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Air Jordan 34 Performance Review

It’s high time that we talked about the Air Jordan 34 that has always been highly expected ever since it was available. It should be mentioned that it’s been quite a while since I’ve played in it. Maybe a season or two. Although it may sound not long enough to get intimate knowledge of every nook and cranny of the sneaker, I deem that I can still share with you my feelings and experiences in it. So let me present to you my Air Jordan 34 performance review.

The shoe, ostensibly, looks quite beckoning and is also a breath of fresh air. But it’s known that this is merely a part of the whole story. What really counts is its performances on court. So is it a HIT or MISS on earth? Well, let me share with you my opinions in this review in which I’ll break it down from the following perspectives.

1.Wrapping and Breathability

How does the vamp material perform? Is it a reliable one for summer day use?

The Air Jordan 34 utilizes light cotton cloth and cicadon all over the vamp such as on the midfoot, toebox, and heel. Therefore, the most intuitive feeling when I first wore the Air Jordan 34 was that I could hardly feel the existence of the vamp. Yes! You read that right! The vamp is so lightweight and fits my feet so well that I feel like I were merely wearing a pair of socks. Without any heel slippage or side-to-side movement, I can always play to my heart’s content.

When doing any breakthrough movement in actual plays, I feel as if my feet were integrated with the vamp whose response is particularly quick.  Though there’s barely any stretch, it can be a good thing security-wise. So you may just rest assured and trust the vamp material.

Based on what I’m feeling, the relatively lightweight cicadan vamp and inner padding make the Air Jordan 34 more breathable than the traditional leather or woven vamps. Even on indoor courts where the temperature is relatively high, I won’t be hassled by any stuffiness underfoot. All these, in my view, should be accredited to the lightness of the vamp.

2.Cushion

How does the cushion feel? What about the ride height? Can it offer comfort and stability? Here lie the answers!

According to the official, we know that a large Zoom Air sits in the forefoot of the Air Jordan 34 while a relatively small hexagonal Zoom Air accompanies the heel area. Sounds like a fairly standard setup for the price, no other way to put it.

But the biggest surprise of Air Jordan 34 is that the Eclipse Plate (commonly known as anti-torsion Plate) technology visible to the naked eye at the midsole also plays a role in improving the shoe’s overall cushioning, which is also the so-called “mysterious auxiliary cushioning” by many other reviewers.

With such a powerful setup, how does the AJ34’s cushioning performance feel like? Well, my experience told me that it is not so ideally soft but a bit hard underfoot, which, I think, is intentional by the designer.

Air Jordan 34 is, in fact, suitable for players who belong to the explosiveness style. For those speed-oriented players, the first step is very important whereas the over-soft midsole will weaken part of their performance. Therefore, the Air Jordan 34’s slightly hard midsole will give timely feedback to players so as not to weaken their strength in the first step of starting.

A bit hard as the midsole is, it never falls short of comfort and stability. Both the forefoot and heel cushions still offer stellar impact protection as well as comfort and stability. In terms of the  forefoot and midfoot areas, they feel a bit lower to the ground than does the heel. Because of this,  I can enjoy the ultra-smooth overall heel-to-toe stride.

3.Support

How much support does it provide then? Is it an all-round one?

As mentioned earlier, there is an Eclipse Plate in the midsole, with which I am rather secured during actual plays. From startup to takeoff, I can feel the arch support in every step, which should be credited the hollow structure of the Eclipse Plate.

Unlike the traditional single-layer TPU or carbon plates, the hollowed-out Eclipse Plate structure is divided into two layers, which also explains why the Air Jordan 34 provides extremely visible arch support.

As we all know, a good, supportive sneaker isn’t necessarily a high top or even a mid top one. If designed well, a low-top model can do an equally excellent job. And the AJ34 is just a case in point. While I am playing in the shoes, the vamp holds my foot in place nicely and there aren’t any apparent restrictions.

4.Stability and Anti-rollover

Though I’ve mentioned stability several times before, I think it deserves to be mentioned once again.

Over and above the advantages mentioned of the vamp, it has one more merit: the cicada vamp actually has stronger tear resistance than braided ones, thus providing excellent protection and improving stability for players. Although the shoe has accompanied me for quite a while, its vamp is just holding up well up to this moment.

The padding inside the sidewalls not only helps lock down the ankle & heel, but is just right there to keep the foot in place and stabilize you torsionally. So I deem that the shoe doesn’t need much hype because it just offers us what we need and keeps doing its stuff on the pitch.

Besides that, the the outer area of the toe uses the anti-rollover design which makes that performance of Air Jordan 34 significantly improved. Though not to the point of stunning, AJ rarely fails hoopers in this category.

5.Traction and Durability

How’s the grip of the traction? Can it stand the tests of various and challenging surfaces?

Firstly, let’s talk about the pattern. The AJ34 features a herringbone pattern throughout the outsole with some curved rubber strips in the forefoot, which laterally & medially accommodate quick changes of direction.

The pattern alone, from my perspective, looks quite reliable on court. The herringbone pattern and the rubber strips combined should, in theory, provide stellar traction. Then whether or not it actually behaves that way? Well, I should say that it’s almost as good as that but not yet ideal.

Indoor performance

Indoors, I am prone to play on wooden floors that are relatively smooth but with some dirt or dust. Based on my experiences of the past several months, the traction of this one is good, quite within my expectation. But there is one problem: the outsole can appeal to dust, which, in a sense, has some implications for the traction performance. In other words, when there are a lot of dust on the outsole, the traction will be greatly reduced, although not to a level where it’s unplayable.

To avoid this problem, it requires to wipe the outsoles off, maybe every now and then. After all, one can not afford to stop and start scrubbing the soles off every few minutes while playing. So some preparation before playing is essential.

Outdoor performance

Though I am not a big advocate of hooping outdoors, I still prefer outdoor playing not least when it is sunny with warm breeze outside. So you could imagine how agreeable it would be on such days when the AJ34 got intimate contact with the outdoor courts.

On concrete floors, mostly, and sometimes rubber ones,I seldom had issues with the traction. For me, every time before playing, I would wipe the outsole off with great care, because of which, the outsole managed to bite healthily and I never slid all over the place. So in this perspective, I think the outsole can stand the tests of various and challenging surfaces without much efforts.

Durability

The thick herringbone can lasts for several months, maybe longer. That’s for sure. After all, my AJ34’s outsole is still relatively intact, except for some damages in the high-use areas. But probably some more seasons later, the outsole may change beyond all recognition.

