My Top 5 Rotation *updated* sort of
Written by schwollo
“Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose”
The more things change the more they remain the same. – Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr
It’s been awhile since I updated my post on my current rotation so here’s what I’ve been playing in lately when things matter most. If it’s just pickup or a scrubby team I’ll go outside of this which is where I do my of my reviewing.
I’ve learned over the past few years after reviewing tons of shoes, technically a shoe can be all tops on all categories but if you have a sorry game or two or three in them, it all goes out the window. If you love a shoe and have had success in them in the past, you’re more likely to have confidence in them versus something new. That’s how little actual “performance” does with true confidence and your ability to put the ball in the bucket . Yea yea I do review shoes but I review it for fun. Some atttbutes are very important (traction and stability..you can’t play if you’re injured, while others aren’t at all *cough materials*
Here is my currebt rotation and what I’ve been reaching for. Missed out on shoes from the past dozen years? Fear not, I added some alternates below
Kobe VI
My review on the VI wasn’t an ode to greatness like Jakes but lately something about it just makes me pick it up. Fits great, it’s cushioned well in the heel with just enough cushioning In the forefoot. Weight doesn’t matter to me but at sub 10 ounces you aren’t getting any lighter. Stable underfoot and very good traction esp after break in make this one of those shoes you should stock up on. eBay GOAT Stock X. Buy then slightly used and you can still get a great pair around $130.
Kobe IV
I flip flop between the VI and IV now. Slightly better traction and even wth Lunar foam, these still beat out the latest and greatest. Doesn’t hurt I’ve had a lot of great games and memories in these.
Curry 2
I don’t think you all need to see my Curry collection so here’s one of my favorite 2’s
Can’t say enough about this shoe. I love how it looks still, love the traction, stability and the firmer yet blended cushioning on these. Doesn’t hurt that it’s my favorite player’s show even though it was the 3-1 lead year. $60 bucks on clearance, yes please. Yep you can still get these on eBay Stock X GOAT for about the same ultra low price
Lebron Soldier VI
This is my “plusher” ride shoe. Does everything well, Zoom is perfect for me in the heel and forefoot. Traction is excellent, supportive and stable with a great fit heel to toe. This was another shoe I stocked up for about $55 bucks on average
Kobe I OG or Protro
All a sudden everyone jumped on the Protro train and lauded the Kobe I…twelve years later.
I still love mine and Nike did a great job with the Protro even if it’s $175. Great fit, A1 traction and very stable underfoot make these a great performer. Not surprisingly you can get these under retail on eBay Stock X and GOAT. $140-$125seems to be the going price. I’ve probably gone through half a dozen pairs or more of these and these old guys shoe some battle scars and glue but still play great.
Nike Zoom BB1
Ok so I couldn’t keep the rotation down to 5. The Aj XXXI solid outsole is a good alternative (do not buy the translucent outsole, it did not improve on the low top version)
Air Jordan XIV
Sorry this is the shoe that got me thinking about shoes I love to play in. The retro is good but it ain’t the OG. Still perfect if only they’d hold up.
Jordan X
What? Yep simple designs just work. Review will be written eventually.
This and that
If you look at my rotation you’ll notice a few things.
1) Where’s Adidas?
Harden V2, Rose V-VII, Explosive Bounce are the only ones I’d consider player in. I think Adidas has improved their cushioning a ton thanks to Boost and Bounce but it takes more than cushioning to win me over. It is fun to mess with the CLB16 after I added extra eyelets and I can’t complain with Adidas’s crazy cheap sales lately.
2) Where’s UA?
The Curry 2 is just that good for me. I still enjoy the CFD1 but I like the less squishy feeling and better traction of the Curry 2. Curry 3-5 have been very unremarkable for me (curry 4 is ok but I was very put off by UA’s coyness with EVA. Yep I have principles people)
3) Shoes excel in all aspects
Every shoe excels at traction, stability with a lower profile cushioning while maintaining a good to excellent fit and containment. Some guys and girls like blondes some like brunettes no wrong answer here.
4) Materials are immaterial
Materials are pretty plasticky or synthetic in my rotation..most flexible is the Kobe VI while the stiffest is the Lebron VI. Once you start playing, 1-2 mm of material is not going to affect your play. Sure knits are more comfortable if you’re just walking around and it’s why socks aren’t made of fuse but when you’re playing your mind doesn’t notice the difference..at least mine doesn’t.
5) Newer does not equal better
My rotation consists mostly shoes from the 2008- 2012. Newer is almost never better. Old shoes just get worn out so you stock up when you find the One. Marketers need to keep product moving if they want to get paid.
