Nike Zoom Freak 1 Performance Analysis Review and Comparison

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Buckle up folks because this is a fun, if not imperfect ride with the Zoom Freak 1.

So if you read my Price Is Right post, you’d know right off the bat that Nike’s cost more than other brands and by adding a freshly crowned MVP sig to a shoe you know that $120 is really about $110-100 shoe (think Run the one or Hyperchase or Hyperlive). Tuned out already? Well sometimes/usually a $100 shoe can outplay a more expensive shoe.

For $120 you get a very solid shoe that does everything well like its namesake…except shoot 3’s. You’ll get there Giannis….baby steps or in your case, giant baby steps? And I know it isn’t the shoes but damn I’ve been on a tear since I laced these up. #freakyindeed

Pros: traction on clean floors, decent after break in on dusty floors, smooth and low to the ground yet comfortable cushioning, decent Zoom in the heel, exceptional fit, very stable, containment

Cons: traction needs break in time still not quite top tier traction, cushioning is not ultra bouncy or exciting to play in, no midfoot shank

Buying advice: they will make a lot of these because budgety sig shoes outsell/ sell more than their pricier counterparts (Econ 101). And Nike likes that cheddar

Sizing : true to size

Best for: players who value court feel, definitely not for those wanting plush cushioning

Weight

13 ounces which is about average for non Adidas. . Most lows are around 13-14.5 while adidas averages 15-17 ounces.

Is it a low or a mid?

It’s pretty much the same height as the Kobe IV which is probably why it fits and feels so good for me. I took some comparison shots next to the Kobe IV and the PG 3 (which it will get compared to most often due to the price). I consider these lows but a higher cut low which is the best of both worlds and helps with the fit in the heel.

Kobe IV is actually a shade taller

I order mids typically but if the shoe fits well and I feel safe, I really don’t care what kind of cut it is. I rarely have any issues with Nike lows and these are no different thanks to the slightly higher height which puts the top eyelet in the right spot to pull my ankle and foot down and back.

Traction

I wasn’t sure how this was going to work out but I was pleased that they stuck pretty well after break in. The first few runs were on relatively clean floors so that let me break them in before taking on dustier floors and I had zero issues on clean or lightly dusty floors.

Moving vertically (downhill, straight), I had no issues partially because the solid portion of the outsole is on the medial side (inside) which is where the majority of your foot pressure when you’re moving forward and backward.

The solid parts of the outsole are soft and flexible which helps save the overall traction.

Lateral movements were fine as well after break in and if you really want to be anal, you can feel a slight slide sometimes on the translucent part until the solid portion catches. I don’t think the transluscent portion is overly sticky but the pattern itself is very firm and thick (that’s what she said) and doesn’t flex much (that’s what..). If you ID the Freak 1, and do a full solid outsole, I think the traction will improve a little but the firmness of the Rose area doesn’t really deflect or flex much.

Overall I think the traction is good overall, not the best ever, but I’m more than happy with it. It’s not a shoe I would be afraid to play with in dusty floors but I have other shoes that do a better job with dust if need be. Wiping is required on dustier to very dusty floors but I didn’t have major issues on less dusty or pristine floors at all.

Traction Comparison: PG3> Kobe IV > Freak

Cushioning

“Double stacked heel zoom in the heel”

Oooh that sounds so sexy and bouncy and fun like Kate Upton but in reality it just feels like a normal heel Zoom unit.

A teeny tiny bit of protrusion to force the Zoom unit to push up into the foot just a teeny tiny bit more

Thanks Fastpass

At 8mm thick, which is what you typically get in a full length Zoom unit, you get a decent Zoom feel but it’s so targeted and skinny relative to the entire heel that the the bounce isn’t overly pronounced even double stacked. Keep in mind, that a few millimeter of that 16.64mm is the Zoom housing so you’re pretty much at the same place as a regular Zoom unit. Most Zoom units, full length included, are wider so you can feel the Zoom on off center heel strikes. (A typical heel unit is 10-14mm and about 20-25% wider btw). Which would you rather have ? Twin beds stacked on top of each other or a fat California King? I like the bounce and feel of the Kobe IV heel which 14-15 mm as a single and the Pg 3 forefoot more.

The rest of the cushioning is just Phylon which is very similar to the Phylon on the HDX, PG and AD Exodus but sits lower than the others at around 20-22 mm based on my Frozen ruler estimations. I’d have to say of those three it feels most similar to the Exodus although I think the Exodus feels a touch thicker and springier overall and the heel feels springier as well. *Side note* I really wish that heel on the Exodus wasn’t so rounded for my tastes because I really liked playing in it but my luck and experience with rounded heels like that are no bueno.