Overall:

Rounding the AJ34 review up: does it deserve the dollar?

Of course, I dare not say it would satisfy everyone, but for me, it has truly delivered in almost everything I needed. It fits me surprisingly well while also sticking with my regular size even if I am a wide footer. And I think many of you should get satisfied with it too! So just go with your regular sizes as well and you’ll find that your dollars are not wasted!

Now that there leaves nothing more to talk about, I’ll just stop here and leave it for you to decide whether this is your thing.

 

 

 

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Unboxing: PUMA MB.01

Time has finally come! Let me present to you the details of PUMA MB.01 that you are concerned about. Although it’s been only two months since I’ve got and played in it and its overall performances require some more tests, it is better for you to first get intimate knowledge of the sneaker that you’ve got or may be considering purchasing. After all, we all know that the details are an important part of the whole story.

So is it a HIT or MISS? Does it deserve the dollar? Go along with me in checking the details!

LaMelo Ball’s first signature basketball shoe, the MB.01, is also PUMA’s first signature sneaker since the company returned to the basketball market in 2018. The bold colorway and unique design have been quite a nice combination of Bauer’s personal style.

As you might have noticed, the shoe box is covered with brilliant cosmic colors and has a window on the lid. It doesn’t take a detective to know such information as size and Art.No because they’ve been printed on it. So no more reiteration here.

As an aside, it is truly considerate of the brand to place a hard paper inside so as to reduce the damage to shoes during transportation.

In theory, the 3D-printed vamp can fit the foot better and the vamp material can also provide excellent support and protection. But, honestly, I don’t think it is as good as it is hyped. Judging from my two months’ play, the vamp wrapping, and the support and protection are not bad, but not to the point as to deeply impress me, either. So you may not expect too much of it.

Printed on the vamp is the creative Slogan of Ball’s famous “NOT FROM HERE”.

Although the vamp alone is not impressive, the shoelaces, in contrast, help make up for its imperfectness by improving the overall wrapping to a great extent. There are 6 groups of shoelace holes in total. The first 2 groups are the kind of dynamic design while the 3-5 groups are of metal material. On top of that, there’s also the setup on the tongue that effectively prevents the tongue from deflecting during movements.

In spite of all that, trying the shoe on, in my opinion, is best if you think you’ve got an unusual foot shape and want to avoid any discomfort that may be caused by picking the wrong size.

One big thing about the MB.01 is the different materials used on both sides of shoe. As you can notice in the picture, the patterns there are also different from each other.

For the collar, it is designed to be high inside and low outside which brings more flexibility for players.

The forefoot of the outsole here is upturned, which plays a significant role in enhance overall stability.

The rigid TPU also improves lateral stability.

The midsole adopts NITRO FOAM cushion technology with PUMA’s supercritical nitrogen foaming craft. The lightweight and low-density FOAM material, an integration of softness and comfort, can offer powerful feedback. In addition, the wave-shape midsole also supports the arch area to a certain extent. Well, on paper that sounds terrific.

Nevertheless, based on my plays of the past two months, I don’t think PUMA MB.01 come off as particularly luxurious or anything crazy from a cushion standpoint, though it is still more than sufficient for me to play high-intensity plays. However, I am not saying that it is not good. Depending on what you require of it and the time it takes you to really start feeling the full potential of the cushion, you’ll feel that things are just awesome once you are used to it.

On the outsole, the words are very special. The “RARE” displayed there represent Ball’s extraordinary talent that can’t be imitated on the court. In the forefoot, centering the force point, the multi-directional lines can offer solider traction while the plenty of diamond-shaped lines on the back provide more stability.

A single shoe of size 42 weighs about 413.8 grams. These, of course, aren’t the lightest on paper but they are never bottom-heavy or clunky in general.

Overall:

This PUMA MB.01 is a wonderful model that has delivered almost everything I need, though there do exist some flaws.

Personally, I can’t go true to size, and here it is recommended to go down 1/2 a size. But if you think you’ve got wide feet, you might as well go with your regular size.

The width of the footbed is moderate, and when I fasten the shoelaces, I can immediately feel the strong wrapping at the vamp and the heel. In a word, my feet just sit comfortably inside without any heel slippage or side-to-side movement.

For the full-foot cushion, the energy feedback from the heel is far more obvious than that of the forefoot, but I think this is just right to the point for me who are used to landing on my heel.

And whether it is the rubber on the outside of the forefoot, or the hard TPU on the outside of the heel, they both play a very good role in improving the overall stability.

All in all, I think those of you who usually play on outdoor courts, the odds are that  you’ll dig this one a lot too!

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Shop the Look: Nike Air Jordan

It is nothing new that with some signature shoes’ reputation and their high popularity, their prices will also rise correspondingly, some even skyrocketing to incredible levels, which many sneaker lovers will naturally frown upon. But good news is that the prices of many shoes, even the famous ones, tend to stay stable and affordable in recent two years. For example, a lot of Air Jordan models are favored by the fans, yet many of them were out of reach because of their high prices. To fans’ relief, quite a few AJ models that their beloved have now remained at the prices that they were originally retailed at. Therefore, let’s turn back the clock and take a look at some of those cost-effective models.

1、AJ1 “Court Purple”

The white and purple color, which was released two years ago, has remained at its original price nearly two months after its official release. This colorway here, because of its similarity to that of the classic model, the Air Jordan 1 OG High “Black Toe”, has also received a lot of attention. In contrast to the “Black Toe”, the biggest difference in this one lies in that the original purple on the toe has been replaced with white, and most of the black leather on the body has also been replaced with purple leather.

If you were  in love with the “Black Toe” but couldn’t get it, you still have an alternative here. Don’t forget that  you’ll be snatching this kick for its original retail price. Actually you’re in for a good one!

2、AJ3 “Retro SE Red Cement”

The “Retro SE Red Cement” released during the NBA All-Star game in 2020 is actually one of my favorites. After playing in it for 4month+, it is safe to say that the techs adopted in the shoe altogether nail down the balance between keeping the model feathery, comfy and modern-ish while also satiate the needs of players.

AJ3’s most classic colorway is undoubtedly the “black cement”. Nevertheless, this “Red Cement” is, from my perspective, a breath of fresh air and quite recognizable. The vamp, having been largely changed into red leather, seems to be endowed with vigor and vitality. Over and above that, the classic crack pattern of the heel has been retained, making it all the more beckoning and outstanding.