I know not everyone has the same methodology as I do about stocking up but I’ve been searching and searching and searching for years and look at what I end up with? A bunch of shoes that are older than some kids who watch YouTube for reviews. The best part about my top 5 is that I paid less than retail on every pair. Kobe IV’s cost me about $80-100 back then same with the VI. While the Kobe I cost me $35 (Kobe wasn’t popular back). Lebron Soldier VI and Curry 2’s averaged about $60-80. So when you hear that’s a pretty good retail price from reviewers, you can always do better by about 40%.. and don’t worry I’m making a list of the top shoes you can still cop for way under retail.
I can’t get any of your Top 5
Yes you can, you just have to search on EBay, Stock X or GOAT or a sneaker convention or Facebook group. Just because it isn’t available in stores doesn’t mean it’s unattainable. Buy them slightly used if you want to save money because just like a car, they are worth a lot less after they hit the pavement..who’s foot took that first step is the one that pays the brunt of the depreciation. That being said, I’m not responsible for foot fungi.
So if you want to buy something newer, here are some pretty good alternatives.
Kobe AD Mid:
I think this shoe is great in all aspects except the white uppers pick up dirt like a swiffer. Upper starts out a little stiff but breaks in. Feels great underfoot, has excellent traction and fits great as well. At outlets and secondary markets for under $75 dollars.
Kobe AD Exodus: not done with the review but check out Luvmykicks review.
I cosign everything so far from my experience although I wish the medial arch (midfoot) was wider. A little more socklike and flexible upper than the AD Mid.
PG2
Technically not that impressive but nothing wrong with this shoe at all. Forefoot Zoom is good, heel cushioning is decent and traction is excellent. One of those shoes you kind of forget about (I need to give this a first rating in my review). Did I mention they are cheap right now? $65 or less. Slap a bigger marquee name on the shoe and these would cost about $125-130 retail.
Hyperdunk 2017
I didn’t review the low but I’ve tried them on and they fit great out of the box. Probably a littler firmer than most people like but I had zero issues with the cushioning and they are $80 or less for all models. Just the right amount of compression and springback with excellent traction.
AJ 32, Lebron Soldier IX, XI and XII
Soldiers aren’t worth squat in the collecting world so you can easily get theses for under $80. I personally like the XII the most but the strap might sit too tight for some. The XI has excellent traction as well.
Jordan 32 isn’t exactly a favorite of mine but the big Zoom reminds me of the Soldier VI. Good shoe overall just missing a little something for me. Outlet prices are under $100
Curry 3Zero2
Fuglier than Lebrons feet. I think UA had an in house contest to come up with a design they felt was so polarizing that people would think it had to be a good shoe if it were that ugly. Luckily for us it does play well. Very light and flexible yet ultra stable underfoot. Or just buy the Curry 2 it’s very easy to come by for cheap. Wait for MyFitnessPal coupons or when they get to Marshall’s. Ain’t nobody wearing these not even Seth.
schwollo.com 
My experience with your top 5:
Kobe VI: Top eyelets are a bit too low and the laces cut into my tendons when laced tightly. Forefoot cushion feels pretty dead. Nothing too special for me. However the lifestyle shoe Kobe Icon that used Kobe Vi’s midsole feels really nice underfoot while playing. Don’t know what they changed, probably the foam compound.
Kobe IV: Perfect shoe. No lace pressure thanks to the super padded tongue. Fits like a glove. Feels like an extension of your feet. The midsole foam actually feels pretty nice so the cushion is not bad at all, even with the short-living lunarfoam pad. Too bad my pair has fell apart already.
Curry 2: Don’t enjoy that Charged midsole. Nothing too exciting like the Kobe Vi for me. The Black Ice is still my favorite UA shoe. Real Micro G for the win.
Soldier Vi: Have a pair but could never play ball in them. The forefoot rubber caging really has no give to it, and my right foot has some lateral weight bearing problems. So a few bones in my right foot would hurt like crazy when I try to jump in these shoes. I really want to like the shoe because everything else feels really nice, but I just can’t play in them.
Kobe I: Have the OG but not the protro. Cushion feels pretty dead now but it’s probably due to age and usage. The major issue I have is the heel containment and support, which is caused by its width. The heel cup is just super wide and my heels don’t feel secure and supported while playing in them.
Overall I think I need a bit more cushion than you do, and I don’t value traction that much as long as the shoes don’t slide.
