of my favorite players and I love the cushioning. Sometimes it’s just that simple haha…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol yep !!
LikeLike
Nice review ! But the containment is too much of a problem for me. Can’t understand how any pros can play in these..
Will you be reviewing the HD X ? A team shoe but, they look like a solid all rounders. Hesitating between those and the Soldier XII.
LikeLike
I like the cushion in these shoes and really want them bc they look cool but after seeing pictures of people’s feet coming off the footbed during cuts, I think I’ll have to pass. I play like a running back and need to be able to move confidently. I’ve been using the Kyrie 4 and my space jam 11s as my go to right now . What are your thoughts on the 11s? My only complaint with them is the fit is sloppy as there was just too much toe box room in that pair
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are pretty much my thoughts on the Spacejams..but even with those complaints they are still your go to so it doesn’t really matter imo, go with what you like.
LikeLike
I sized
Down half a size from my true size btw with Jordan xi’s. Patent toe box is too big and that helps a little too . Back the the kd xi, yea same issues with containment as the brand black jc2 and 3 and melo12 etc..
LikeLike
Hey man, I spent months planning the purchase of a Why Not Zer0.1 (a match made in heaven for my game) but fell for this shoe which is weak in the area I care most in a b-ball shoe: containment (talk about being a stupid person). I guess I really wanted to know how this cushioning felt like. I sized down from my regular 10s and although I have regular to narrow feet, I’m having the worst time of my life trying to put these on (even worse than with my regular size KD 9s, which was close to impossible). I haven’t seen anyone mentioning that on their reviews, which is kinda fishy…(cof cof…people don’t really play in these things…cof cof). That’s why I gotta rely on you, our only trusted online review source: is that normal? Will this upper break in? Please help, I still haven’t played in them and if you tell me it will be this way forever I’ll try to return it. Thanks!
LikeLike
Lol you mean will they be hard to put on or will containment be be bad forever ? I had no issues putting them on at all but I do recommend sitting when putting them on. Containment will not get better but it don’t really get worse either since it’s so soft end stretchy already . Hope that helps !
LikeLike
It doesn’t get any better bc the materials are just made that way. Kd wanted a sock and that’s what they gave him lol
I’d stick to the ix and x
LikeLike
Also in my above comment can you change my name to “JJ” so full details aren’t shown lol? Google auto fill smh
LikeLike
I just deleted comment hahaha
LikeLike
Maybe a grippy insoles or socks can help?
LikeLike
I’m not affiliated with this company at all but https://www.lockdowninsoles.com/.
I’m thinking something similar to this or adding some kind of grip to the insole could possibly help.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Would you recommend wearing an ankle brace with these to help prevent ankle injuries since they don’t sound like the most supportive shoes and I dont always land perfectly when I go up to get rebounds or make layups.
LikeLike
Never a bad idea to wear a brace with iffier shoes. Just make sure to strengthen your ankles so you don’t rely on those braces forever
LikeLike
hi Schwollo, how do these compare to the kd 9’s? I had a pair of those that i loved the fit of once they were broken in and didn’t have any issues with except the cushioning was way too bouncy. I was thinking of picking up a pair of the 11’s now that they are on sale in Canada but they have gotten alot of negative attention for the flyknit. I like a light comfy upper but i can’t play in my flyknit runners because they don’t have any structure (I tried once). Do you think the 11s would work? I would like a nice light shoe, probably a low top, to play in but i need some decent cushioning. Any recommendations? I was thinking of trying the kobe 360’s because i tried on some nike react runners and they felt fantastic or I might wait for the hyperdunk x lows to go on sale. I like nike cushioning systems except not air max and feel like adidas boost isn’t good for bball as i feel like it is usually too thin in the forefoot for my tastes. I haven’t tried bounce cushioning…i was also thinking of trying Anta’s KT shoes. I might even give some tennis or even some running shoes a try. Thanks!
LikeLike
There is almost no structure to this flyknit either so if you cut you probably won’t like the feeling of your foot sliding off the footbed. Cushioning is nice though , really nice you’ll like the former yet cushiony feel.
LikeLike
ok thanks…i don’t like the sound of sliding off the footbed although I didn’t have an issue with the flyknit on the 9’s I guess because of the weave and super snug fit…might give them a try…can always return them
LikeLike
You might be ok with the 11 then if you didn’t have any issues with the ix
LikeLike
thanks…i might…i am looking for a light shoe with great mobility…i’m currently using the soldier 11’s which i quite like but I want a light low cut shoe with good cushioning…maybe these will do it… I’ve ordered a pair of the kobe 360’s off ebay to try out but i don’t know if they are actually ever coming since i’ve already been waiting a month…I really liked my kobe 8’s and 9’s but not the bottoming out with the lunarlon…i’d try a cross trainer or tennis shoe but they don’t seem to have enough cushioning for my aging knees
LikeLike
Yea you’re not going to get those Kobe 360s. File a complaint ASAP lol
LikeLike
I hope they are coming…it says they have been shipped and to allow up to 2 months for international shipping…although that seems like quite a long time unless they are being hand delivered 🙂
I thought the KT4’s have full length flash foam…I read some other reviews that were pretty positive although it sounds like they might ride a bit high
LikeLike
No idea not kt4 really on my radar haha
Who’s the eBay seller ? Id4shoes? If they are legit you’ll be fine
LikeLike
Kt4 have some sweet color ways…Anta’s website has good prices and free shipping. The eBay seller is in Israel and shipping was free…they had good reviews from buyers…hope it is legit…like the specs of those 360s and the Lakers colour scheme.