You can see the non ortholite insole which Is just like the Kobe IV. I think the blue Ortholites are janky (thanks Steph) and too porous

Some people will be like ohh who plays on their heels ? They should have put Zoom in the forefoot for extra oomph. Truth be told it won’t add any oomph to your step or 2 inch vertical so don’t worry about it. Giannis wore the Kobe X a lot as well as the Exodus so I guess that’s just his preference and he does just fine in heel only set ups. It would have been more fun if they put Zoom in the heel and forefoot like the HD X but for a $120 MVP you gotta expect fewer bells and whistles.

Cushioning Plushness: PG3> Kobe IV> Freak

*This doesn’t mean any one is better it’s just a reference*

Fit

True to size, it’s so simple people

I bought true to size and half a size up and half a size up left me a full thumb nail lengthwise while TTS was a finger width which is what I expected. No issues width wise either true to size since the shoe isn’t ultra narrow and the upper isn’t constricting. If you got monsteroisly wide feet go up half a size up you still won’t get any heel slip you’ll just have a little extra length. Speaking of heel fit, the heel design just locks in your foot a lot like the Kobe IV which I love.

Overall I had the right amount of toe space, zero side to side movement and an awesome heel fit.

Well done Nike

Fit Comparison: Freak=Kobe IV> PG3

Materials

I don’t care about materials as I’ve noted many many times before and these are on par with a $100 Nike shoe or Kyrie. Nothing fancy just fuse mesh etc. These definitely have a Kyrie I vibe and look to them but they are not crispy cracker like.

Inside shot

It looks stiff but is very thin, pliable yet strong with no popping or weird hot spots.

This back design is nothing more than stitching and does nothing functionally #sigshoe101 detailing.

Not really sure what the logic is here. You either cover the toe with some fuse for protection or your don’t. Can’t put a condom on halfway..or can you ? New concept, Condom strips 🤔

If you’re a materials guy and want premium feeling or looking materials, this is not your shoe.

Support and stability

Although these are lows, the heel counter and fit are so good that they feel supportive. Zero issues with stability as well since they sit low and have a solid outrigger

There is no midfoot shank which is ok for some and a no no for others

I really doubt we’ll see Malcom Brogdon wearing these next season especially since he’s not on the Bucks anymore

The flexibility is something I noticed right away and as player who gets PF on occasion I was a bit wary but rather than complain about shoes and limit myself, I’ve been doing foot strengthening and calf/Achilles stretching to actually fix the root of the problem and not look or run around looking for a bandaid coverup. Given KD’s injury I suggest everyone to google Achilles and foot stretches and strengthening. Or just exercising in general.

Overall, no issues while playing although I think they could have firmed the shoe up a touch but hey I’m not Giannis.

Comparison: Kobe IV> PG3 > Freak

All are good overall but overly flexible midfoot puts the Freak at the bottom of support.

Containment

No issues here. Raised midsole and my own moniker “fly straps” help keep the foot in place. I wonder why Flywire was left off the Freak 1? Oh it doesn’t do anything that’s right.

Comparison: tie

Conclusion

I honestly wasn’t uber enthusiastic about lacing these up based on the cushioning when I was shooting around, but for the past two weeks, I’ve been playing lights out and moving like I was twenty one again. I know it isn’t the shoes but when you have games that bring back the fun or turn back the clock and the bucket looks like a swimming pool, you can’t help reaching for the shoes you were wearing those days. The mind is a powerful thing folks.

Personal anecdotes aside, the Freak 1 is a pretty good shoe (emphasis on pretty). I can feel and see a lot of similarities to Kobe’s throughout the design especially in the heel. And while there are aspects that feel the same, this feels more inline with a Mamba Instinct or Focus or Mamba #5. Aside from the fit and stability, The Freak 1 does nothing outstandingly well but that’s okay because it does everything well enough. Sneaker tech nerdists, you can have the most advanced tech in the world but it isn’t going to put the ball in the bucket or make your run faster or jump higher.

So who is the Freak 1 for?

If you want low to the ground cushioning with good traction, fit, stability and flexibility, this is your shoe. Even with its low to the ground cushioning, it’s one of those shoes you put on and forget about.

If you want more cushioning and plush feel, you’ll probably want to gravitate more toward the PG3. Great forefoot Zoom and traction really make it a great shoe…especially on sale.

If you want a little more midfoot support, the Kobe IV is the way to go. Similar set up to the Freak but a little stiffer overall with very similar properties and feel. Yea yea they said full length Zoom but then didn’t. Did it make you score fewer points ? Didn’t think so and it’s still my favorite this year. Discounts a plenty coming soon!