My current rotation: Why not zero 1, Dame 4, Jordan 12, old AND1 Taichi PE
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Yep the Kobe I cushioning does die eventually thsts why I kept rotating them out over the years . Heel counter gets bent and flimsy too. Maybe try double socking for yourself? I had heel slip with the Kobe iv on some pairs due to the insole heel pushing my heel up to much but eventually it went away. Try swapping with a flatter insole. Black ice is nice wish traction was a little better I need to write a few retro reviews on older ua and adidas shoes. Black ice got me hooked on Micro G. That’s a good rotation you got. Never really loved the XII but cushioning is nice
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Yeah I never loved Jordan 12 before either. Always felt super bulky like I’m wearing boots. After my recent surgery and the rehab process tho, I started testing shoes I didn’t like before, and found the 12s to have a pretty interesting combo of cushioning and support. It feels like a hard biscuit with cream filling inside. The impact of jumpshot landings are absorbed by the nicely cushioned filling, and the hard shell keeps you stable at the same time. Unlike something like LBJ10 which would compress too much during landings and feel very unstable.
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Hhah so a beard papas cream puff . Cushioning is great and I think Jb made the retros better than the OG. Really durable too
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Are Kobe Icons a good alternative for the kobe 6s? They use the same tooling.
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Go with the hyper attack same shoe different upper same cushioning set up . Jake st the gym Rat who loves the vi said he loves these
https://www.allvolleyball.com/product/nike-mens-air-zoom-hyperattack-volleyball-shoe/mens-volleyball-shoes
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Is traction better or worse and what is the weight difference?
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Hyper attack? Better it’s regular herringbone. Weight is about the same according to Jake
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I have played in them. The forefoot zoom was removed but for whatever reason, the midsole foam feels better than Kobe VI’s. Lockdown from midfoot to heel is also better than Kobe VI. However, there’s no laces in the forefoot area, and the upper materiel is not supportive enough to hold your feet during lateral movements. So it feels really insecure while playing. If you played in Brandblack JC2 and loved that, you’d probably love Kobe Icon.
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Thanks!
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Well, this post was a nice surprise! Hahaha @ “Materials are immaterial!”
Random reactions:
– I thought you liked the Curry 2.5s better than the 2s. But maybe I’m confusing my takeaway from your reviews of the two shoes with your actual preference (maybe you’d said the cushioning was slightly softer on the 2.5s).
– You should put the Harden V2s on there. Hahaha! Just kidding. Obviously it’s a subjective list. They’re definitely in my top 5.
– You’re right about the HD17’s cushioning—little firmer than I’d like. Otherwise, I love the shoe, and they’re always in my gym bag as backups for when it’s too dusty for the V2s or the new pair I’m trying to break in starts hurting my feet.
– I used to think Zoom Air was the pinnacle but I’ve come to prefer the evenness of a full foam midsole, knowing that, however my foot strikes, the cushioning is gonna be about the same. Think this is why the V2s edged out the 31 Lows for me (they make for damn comfortable beaters, though!). It’s clear from your top 5 and other reviews that you like a good Zoom-based setup.
– I still haven’t gotten any 32s, but they keep hanging around/getting mentioned, and I’m a little intrigued. I know you’ve said they feel too much like a shoe, but given that I love playing in the V2s, which are kinda like tanks, I think I might not mind that aspect of the 32s. But I also just got done talking about liking foam setups better than Zoom. Haha!
– The Jordan X was another surprise. Never had a pair, but their looks have grown on my, so now I’m kind of intrigued. Just from the appearance of the outsole, I’m surprised their traction meets your standards.
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I do love good Zoom and slightly firmer overall cushioning but I appreciate a good cushioning regardless of brand (that’s why I try to describe it than just rate and rank it.
Lots of Nike in my rotation probdvly bc it’s 30 years of ten-twenty releases by Nike vs 4-5 years of UA and Adidas with about 3-4 from each. The odds aren’t good.
Harden v2 is great def on the list for best shoe this year and best value considering the crazy discounts.
Jordan X traction is surprisingly good. Think Harden V2 but even softer rubber. Even with the plain Airsole and foam set up, it feels great even if it’s not Zoom. Maybe if they fall apart I’ll Boost it hahah
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Aaaaaand that’s (one of the reasons) why you’re a superior reviewer!
Good point re. numbers game and odds. Glad UA and adidas have been coming on strong as of late at least.
Jordan X sounds good! Haha @ Boosting it. How’s LBJ II project going?
Hey! For a guy who prefers to play in mids, a surprising 40% of your top joints are lows! Hahahaha!
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Hahha I’ve been feeling spry lately thus the 2 lows. Jordan X just works and it’s understated.
