*Let’s face it, Kyrie likes his cushioning on the firmer side so if you’re looking for a soft and plush feeling shoe, this is not it and you can stop reading now*
Kyrie is undoubtedly one of those must see TV players you watch because he’ll do things with the ball you’d never imagine possible in an actual NBA game. Watching him play is like watching an And1 mix tape in real time except the defense is actually trying to stop him. Who the hell wouldn’t want to put on his kicks pretend they can be Uncle Drew for a few hours a day? It ain’t the shoes but it’s fun to pretend.
Pros: traction, firmer blended cushioning, excellent fit, support, stability, containment
Cons: traction needs break in to work, overall cushioning is firmer than most
Best for: guards and Kyrie lovers
Buying Advice: wait as always. Picked these up on discount with no problems at Dicks for $105 plus tax. These are sitting, just wait for discount. Fair is $100ish low around $65-75 range
Weight
16.5 ounces which is slightly heavier than previous Kyries. Same weight as the AJ XI. Dropping bball sneaker weight isn’t a priority anymore nor is it necessary. It’s possible but nobody cares or is competing for lightest shoe anymore.
Traction
These started solid albeit a little slick even on clean floors. However, over time they broke in as the rubber wore in and softened up.
You can see a little peeling which is a good thing since the top layer is wearing down for better traction
On clean floors and when freshly wiped these work great. Some wiping is still needed on dusty floors but it isn’t constantly needed like some other shoes out there.
Not as good as the Kyrie 2 but better than the 1 and about the same as the 3 and 4. There are better options out there but these are more than acceptable.
Cushioning
Photo courtesy of laceuphk
“All new Zoom Turbo, Zoom Turbo is new, redesigned Zoom unit called Zoom Turbo, Zoom Turbo Zoom Turbo Turbo Zoom Zoom Turbo Zoom Zoom”
Have you heard that term enough from Nike and shoeTubers? Here is some insight from the designer I found on YouTube
Gotta make a point of differentiation so Nike invented a new Zoom bag called Zoom Turbo. It sounds like a super tedious process but with automation I can’t imagine it would be that difficult or expensive.
Can you feel it? Yes you can feel it but it isn’t the ultra fun Zoom we all love. Yes it is 240% bigger in surface area but it’s also only 8 mm thick vs a more typical forefoot Zoom thst is usually 10-12. Full length Zoom is usually 8 mm so basically you’re getting half a full length bag. Not to mention the articulation of tiny thin Zoom, compartmented into even smaller units makes the Zoom harder to feel. Make the articulated forefoot Zoom like the OG AJ XIV and now we’re talking fun.
One of the other main selling point Nike gives us is that is Zoom Turbo is more flexible. Lost in the selling point is that the rubber in the shoe, the midsole carrier etc are not segmented so you lose most of that flexibility. I can honestly say I can’t tell a difference in flexibility in the forefoot between the Kyrie 5 or PG2 (PG2 Zoom feels much better to me if you’re wondering)
The phylon is softer than what Kyrie 1-3 had but it isn’t as soft as the Cushlon on the 4. I don’t mind it because it reminds me of Curry 1 Charged foam but if you want Boost or KD IX softness, look elsewhere.
Oh I forgot to mention heel Zoom is gone since the forefoot Zoom is what’s marketed /important now. Flip flopping between saying heel Zoom versus forefoot Zoom importance cracks me up year over year. Here’s an idea: JUST GIVE US BOTH!!
Overall cushioning is for guards who want a firmer blended court feel and is not for players who want more impact protection. Improved? Technically it is and it is an improvement over the 1-3. The 4 is definitely softer overall so decide what you prefer before basing a purchase off a review.
Fit
Inspired by the Venus flytrap. Cool
As a wide footer, and someone who like a finger width at the toe, I went up half a size to 11.5 and they fit me perfectly. True to size fit but Kyries are not that fat feet friendly. If you like having less room, go true to size but wide footers should still stay half a size up. I really doubt anyone will have to size down.
I know lots of people will have a hard tome getting their foot into the Kyrie 5 but just like any other shoe, loosen the laces (pull strap up) and put your foot in. It ain’t rocket science.
Does the strap work?
It’s basically a wide strap that goes under the laces rather than over like we’ve seen in the past so yes it works in the sense that it puts more padding between your foot and the laces to even out lace pressure.
Long straps loop into and through the tiny one. Best to have tiny hands to do this threading.
If you took it off lockdown would be the same but you’d feel the laces a little more ..or you could put more padding in the tongue. However, unlike a traditional strap, you cannot add additional lockdown since it’s literally tied into the laces. I mind how it looks so I can’t complain
The rest of the shoe fit great out of the box with no heel slip or side to side movement. The fit is probably the best part of the show. Well done Nike!
Materials
Engineer mesh that feels like a stiffer Kobe 8 engineered mesh due to more fuse.
You’re definitely not going to mistaken this for Prime or Flyknit but it is softer than what we saw on 1-3 and similar to what the 4. All in all it is decent feeling and looking so no complaints here.
