Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 Performance Review

Rundown: The Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 is one of the best cross-training shoes available thanks to its versatility and function.

Release Date: 2022

Price: $110

Weight: 11.1 oz (size 10)

Drop: 8mm

Fit Guide: True to size

 

9/10

Total Score

Pros

• TriBase Technology
• Lacing System
• Outsole Traction

Cons

• No Traditional Tongue
• Lack of Arch Support

The Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 features two technologies for which Under Armour is well known: HOVR cushioning and TriBase stability. The combination sounds like a recipe for a comfortable yet stable shoe, and it usually is. Plenty of previous Under Armour training models including various Project Rock models have used the combination.

Does the HOVR Rise 4 deliver performance in line with its tech specs? Fortunately, we’ve got a positive answer for you. The Rise 4 is a fantastic performance model that will handle all your training needs.

Pros

TriBase Technology

TriBase is a triangle on the outsole that aims to make the back half of the shoe rigid and stable for lifts. It does precisely that in my experience with the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4. In some shoes like the adidas Dropset Trainer, I feel a rocking motion on exercises like dumbbell bent over rows or goblet squats. However, the TriBase outsole geometry made it so I never felt unstable and forced forward. From my midfoot to the heel, my foot stayed down and flat.

Lacing System

After my horrendous experience with the Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature, I was glad to test a shoe with an excellent lockdown lacing system. Most of the lace holes are nylon cables running down to the footbed, so the materials suck you in and ensure you’re contained. The top eyelets are connected to the heel wings, reminding me of the Air Jordan 4. The top eyelets and the wings do a great job of preventing heel slip. Just make sure you wear thick socks, so you don’t compromise the fit.

Outsole Traction

The traction on the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 is made up of nubs shaped like circles. Everywhere I brought them, they did well. I tried doing dribbling drills on concrete, and they not only gripped well, but they also didn’t show any signs of wear. Whether on typical exercise mats, hard concrete floors, or nicer wood floors, this outsole will ensure you won’t slip.

Cons

No Traditional Tongue

This is more of a preference than anything, but I know plenty of people prefer a traditional tongue. These have a one-piece booty construction that has a sock-like feel to them. The good thing is that it will conform to your feet the more you wear them. The bad news is that you can’t adjust each section as well as you could with a traditional tongue setup, and it’s harder to get in the shoe. I had to pull both sides at the start to ensure I didn’t crush my heel while trying to get my foot inside the Rise 4.

Lack of Arch Support

There are no sidewalls like the adidas Dropset Trainer and Nike Freak 4. While that feature is mainly for lateral stability, which these do a decent job at, it also doubles as arch support, especially for flat-footers like myself. I couldn’t get away without using an orthotic in these. If you have a normal arch, though, you should be okay. Luckily, Move Insoles are compatible with the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 if you need extra arch support.

Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 Summary

The Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 is a cross-training shoe that stays true to the category. It has enough cushion to handle HIIT and jump training. It has enough stability to do heavy deadlifts, squats, and other compound lifts. It has enough outsole durability and grip that you can be confident bringing these to the gym, on vacation, or keeping them at home. Whether you’re just starting to exercise or have been in the game for some time, you’ll find the Under Armour HOVR Rise 4 features plenty to be happy about.

Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra Performance Review

The Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra sports a futuristic look, a sustainability focus, a high price tag, and intriguing performance. Let’s dig in and figure out if the Wave Neo Ultra may be Mizuno’s best running shoe yet.

Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra

Release Date: September 15, 2022

Price: $250

Weight: 10.9oz

Drop: 8mm (31mm forefoot, 39mm heel)

Sizing: True to size

• Rundown: The Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra is a very well-rounded daily training shoe with excellent fit and feel that’s priced a bit too high.

