Asics Metaspeed Sky+ Performance Review

Asics entered the super shoe race (ahem) last year with the well-received Metaspeed Sky and Metaspeed Edge. The Asics Metaspeed Sky+ takes the learnings from Asics’ first year making high-stack marathon racing shoes and pushes the envelope. The “+” usually denotes only small tweaks but the Metaspeed Sky+ could be named the Metaspeed Sky 2. It includes several changes that improve the overall package and place the Metaspeed Sky+ at the top of the marathon racing shoe pyramid.

Asics Metaspeed Sky+

Release Date: June 2022

Price: $250

Weight: 7.2oz

Drop: 5mm (34mm forefoot, 39mm heel)

Sizing: True to Size

• Rundown: The Asics Metaspeed Sky+ is one of the best marathon racing shoes on the market.

Pros

• Toe Spring
• Traction
• Stability
• Airflow

Cons

• Motion Wrap Upper

Pros

Toe Spring

The forefoot of the Asics Metaspeed Sky+ looks bulbous. There’s a ton of FF Blast Turbo foam underneath the forefoot. And that foam, when paired with a sharply curved carbon fiber plate that sits fairly close to the foot, does a heckuva job. Every footstep I took compressed that big hunk of foam so it could rocket back into position and provide me incredible bounce. Only the Nike Alphafly Next% ever gave me this much bounce. It’s just in a different league from most shoes.

As weird as it is to say this, some people (I’m thinking runners who bounce up and down while they run) might think the Metaspeed Sky+ has too much bounce. But I think the majority of people training and running marathons will really enjoy the impressive toe spring.

Oh, and the midsole also provides great impact protection. The day after a hard workout your legs will feel much better than they would after workouts in most shoes. This is an upper echelon midsole and a huge selling point.

Traction

I’ve had mixed results with traction on the various Asics runnings shoes I’ve tried throughout the years. But the AsicsGrip outsole on the Metaspeed Sky+ never slips. I ran speed workouts on a wet, mildewy boardwalk and it held firm. My go to shoe for wet weather races used to be the Curry 4 Flotro but now the Asics Metaspeed Sky+ has taken the top spot. I trust it completely no matter the conditions.

Stability

The midsole on the Asics Metaspeed Sky+ also feels more stable than the first generation. The Asics team changed the geometry and width of the midsole ever so slightly but the result is a shoe that hugs the corners and never feels wobbly.

A lot of modern-day marathon racing shoes really struggle in the stability department but the Metaspeed Sky+ feels like the midsole is built with a giant forefoot outrigger (really just the shape of the midsole acting as an outrigger). The outrigger provides support and structure as the foot sinks into lateral foam when planting hard into the ground. It’s a great shoe for race courses with lots of curves or those annoying 180-degree turns that some courses have.

Airflow

The Motion Wrap Upper is somewhat see through and that’s a good thing. When you’re racing, your body temperature climbs. The Asics Metaspeed Sky+ takes care of the air conditioning. Well, at least for your feet. The textile upper just gulps the air to keep your feet as cool as possible. There’s even some cutouts towards the bottom of the heel cup to let even more air escape. It’s a great setup for racing and summer running.

Cons

Motion Wrap Upper

While the Motion Wrap Upper on the Asics Metaspeed Sky+ excels in breathability, it’s got a little too much volume in the forefoot. This is a super small quibble but I know some people really dislike extra space above their toes when racing. The forefoot doesn’t feel as sleek and form-fitting as it should.

The Metaspeed Sky+ fits true to size and the forefoot is widefoot friendly, but its still a bit poofy even for wide footers. The upper feels like its barely there but the lack of structure affects the forefoot ever so slightly. I don’t view it as a huge deal because the shoe is so good everywhere else, but it’s worth mentioning.