Lebron ii Boost project left shoe is done and feels good but not fantastic in the forefoot like I’d hoped but they are wearable again and I don’t bottom out since it has some Boost now. I haven’t had time to do the right shoe yet (plus my glue job was horrible in appearance). I am fixing other flat Zoom now which is nice (2k4 met bag went out and same with some Zoom trainer 1 I have). Much easier job to do than Lebron ii
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Haha, glad you’re feeling spry! Love that choice of words, too—haha! Dunno if it was the marketing/reported science around the early lowtop Kobes or just great performance of the Vs and VIs (never tried the IVs 🤭), but I’ve been pretty pro-low ever since.
Thanks for the targeted cushioning swap updates. Sounds like you’re getting the process down pat! What makes the LeBrons trickier than the others?
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Haha science says it doesn’t matter although some studies I read were kind of done in in a dumb way. I’ve asked a few doctors and PT’s and they stick to mids so I don’t know who or what to believe. I just stick to what’s works for me.
The lebrons have been tougher bc I had to shave down the Boost to fit the tpu pieces that held the Zoom in (left enough space to let it “expand” into the tpu.
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Ugh, well, I just rolled my ankle yesterday morning (landing an ill-advised off-balance jumper), so maybe those Docs and PTs are right. Haha! Damnit.
Gotcha re. LeBrons… “unlocked” Boost?
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lol RICE time !
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You know it! Spent most of yesterday and almost all of today (took the day off from work) posted up on the couch. About to attempt to sleep on the couch tonight, too—easy to keep ankle elevated up on the backrest pillows.
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Are you gonna Test the Anta KT 3 or 4?
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No plans right now . I’m sure they will get good reviews
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Kobe 6 was my first signature basketball shoe, also my high school shoe so it’ll always be my favorite sneaker. When they protro it, I just might get every color.
I have the 32 lows and at first loved them but overtime, I’ve benched them. I don’t trust the traction anymore and I don’t like how the collar digs into my ankle. It doesn’t hurt but i dont like the feeling
If I had to pick one shoe that I find most reliable, it’d be the kyrie 4. No complaints from me, the traction never fails and I feel very locked in no matter the move
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Hahah yes the vi is great. Kyrie 4 is a good shoe just not my fav. Glad that you didn’t follow my list bc I’m not the end all !
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Great write up! Finally starting to catch up on the reviews. Summers been really busy – basketball and shoes have been on the back burner.
Can’t say I’m too surprised overall at the list – but a little surprised a DRose 7 didn’t make the honorable mention list.
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Haha summers are tough esp w kids
I kinda left the Rose 7 in the adidas list. 5-7 all get some playing time but I’ve left them in the back of the closet. It’s still a top 10-15 for me though and technically it’s awesome but past good play and experience with older shoes just made me shuffle them to the back. Hope it isn’t too cold in Canada !
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I’m on board with the stocking up consensus. For me it’s the Soldier 9 and 11, dlillard 2, clb2016, and newer in my rotation the Kobe 1 protro. There’s just something about them that I like, love, and trust just for that extra boost in how I can perform.. like a trustworthy companion 🙂
To put into more logical sense, it’s more onto how you remember playing in them that suits you so well, aaaaaaanddd not to worry if you bust a pair haha
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Bingo! Your list is easily stock up able !
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I really enjoyed reading this list!
Shoes I wish so hard I would’ve doubled up or tripled up on even though they’d probably be unplayable now.
Nike Air Jet Fight
Nike Hyperflight
Dada Sprewells
Reebok Question and Answer I
As I’m getting older I’m getting way more pickier about my needs and like someone else said I’m starting to prefer foams nowadays
I have the Harden Vol 2s, KD7s, Protros, AJ 12 and KDX in my rotation although lately it’s been all Vol 2.
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That’s a great list all slightly different while mine are all kind of the same haha. Harden 2 very underrated for some reason.
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The DADAs have been retroed in China/Japan, you can probably get some from resellers if you don’t know the languages.
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Thanks for the heads up! I’m out east right now, I’ll take a look.
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Love this! And I love my Kobe XI’s! The midsoles were separating pretty bad, but I just reglued then with some Infinity Cement and they’re right back on the court. Lol
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*Kobe VI’s
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Never tried infinity cement is it good?
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It’s amazing. It’s hands down the best stuff I’ve used for sole seperation. Strong and flexible. It’s a little expensive but it lasts a long time.
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I’ll check it out!
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Schwollo can you break in the kyrie 4 Traction more because if you break it in it will be better watch sole bros kyrie 4 Traction update
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Cool , there is your answer ?