Support and Stability
These are cut fairly high for a mid and there is some stiffness around the ankle collar so hey there is a little extra support. There is already an excellent fit and firm heel counter
Midfoot support is there and it starts out pretty stiff but softens up over time without being overly flexible like a lot of newer shoes.
Stability is fine even with the curved outsole. It feels less pronounced that years past and doesn’t affect stability at all.
No issues at all here.
Containment
Yes!!
Well done Nike!
Conclusion
The first time I saw the Kyrie press release I thought geez this is marketing at its finest. But Nike didn’t charge a whole lot more for the Kyrie 5 and the extra widgets on the Kyrie didn’t hurt anything so I’m not mad at all.
Overall I found the shoe very Kyrie like meaning it feels quick stops fast and just feels like a Kyrie shoe but with just a little more softness than what we saw with the Kyrie 1-3. The Kyrie 4 has softer feel than these so if you like that cushioning set up, stick with the 4. I appreciate the surface area coverage in the forefoot although it isn’t the best feeling Zoom but you can tell it’s there for the most part.
A lot of people feel like this is a great shoe for a great retail price of $130 but really? $130 is a great price ? Ten bucks more (at retail) gets you the Harden V3 which is actually less than $140 since Adidas is having fire sales every other month now. You can get the Kobe AD Exodus or 360 if you jumped on the Nike clearance sales for $140. I can even think of a “budget” sig shoe from Nike that plays more smoothly and just as well for half the price of the Kyrie now.
Better feeling cushioning, great fit, excellent traction for $60-70 bucks ? Even at retail it’s $20 cheaper. Plain and simple PG13 gets no love and his name isn’t worth the same as Kyrie (and to be honest he isn’t quite at that level either). Call the Kyrie 5 the PG2 and the bitching would be non stop. On the flip side, if you put the Kyrie name on the PG2, people wouldn’t stop singing the praises of the shoe. It’s funny how player branding works isn’t it?
People will believe what they want to because their favorite player is attached to the sneaker. Nothing wrong with that but it’s all opinion. Should you buy it now? Nope. The Black Magic is just sitting and the Tacos were easy to get if you wanted them. Kyrie is great but he’s not Kobe or Lebron or MJ so just sit back we prices fall with all general release shoes. Trigger worthy around $100 with low prices in the mid 60’s to 70’s. Limited quantity and selling out is not that same as actually selling out of a shoe *see AJ XI*
I do really like the Kyrie 5 overall and I feel like it’s more like an evolution of the Kyrie 3 and is almost totally unrelated to the Kyrie 4. Where did that segmented outsole/ Zig Zag on the sole go Nike btw #gimmicks
This is a very good shoe that does everything well with great traction, fit, and decent cushioning. Zoom Turbo might be “new” but it doesn’t feel or do anything better than a regular thicker forefoot Zoom bag. I think if you love Kyrie and get inspired by the shoe then you’ll love the shoe but don’t be fooled into thinking there is anything ground breaking with the “tech” in the shoe.
Personally, I want to love the shoe and be blown away by some aspect not just like it and the Kyrie 5 falls short for me in that aspect. So with that the Kyrie 5 gets a very solid second team rating.
schwollo.com 
My take on the weight of shoes:
Let’s use road running shoes as examples first. In my experience, you can easily tell the difference between lighter and heavier road running shoes because:
1. All road running shoes have pretty minimum uppers, so the weight difference is mostly coming from the soles.
2. Heavier soles are usually denser and less comfortable/flexible (not always), and that combined with minimum uppers make the shoes bottom heavy.
3. Running is about repeating simple motions and doesn’t require you to do all kinds of movements like basketball does.
4. Unlike basketball shoes, running shoes are simple tools that are made to get you from A to B. Usually no story telling BS and marketing jokes (unless it’s from nike/adidas/ua).
In my size (US11):
0 ~ 6 ounces: Feather weight. Super minimum from top to bottom. Short distance race shoes.
7 ~ 9 ounces: The sweet spot. Usually well-cushioned and nimble. Versatile shoes that can do pretty much anything. Ultra marathon runners go with these.
10 ~ 12 ounces: Most “traditional” trainers are in this range. Asics Nimbus/Kayano, Brooks Adrenaline/Glycerin, etc. They usually have more structures in the midsole, which make them feel even heavier than the actual numbers. These are the shoes made for slower runs and more protection.
13 and more: Usually motion control shoes that have super structured midsoles. Feel like dumbbells on your feet.
The logic behind choosing running shoes is: find something that has enough support and cushion for your run, and then shed as much weight as possible.
I have no doubt that some great runners can run in some over 13 ounce trainers, but it’s just not necessary when there are lighter, softer, and faster (literally) options out there.
Basketball shoes are not that much different, after all we just need some shoes to play basketball in.
However, bball shoes are made very differently. The weight is more evenly distributed, and the stack height is generally lower than “traditional” trainers. Therefore. some basketball shoes may not feel as heavy as their weight numbers show. The Harden 3, for example, is not a light shoe, but it sure plays like one.
That being said. If shoes around 10 ounces can satisfy all your needs, what’s the point of playing in something around 18 ounces?