Last but not the least, the market price of this one once fell below $160 which makes it no longer out of reach. Therefore, many fans of Air Jordan were more than satisfied with this and the shoe’s terrific all-around performances on courts.

3、AJ5 “Rukawa Kaede”

When the words, AJ, Slamdunk and Rukawa Kaede, come together, you must have understood the significance behind them.

The brand-new colorway of AJ5 “Rukawa Kaede”released in 2020 was once a source of heated discussion on social media for quite a period of time, from which we can get a glimpse of its popularity. Compared with the edition in 2013, this retro one is more like the original version, which can definitely meet the needs of OG shoe fans.

The current market price of this one does not change much, maintaining at about  the original price. If you happen to have some complex of the Slamdunk, this one is your thing!

4、AJ6 “Washed Denim”

The AJ6 “Washed Denim”was released in 2019 and again received a lot popularity among the AJ fans. The overall appearance of this one is similar to that of some joint work with Levi’s. With a denim vamp and brown leather trim on the laces, the shoes AJ6 “Washed Denim” look great with jeans for spring and fall.

In spite of that, the price of this one seems somewhat bewildered and unstable. In the year it was launched its price was once down to about $130, which electrified its fans quite a lot. However, I won’t recommend it to everyone because the midsole, based on my own experience, obviously left something to be desired, say, the renergy return and the cushion responsiveness.

Nevertheless, my experience cannot suit everyone and is only for your reference. Therefore, just know what you are getting for this price with the AJ6 “Washed Denim” and I think many of you will still be satisfied.

5.AJ14 “Reverse Ferrari”

The AJ14, which was inspired by Ferrari’s yellow colorway, was once a cult when it was newly released in 2019. The yellow shoe body is actually quite textured and its upturned carbon fiber board is now a rarity in the actual combat shoe market.

What’s more thrilling is that the price of this one has also slumped to less than $160, making it all the more cost-effective.

Over and above that, I also want to mention that regarding the build of the shoe, it is quite strong enough so that even heavy dudes will also find it aggreable. And the foot containment can never be an issue for someone very explosive and/or heavy.

 

Overall:

For those who value their dollars and care more about the details of the shoes foregoing, I think there’s certainly  much more to know than just a cost-effective shoe list here.

No doubt having a bit more knowledge of the one model you are going to purchase will only be of great avail for you.

As fans of Air Jordan you must have been aware of those models’ popularity and now you have a bunch of potential options at your disposal! So I’ll just leave it for you to fully use your discretion.

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Nike Kyrie Low 2 Performance Review

Like some of you, when the Nike Kyrie Low 2 was released I didn’t make a purchase for I thought it would come down in price sooner or later. However, I did not expect that the price of the shoe has not changed much since it was put on sale for nearly half a year. But on the other hand, I think this indirectly reflects the shoe’s actual performance is excellent.

Actually when I first saw the shoe I could see a lot of characteristics of Irving’s signature shoes of the past. For example, the overall appearance of the shoe is much like the third signature shoe while the support plates on both sides, not least the inner arch, are like that of the sixth one. Some reviewer also says that the Nike Kyrie Low 2 can’t be simply defined as a low-top version of the Nike Kyrie 2, because in many ways, the two shoes are completely different despite the technical similarities.

Now that I’ve finally got the shoes and played in them for over 3 months, I’ll present to you my personal experience with it and its performance review. Let’s get started then!

 

1.Vamp

 

Unlike some of Irving’s recent signature shoes, the Kyrie Low2 doesn’t look very round, but rather elongated, with a slim body. The vamp is made from a large piece of engineered mesh, and I think it’s far more delicate and textured than the first version of signature shoe. Besides that, the material is also quite breathable even in hot summer days. With the weather getting warmer, you can still rest assured to play to your heart’s content.

 

Then what about the wrapping? Can it firmly lock or fix the feet?Again, you can rest assured! The vamp wrapping is quite excellent without any toe bumps. Looking closely at the shoe you’ll find that there are something special about the shoelace system. Although it looks like there are only 6 groups of laces, it is not so. There are actually 4 sets of laces in the foremost, through adjusting which you can enjoy the most suitable wrapping according to your own foot type. As for the other three groups, they are to to cooperate with supporting pieces at the side of the vamp, which not only ensures excellent wrapping but also improves support.

 

When it comes to the heel, although there is no extra foam filling, the lining has been relatively thick, and the counter there is also big and stiff enough to offer support. At the outside there is the red woven material to provide additional wrapping.

2.Traction

 

Does it bite aggressively on various grounds? Does it wear out easily and what’s the state of my Kyrie Low 2 at the moment?

 

The big thing about the shoe is that it is prestigious for its traction performance. According to many players, the Nike Kyrie Low 2’s traction is superb, even in the outfield, and it can hold the ground firmly. With that, the problem of heel slipping and side-to-side movement are virtually nil.

While Irving’s signature shoes are known for having a spherical, or rounded, outsole, that of kyrie Low2 is a more conventional look. In the forefoot and the heel area, there is obvious extension while the upturned design has been remained, which is still very suitable for players who are good at making breakthroughs.

 

In fact, on the inside of the forefoot, the outsole has a large upturn to increase the friction between the shoe and the ground. In terms of the outsole pattern, I think it is quite similar to that of Nike KOBE NXT 360, which is the kind of fine granular grains. The only thing that requires particular mention is that when I played in it for the first time, I almost slipped and “kissed” the ground, which may be due to dusts on court. But since then the traction has performed to my heart’s desire.

 

Nevertheless, there is still some feedback from consumers that the Nike Kyrie Low 2, compared with the Kyrie 2, is not that sustained in offering traction on outdoor courts and also lacks the overall flexibility that the Kyrie 2 boasts of. But unfortunately, I haven’t experienced the Kyrie 2 before. Therefore, with respect to this problem, I just want to bring it up so that you could form an idea for yourself.

 

3.Cushion

 

Let’s break down the energy return , step comfort and stability then. Its cushioning is probably the best of all Irving signature shoes. Well, it’s no exaggeration! Besides the traction, the midsole is also one of the highlights of the shoe. The separated Zoom Air in the forefoot and the heel area, though not the top-ranking ones,is a fairly standard setup for the price and also have huge implications for the shoe’s overall performance.