Speaking of mentioning small things, the tongue is a super light synthetic suede that does the job but I wish it would have been slightly more padded. And the barbed lacing looks like it would hold tight no matter what but when it gets soaked (as often happens on summertime long runs), it immediately comes untied. So, just in case, double knot when going long or racing.

Asics Metaspeed Sky+ Summary

The Asics Metaspeed Sky+ is an impressive marathon racing shoe. It’s light, peppy, grippy, stable, breathable, and super bouncy. I’d put it alongside the air jordan, Nike Alphafly Next%, and Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite as my current personal favorite marathon, long run, and speed workout shoes. Other brands have new race day shoes coming out soon but I have a hard time imagining them surpassing what Asics did with the Metaspeed Sky+.

9.5/10

Total Score

 

Pros

• Toe Spring
• Traction
• Stability
• Airflow

Cons

• Motion Wrap Upper

New Balance TWO WXY V2 Performance Review

The New Balance TWO WXY V2 has a lot to offer in terms of performance. We’ve seen Dejounte Murray of the Spurs rock these on the court, most notably during All-Star weekend.

Colorway: Night tide with pink glow

Release Date: May 2022

Price: $130

9.5/10

Total Score

The New Balance TWO WXY V2 is the newest team model from New Balance. After the success of the OMN1S and original TWO WXY, we were excited to get these in hand. And so far, it looks like our expectations will be met and maybe even exceeded. There are significant changes from the original TWO WXY, from cushion to materials, and it all seems to be for the better. Continue reading for Jalique’s complete performance review.

Traction

As mentioned in the initial review, the Two Wxy V2 outsole pattern reminds me of two of the best outsoles ever, and it did not disappoint. While I’m not surprised by how well they performed, I am surprised New Balance found a way to significantly improve what was already a great run of hoop shoes in the traction department.

Using much thinner rubber than previous shoes in NB basketball Shoes, the V2 outsole covers you in any direction. Make sure you cinch up well in a pair of these – if you don’t, you may find yourself twisting out of the shoe on directional changes. That’s how great the bite is.

These may not last a very long time outdoors, but while they last, you’re in for a treat.

Cushion

The softest version of FuelCell foam in NB’s basketball category also sees the addition of the Abzorb Dynamic Response System in the heel. The V2 midsole rides super smooth and low to the ground while providing an acceptable amount of cushion and comfort.

The foam and gel combined with Dunk protect against the impact on heel strikes and response as you transition from heel to toe. I can rarely play extended periods in a pair with this much court feel without regretting it. The Two Wxy V2 stands out in that capacity.

Materials

FitWeave Lite goes thinner than the Kawhi 2 yet remains as strong in the upper. I thoroughly enjoyed the flexibility and reduction of break-in time to nearly zero. While the outside may feel a little scratchy, the textile inner lining is nice and cozy, leaving you without worry as you play.

As a bonus, the ‘Neon Lights’ colorway I tested uses nice, buttery nubuck around the collar and tongue, which is a joy to feel while putting the shoe on, if nothing else.

Fit

I went true to size and found this to be a great fit, which I recommend for others, including wide footers. Just make sure to readjust lacing when you have opportunities. Keeping things tight will keep you in the shoe when that outsole starts chomping on the floor during hard cuts and changes of direction.

Support

I had an overall positive experience with all that the Two Wxy V2 provides as far as support goes. The heel is internally and externally stabilized over the soft midsole, and you sit within it enough to help with containment. The base is low and flat enough to keep you securely connected with the floor and a good fit and strong upper.

My nitpick in the support realm is that I wish the torsional bar could have been beefed up just a little. Overall, this wasn’t a huge issue for someone that plays like me, but I could imagine some players that put a little more torque into their shoes needing more than what comes out of the box.

Overall

The New Balance Two Wxy V2 provided a near-flawless experience while testing, making it one of my favorite hoop shoes to play in thus far this year. Maybe some will prefer a little more cushion in the forefoot or torsional support, but for what the shoe gives, there is not much to complain about. I recommend the Two Wxy V2 to anyone interested, especially if you have had a good experience with New Balance’s 574 previous basketball offerings. This may be their best pair yet.

Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 Performance Review

The Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 aims to build upon the success of the original HOVR Drive. But despite doing some things very well, the Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 falls short in other categories. Are the successes enough to cover up the shortcomings? Let’s find out.

Under Armour HOVR Drive 2

Release Date: March 2022

Price: $160

Weight: 11.9 oz

Sizing: Roomy, go down 1/2 size for a more snug fit.

• Rundown: The HOVR cushion is top-notch, but a shoddy fit and lockdown issues make this shoe a little harder to enjoy.

Pros

• HOVR Cushion
• Traction
• Breathability

Cons

• Fit
• Lockdown

Pros

HOVR Cushion

Fresh off of my review of the Under Armour HOVR Tour SL, I’ve been pretty high on HOVR, and the Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 gave me even more reason to fall in love with Under Armour’s proprietary cushion.

The Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 was stacked with full-length HOVR, and it felt even better than the Tour SL, which I loved. From what I can tell, Under Armour just packed this thing full of KD 15…you can never have too much of a good thing right?

It felt extremely responsive, stable, and oh-so-comfortable under foot. The HOVR felt awesome during my swing, but it really stood out as a winner when walking around in the wastelands trying to find my wayward tee shots, (trust me, there were plenty). The cushion left me feeling energized, not lethargic.

Traction

Spiked traction is hard to mess up, but I’m still going to give Under Armour kudos for the great traction on the Under Armour HOVR Drive 2.

The cleats provided fantastic rotational grip, a must for powerful swings. As you hit the downswing, if your feet start to rotate and slip, you’re going to lose all of the kinetic energy and power. Thus keeping your feet stable and firmly in place is key to efficient energy and power transfer from your body to the golf ball.

Under Armour nailed this idea of rotational grip, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the traction. As I say, spiked traction is hard to mess up, but Under Armour took it a step up with Rotational Resistance Traction on the HOVR Drive 2.

Breathability

I’ve found that most companies struggle to make a breathable TOUR golf shoe, mostly because they also have to make the shoes waterproof…those two things are pretty much opposites. However, I thought Under Armour struck the right balance between waterproofing the Under Armour HOVR Drive 2, while also keeping it breathable and cool

Thanks to strategically placed holes in the side of the shoe, I didn’t find my feet getting all hot and sweaty, even in the 107-plus degree temperatures that I’ve been playing in. The holes and extremely thin waterproof membrane were just enough to keep me cool…or cooler than I would have been otherwise.

Cons

Fit

The fit on the Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 is a little concerning. At first, I thought it was just me, but after doing some research and reading other’s experiences, I can say with confidence that the toe box of the Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 is extremely roomy…so much so that I’d suggest sizing down at least a 1/2 size to get a better, 1 to 1 fit.

And it wasn’t just the toe, I found the way the heel was sculpted really made the shoe feel larger on that side too. Not that I felt I was swimming in my normal size 11, but there was enough wiggle room that I would definitely go with a 10.5 next time.

Lockdown

The larger than normal fit was not helped by the lockdown of the Under Armour HOVR 2, which was average at best. Now to be fair to the shoe, part of the lockdown issue was the way they were laced. But until I finally decided to use the lace holes back towards the heel, I was constantly sliding forward in these shoes.

Once I made the decision to use the extra lace holes, lockdown improved, but I found myself struggling to tie them due to a lack of lace real estate. I just managed to muster up enough lace to tie them, but it wasn’t as seamless as it should have been.

If you’re going to grab a pair of these, I would definitely suggest using the extra lace holes towards the back of the shoe. Be aware that you may have to really choke down on the laces to have enough left at the end to properly tie them.

Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 Summary

All things considered, the Under Armour HOVR Drive 2 should be defined by its great cushion, traction, and breathability, but I found myself spending more time worrying about the fit and lockdown than anything else.