If you’re into only tech specs only don’t buy any of the above and buy Adidas instead because they are having some serious fire sales. Adidas is still the most bang for the buck in terms of tech to price ratio. I guess the Dame 5 at $115 would be a good comparison with similar budget materials, budgety but goodish feeling cushioning and good traction. But with Adidas discounts coming in hot every month, you can get two for the price of one.

At $120 isn’t the cheapest shoe out there at retail but it’s the cheapest retail priced MVP shoe you’ll find. $10 cheaper than the Curry VI and that sorry HOVR foam, $20 less than Harden V3, $30 less than KD 12 retail. I guess Nike is giving Giannis the summer slot since they moved KD wayyy back to April. I personally find the silhouette sexy as well. But like all general releases these will go on discounts just like every other shoe. $120–> $100-> $80->$60-50 range. Based on my wife knowledge test, Giannis is not a household name yet so don’t expect ball busting sales numbers quite yet especially for a team in Milwaukee. As I said above there are technically better options out the at $120 but I can’t say there are many better looking shoes out right now. Looks and an MVP co-sign will always sell more than any any tech shit sheet.The 2019-2020 season is going to be 🔥 sneakers included.

Overall, this is not the best shoe performance wise but results wise for me it has me giddy. However, I know results will vary so these get a second team rating due to so so cushioning and “could be better traction” on very dusty courts.

Posted in Sneaker Reviews

50 Comment on “Nike Zoom Freak 1 Performance Analysis Review and Comparison”

  1. 7JIVE7 July 17, 2019 at 4:28 pm

    THANKS FOR THE REVIEW SCHWOLLO. ALL THE OTHER REVIEWS IVE SEEN SO FAR SAY THE TRACTION IS BAD BUT MAYBE THEY DIDNT GIVE IT ENOUGH TIME TO BREAK IN? ALSO WAS SKEPTICAL ABOUT THE NO ZOOM IN THE FOREFOOT AS WELL. ANYWAYS, I HAVENT HAD A CHANCE TO PLAY IN EM YET DUE TO ME PLAYING SO WELL IN THE KD12S.

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    1. schwollo July 17, 2019 at 4:37 pm

      If it ain’t broke don’t fix or change it !

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    2. schwollo July 17, 2019 at 4:43 pm

      Not sure about traction. I did have to wipe yesterday but it wasn’t out of the ordinary for me and it was really dusty.

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      1. 7jive7 July 17, 2019 at 10:42 pm

        From what I’ve seen on youtube the solid parts are good but the translucent parts are not so good.

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      2. schwollo July 18, 2019 at 2:20 pm

        Yes that’s what I said as well. There are definitely better traction patterns out there

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  2. kupunao July 17, 2019 at 11:31 pm

    I was gonna pass on these, but you got me at the “moving like a twenty year old” part. Over the years I’ve realized some shoes don’t feel too special but you just play good in them for some unknown reason. I’ll give these a shot.

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    1. schwollo July 18, 2019 at 2:21 pm

      The Freak isn’t for everyone but it’s very solid overall and I’ll ride these out until the flames go out

      Liked by 1 person

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  3. spaceflare July 18, 2019 at 1:08 am

    Thanks for the review. Really love how the pair looks and I bought this cw and waiting on the roses one.

    But I honestly find it hard to wear anything but the Kobe 1 or the KD12 lately so I don’t even know when I’ll wear these. Too many good shoes out lately.

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    1. schwollo July 18, 2019 at 2:20 pm

      Stick to what works is what I say

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  4. GreekSneakCollector July 18, 2019 at 12:08 pm

    I always enjoy your reviews which are always so accurate and super thorought! As fas the shoe is concerned, i believe that is a decent or a typical start for a new signature line by Nike. Aesthetically though i think this is the sexiest basketball model of 2019.

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    1. schwollo July 18, 2019 at 2:22 pm

      For sure the best looking shoe in a while by Nike.

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  5. David July 18, 2019 at 9:09 pm

    Really like your review, have been reading this website for 5+ years. Regarding the mid foot shank, is it really important especially for people like me that have serious PF (need physiotherapist for 3 years at the age of 10 and the tendon can not recover to 100% anymore)? I tried to discuss with it with Nightwing but he said as long as the base of the shoe is good it is ok to miss the shank. So I’m a bit confused now… Would you mind to explain a bit more about the importance of mid foot shank? Thank you!