Pros

• Cushion
• Outsole
• Upper

Cons

• Price
• Collar Height
• Where it Fits in the Rotation
• Weight

Pros

Cushion

Drew: The Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra includes a buffet of Mizuno’s best foams. Mizuno Enerzy Core, Mizuno Enerzy Lite (a bio-based version using Caster Bean Oil), and Mizuno Enerzy. Mizuno Enerzy Core is the firmest of the three and easy to spot as it’s the EVA foam surrounding the outsole. Mizuno Enerzy Lite is the bubbly foam that makes up most of the visible midsole, while the Enerzy is included as a drop-in insert almost directly underneath the foot (you can see it through a cut-out in the outsole).

But throwing all the foams in the world onto a shoe won’t make it feel good underfoot. The way the three foams work together is very smooth. A nice plush feeling upon landing, a firmer roll from the heel to the forefoot, and a responsive toe-off. It’s not the softest shoe, but the cushion offers enough impact protection while still turning over quite nicely. And while all that cushioning comes with a weight cost, it didn’t feel like I was dragging extra pounds on my runs. The end result is a shoe that feels fantastic underfoot.

Tyler: When you hear cushion, you think underfoot, but for me, the Neo Ultra is one of the best all-around cushioned shoes I’ve worn in a long time. From the upper (which we’ll get to) to the midsole, my entire foot felt safe, secure, and extremely protected during each run. For any Nike fans, this gave me serious Vomero 12 & 13 vibes. Additionally, I think the underfoot cushion is executed perfectly, and no matter whether you’re a forefoot or heel striker, there’s plenty of Enerzy foam to ensure a soft and smooth landing.

Outsole

Drew: Look at the thick ring-like nubs on these bad boys! New Blance prioritizes outsoles that last a long time, and the Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra is no exception. I see a little bit of wear after 40ish miles, but it’s super light. All the rings are intact with 100s of miles left. The durability is impressive. And the traction is super solid too. The Wave Neo Ultra could easily handle some road-to-trail work. And wet conditions don’t pose a problem. This outsole powers right through slippery areas.

Tyler: Drew calls them “ring-like nubs” and I call them octopus grip, but either way, it’s a winner. Some humid, early-morning miles usually result in slick surfaces in my neighborhood, and the Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra had no issues at all. Having said that, I have seen a bit more wear on the exposed foam than I had anticipated, but nothing of concern.

Upper

Drew: The Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra’s knit upper is comfortable and molds to your foot over time. And the laces actually do something, so those with more narrow feet can easily tighten the upper without it becoming too disfigured. As with most Mizuno models, most wide-footers should find these have sufficient room to splay those toes. And, despite not having a traditional heel counter, my heel got plenty of lockdown and didn’t move around or slip on tight turns. The fuse sidewalls at the rear help, but I also give credit to the geometry of the upper. It just fits feet well.

Tyler: I’d agree with Drew that the upper fits like a glove that continues to mold to your foot. Initial miles had me wondering if I could go down a half-size, but I think the upper really felt dialed in after 16-20 miles, and since then, I haven’t thought twice about it. Coming from someone who isn’t a fan of sock-like uppers as much as I used to be, I have to say that this one worked well and caused no irritation on my ankle or Achilles.

Cons

Price

Drew: Let’s face it, the Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra is overpriced. I imagine it’s because of Mizuno’s sustainability efforts and new bio-based foams…but $250 is high-end carbon-plated marathon racing shoe territory. While it’s a fun shoe with a good ride, I just can’t see many people buying it until it goes on sale. I’m not sure what the price point for a sustainable daily trainer should be, but I doubt it’s this high.

Tyler: When I saw the spec sheet at $250, I assumed this was a plated racer that would fall in line with other shoes in this price range, but I was wrong, and I think this price is wrong. While the Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra is a great shoe with a captivating story in its sustainability efforts, I’d agree with Drew that even at $200, this shoe won’t get picked up by as many runners as it might deserve.

Collar Height

Drew: The collar height of the Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra didn’t bug me, but I’ve reviewed enough shoes to know that it will annoy some of our readers. The almost mid-cut will hit some of them on the sides of the ankle and may even cause some chafing for those prone to it. My Bombas Performance Running Socks covered the collar completely, so I was protected. Those who wear socks without blister tabs may need something higher for runs in the Jordans 2022.