The mark of a good golf shoe is the ability to put it on and forget about it. With the Under Armour HOVR Drive 2, I spent less time focusing on my golf game, and more time focused on how to keep my feet from shifting forward within the shoe.

Would I suggest picking these up? If you’re a wide footer who wants awesome cushion and great traction, I’d say go for it. Other than that, make sure you try these on first, so you can get the best size to help with the fit and lockdown.

 

7/10

Total Score

 

Pros

• HOVR Cushion
• Traction
• Breathability

Cons

• Fit
• Lockdown

How To Buy JORDAN Basketball Shoes: Typical Consumer’s Guide

Let’s talk all about the Jumpman. But we’re not talkin’ lifestyle Retros or hypebeast Travis Scott’s. We’re talking hoops. For those who are interested in getting familiar with the brand and making a smart purchasing decision, here’s ALL you need to know on how to buy Jordan basketball shoes in 2022 and beyond.

Using my own experiences with Jordan hoop shoes as well as research, I’ll break down the current Jordan basketball shoe catalog, what to expect from a Jumpman sneaker, the best places to grab ’em for cheaper, give you my current rotation of kicks, and top it all off with some bonus questions & answers.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A JORDAN HOOP SHOE?

Here’s what I noticed about Jordan hoop shoes that seem to be a pattern among most of ’em

 

While it’s impossible to put a variety of different shoes in a single group as each sneaker is different, it’s pretty evident that they are a few qualities that Jordan hoop shoes often share.

For someone who’s new to JB’s basketball sneakers, here are some of the reoccurring details I’ve noticed on several Jordan shoes I played in throughout the years.

VERSATILITY

What exactly is a versatile basketball shoe? For me, that means it can suit many different players’ needs whether you’re a guard, a big, athletic, low-profile, you name it.

95% of Jordan hoop shoes I’ve tested and reviewed seem to be very well-rounded, meaning they can provide the necessary performance for just about any style or build.

It might not drastically excel in one particular aspect but I feel like Jordan kicks offer just enough to give players what they need the most, no matter who they are.

The React Elevation, the Zoom Separate, the Jumpman Diamond, the flagship Air Jordan 36 – just to name a few versatile options. Look up reviews on just about any Jordan basketball sneaker and tell me they’re not versatile!

I think there’s a reason for Jordan sneakers being versatile though. Just take a look at their lineup of signature athletes: Jayson Tatum, Russell Westbrook, Rui Hachimura, Luka Dončić.

They’re all versatile two-way players that can do just about anything on the court. They specialize in certain areas, of course, but a balanced game is something most of those guys stand behind.

GUARANTEED SECURITY

One specific performance trait I’ve noticed about Jordan hoop shoes is a heavy focus on security for the player.

I’ve hooped in about a dozen Jordan performance models and despite their differences in pricing, materials used, or cushion technology – most models felt very supportive for the foot.

This means that proper structure is always thought of when building a Jordan shoe, so is a supportive chassis as well as a wide base to provide stability.

TECHNOLOGY FROM NIKE

Did you notice that both Nike and Jordan hoop shoes share mostly the same technology? If you’ve spotted both a Nikey and a Jumpman model featuring Zoom Air cushion or a Flytknit upper – this isn’t a mistake.

For what might seem obvious to a seasoned sneaker consumer, newcomers might not be aware of this.

The Jordan label is actually owned by Nike, so even though both brands have their set of different products, most Jordan stuff is still trademarked by Nike.

This is why technology (cushion, support systems, materials, etc.) is shared across the two labels.

A PRICE TO PAY

Last but not least, we all know how luxurious the price tags can be for kicks by the Jumpman, and this is commonly no different for their performance basketball models.

While their team models are less expensive than most of the prestigious Air Jordan 1 mid models or even other signature lines, the pricing on average is still higher than just about any other brand.

