Before The Last Dance began airing, I had been playing in the Alpha I on amd off for the past year, and after watching The Last Dance, I felt more inclined to write a review after seeinG MJ tee it up with AJ I at MSG. This shoe is from 2008-2009 and despite its age, it’s held up amazingly well. If you don’t know what the Alpha I is, it is an AJ I updated with a synthetic upper and full length Zoom..or a protro if you want to use made up Mamba terms. How does a twelve year old shoe based on a thirty five year old design stack up versus new shoes and technology? Umm pretty much the same way Mj would if you inserted 85 mj into the NBA today. 🔥
Pros: traction, balanced cushioning, fit, support and stability, containment
Cons: Zoom could be Zoomier, rubber hardens due to age and stars smooth out making traction worse over time
Sizing Advice: true to size
Best for: any position
Weight
15.5 ounces or the exact same weight as the Harden V4. Man that sneaker technology has come a long way eh?
Traction
This pair of AJ have been put through the ringer as the rubber has hardened slightly over time and a lot of the stars have worn down. But even with age and wear these performed great on clean floors and just needed some wiping on dustier floors.
Luckily I have another pair sitting in the closet that are awesome and sticky. Get the traction right and I’m usually a happy camper.
Cushioning
FLZ, FML, FTW. Upgrade the cushioning on the Aj I and you go from 72 VW beetle to BMW in an instant. This Full Length Zoom sits below the standard strobel so the FLZ isn’t the bounciest thing around but it’s a clear upgrade over the original set up with good impact protection and feedback without being mushy or too firm.
better
JB of course has the Aj I fearless which is set up like the KD12 with zoom directly underfoot but I’m still waiting on better colorways before I reach out and buy a pair.
Fit
True to size. There is zero movement inside the shoe side to side and zero heel slip with the Alpha thanks to the high cut. Younger kids are probably leary of the high cut but the upper is flexible and doesn’t impede ankle mobility at all. Put your side way laces, minimal lacing, straps and dildo set ups away, they are all just different ways to do the same thing. 400 for auto lacing ? Does anyone know how to drive a stick shift anymore ? Kids in the next decade won’t even be able to tie shoes at this rate.
Materials
Synthetic leather upper is soft and durable. No pinching or hotspots. And it looks like a lot like leather but is definitely more durable
Support and stability
A high cut doesn’t really make it any more supportive since it is flexible and having the ankle feel nice and wrapped just gives my brain a little more sense of safety.
The outsole shape and design is pretty much identical to the original with a very flat design with no curvature which I feel safe in. Did I mention these feel low to the ground as well? No issues at all here
Containment
No issues here. That extra layer just keeps my foot in place even on hard cuts. Using mesh and whatever knit materials these days would result in my foot sliding off but since it’s stiffer and thicker (Twss) material it works.
Conclusion
A twelve year old shoe based on a thirty five year old design? “Performance” sneaker advocates who really think latest means greatest are 🍭 . I played a tournament in February in these with some guys I didn’t know at all. Most were wearing Kobe’s aj34’s KDs so when I showed up in these, I don’t think anyone took me seriously until I accounted for half the points and was keeping us competitive versus better teams (alas we lost in playoffs early). But in these twelve year old shoes, I had no issues at all other than some wiping thanks to a worn outsole and dirty middle school floor. Jordan Brand did a great job keeping the Aj I look while upgrading the cushioning. Sounds a lot like the Kobe Protro idea without the made up Protro moniker doesn’t it? The fact is, sneaker technology hasn’t come as far as marketing makes it sound and just a simple change in the cushioning makes a shoe feel “modern” even it is over a decade old. Every other aspect of the shoe is on par with modern shoes despite no major changes in design. And we all know materials change is more about profit than anything else.
For what it’s worth, I don’t think the Alpha I is the greatest shoe I’ve ever played in, but it isn’t far off and I wouldn’t hesitate to play in these again during a tournament either. Sometimes it’s just plain fun to pretend to be like Mike without pain of cushioning from 1985. And btw the Last Dance was the greatest and longest sneaker commercial I’ve ever seen.
schwollo.com 
Bruh I could use a pair of these now. Lol
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Bball sneakers are truly special in the sense that their designs are heavily focused on aesthetics instead of actual performance, especially compared to shoes of other major sports. Rather than actually giving us “performance and technology”, we see all kinds of useless features and decorations being added to supposedly the best bball shoes (big name sigs) so kids would buy them. I blame Jordan for turning tools into fashion.