 

For most guards, the small square-like zooms with the foams is absolutely adequate for employment on courts. But for players with lighter weights, they may not feel the energy return obviously. Take my experience. For me who weigh about 75 kg, at first I had to play 3-hour sessions for the midsole and the zooms to fully break in and begin working to their full potential. After that, the setup became super comfortable; the forefoot cushion is nice and bouncy though the rear one is not equally satisfactory. Usually I land on my forefoot and I feel very stable underfoot, and the ride is also a bit low off the ground. But if you are used to landing on the heel, you may feel the rear cushion quite stiff and therefore not enough for use.

4.Durability

 

In terms of the durability, after I played in it for several months and more than 20 matches, the outsole lines remain relatively intact and the overall model is holding up very well as of today. Although there do exist some wear and tear in the outside of the rear part and the inside of the forefoot, I deem that these are normal in the high-use areas and the shoe has already done a stellar job.

 

5 Other details

 

The inner support plate extends directly to the arch, which is similar to the Velcro design of the Irving 6. Such a design actually provides some rigidity and also anti-torsional support at the meantime.

Overall:

Summarizing the Nike Kyrie Low 2: the shoe is definitely worth the dollar, though not perfect, nor versatile, and it can stack up against the competition.

 

In general, the design of the shoe may not impress you too much at the first glance, but the more you look at it, the more likelier you’ll get attracted. With such setups and the public praise of many players, I am quite satisfied with its actual performance and feel quite delighted at having copped the right one.

 

I haven’t fully tested the shoe, but based on my own experience and what I’ve heard from other reviewers, the shoe is definitely cost-effective. So if you are someone who values that greatly, this is your thing!

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LBJ17 Performance Review

Let’s waste no time and begin our topic today. The protagonist of this review is the LeBron17 that is suitable for heavy players, weighing between 75kg and 120kg, including me, and heavy defenders and forwards. In answer to the question “Is it for daily walking or actual plays?”, I should say that the shoe is more than suitable for both, though it is not without disadvantages. Hence my presenting this comprehensive LeBron17 review to you.

The shoe is positioned as the top flagship signature model. When it was available, I was electrified at seeing the information of its setups and you should be too! And shortly after that, I tried my best to cop a pair as soon as possible. So after 4 months hooping and shooting both indoors and outdoors, what kind of impression did its performances leave on me? Well, my friend, if there’s a word for it, that is top-ranking! I’ll then talk about its performances from the fullest possible perspectives.

 

1 Vamp & Comfort

 

LeBron17 does not use the battleknit adopted by the previous two generations but the brand new knit composite. So what’s the difference between them? The biggest ascendancy of the latter lies in that the toe bump, which is quite a nerve-wracking issue in LeBron16, is no longer a hassle for wearers. Besides that, the Knit Composite upper is more malleable and wear much more comfortable while the Battleknit is far tougher ,which even causes blisters for some consumers.

Nevertheless, the result of this increase in comfort is a decrease in support, though I am not seriously affected by this. Also, because of the forefoot design, the vamp is not covered by the Phylon, leading to the possible separation of the vamp and the sole when you make such movements as sudden stop, which is similar to, but not as severe as, Alphadunk. In fact, if you happened to have experienced the Alphadunk before, you must know exactly what I’m talking about. Therefore, the vamp support of LeBron17 is a little insufficient.

Compared with its predecessor, the vamp comfort of LeBron17 has been improved, but this improvement is in exchange for the vamp support. So whether it is good or not, I’ll just leave it for you to decide.

2 Wrapping

While the vamp wrapping is not so good, the heel wrapping, on the contrary, is terrific and impressive. Well, I meant it and maybe only after you’ve played in it will you find that it’s no exaggeration. After all, words sometimes cannot be as impressive as personal experience.

Despite that, the heel wrapping, from my perspective, is a bit hard, quite firm and secure. At the same time, there is a built-in counter and a TPU on the outside, offering heel support and protection. So it’s safe to say that the heel wrapping is really excellent.

Albeit the prominence of the heel wrapping, there is still a minor problem, which, however, may not be so for you. So personally speaking, I found it very hard to get the shoelaces tightened and I even haven’t found out the root of problem. But don’t be vexed, buddy! You are still getting maximum comfort and mostly solid wrapping because the problem causes no harm for the wrapping performance.

3 Midsole

This midsole this time is pretty satisfying to me for one simple reason–I can make the most of it! To tell the truth, although I am a fan of James for 13 years, my first pair of LeBron shoes was the LeBron13 Elite, and then the LeBron14, 15 and 16, all of which, however, were so hard for me that I couldn’t feel their cushions.

LeBron17, nevertheless, is a different story. The separated Zoom Air in the forefoot and the rear part can be obviously felt as soon as you step on it. Besides, it also offers a great deal of feedback during startup, which, personally, is of great help for me. For those weighing around 75kg, the cushions of LeBron series can be put to good use, but it should be made particular of that this LeBron17 is not suitable for guards of small weight because of its high center of gravity.

As for the Max 270 Air cushion in the rear, it deforms obviously when it is pressed hard by hand.  In addition, the cushioning it offers me is similar to that of Air Force Max. Therefore, in a word, my impression of the midsole is that the forefoot cushion is quite bouncy while the rear one is rather stable and can therefore provides me with enough protection.

In spite of that, it is not without shortcoming–the exposed rear cushion risk exploding either by being hard trampled or accidentally punctured. So whether the excellent cushion outweighs te disadvantage, I’ll leave it up to you to use your discretion.

4 Outsole

Can it bite various floors aggressively? Is it sensitive to the dust or dirt on courts? And what about its durability?

In fact, according to some of my friends who happened to have LeBron17, I’ve heard no complaints with regard to its traction from them. Although I dare not say that the outsole can bite aggressively on all kinds of surfaces, it does so on the courts where I usually play, including the indoor wooden ones and the outdoor concrete and asphalt ones. Well, let me put it more frankly by saying that the traction of this one is deadly. Yes, you read that right!

I have to own that I don’t get any intimate knowledge of the outsole materials, but the traction is all-directional and the stops are instant with it. The outsole just bites the floors like a lion with its prey!

But with that follows the problem of dirt-sensitivity. On the indoor courts with dust, the outsole will become a bit “tamer” because it appeals to dust somewhat easily, which is likely to bring on slipping. And to retain the outsole’s aggressiveness, it is essential to get it cleaned now and then.