That said, the collar isn’t rough, and the Achilles collar flares away from the foot. I typically prefer something a little lower cut too, but this is one of the better implementations of the higher running shoe cut. Plus, I’m guessing the extra material helps the knit build keep the wearer locked down in a much better way.

Where it Fits in the Rotation

Tyler: After a handful of miles, I’m still unsure how to treat this shoe. I’ve generally used it for relaxed days when I’m craving a little more protection from my shoes. But, even that leaves me wondering if I’m using it right. Other days, I’ve picked up the pace and thoroughly enjoyed it. I guess I’ll keep trying it out until it clicks for me, but right now, it sits in the section of my closet with the other “island of misfit shoes” that aren’t designated for a specific type of run.

Drew: Tyler’s take is accurate. The Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra is a tweener.

Weight

Tyler: Drew mentioned it above, but the weight does add up when you layer three types of Enerzy foam. I surely felt the extra weight on a few runs. During my initial 8-mile run, I had come off of a 3-day stint, and my legs were feeling it. The Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra wasn’t as accommodating as I had hoped, and the last mile felt like I was running with bricks on my feet. Deal breaker? No, but not a shoe that I would turn to if my legs were already tired from racking up miles.

Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra Summary

Drew: The Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra is a very well-rounded daily training shoe that’s priced too high. Right now, it’s my favorite Mizuno running shoe to-date. I just wish the price was a little lower so more people could experience it.

Tyler: Like other Jordan zion 2 we’ve tested this year, it’s a good shoe. If you’re a Mizuno loyalist, I think you’ll find it to be a great shoe with a familiar ride – on steroids. The price is wrong, and while I’m struggling to find where it sits in my rotation, I’ve had more good runs than bad and absolutely love the fit and feel.

Nike Cosmic Unity 2 Review

The Nike Cosmic Unity 2 was a letdown, and it’s just not safe to recommend this shoe to any basketball player.

Colorway: Coconut Milk/Atmosphere/Mint Foam/Black

Release Date: 2022

Price: $160

6.5/10

Total Score

The Nike Cosmic Unity was a famous basketball shoe when it was released. It provided a low-to-the-ground ride while still having the springy feeling of Zoom Air courtesy of the Strobel unit. The Nike Cosmic Unity 2 looks to build on that repertoire by keeping the same cushion setup but with a different upper and aesthetic design. Does this year’s follow-up match the standard set by the original? In a word? No.

Traction

Traction is the Nike Cosmic Unity 2’s best feature. The pattern is multidirectional, keeping you covered on every movement. If you’re into a squeaky traction pattern, you’ll find it here.

Better yet, the rubber compound used is effective and durable indoors and outdoors. It’s as good of a traction setup as you’ll find on the market today.

Cushion

The Nike Cosmic Unity 2’s cushion is its other standout feature. Just like the original model, these feature a full-length Zoom strobel unit, which provides a ton of responsive cushion while retaining a ton of court feel.

The foam compound used here is softer and less bulky than what was used on the first Freak 4 but it’s not plush like a React or Cushlon setup. The star of the show is the Zoom, and the foam is a great supporting act. The shoe is also crazy flexible in the forefoot, so the spring-like effect of the Zoom is felt even more than it would be otherwise.

It’s a real shame I didn’t like the rest of the shoe because this is about as good of a combination of traction and cushion as it gets.

Materials

This is where things start to go downhill.

The Nike Cosmic Unity 2 features a thin textile upper with some fuse overlays in the lateral and medial forefoot areas. In the back of the shoe, the collar uses a felt-like material, with a lot of foam rising from the midsole to help with containment.

My main issue was with the textile base – it doesn’t provide any kind of structure or support. This wouldn’t have been as big of an issue if I had been able to get a better fit (spoiler alert: it didn’t happen) or if the midsole would have cradled my foot in the forefoot a little bit more like the original Cosmic Unity did.