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Suckers are born every minute esp b-ball suckers. Look at tennis shoes which aren’t fashionable at all and you don’t see extraneous add one.
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I have been on the hunt for these for quite some time now, but I’m hoping a better colorway of the new aj1s with zoom come out and of course should be rock bottom prices- and will try to play in the aj1’s! It seems you conjured MJ during that league!
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Sometimes all you need in the right mentality it ain’t the shoes 🙂
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Have you tried zoom insoles that are being sold online. Hope you can review them too! 😁
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Yep I have a pair they are pretty legit !
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They are thick so they are a good replacement for a drop in insole like the Kobe 8
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I just got 2 of those, the full length zoom and the heel/forefoot zoom versions. They feel great, but yeah, the’re pretty thick so they make my shoes pretty tight. I’m gonna get some shoes that are a half or full size bigger so I could put those in there. I’m thinking of getting some Converse Chuck 70s with the removable insole, put some zoom in there, and ball in em, just for the wtf from the other dudes.
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Yep. I used my full length version for Kobe 8 replacement insoles
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Can you write a review on those insoles
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Quick summary. They are ok and an upgrade from stock insoles but not enough thickness to actually do anything other meaningful other than step in comfort. Zoom insoles are good but really thick and should be used as replacement set ups like Kobe 8-9 etc..
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Do you have the link to them?
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Plantar Fasciitis Sports Insoles Shock Absorption and Cushioning，Anti Fatigue Insole Knee Protection Full Palm air Cushion for Men Work Boots Walking Running https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VSHT9VH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_r553Eb1DF61BE
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Was wondering if you were able to get a pair of the KD13s and if you’ll get to review them any time soon?
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I didn’t buy a pair yet .can test outdoors but I’m not hooping or playing pick up or leagues anytime soon so pretty pointless for me .
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You should try doing a review on either the OG or the new retro reebok question lows.
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I have a pair of the first retro question so maybe I will 🙂
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When/what is the next review? Can you do a throwback review on older models, like the kd 4-7, hyperdunk 2012-13, etc?
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🤷🏻♂️
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Hey Schwollo do you have any reason to suspect the traction in the Tinker model which I believe is a translucent to be any less effective than the solid outsole on the model you have? Thanks!
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Bc trans usually picks up more dust ?
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I got the tinker and traction is fine
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More reviews please! Can you do a does it still basketball review on the KD 6’s? And maybe on the KD 13’s and/or Lebron 17 lows and mamba fury’s?
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Never liked the kd6 didn’t fit me well at all especially the elite version. Sorry no hoops going on anywhere so can’t give a real review
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Ok, are you planning on getting the kd 13s, lebron 17 lows, and/or mamba furys?
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No no point right now for me
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Come on bro where the reviews at?
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No gyms are open for b-ball bud
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You still alive schwollo?
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Yep
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How do you store your backup/extra bball shoes? I’m worried they might deteriorate/fall apart if I leave them sitting around too long (i just leave them in the original boxes in a room) as I’ve got a pair of vol 3 which isn’t going to be used anytime soon (until indoor ball starts up again and my current pair is done)
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I keep them indoors w ac. Most shoes can last a good 7-8 years before glue dries out.
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Schwollo what are your personal picks for when you just want maximum cushion? I’d like it to have good traction too, but for days I want to give the knees more or a break I can sacrifice if there is nothing out there with top tier cushion and good traction.
Thanks
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Depends how soft you want your cushioning
Drose 6 Melo M9 plenty soft without sacrificing too much court feel.
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Can you write a review soon? It’s been a minute. Or like your thoughts on upcoming shoes, anything is fine.
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Nothing new not balling anywhere but I’ll try been busu
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Found these used for $40. Pretty pleased with em but they fit pretty narrow unfortunately. If I get another ill get 11.5. They are great for outdoor, traction is super hard but effective
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I come to this site almost everyday, patiently waiting for a review. Usually, I just read your older reviews from 2014 or 2015 and up. I hope everything is alright…. Keep safe, my bro! We’ll be patiently anticipating.
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Much appreciated !Just too busy to write anything and not hooping with ppl so really no point for me . Trying to get some time to write a best of …
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The whole sneaker is soft and well-padded which makes it a perfect sneaker to wear all day. They hug my feet without being too snug. I love the Off-White Jordan 1s especially as the insoles have tiny pyramid-shaped extras on them which feel great on foot.” For me, the Air Jordan 1s fit true to size
If you want to know more about Jordan 1 sneakers or any other sneaker check out this site – https://tendsneakerreview.com/
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