As for the durability, actually I didn’t know how long it would last. Initially I was surprised by the shoe’s other performances, say, the midsole cushion, but after 4-months’ play, I am all the more amazed by the outsole durability. It seems that the durability is just not what it should be for this price, which certainly defeats that of other models of the same price. So what about my LeBron17? Well, it is so far holding up very well!

5 Anti-rollover & Anti-torsion

The rollover resistance of these shoes is also relatively good. Although the center of gravity of them is still high, it is much lowered compared to that of the LeBron16. However, I think that should the outsole be extended outward to a greater extent, the shoe’s overall stability and security will be further improved.

When it comes to the anti-torsion, it is also good, if not excellent. But for actual plays, from my point of view, it is more than enough and can stand the test of time.

Now, aside from its performances, I’m gonna present to you a brief comparison between the LeBron17 and the AJ34.

On the face of it, the texture of LeBron17 is relatively poor, and the overall appearance is not as inviting as AJ34. So in this point, it is simply a matter of personal preference. When it comes to their performances, LeBron17 is more suitable for heavy players whereas AJ34 fit better the agile forwards as well as guards. The AJ34 is actually a new and innovative product, while the LeBron17 is more like an improved and upgraded one, which is designed to be more suitable for more people.

Overall：

So is this LeBron17 worth it over the previous generations? And who is it suitable for? Well, I think at this point, the answers must be crystal clear.

In general, the performance of LeBron17 belongs to one of the top-ranking models. Although it is not as nice-looking as other shoes, it can still be saved by the various colorways. On top of that, compared with LeBron16, LeBron17 wears more comfortable either for daily walking or high-intensity plays.

I think this one is a near-perfect model for heavier and bigger players as well as agile forwards and guards, as is mentioned earlier. It has taken comfort, cushion and traction to another level, though there is still room for improvement. But after all, nothing in the world is perfect, and LeBron17 can already be said to be quite excellent. Anyway, however good others say of it, you don’t know whether it is your right one until you experience it. So I’ll stop here and leave it for you to decide whether it’s your thing.

 

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Shop the Look: Nike Air Force 1,Built Different

Turning back the clock you’ll find that there are actually quite a few NIKE AIR FORCE 1 that are not only classic but also high-priced. And chances are that there is at least a pair of AIR FORCE 1 lying in the shoe cabinet of Nike enthusiasts. So let’s talk about those excellent AF1s today.

 

AF1 has gone through many years since its birth in 1982. Over the years it has developed from the original position of basketball shoes to the symbolic sneakers of today and has a great bearing on almost every field. As Nike’s most representative model, AF1 is by estimate the most abundant with its colorways and derivative versions in Nike’s entire products. From the classic AF1 all-white colorway to a variety of co-branded limited editions, many of them are incredibly expensive. Here I’ve listed 10 pairs of AF1s for your curiosity, though some of them seem beyond reach.

1.NIKE AIR FORCE 1 HIGH SUPREME WORLD FAMOUS

As an old business companion of Nike, the also-widely-enjoyed SUPREME has long ago released the NIKE AIR FORCE 1 HIGH SUPREME WORLD FAMOUS in 2014. This is the first time that Nike and Supreme chose the Air Force 1 High as their collaborated shoe version.

The eye-catching “Supreme” is emblazoned on the heel, while Supreme’s signature slogan “World Famous” and the year “94” when the brand was founded are featured on the upper strap and the heel.

 

Nevertheless, it is amazing to know that because the shoe has been released long ago and with the collaboration of SUPREME, it is currently priced over $1108, at which many people will frown.

 

2.NIKE LUNAR FORCE 1 x FRAGMENT DESIGN

In 2013, in order to celebrate the birth of Lunar Force 1, there released a limited edition set and the NIKE LUNAR FORCE 1 x FRAGMENT DESIGN just rose in response to the proper time and conditions.

For its vamp it is still black while the midsole and the shoelaces have been changed to cream white so as to better reflect the style of the Lunar line.

This Air Force 1 is equipped with kinda luxurious materials to reshape the image of the shoe that is iconic of street culture. On the vamp the crozzling-like design also endows the shoe with quite a noble air.

Now the price of this Fragment Design Lunar Force 1, undoubtedly a rare and historical classic masterpiece, is around $1300, making it all the more tantalizing yet difficult for sneaker enthusiasts to purchase.

For those of us who love shoe culture, there are more or less some valuable shoe models at home that are infinitely cherished, and this Fragment Design Lunar Force 1 is definitely up to scratch.

 

3.NIKE AIR FORCE 1

This is AF1’s unique design inspired by the world’s most ferocious dog – Tibetan mastiff.

The vamp adopts the colorway that is characterized of traditional ethnic features of Chinese Tibetan. The patterns on the vamp, the ethnic totem, the artificial animal hair as well as the eye-catching word “mastiff” together make the shoe rather distinctive.

Unique as the shoe is, it is quite a rare model, and its price is also somewhat daunting, reaching more than $1266.

4. SUPREME x CDG x NIKE AIR FORCE 1

Supreme and COMME des GARCONS SHIRT teamed up with Nike in 2017 to create a pair of shoes for their spring/summer collaboration. Nike’s representative Air Force 1 Low thus becomes the protagonist of this collaboration, with pure white as the main hue to retain the classic features.

The avant-garde design of COMME des GARCONS SHIRT is highlighted by the black eye-ball pattern on the heel and the sides. Over and above that, the joint Logo with Supreme can also be seen below the Swoosh.

The all-white colorway, coupled with the endorsement of the two fashion brands SUPREME and COMME des GARCONS, has pushed the price of the shoe up to around $ 1266 at one point.

5. NIKE AIR FORCE 1 PLAYSTATION

The Air Force 1 Low PlayStation is a Nike shoe designed around the PlayStation game console in 2006.

With the bright leather symbolizing the console and the PlayStation embroidery logo at the heel, the shoe is not only the first pair of collaboration between Nike and PlayStation , but also quite limited—there are only 150 pairs in the world, making it quite precious.

It should be made mention of that Kobe Bryant, who was the cover character of Sony’s exclusive NBA VIDEO game on Playstation, also got a pair and became the first player to own the shoes.

So what about the price? Well, you may have guessed it! Because the quantity of the shoe is too scarce, its price is above $1500, which is really jaw-dropping.