The bottom line is the materials are cheap and not very strong. The fact that this shoe costs $160 makes the material choices even more egregious.

Fit

I went true to size, and length-wise, it was just right. As for the width? Yikes.

The shoe is outrageously narrow in the midfoot area. The sections of midsole foam that wrap up onto the upper make things pretty cramped, but the dealbreaker, for me at least, is the shank plate, which I could feel pinching the sides of my feet with every step. If I loosened up the laces to relieve that pain, the fit in the heel was compromised. I’d say the forefoot fit would also be compromised, but I never got a secure fit in the forefoot to begin with. On lateral movements, my foot regularly shifted within the forefoot area of the shoe.

My foot is pretty narrow, so the fact that this shoe was still too narrow for me in the midfoot is cause for concern. It’s important to remember this is just my experience. If you’re able to try the shoe on and can secure a good fit, then I’m not only very happy for you but also more than slightly jealous.

The inconsistent fit I experienced meant I was never confident in my movements on the court, and it also made for, uh, less-than-stellar support.

Support

Fit is the most important aspect of a shoe’s support, so the Nike Cosmic Unity 2 is already off to a bad start. When your foot isn’t locked into a shoe, the injury bug is much more likely to bite.

While the Cosmic Unity 2 has all the standard features that would aid a supportive shoe – a midfoot shank, heel counter, a midsole that wraps up onto the upper, and a wide-ish base, it’s still not enough to make up for the lackluster fit and materials.

I badly rolled my ankle on a routine play while wearing the Cosmic Unity 2, and while I won’t blame the shoe for the injury, I’m fairly confident I wouldn’t have suffered the injury in most other shoes – especially the original Cosmic Unity.

The Cosmic Unity 2 is simply too flexible, too unstable, and has too sloppy of a fit for me to consider them anything close to “supportive.” Wear at your own risk.

Overall

I had high hopes for the Nike Cosmic Unity 2, and while the standout features, traction, and cushion, lived up to my expectations and more, there were too many issues stemming from the fit and materials for me ever to want to take this shoe on-court again.

If you can find a fit that works for you, that could be enough to make up for the shoe’s overall lack of support, and you may end up enjoying these. The ultra-narrow and painful midfoot area make me think you’re better off taking your $160 elsewhere.

Nike Kyrie Flytrap 5 Review

Looking for a fast, nimble sneaker that’ll hold anywhere you’ll take it? Kyrie Irving’s budget signature line from Nikey has some very solid offerings under $100 but what about the 5th iteration that seemed to receive mixed reception? Let’s analyze it in this comprehensive Kyrie Flytrap 5 review.

After a good 2 months of indoor & outdoor hoops, I have broken down the shoe’s fit & comfort aspects, performance, build quality & value for the price, versatility, and decided if it’s finally a shoe made for everyone or just another niche-focused model from Uncle Drew.

SHOW TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPEC SHEET

 

2-MIN REVIEW

In a hurry? Here’s the quick Kyrie Flytrap 5 review

The Nike Kyrie Flytrap 5 is another traditional release in Uncle Drew’s budget signature sneaker line. It’s a niche shoe, meaning not everyone will enjoy this one.

You’ll get great outdoor-ready traction but be sure to keep wiping the outsoles down to avoid dust buildup. The EVA midsole + a forefoot Zoom unit won’t give you any bounce or great step comfort. The soles of my feet were hurting after a longer outdoor session.

If speed, precision, and staying low to the ground are keys to your game though – you’re going to love this setup. Support wasn’t terrible even despite my physical playstyle but I wouldn’t prefer this setup over something more balanced. A hard sell for an explosive wing or a shifty player.

This cheap mesh build is quick to break in but due to the roomy toebox, I wouldn’t recommend these for a narrow footer. Overall, a decent $90 performer that could be an indoor/outdoor beater for someone who can’t afford to go past $100.