I ask myself that question everytime I look at my Lebron 16. They work really well for me, but I can play just as confidently in a pair of Kobes without any problems. The extra weight of Lebron 16 will be noticeable after playing for over 2 hours, and that’s something I don’t have to deal with when I play in lighter shoes.
Surely there are more factors to consider when choosing a pair of bball shoes, but I do think the logic of choosing running shoes can be applied here as well. If there are several options that all suit your needs pretty well, your brain will tend to go with the lighter one.
I think that’s why so many players and shoetubers love the Kobe 6. It does everything very well, and it’s super light. There are plenty other shoes that perform well in all aspects with no real weakness, but I think Kobe 6 is the lightest among them.
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and i apologize for this super lengthy comment
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Lol thanks for taking the time to write that!
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Thanks for cranking out several reviews the past few weeks Schwollo.. you are a basketball playing, sneaker review writing machine lol.
Boring cushioning, gimmicks and recycled colorways? I almost wish Kyrie could change shoe companies and see what Adidas or even UA could do with a player of his popularity. Doesn’t sound this is a bad shoe by any means, but definitely doesn’t seem like anything special either..
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People seem to like the Kyrie 5 in general and it’s looks. I think it’s a solid shoe but not really what I’m looking for.
Got a few more reviews to finish the year! Thanks for always reading Grittyman!
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I was curious but also a little skeptical about Zoom Turbo. Sounds like those seams really limit how much you can feel the Zoom. I guess it’s not revolutionary or different enough like unlocked Zoom was.
Btw would you have any recommendations, something with cushion (playing on concrete is rough on the knees lol), traction, outsole durability for outdoor hoops shoes? I was thinking Jordan 32 lows, Why Nots, CLB 2018. I know the first 2 have XDR versions, do you know if that makes a big difference? Thanks and great review as always!
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Go for the Why Nots or 32 lows. Not only isn’t the cushion nice and bouncy, they’re cheap as heck on eBay and at Finish Line.
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Yeah haha def looking for cheap kicks to play in outdoors and those prices on eBay are tempting…
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Xdr is a little more durable than regular but all depends on how you move cut and stop. All three of those are good shoes . Clb and 32 uppers might get torn up outdoors depending on your toe dragging.
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Great review! I’ve yet to get a pair because the styling is so similar to the 4, that they don’t feel necessary unless the performance is way better. I’ve come to accept that neither the Kyrie or Curry lines will ever have even semi plush cushion (though the 4 was nice) and have avoid them if I can’t replace the insoles with aftermarket ones – which seems impossible in UA kicks. [side note: WHYYYYY won’t they use Micro G anymore??😫].
That being said, if I can find these for $90, I’ll cop out of curiously but it doesn’t sound like they’d crack my regular rotation as my old knees need something soft for landings.
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Gotta see how the Curry 6 feels. I’m hoping it is way better than the Hovr havoc. Kyrie 5 has a very familiar kyrie 3 feel to them overall but slightly better imo. I wish I knew why UA stopped w micro g but I’m guessing it’s costs more than anything
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Merry Christmas man! Even if it already feels like Christmas for us readers whenever you put out a new review lol. Here’s to hoping the Curry 6 do indeed feel good, he’s playing like an MVP this season! #KDwho
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Ha it ain’t the shoes but the Curry 6 looks nice! Too bad he played poorly his first game in them. We will see if hovr can feel better than the HOVr In the Havoc . Similar pricing to the Havoc but full length plus curry name makes more sense than buying the Havoc from a price standpoint
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Hey Schwollo! Great review on these Kyries!
Just wondering, have you played in the Hyperdunk 2011 elites? If so, what are your thoughts on them?
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I have played in them. Great shoe all around sits a little higher than other hyperdunks but zoom and traction are great. Upper is plasticky though
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Thanks for the reply!
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How are you able to get new releases at a discount? Aren’t new items excluded? Thanks.
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Not at dicks in store . Even so just wait two-three weeks for restrictions to be lifted
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I know this is like a hybrid mid/low. I’m not a fan of lows I prefer mids like the hyperdunk. Would I like these? Or do you think they play more like a low.
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Plays more like a mid than a low. Former than most ankle collar
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Thanks for replying! Yeah, I’ve been playing in my hyperdunk 2017s for the last year and I love them, but they’re starting to break down. Just picked up the pro bounce and was thinking of picking these up as well. I love my HD17s- the traction is insane, I still barely wipe and stick like glue. I didn’t have a problem with the react cushion in them. I can tell you I had crazy knee pain in the curry 4s but zero issues in the HD17. Was thinking of copping another pair on ebay or something but always like trying new models.
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We all like trying new kicks but 90% of the time I end up going with the ones I’m familiar with versus “upgrading”.
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Yo I just picked these up. Did your traction have to break in? I’m ice skating out here. It’s not my court because I switched to the pro bounce halfway through and stuck like glue. Love the fit of these so I’m gonna keep em in rotation for a few weeks but man I have no confidence I’m not gonna slide out on every crossover.
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Yes you need to break them in. Still not perfect but give it some time
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On a 1-10 scale how good were these on dusty floors?
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7-8 ish after break in
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