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    1. schwollo July 18, 2019 at 9:55 pm

      I talked to my podiatrist as well as orthopedist about this (and other topics of course)a few years ago and they and they both said you want a shoe that is stiff from behind the toes and back. Most basketball shoes are built like that and most have some kind of shank to help stiffen up the shoe. It isn’t absolutely necessary since the foam or strobe can also stiffen up the shoe. These are very flexible as you can see from my pic. Most b-ball shoes can’t be rolled up into a ball but I think I’ve been able to do it with the Mamba Instinct, Kobe NXT 360 and these (although these are slightly stiffer than the first two). Keep working on physiotherapy and go with a stiffer shoe would be my suggestion although I’m no doctor. Hope that helps ! (Mj was big on this too, thus the carbon fiber on Jordans)

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    2. kupunao July 18, 2019 at 10:32 pm

      Chris doesn’t have much knowledge about how feet work.

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    3. gm4i2awa (@f23aw) July 19, 2019 at 12:46 am

      “The combination of outersole and midsole determines the properties of the shank. It is essential that a basketball shoe has solid shank stability. The shoe should never have sagittal plane flexibility in the shank region. Some manufactures have reinforced the shank with fiberglass, plastic, or graphite material in an attempt to reduce bulk but maintain stability. Failure to maintain shank stability may contribute to a variety of problems including plantar fasciitis.” (James M Losito in Athletic Footwear and Orthoses in Sports Medicine (2010))

      James M Losito (or Jim Losito) is currently a team physician/podiatrist for the Miami Heat.

      The most important takeaway is that the shoe shouldn’t be bending in the middle of the arch area (i.e. the “shank region”). So even if a shoe doesn’t actually have a shank, there must be other mechanisms that ensure structural rigidity in that area and that there is no “sagittal plane flexibility”.

      For a more technical explanation of why such midfoot stability is important, here’s a paragraph from an article “A Guide To Conservative Care For Plantar Fasciitis” in PodiatryToday (https://www.podiatrytoday.com/guide-conservative-care-plantar-fasciitis-1):

      “Another undesirable characteristic of footwear that will have a negative impact on proximal plantar fasciitis symptom resolution is midfoot flexibility. Shoes that bend easily in this region, such as minimalist footwear, allow and promote midfoot collapse by encouraging oblique midtarsal joint axis and sagittal plane equinus compensation, increasing propulsive phase pronation in susceptible individuals. Not only is there sagittal plane pathologic stretching of the plantar fascia, there are the destructive frontal plane rotary forces that accompany it. This results in a pathologic torque on the plantar fascia, magnifying the pathology. It is a lot like wetting a towel at the beach and then twisting and snapping it. This happens to the plantar fascia with each and every step in minimalist footwear.”

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. schwollo July 19, 2019 at 3:12 am

        That’s a great article you linked! I’ve poked around on that site but never read an entire article.

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  6. Faris 'Imadi July 19, 2019 at 5:07 am

    I’m pretty sure your daughter still be looking for that ruler lol!

    Jokes aside, interesting take on Freak 1. Also PG3 traction better than Kobe IV? Care to shed some light? Durability/Grip/Pattern-wise.

    Thanks for this dank review! I really missed the Michael Scott homage man lol

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. schwollo July 19, 2019 at 3:08 pm

      It’s splitting hairs with those two traction patterns. Really soft rubber on that PG3 though but the Freak is def last.

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  7. Freyzus July 23, 2019 at 7:48 pm

    Thank you for another great performance review! Schwollo, are you doing a performance review on the CP3.XII?

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. schwollo July 24, 2019 at 5:05 am

      No plans at this time for the cp3

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  8. D2deviant July 28, 2019 at 8:14 am

    Kate upton and condom strips LOL! Will wait till that coming to america goes clearance!!!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. schwollo July 28, 2019 at 2:50 pm

      Coming to America will be going to England?! 🤷🏻‍♂️

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  9. syeikhael July 29, 2019 at 2:31 am

    Thanks for the review, bro. Do you have any recommendation for the best shoes for flat feet? I have my Hyperdunk X Low but my fat flat feet hurts everytime I played in them.

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    1. schwollo July 29, 2019 at 11:24 pm

      Most shoes don’t cater to flat feet snd use a simple flat last nowadays. You could try half a size up or get orthotics

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      1. syeikhael August 4, 2019 at 1:17 am

        Thank you so much for hour reply, Schwollo. Since you have flat feet like me, what shoes do you think the most comfortable to play in? Most shoes from 2018-2019 have a really cool design and perform really well on court, but I’m not sure which one I should get since I have flat feet.