Expect to spend at least $130-$140 for a lower-tier shoe from Jordan, and all the way to $185+ for their flagship shoes.

II. JORDAN BASKETBALL SHOES: WHAT’S AVAILABLE?

Let’s break down the entirety of the Jordan basketball shoe catalog in a practical way

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background image source: nike.com

Jordan doesn’t actually offer nearly as much variety as Nikey does. The Jordan athlete roster has been filling up lately but as of right now, we only have a few signature shoe lines, as well as a few team models.

Russell Westbrook, Zion Williamson, and the man himself, Michael Jordan, are the main signature athletes for Jordan Brand. However, Luka Dončić is coming to the roster very soon, so be on the lookout for his debut sneaker.

With that, let’s break down the entire catalog of Jordan’s basketball shoe offerings.

THE AIR JORDAN LINE

 

The very first Air Jordan model arrived in 1985 and Michael Jordan’s signature shoe line has been going strong ever since, even despite MJ’s retirement in 2003.

It is single-handedly the most influential sneaker line in terms of basketball, streetwear, and the culture of sneakers in general. However, we’re not here to talk about classic retros for styling purposes.

We’re concentrating on basketball performance and that’s what the Air Jordan models from around 28 all the way to today are all about.

This is where you’ll find flagship technology, highest-grade build quality, but also steep pricing.

You generally get what you pay for though, and if you manage to get yourself an Air Jordan 28 all the way to the 36 (and counting), you’ll mostly be good to go no matter your style or build on the court.

SIGNATURE ATHLETE: Michael Jordan

PRICE RANGE: $160-$185

SHOES AVAILABLE: 36 and counting: Air Jordan 1 – Air Jordan 36 (certain models also feature low-top and SE variants)

BEST FOR: most players. Particularly bigger guards, wings or two-way players

PROS: ✔  flagship technology & build quality ✔ suits just about any player ✔ yearly release

CONS: ✖ the most expensive Jordan line ✖ mediocre for outdoor play ✖ not very casualf-friendly: recent shoes are all about performance

MY FAVORITE SHOE: Air Jordan 34

THE ‘WHY NOT?’ LINE

Russell Westbrook lives and breathes by the motto “Why Not?” and his main signature shoe line resembles this with flashy colorways and extravagant designs all over his sneakers.

But in terms of performance on the court, the ‘Why Not’ shoe isn’t a slouch either.

They’re fairly well-rounded sneakers that can do a bit of everything. However, explosive, fast & athletic hoopers will surely enjoy his sneakers the most due to fantastic linear performance, energetic cushion systems, and excellent support without abundant restrictions.

They also happen to fall in the mid-tier pricing spectrum but if you’re interested in what they offer, I recommend reading up on individual model reviews.

Quite a bit of wearers seem to report that performance isn’t always consistent model by model.

SIGNATURE ATHLETE: Russell Westbrook

PRICE RANGE: $120-$150

SHOES AVAILABLE: 5 and counting: Jordan ‘Why Not?’ Zer0.1 – Jordan ‘Why Not?’ Zer0.5

BEST FOR: all-around players, explosive guards, athletic wings/forwards

PROS: ✔  versatile shoes at mid-tier prices ✔ some of the models are among the most supportive shoes you can find

CONS: ✖ a no-go for casual wear for a lot of people ✖ often mediocre build quality for a flagship signature

MY FAVORITE SHOE: Jordan ‘Why Not?’ Zer0.4

THE ONE TAKE LINE

If you’re liking what you’re seeing about the ‘Why Not’ sneaker line but can’t afford to spend $100+ on a pair – shift your attention over to the One Take line.

This is Westbrook’s secondary (takedown) sneaker line that offers similar qualities to the ‘Why Not’ shoes but is made with affordability in mind.

Expect solid all-around performance with these models, decent versatility (though they’re still best for bigger/more explosive hoopers), and prices that start falling quite quickly after each model’s release.