6.NIKE AIR FORCE 1 LEBRON JAMES WARRIOR

Lebron James’ Air Force 1 “Fear Chamber” line, containing 6 models in total, has long been a fantasy for many shoe lovers. Its designs are mainly based on Air Force 1 Low, presenting us quite a variety of colorways.

In the heels of those shoes, there are embroidered with various Chinese characters to highlight their themes, and decorated with James’s personal Logo to distinguish them from others models.

As for their prices that are most concerned about, they are generally priced between $790-$2400, which is equally eye-popping.

7. OFF WHITE x NIKE AIR FORCE 1

 

OFF WHITE’s collaboration with NIKE, THE TEN, is arguably the source of heat discussion of the sneaker field in recent years.

OFF WHITE X NIKE AIR FORCE 1 is the debut of THE TEN series, and the price of these shoes has already skyrocketed, especially for women’s size, which is around $2400, and men’s size, which is around $1600.

8.OFF WHITE x MOMA x NIKE AIR FORCE 1

This OFF WHITE x MOMA x NIKE AIR FORCE 1, also co-branded by OFF WHITE, is different from The Ten series in that it does not choose lightweight material but leather materials in the body. As for the details, the designs of the shoelaces and the silver Swoosh are both retained, making the shoe highly polished and recognizable.

The shoes, however, are only available in New York as part of the MOMA museum and are sold in extremely rare quantities currently on the market for around $4750.

9.KAWS x NIKE AIR FORCE 1

This one was created in Nike’s 1World Project in 2008 in collaboration with Kaws, a famous Graffiti artist in the United States.

The black frosted leather with a finishing “XX” pattern, though seemingly simple, has incorporated KAWS classic elements into the design of the shoe.

The shoe body is mainly black and fluorescent green which was actually quite rare at the time and its price has also reached an amazing $4750 or more.

10. CLOT x NIKE AIR FORCE 1

Back in 2009, Nike launched the Nike Clot Air Force 1 in collaboration with Clot to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Inspired by red which is deemed as a lucky color, the AF1 pair features a double upper, the upper layer of which can be detached. For the lower layer, it is made of dark brown leather, which also features the same Clot Chinese embroidered logo that is carved by laser.

As one of the most classic models, the price of this CLOT x NIKE AIR FORCE 1 has reached over $1582 in those days, and today, more than ten years later, it is even more than $14240. Really amazing!

Overall:

For those who value their dollars and attach great importance to the subtleties of the models they buy or are going to buy, it is a must to get some more intimate knowledge than just the list of AF1s. After all, having more knowledge of the shoes at your disposal won’t hurt.

 

Although some of the models foregoing may seem daunting either for their quantities or prices,  I am not talking about nonsense by making the list and it doesn’t mean that they are all entirely unavailable, only that they cost a bit much. Nonetheless, it all depends on your own financial ability and whether you’d sacrifice your dollars for them.

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Air Jordan 33 Performance Review

Ever since the official released the Air Jordan 33, it has got a lot of attention. With its brand new technologies and various colorways available,  it has become one of the most tantalizing models for many sneaker enthusiasts. There are subversive modeling design and innovative FastFit system in the shoes. So how does it feel in them? What about their actual performances and how do they fit? Is it a versatile model or in the nature of the minority’s option only?

Now that I’ve got one pair and played in them for 4 months, let’s waste no time and dive right into the details. Here is my comprehensive review of Air Jordan 33 that may help answer your burning questions and in which I’ll break it down from the fullest possible perspectives.

1.Fit

Guide for wearing the shoes

Well, I know you may get bewildered that why should I talk about the guide for wearing the shoes, but this may be needed for some people. yes! I truly meant what I said because some may haven’t seen such innovative designs in a shoe before. So how to wear the shoes on earth and how to use the FastFit system ?

Step one: With the oversized mouth and the super soft space cotton, you just need to slip your feet into it.

Step two: Tighten the velcro on the inside of the sneaker to make the mouth fit better and lock your heel into the sneaker.

Step three: Adjust the FastFit system. By pulling the red strap you’ll hear the lovely clicking sound, and every time you hear the “click”, the vamp will get far more tightened as you’ve hung up a gear.

 

Sizing:

Personally speaking, I am not a wide footer and I tend to go up 1/2 a size myself for I usually wear two pairs of thick socks when hooping and shooting on outdoor courts. Nevertheless, I do think that the majority of people can go with their regular size when considering the AJ 33. But for wide footers, it is still recommended to go up 1/2 a size just as I do in case there should be any irritating toe bumps or rubbing.

After all, although this is an AJ shoe, it is not exclusive to the minority of people but suitable for the regular consumers. Like many other signature shoes, the brand must take into consideration both the needs of actual players and consumers. So for regular and narrow footers, the regular sizes should be fine, and for wide footers, stepping 1/2 size up should be suitable and comfortable.

2. Wrapping

As of today, I haven’t any complaints with regard to the shoes’ wrapping. This is certainly one of the shoes with the best wrapping I’ve ever worn. With this wrapping, I am in my element and you’ll feel so in them likewise.

Then how well does it work? I’ve mentioned earlier that the shoe has quite a unique and innovative modeling design. It is because of this that the shoe is capable of providing us with good wrapping. But do you remember the FastFit system? Well, you guessed it! With the tech, its wrapping is therefore further improved to a wonderful level. Let’s put it this way: without the FastFit, the wrapping is good in the first place; then with the tech, it does wonders for the wrapping so that you’ll feel like wearing a pair of tight socks and you barely need to stop for adjusting during the whole plays .

Nonetheless, after exercising for a period of time, you’ll feel a bit uncomfortable underfoot because the vamp is simply too tight. It is not the wrapping that is to blame, but this is quite a normal phenomenon. Under the circumstance all you need to do is to adjust the wrapping to a comfortable state by pulling the black and yellow strap.

3.Cushion

The feelings in the shoes is one of the main concerns of most people. Besides that, can it offer the essential impact protection? Is it stable enough? What about the energy return or feedback from the cushion?

In the forefoot there’s a large zoom cushion and in the rear a hexagonal super thick Zoom air cushion. Sounds like a super hardcore setup on paper, right?

Well, when I first put them on, I could only feel the obvious bounce from the cushions. But when I got used to them , after around 30m’s warm-up, things got different. Everything seemed to start off quite smooth and then I was able to make the most of the zooms. Whether you are a speed-oriented guard or a powerful forward, you are most likely to get infatuated with its strong energy return and the propulsion forward.