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      2. schwollo August 4, 2019 at 3:40 am

        Kobe I and IV are two of my favs from the past 12 months from a “damn these feel right” standpoint. Kd 12 also. Tmac mill very very very comfy. KD 9-12 have all had fresh cushioning. I’d look at my end of year review from last year or anything from this year bc they have all been first team except the freaks (but still a great shoe too). I have flexible flat feet so I don’t seem to get the same pain other flat footers yet (yes thsts a real term haha). Long answer above, short answer is anything with Boost or KD’s for comfort

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  10. Mark July 30, 2019 at 2:50 pm

    Hello Schwollo. May i know your all time lows besides kobe 4 and kobe 6? Thank you.

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    1. schwollo July 31, 2019 at 2:21 am

      There are lots of good lows. Kobe nxt (first ones) harden 2/3 Kobe Exodus Kobe ad mid, tmac millinium. Hyperdunk lows in general. Curry 5/6 below average. What are you thinking about ? I know I’m leaving stuff off the list but that’s odd the top of my head.

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      1. Mark August 10, 2019 at 6:40 pm

        Which one is the most durable after all and where do you placed the kobe 4 in this list?

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      2. schwollo August 10, 2019 at 8:21 pm

        Probably the pro bounce

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  11. Mark July 31, 2019 at 10:11 am

    Thank you so much for your reply Schwollo, much appreciated 🙏🏼

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Rockets vs Reffery August 13, 2019 at 1:11 pm

    Ser can you rank these shoes
    Pg 3, Marquee Boost, Kd 12, Freak, Why 2

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    1. schwollo August 14, 2019 at 6:19 pm

      What do you want out of a shoe ? What’s most important ?

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  13. Gerd August 13, 2019 at 10:10 pm

    I tried the ZF1’s in-store today. The heel felt a little too narrow. I also found that the heel-to-toe drop was extremely small. As in too small. I felt pressure on my achilles as soon as I put them on. Fit was super nice, cushion seemed surprisingly good, and fit was great. That weird drop was a turn-off though.

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    1. schwollo August 14, 2019 at 6:19 pm

      Cool it isn’t for everyone

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  14. Chris August 16, 2019 at 1:55 am

    between the pg 3, kobe 4, and freak 1, which shoe has the best ventilation

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    1. schwollo August 16, 2019 at 9:01 pm

      Freak 1 pg 3 then Kobe iv

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      1. Chris August 17, 2019 at 1:52 pm

        Thank you!

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  15. freyzus September 3, 2019 at 3:13 pm

    Hi Schwollo. Sorry to hear about the Kobe AD NXT FF not working out for you. Hopefully Nike can make a pair of basketball shoes that uses React cushioning effectively at a better price point and works for everyone (I know of another sneaker reviewer who said the kobe’s really bothered the arches of his feet). But anyways, are you planning on doing a performance review on the Alphadunks and/or Zoom Rize?

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    1. schwollo September 3, 2019 at 10:20 pm

      I didn’t even wear them but the flexibility of the shoe is not recommended for plantar fasciitis suffers so I decided to pass on them. React works just fine imo
      Haven’t decided on the alpha dunk or rize. Both will go to clearance so no real point right now

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  16. ssh461 September 7, 2019 at 12:47 pm

    Hi man,
    I’m looking for a durable pair of shoes that can play outdoors and breathable. I need good impact protection because my knees hurt but also something that I can be fast in. Good traction would be nice. I’m a wide footer also. Can you perhaps suggest 1 or 2 options that best fit my needs out right now?
    Much appreciated man, by the way i love reading your reviews.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. schwollo September 11, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      Adidas solar boost tennis shoes would cover all those needs or their bounce tennis shoes. Made for outdoors breathable and durable.

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    2. schwollo September 11, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      If you have something specific in mind I can pare it down for you

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  17. mat fariz November 2, 2019 at 5:02 am

    Low to the ground?Fits like the Kobe?Sounds like a shoe for me. I see these going for $50-60 at outlets but I bet are gonna be sold out quickly due to Giannis’ popularity. What do you think Schwollo?

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    1. schwollo November 2, 2019 at 1:08 pm

      They aren’t selling out. When My wife knows who he is without me telling her than maybe 😂

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  18. Flight48603 June 1, 2020 at 5:07 pm

    These or the lebron 17 for a highflyer

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    1. schwollo June 1, 2020 at 9:52 pm

      You want court feel or more actual cushioning that’s what it comes down to.

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      1. Highflyer48603 June 1, 2020 at 10:24 pm

        Leaning more towards cushioning or a good balance

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      2. schwollo June 2, 2020 at 1:33 am

        Prob go Lebron. Freak is like a Kobe light with little cushioning in the forefoot .

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