The main caveats I’ve noticed about most of the One Take shoes are mediocre outsoles in terms of durability and they’re quite narrow in construction, so wide footers like myself won’t be playing in these too much.

SIGNATURE ATHLETE: Russell Westbrook

PRICE RANGE: $100

SHOES AVAILABLE: 3 and counting: Jordan Westbrook One Take I – Jordan One Take III

BEST FOR: all-around players, bigger guards, wings, linear-dominant movements

PROS: ✔  solid all-around performers on a budget ✔ quick to go on sale due to little demand

CONS: ✖ questionable traction for lateral movements at times ✖ mediocre for outdoor play ✖ not the best options for wide footers

MY FAVORITE SHOE: Jordan Westbrook One Take I

THE ZION LINE

Currently, the newest induction to the Jordan family is Zion Williamson. His first sneaker, the Zion 1, is the only shoe available during the time of writing this guide, and for a debut model – it’s pretty solid.

Available for $120 at retail, the Zion 1 gave me excellent comfort due to a plush Air Strobel unit going from heel to toe, great outdoor traction, a decent upper, and a wide foot-friendly fit.

Be careful if you’ll be playing indoors though, as lots of hoopers who spend their time in a gym reported questionable grip. Also, narrow footers will probably want to go down half a size from their usual choice.

SIGNATURE ATHLETE: Zion Williamson

PRICE RANGE: $120

SHOES AVAILABLE: 1 and counting: Jordan Zion 1

BEST FOR: bigger/heavier players such as wings or forwards, athletic styles, linear-dominant movements

PROS: ✔ a solid performer for just $120 ✔  very comfortable for long periods of wear

CONS: ✖ questionable traction indoors ✖ fits long ✖ support heavily relies on a perfect fit

MY FAVORITE SHOE: Jordan Zion 1 (the only one available so far)

THE TEAM MODELS

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source of the shoe images: nike.com

Apart from signature lines, Jordan also releases a few team performance models each year. During the time of writing this guide, the main attraction would be the Jordan Zoom Separate – a shoe endorsed by Luka Dončić.

I was never a huge fan of either team model by JB but not to say they’re bad basketball shoes.

It’s just that you could find fantastic performers that offer the same (if not more) for less $$$ when you take a look at what adidas, Under Armour, or even Puma has to offer.

Expect mid-tier tech specs and build quality from these models, solid all-around performance, and pricing in the $100-$140 range.

My favorite sneaker in the Jordan team model catalog would have to be either the React Elevation or the more recent Zoom Separate.

III. WHERE TO BUY JORDAN HOOP SHOES?

Here are the main places to look at when shopping for a Jumpman basketball sneaker

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Let’s get started with the basics of purchasing a Jordan basketball shoe.

If you’re extremely cost-effective and always strive to spend the least amount for the best product possible – you might want to skip over to the next section.

However, for those who value convenience over everything else and are okay with paying retail pricing (or close to it) – here are the main places you should look at when buying Jordan basketball sneakers quickly & easily.

FOR CURRENT RELEASES

This one’s a no-brainer. All Jordan basketball sneakers released the same year you’re interested in them are available at the retailer’s website. So, your primary option would be to visit Nikey if you want a fresh pair of current models.

If Nike/Jordan doesn’t have your size or desired colorway, your next best bet is to visit any other popular sports retailer.

Those would be the likes of Finish Line, Foot Locker, DICK’s Sporting Goods, Champs Sports, or any other you’re aware of.

These sports retailers use a similar formula to the manufacturer, meaning they usually have the current models in stock for over a year.

Shortly after, clearance hits, and new models are brought in while older releases go on sale until they’re fully replaced with fresh stock.

FOR SLIGHTLY OLDER RELEASES

If you’re interested in a pair that’s, say, 2-3 years old and isn’t available on Nikey – you’ve got a few alternative options.