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Yup maybe if you break in yours it will have good traction
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Nice list, I never had the money to buy the older Kobes back in the day, so I’m looking forward to trying them in the Protro line (that name gets more corny with time, just like Kobe). For comparison, my current rotation consists of:
Top 3:
PG 2 (I find it just a good all around shoe, and the cheap sale prices help)
Kobe X (one of my favourite shoes despite what Kobe stans say, don’t @ me)
HD 2017 FK (for when I know I’ll need good traction)
The Occassionals:
CLB 2015 (I still love that volt cw)
AJ 32 Low (I liked it at the beginning, but just started to get tired of how it’s clunkiness never really went away)
Curry 2 (these would by heavier in my rotation, except I got the All Star cw and it’s translucent outsole is nowhere near as good as the solid ones)
As always, appreciate the reviews you put out.
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Pg2 is great. It will probably move up to first team for me. No flaws really . And yep 2017 hd traction is great!
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Great rotation schwollo, this content is what the people wanna see. Honestly I have yet to try the protro but I will find the undefeated one (gum sole or OG camo). I really dig the Kobe 4 still. Trying to find more colorways. But I definitely want to get any pair at this point cause I don’t wanna pay too much. Glad they’re making a protro version of it. Hopefully durable cushion. Not a fan of the 6, just don’t like how long it takes to break in. Especially TRACTION. Don’t like playing with the same shoe almost every day. Keep up the good work tho!
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👍
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Great article. Your unbiased reviews are always on point and that’s why I come to your site first and most often. I love the AJ X and have been playing in retros for years (just broke in the dark shadow colorway). When I saw the X mentioned on your list, I was pleased. Any chance you could drop your expert knowledge and opinions on an Air Jordan 10 review?
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Haha I’m trying but really been swamped with work and life hahah. You don’t need my review if you already love them. But I’ll try to get around to it!
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No worries, man. I appreciate your articles and the fact you do them because you love sneakers. I’m 35 and always get crazy looks from the young bloods because I wear retros. Like you, I try to explain to them that new isn’t always better. They can keep their 33s, I’ll take my 10s and 13s any day. Haha
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Hahha 33 is not my cup of tea.
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Have you played extensively in the TMac 1’s. I feel like getting a pair since I dig the look. But I dunno, is it going to kill my feet?
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Yep back in the day. I had plans on writing an The Archive review but haven’t gotten around to it. It won’t kill your feet at all the cushioning is adiprene and feels ok not really springy. Cushioning feels dead now after nearly twenty years. Slightly heel slip even half a size down but the rest of the fit is good. Traction is good enough nothing spectacular. But damn they still look good
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“I know not everyone has the same methodology as I do about stocking up but I’ve been searching and searching and searching for years and look at what I end up with?” – I apply the same method.
“Shoes that are older than some kids who watch YouTube for reviews” – and older than some of the newer Youtubers who claim to know about shoes.
“Kobe IV’s cost me about $80-100 back then same with the VI. While the Kobe I cost me $35 (Kobe wasn’t popular back). Lebron Soldier VI and Curry 2’s averaged about $60-80.” – How I miss the days when Kobes and Lebrons weren’t collectors items.
“don’t worry I’m making a list of the top shoes you can still cop for way under retail” – I’m waaaaiting….
Great read per usual Schwollo…Thanks for the wisdom.
PS: I had an opportunity to try on the Curry 4 in store and I love the low to the ground feel and court feel should be amazing! But my knees would hate me if I wore those to ball..Would a micro-G insole (or cushioned insole of any kind) help with those?I’m just curious.
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Haha everything is a collectible now and I admit I am/was one of those collectors. It’s fun but damn it takes up a lot of space time and money so now I’m selling off the pairs i don’treally care about .
Shoetubers can get a following just by being active on social media and putting out content..doesn’t have to be any good or even entertaining though. Production quality matters more than actual content nowadays which is sad.
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What about the D Rose 6 and Jordan Super.fly 3 PO?
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Rose 6 is nice when I want more cushioning but it’s not what I look for anymore. Superfly solid as well but I have other personal preferences. Both super solid shoes though
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Considering Kobe 1 Protro and Kobe 4 Protro… With nicer traction and durability, which one would you recommend? (Play guards or sometimes SF)
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Since Kobe 4 not released yet, could you assess these two based on the Kobe 4 og?
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Do you want a low or a mid is the main question imo. Traction is about the same, the IV is more durable since the upper is synthetic and not leather.
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Don’t care whether it’s mid or low… cause my ankles are strong compared others
And I think I saw a review about Kobe 4 that its stability is good even though it’s low because of nice outriggers
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Yea very stable maybe you read my review haha
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You have the most bbshoes reviews(from nearly 20 years or more to nowadays) compared to others and thanks for keep reviewing them!!!
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Haha no thank you for reading!
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