In terms of my experiences, with the zooms in the AJ 33, every time I seemed to punch above my weight on court. So simply put, the cushion is a stellar job.

4. Traction

Can the brand new grains of the outsole bring good traction? Like many of you, I had the same worry before I actually played in them. Here is the answer to the question.

The AJ33’s outsole actually bites aggressively and offers enough security. On outdoor concrete courts, the traction is fine, though not the best. The edge of the outsole extends upward and the toe is partly covered by the outsole rubber, which not only enhances wrapping but also strengthens the stability and anti-rollover of the toe. So it offers you enough security when you are moving in all directions.

If you’ve ever experienced AJ 28, you must have been impressed by its super nice forefoot performance. Good news is that the AJ 33 will bring you the same enjoyable experience. The Flight Speed tech with the Zoom VaporFly 4% together increases the responsive speed of the forefoot.

5.Weight

Get ready to accept the AJ 33’s weight if you’ve decided to pick it. The Air Jordan 33 weighs almost as much as the Air Jordan 32, and if you’re looking for ultra-lightweight sneakers, the Air Jordan 33 will definitely fall short of what you expect.

6.Durability

According to the feedback from consumers, the durability is a bit controversial. Some said that theirs just wore out very quick and everytime they played in them, there were deformation or damage in the toe or te outsole. Others observed that their  remained relatively intact though there did exist some damage in the high-use areas.

Regarding this phenomenon, I think it has something to do with the personal way of playing. At first, I had guessed that the outsle and the toe might wear out first while the vamp would be as good as it initially was. However, my conjecture has been quite off the mark. After several months of play on both indoor and outdoor courts, mainly the latter ones, my AJ 33 has, compared with those consumers, remained relatively good, though damages are inevitable. So, in a word, I’m very satisfied with the way it has behaved.

Other colorways available:

Over and above the Air Jordan 33 “Tech Pack”, there are also Air Jordan 33 “Future Flight”, Air Jordan 33 “Blackout”and the Air Jordan 33 “Jade”. But bear in mind that the last one is exclusively available in China.

Overall:

Is AJ 33 versatile and suitable for everyone? Is it a good deal and does it deserve the price? Well, so far I still regard it as a good model, if not a perfect or an ideal one. AJ 33 is not versatile, nor is it suitable for everyone, but, objectively speaking, it is a good deal and definitely deserves the price.

The shoe takes wrapping, cushion and traction to another level, but there’s still room for improvement. As I said earlier, the shoe is a bit heavy, and is therefore not a good one if you are seeking lightweight models. Nevertheless, I don’t think its advantages can be blotted out simply because of its being relatively heavy.

Anyway, if you’ve always liked AJ shoes, you are still likely to love it and find it wonderful. After all, it is overall excellent and its little defects cannot belittle its virtues. Last but not the least, the price is not a bad one for an AJ sneaker and the tech it offers. So with my comprehensive review here, you can decide if it is your thing.

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Air Jordan 11 Performance Review

I don’t usually have a high regard for any shoe version simply because it is at the cutting edge of fashion or nice-looking. But as a sneaker enthusiast who has experienced quite a few famous shoes, I think there do exist some nearly perfect models in my shoe cabinet, among which this Air Jordan 11 is a good example.

Although I usually take good care of my shoes and value them a lot, I do think that they should be tested on courts time and again however they are priced, and this AJ 11 is no exception. Regarding the shoe’s performance, it is actually a bit controversial. Many may be wondering “Whether it can live up to its being an AJ model?”, or “Can it stand the test of both time and actual outdoor play?” So in this article lies the answer and I am gonna talk about the performances of this AJ 11 for your reference, attaching my rating of its various respects.

  1. Appearance: 9/10

Upon opening the shoe box, I was delighted to find that the shoes look nicer in real life than in photos, and I always thought so since then. But, buddy, this is a merely a matter of opinion, and you may keep your own viewpoints about the shoes’ appearance. After all, one friend of mine would rather pay 10 times the price of this AJ 11 to buy other shoes than buy this AJ model, and he even kept calling it ugly.

For the details of the shoes, the metallic logo of the heel is a highlight, and the real leather upper makes the whole pair of shoes much more delicate. You may also have found that the patent-leather in the vamp is a little different from those of the usual ones, but much like a layer of thick plastic. As for its durability, I will make particular mention of it later.

2. Cushion: 7.5/10

I never like to wear indoor shoes for commuting or for strolling casually, and this time I even directly walked to the indoor wooden court with my new AJ 11 still unpacked. Without some time getting along with the shoes, it was natural that I felt unaccustomed in them.

 

At the beginning, it was inevitable to feel stiffness underfoot, but after a period of time, I seemed to get the hang of it and was able to feel the feedback of the rear cushion obviously. In fact, if you’ve played in AJ shoes before, this kind of cushion should be nothing new for you. Despite that, I have to admit that the Air Sole, together with the shoe’s wrapping, has a nice cushioning effect, which is no exaggeration.

3.Wrapping: 9/10

Before purchasing this AJ 11, I had doubted whether it would satiate my needs cause’ the vamp looked a bit too thin to offer solid support and to keep warm in this freezing cold winter. But, man,  you know what? After the first round of play in it, I surprisingly found that the inner lining of the shoes was super comfortable, and coupled with the excellent vamp support (although it seems not so thick) and the shoelaces, my feet were tightly fixed inside the shoes.

Therefore, my worry turned out to be nonsense, and it is no wonder that the brand chose to release the shoes in winter for many of you will get infatuated with its comfortable wrapping just as I do.

4. Traction: 8.5/10

Most of time I was only able to play in outdoor courts, so I had thought “can it stand the test of high-intensity play and the rough courts?” Also with that comes my concerns about its durability and effectiveness. But, now that I’ve played in the shoes for 6 months+, I was again relieved of those worries.

Like the outsoles of other AJ 11, that of this one is dandy. In last time’s play, I made some breakthroughs at the beginning. In the second half of the play, however,I almost couldn’t keep a wary eye on the court as my physical power gradually declines and so I didn’t make emergency stops or startup. But recalling the past experiences, I deem that this traction of AJ 11 is still good in startup and stops.

Although I don’t very much like low-top models, my AJ 11 is an exception cause’ its traction has made up for this. I don’t know much about the details of its outsole material, but I do know that the outsole bite aggressively so that it seems it can let you fall down if you suddenly halt at a high pace.