I. FIT & COMFORT

True to size or should you adjust? How does the shoe fit? What about overall comfort?

SIZING GUIDE

Let’s begin with the need-to-know. The Kyrie Flytrap 5 definitely fits true to size in a snug manner. I barely had any space for my toes length-wise but not to the point where I couldn’t move my toes at all.

Width-wise, more of the same. A fairly narrow construction that eases up a bit in the toebox but my wide foot did feel fairly suffocated, especially initially.

The main pressure points for a wide foot would be the lateral side of the toebox (around the first eyelet) and the middle region at the top of the lacing system.

However, I have experienced much worse. These are playable for anyone who’s not a crazy wide footer (whatever that means but you get the idea). Though expect some pressure as this toebox is not among the roomiest.

Mind you, this is the standard US version and not the widened EP variant.

So, I recommend going true to size for pretty much anyone except very prominent wide-footers or people who simply can’t stand a one-to-one fit. Those hoopers should try a half-size-up or the EP option.

Besides some pressure in a few areas, I don’t have anything bad to say about the fit. No heel slippage or any kind of foot movement inside the footbed, no pinching, ankle digging, or anything nasty. I’ll give it a pass.

COMFORT

Comfort-wise, you’ve probably already expected that the Flytrap series won’t give you anything special for the price you’re paying.

Basic materials, basic internal construction, basic build quality. Basic doesn’t mean bad but if you’re anticipating a luxury time for your feet – this is not the direction to go.

I found very minimal padding along the ankle and throughout the shoe overall, though not to a point where I’d feel bothered. Who knows, perhaps more than a couple of months will introduce some digging but not the case currently.

The shoe utilizes a half-bootie construction, so the tongue is sewed directly to the upper and allows for greater lockdown.

However, this type of setup combined with a compact forefoot means that putting the shoe on is a damn hassle. Especially for my thick feet.

There were times when I had to repeatedly smash the floor with half of the shoe on just to stuff the heel inside. It’s annoying but the experience once my foot’s inside is ultra-secure. A trade-off I’ll live with.

Besides that, all else was okay. These are feathery light and feel very quick to play in, and the snug fit allows me to forget everything besides the hoop session (besides the occasional pressure due to the narrow toebox).

II. TRACTION

How does the shoe grip a variety of surfaces? What about sensitivity to dust? Will it handle outdoor environments?

The Nike Kyrie Flytrap 5 features a computer-generated traction pattern and solid rubber outsoles for all available colorways.

Taken straight from the Kyrie Flytrap 4 and the Kyrie 8– the end result is about what I expected.

PERFORMANCE

I had somewhat of an untraditional testing phase with these. I played indoors more than outdoors this time, and it’s usually the other way around.

Indoors, I primarily hooped on a soft rubberized surface and I also managed to squeeze in a few sessions on classic hardwood.

The traction on both floors was fine. It’s probably the best way to put it. Not top-10 of all time, not exceptionally aggressive, but not terrible either.

I didn’t have issues with coverage on pretty much any movement I threw at them. Mostly.

The slight hiccups appeared when I wouldn’t wipe the outsoles down for a longer period of time. Occasional (and sometimes even frequent) slide-outs started happening in such cases. They were slight but you could imagine they were anything but beneficial.

The tacky rubber used here is notorious for dust buildup sticking inside the pattern but due to the short grooves of the pattern, a quick wipe easily solves things and I’m good to go again.

All of us have times in a game where wiping the outsoles isn’t an option at the moment, or even for a while.

So if you think you have a lot of those moments in your basketball environment or you’re just not a big wiper – these outsoles might not be ideal for you.

For everyone else – these are solid. Both courts I’ve played on aren’t peachy in terms of condition and the base level of traction I received was still alright.

Outdoors, I only tried these out for about a couple of weeks. A rubberized tennis court and classic asphalt were the two surfaces I played on.

As expected, traction was even gripper due to more abrasion but surprisingly, I felt like I needed to keep wiping as often as I would indoors. Something that rarely occurs, at least for me.