Something I noticed is one sports retailer in particular, DICK’s Sporting Goods, often has some leftover stock still available while other retailers have long wiped theirs.

So if you can’t find the shoe on Nikey or your favorite sports stores – I always recommend checking DICK’s since they tend to have some surprises.

However, some sneakers simply aren’t going to be available anywhere in terms of sneaker retailers. This is when I often check Amazon for such shoes.

Believe it or not, Amazon actually has some really good stuff that’s a few years old. About 6-12 months after the stock has been cleared up on sneaker retailers is when I tend to see some of these shoes emerge on Amazon.

FOR DEADSTOCK SHOES

For Jordan hoop shoes that passed the 3-4-year-old mark and aren’t available on any convenient sneaker/sports store anymore – it’s time to take your efforts over to deadstock marketplaces.

StockX and GOAT would be the go-to places to shop for deadstock shoes and if you’re shopping for performance models – you won’t see all of that ridiculous pricing that you get for hyped/vintage models.

I know that the reception on these marketplaces is fairly mixed. Some people had a tough time getting shoes from them, while others claimed they received unauthentic pairs.

I personally never had an issue with StockX or GOAT (not saying there’s no chance I will in the future), so it’s always best to read up on opinions from both sides instead of focusing on just one.

IV. HOW TO BUY JORDAN BASKETBALL SHOES FOR CHEAPER

If retail prices aren’t cutting it, I’ve got some important tips to share on saving as much $$$ as possible

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It’s time to talk about saving cash – a topic that’s extremely relevant for Jordan products as they tend to get very pricy. If you can’t always afford to pay full retail, there are several critical points to remember in order to land the best possible deals.

These methods work for just about any basketball shoe including JB’s. So take note and you’ll be well on your way to buying the same stuff for less $$$ if you’re patient.

NEW-SEASON CLEARANCE

Clearance is the meat & potatoes of saving cash when shopping for basketball sneakers. What is it? Simple. Let’s break it down.

Retailers have current stock in 2021. A year flies by and 2022 arrives – Jordan releases new basketball models. The models released in 2021 are now considered a season old and retailers will try their best to push out these shoes as quickly as possible in order to have space for the new 2022 stock.

That’s when huge sales and discounts emerge for these 1/2-year-old sneakers which can still be fantastic options to play in.

So if you’re patient and okay with hooping in a slightly older shoe (which you absolutely should be these days) – late summer/early Fall is the golden period to track down huge sales on Nikey/Jordan, other sports retailers, Amazon, or just about anywhere else.

BACK TO SCHOOL & SUMMER SALES

This goes hand-in-hand with clearance: early Fall (September) is also the back-to-school season for a lot of apparel & footwear labels.

While performance products aren’t usually the focus at this time, there were a few cases when I managed to cop a discounted pair of basketball shoes during this time.

The same goes for the summer period. Early-mid June and even prior to that, late May are when stores typically launch their summer sales.

 

If you’re looking for the biggest possible savings and have the ability to do some live shopping, sports outlets are the GOAT of saving $$$ on Jordan basketball shoes.

The United States has some really awesome outlet stores that have plenty of discounted pairs of hoop shoes pretty much 365 days per year.

Ross, TJ Maxx, and Marshall’s would be the most notable ones. If those aren’t available in your region, you can find a brand outlet just about anywhere in the world (Nike/Jordan outlet).

UNCOVER MORE METHODS TO SAVE $$$ ON JORDANS

I could ramble about how to buy Jordan basketball shoes all day here but I want to keep this one brief.

However, for those who are interested in getting even deeper insight into saving as much money as possible, I’ve actually got a complete guide on buying basketball shoes for cheap.

I break down these methods above in greater detail as well as provide some additional tips & tricks such as becoming a brand member, using Honey, or learning the yearly sale patterns for each brand.