5. Breathability: 4/10

As it is a pair of sneaker, any scores over 4 might be too much and inconsistent with the actual situation. The real leather and fur-like materials of the vamp, as you can expect, won’t be breathable, and with the tongue that is even leather-made, you may feel like wearing a pair of cotton-padded shoes. So, once again, it is wise of the brand to release the shoes in winter.

6.Durability: 7/10

So far the shoes are holding up well, which is even beyond my wildest dreams. But without any wear and tear after 6months+ play is nigh impossible. In the forefoot, not least the high-use areas, there are conspicuous damages. Besides that, the Jordan logo of the insoles have also fade away. After all, I often play high-intensity plays on the rough outdoor courts and so the damages have been expected.

But, man, you are sure to get surprised by finding that the outsole has remained in a relatively intact state and may probably outlive other setups of the shoes. Although it is the crystal one, it feels hard and is wear-resisting enough. For the patent leather, as I have said, it is different from the usual ones. There is also a transparent rubber covering on the leather, making it much more durable than the average leather.

Overall:

This AJ 11 is mad comfortable though there do exist some problems, but luckily for me, I am not in the least affected by them. So does it live up to its reputation or its being an AJ model? Depending on what you expect of it, the answers may vary greatly.

 

Nevertheless, I think it is a near-perfect model for me who play as an advance guard, though I am not sure how long it will last. But judging from my past 6 months play, you can also take them outdoors for rough court play. While I am not able to reach every aspect of the shoes’ performances, I’ll stop here and leave it for you to decide if it is the suitable one for you.

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Unboxing: Air Jordan 2 “Maison Chateau Rouge”

When referring to the Maison Chateau Rouge, a Parisian fashion brand, many Air Jordan lovers, I believe, will put on a puzzled look. Nevertheless, when it comes to the Air Jordan I mid SE Fearless “Maison Chateau Rouge” released in 2019, chances are that most of them would take a tumble and recall those days when this pair of shoes were crazily sought after.

This Paris brand commemorates the founder’s African heritage by infusing African-characterized designs and hand-stitched crafts into the shoes, which, I should say, is quite a success.

Besides the Air Jordan I mid SE Fearless “Maison Chateau Rouge”, it is terrific to know that there is actually another collaboration between the two brands, the Air Jordan 2 Maison Chateau Rouge. The new shoes were recently revealed for the first time, embodying the exotic air created by those unique African elements once again.

White is the main hue of this Air Jordan 2, and with some bright orange decorations, the shoes, as a whole, look quite pure and elegant, and are also endowed with more fashion temperament.

Although the shoes’ overall look is simple and elegant, there  still remains some classic designs of the original version. For instance, the crack patterns of the side and the tongue can still be seen in this AJ 2. Over and above that, from the leather lining and the unique pattern of the midsole we can get a glimpse of the  two brands’ sincerity.

The heel design can help identify the shoes better than any other details.

With regard to the insoles, they are also one of the highlights of this pair of shoes. In fact, they are not only eye-catching, but also quite a fantastic innovation.

Air Jordan I mid SE Fearless “Maison Chateau Rouge” is priced at ¥3500. A bit expensive though, it actually deserves that. As for this Air Jordan 2 “Maison Chateau Rouge” that will be launched this year, it is also positioned at the similar price level.

In spite of all that, many are wondering if it will be a solo show or come together with Air Jordan 1 Fearless . Anyway, whatever the result is, it is set to be electrifying for AJ fans.

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Air Jordan 12 “International Pack” Performance Review

As a Jordan Brand fan for many years, I always tried to cop as much excellent Jordan shoes as possible and this Air Jordan 12 also used to be one of my purchasing goals. Now that I’ve got intimate knowledge of the shoes’ performances, I think it is essential to write this performance review, hoping that it might do some help for those interested in the shoes.

In terms of its appearance, its slender shoe body, the classic asymmetrical design along with its full-foot Air Zoom are all compelling, making the shoes widely enjoyed in the sneaker circle.

For the vamp it is mainly  navy blue and white, the two colors being in harmony with each other. Simple as the colorway is, the shoes still have an outstanding look. Besides, made of suede and decorated with some specific endemic patterns, the vamp embodies the Japanese style.

In the shoe tongue there is the red iconic logo, which forms quite a contrast with the blue vamp.

Looking at it from the side, I found that it is a bit fairshaped, which quite spurs me into exercise. In the upper there are two silver buckles that is also one of the fatures of AJ 12.

Its Japanese style has been best displayed in the heel. The embroidery of the heel and Jordan’s number 23 both make the shoes very distinctive.

With regard to the shoes’ comfort which I think is of great importance, Jordan Brand has done a tremendous job. The vamp adopts the soft suede leather so as to guarantee flexibility for the wearer. Personlly speaking, without the constraint of binding of hard leather, I was rather in my element whenever I wore the shoes.

As for the shoes’ weight, a single one weighs 455g which is only mediocre.

Both the suede and the leather are not designed with air holes. Therefore, you cannot expect it to be very comfortble in summer days, not least when you are playing high-intensity exercises.

Despite the disadvantage  of the poor air permeability, the leather of the vamp, on the other hand, provides wearers with excellent support that is badly needed on courts.

The tough leather on the outside and the upward-extending outsole both offer good support and ensure stability underfoot.

This Air Jordan 12 “International Pack” belong to the middle-to-high top shoes. And with quite solid thick foam inside the heel, the shoes also impress me by its superior wrapping performance. Take my experience. While I was engrossed in playing basketball, the heel could always provided me with sufficient support whatever movements I made.

There are herringbone grains in the front and rear parts of the outsole, and with the aid of the dense lines, its grip performance is all the more improved.

The thick and wear-resistant rubber outsole can also withstand all kinds of practical tests,  and adapt all kinds of venues very well. Even if I am playing on the cement courts, I can still be relieved of the worry of wearing the outsole.

The midsole adopts the full-foot Air Zoom, which, generally speaking, is a bit stiff and not that comfortable to wear. And despite the cushion, the feedback, from my perspective, is not so obvious and nothing more than a decoration.

Overall:

To sum up, this Air Jordan 12 International Pack is surprisingly crafted, with high-quality suede and leather vamp that look quite superior. The vamp also provides strong support, and the foam inside also brings a excellent wrapping. But for the cushions, they can barely meet our needs. Therefore, with  this AJ 12’s various merits and disadvantages illustrated here, you may now have clearer ideas about whether to purchase the shoes.