LikeLiked by 1 person
hey, I’m still thinking about picking up a pair of the kd’s…was wondering if you noticed any bottom heavy feeling with that zoom/react midsole combo and the light fly knit upper? Also, did you try the why not zero low’s? I was thinking of trying those out as the full length zoom sounds nice as long as it isn’t squishy like the zoom in the kd 9’s and 10’s…wondering if they are clunky…I really didn’t like that feeling…i also didn’t like the unlocked zoom in the jordan 31’s…i found it to be very distracting. I still haven’t received the kobe 360’s and doubt they are coming…thanks
LikeLike
It’s a little bottom heavy since the upper is just flyknit but not an issue. No to the why not low. I suggest the kd12.great all around out of the box
LikeLike
ok thanks…i tried on the 12’s yesterday…seemed pretty good…maybe not as comfortable as i imagine the flyknit 11’s to be but I might hold off until a good colorway in the 12’s comes out…how did you think the forefoot cushion in the 11’s compares to the 12’s…the heel cushion on the 12’s felt really good
LikeLike
Feels like zoom bb1 which is a great thing
LikeLike
I was also thinking of trying the marquee boost…i tried the harden 3’s and i felt like i could feel the floor through the boost in the forefoot too much for my liking…too much court feel for my taste…are the marquee boost any better do you think?
LikeLike
No not really much diff
LikeLike
ok thanks for taking the time…i might try out the 11’s or maybe wait for a good color way and hopefully a sale on the 12’s…here in Canada these don’t happen very often so it might be 6 months or a year before that 😦 I wish I could order from the US without all the import charges. I just found out my kobe 360’s are going to come in the next 2 weeks so that should be fun.
LikeLike
I finally got those kobe 360’s and I just wanted to let you know i think they are fantastic! the traction could maybe be a little squeakier but otherwise they are hands down the best shoes i’ve ever played in…it feels like next to nothing on your feet…they almost made me feel a few years younger…i didn’t realize a super light shoe could feel so great and that 360 degree flyknit is so delicious.Then there’s the cushioning which is slightly bouncy and responsive and pretty much perfect..at least i hope it stays that way over time…i just might have to grab another pair since i haven’t found another shoe that comes close. Right now you can get them at Champs on-line for $119 FYI…wish i could get free shipping because they are like $220 CND even with that sale price…i’m surprised they haven’t totally sold out they are so nice
LikeLike
Cool glad they worked for you and you got them after 6 weeks lol fit is great on those
LikeLike
thanks…wish they weren’t so over priced…love that lakers colorway though…hope i can find another pair for less $…Canada really sucks for pricing…might try to find another light weight, great cushioned option…maybe Nike will come out with something in the near future
LikeLike
Those new converse all stars that are coming seem to be like a kobe 360 mid. You might want to try those. I’m looking to try the kd 12 personally.
LikeLike
They look good but yea eventually. Retail is pretty high for a converse branded Nike lol
LikeLike
Yeah…I definitely like the 360s but they aren’t cheap and not good outside…I tried that today and they got pretty dirty…do you know how to clean them? I am going to wait for a good price and colorway on the kd12 I think…although I might pick up the multicolor 360s if I can find a good price on ebay
LikeLike
It’s plasticky mesh so laundry detergent dish soap or any soap should work.
LikeLike
Thanks…I tried it and it didn’t get clean… weird
LikeLike
You can also try acetone if it’s rubbed in
LikeLike
If you’re good with the Nxt just keep balling in them. I’ve learned that over the years that looking and searching for a replacement is more costly than anything else
LikeLike
I was thinking about trying out the Anta KT4…have you played in those?
LikeLike
Nope not really interested in them until they give us the good cushioning heel to toe.
LikeLike
Hey…I picked the KD xi on sale and I like them after one run but the top of the heal rubs on my Achilles…does that go away or did you not experience it? I’m trying to figure out a fix I can make to the inside of the heal…any ideas?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Use moleskin to cover your Achilles.
LikeLike
thanks…i’ll do that for now…i’m hoping i can come up with a fix for the shoe so i don’t always have to use the moleskin esp as i would like to wear them casually when i retire them from court duty…dont think i can return them since the sole is pretty dirty after one run although i might try anyways…I might try putting a few layers of moleskin inside the heal of the shoe and see if it stays…or maybe gluing a bit of foam padding inside. If these don’y work I might pick up the kd 12’s, why not zero 2, kobe 1 protro hyperdunk x or lebron 16 low…any recommended option amongst these? I’m not crazy about heavier shoes generally and i think i need a max cushion setup for my old knees which still seem to get a bit sore the next day even with full length zoom and react…never found traction to be an issue although i was skating a bit in those kd’s for the first game but it seemed to be ok after about half an hour and it might have been the crappy gym i was in…I’m leaning towards the why not zero 2 because they are on sale and i like the bright colorway options…thanks
LikeLike
Kd 12 Kobe I or hyperdunk x are my favs out of those although traction not great on the hd x. Full length zoom is thinner than typical heel forefoot set ups but it feels good heel to to toe. All your options are good though
LikeLike
Grew up on watching MJ win 5 champions. All i wore was matching jordan hats,outfits ,socks, mj jerseys. And every edition number except #4’s got jumped in park by like 4-5 older bucks. Held my own but they weren’t letting go of my js i told them u gonna have to kill me then lights out hit with a small metal pole woke up no shoes on. I try to find and save money and I got 2 kids all my money goes to them . what I wouldn’t do for a pair in 9.5
LikeLike