V. MY FAVORITE JORDANS TO HOOP IN RIGHT NOW

Here’s my latest rotation of Jordan sneakers I love hooping in the most. Click on the shoe name for a full review

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Air Jordan 34

& 180 USD  

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Performance Review

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 changes things up in several ways from the well-reviewed Nike Pegasus 38. Some of the changes are improvements while others are head-scratching. Whether you’ll like the Pegasus 39 will depend on how big you are and how you run.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Release Date: June 2022

Price: $130

Weight: M 9.5oz, W 8.0oz

Drop: 10mm

Sizing: True to size, runs slightly narrow, a wide version is available if needed

• Rundown: The Nike Pegasus 39 is a lightweight, comfortable running shoe with a curious cushion downgrade from the Pegasus 38 that keeps it from achieving a higher rating.

Pros

• Light Build
• Great Comfort & Lockdown
• Durable Outsole

Cons

• Cushion Downgrade
• Price Increase

Pros

Light Build

While any upper is an improvement over the debacle that was the Air Jordan upper, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 takes the upper improvements of the Pegasus 38 to a new level. The Pegasus 38 was comfortable, but the Pegasus 39 is comfortable, super lightweight, and more breathable. Nike took three layers down to two and the difference is very noticeable during hot, humid summer miles. It’s the sort of barely-there but supportive upper that runners crave. Plus, it feels great on foot. More about that in our next item.

Great Comfort & Lockdown

The lighter upper of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 puts less material on top of your foot but keeps the fully gusseted, nicely padded tongue. The Achilles padding increases significantly in a way that feels great and helps keep the heel down inside the shoe and improves overall lockdown. And while I don’t love Flywire strand lacing, it does what it’s supposed to do and keeps the midfoot secure. The upper is probably my favorite part of this shoe.

One note for my wide-footed friends. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 is still on the narrower side of shoes but is available in a wide version. I’d recommend all wide footers go with the wide version if they’re looking to try the Pegasus 39.

Durable Outsole

The outsole of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 is very similar to the Pegasus 38 with some slight tweaks in the pattern. The result is the same. A consistently grippy thick and durable rubber outsole that will last longer than the shoe’s cushioning.

Cons

Cushion Downgrade

And now we get to the worst part of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39. Last year’s version featured a React foam midsole and a huge, articulated Zoom Air bag in the forefoot. This year’s version loses a bit of the React foam, trades in the large volume Zoom Air bag in the forefoot for a typical oval Zoom bag, and adds a standard rectangular bag at the heel.

On the face of it, the changes don’t seem that extreme, but on foot, it feels much different. The impact protection is significantly lessened whether you land forefoot, midfoot, or heel. Landing on the ground is not near as plush, bouncy, or as smooth as the previous version. This cushioning setup doesn’t compete well with most neutral cushioned trainers from Nike’s competitors. It’s most similar in feel to the Brooks Launch 9, a shoe on the lower end of Brooks’ cushioning spectrum.

The cushioning on the Pegasus 39 is ok if you’re a smaller runner or someone who lands lightly. But the main audience here at WearTesters is larger athletes who’ve transitioned from other sports. Most of our audience tend to prefer plush, bouncy cushioning. Unfortunately, the Pegasus 39 doesn’t deliver it.

Price Increase

It’s tough to blame Nike for the inflationary environment, but the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 jumps $10 despite less investment going into the most expensive part of the shoe, the midsole cushioning setup. I can’t recommend paying a premium when you ultimately get less protection underfoot. Unless you’re a Pegasus superfan and try every model, you’ve got better options at the $130 price point.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Summary

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 nails everything except the cushioning and price. If you’re a lighter, smaller runner, you’ll likely have a great experience with the Pegasus 39. If you’re bigger, taller, or a heavy lander, you’ll want to look elsewhere for your daily running shoe.

Pros

• Light Build
• Great Comfort & Lockdown
• Durable Outsole

Cons

• Cushion Downgrade
• Price Increase