If you’re hooping on pristine courts – you will be a-okay. If medium/poor condition courts are all you have – you should still be fine as long as you maintain the dust buildup of the outsoles.

DURABILITY

The Kyrie Flytrap series has consistently offered shoes with fairly solid outdoor reliability, and the 5th iteration is no exception.

Even though I’ve only hooped in these for just over 2 months, it was enough to separate this from the average crowd of today’s indoor-focused market. However, don’t put these in your top 10 most durable shoe list just yet.

I never experienced any decreases in performance during the two months but I can see that my high-wear areas of the outsole are beginning to visually degrade. That means it’s a matter of time before performance catches up.

This could mean another 2 months of quality traction. This could also mean 1 month of quality traction, or even a whole 6 months.

I had shoes where I’d still grip the floor with no issues with a near-naked outsole due to the sheer quality of the rubber compound used.

The rubber used here is on the strong side, but there’s no guarantee it’ll hold up after the pattern starts wearing off.

Don’t get me wrong – the shoe has noticeably stronger outsoles than an average shoe you’ll find today and maybe it’ll even hold for a full outdoor season.

It’ll depend on how often you hoop but the general consensus is, don’t be afraid to take these outside.

III. CUSHION

Breaking down the cushioning: impact protection, energy return, step comfort & transitions, ride height, and stability

Here comes the shocker (yes, I’m being sarcastic). The Joran Luka 1 offers a 90-dollar-certified setup, featuring a Phylon midsole and a small rectangular forefoot Zoom Air unit.

If you’ve played in any of the previous Flytrap shoes – you already know what to expect.

Speed, responsiveness, and tons of court feel were what I got from this midsole. The foam felt stiff and hard to move initially but a few hours turned a shallow experience into an acceptable one once the EVA heated up and got softer. Mind you, this is not my cup of tea.

There’s simply no feedback that I could feel from a landing or a change of direction, and despite feeling super fast and agile, I could feel my legs being more fatigued than usual after a longer session.

My foot soles were hurting after almost every outdoor session. Not to a point where it would become dangerous but it’s something I obviously did not appreciate.

The benefit of this kind of setup is its durability. A denser foam compound means that it won’t bottom out as fast as a plusher foam would, so you won’t end up running on bricks.

I’m not going to sit here and trash this setup any way I can. We have to be mindful of different variables that come into building a sneaker.

These didn’t have a big budget to stuff pricier tech in here and on top of that, it’s a niche-specific shoe. It won’t be for everyone, so if you’re a player who values cushion and jumps out of the gym – there’s simply no reason for you to get these.

But I believe that there shouldn’t be a reason to bash the shoe just because it doesn’t suit someone’s tailored needs either.

If Nikey would’ve marketed the shoe as an all-around beast that caters to any player – it would be a different story. However, it’s not the case. Take it or leave it.

IV. SUPPORT

Breaking down security: support, lockdown, stability, and restrictions

The success of this shoe’s support offerings will heavily come down to how it fits your foot.

I read and watched multiple reviews of these and it seems that the guys who tried the widened EP version simply had too much room in the forefoot that resulted in poor security.

So, if you’re not a huge wide footer – I’d say grab the regular version. The key is to properly fill out the space of the shoe.

If you can’t do that – support will suffer because the Flytrap 5 doesn’t offer a whole lot in terms of additional features.

There are very pliable internal heel counters for ankle & heel lockdown, extremely subtle lateral outriggers for stability, and criss-cross straps attached to the top laces that pull down the midfoot for further lockdown.

The MVP here would definitely be those straps that feed through the top laces and push down the midfoot upon lace pressure. However, you must ensure the shoe fits you in a snug manner for this to work well.

For me, I didn’t have major issues with support. There are definitely shoes that I’d prefer over this one if I need something trustworthy for an intense game/session but I can’t say my game suffered because of this shoe.

This is also because my wide foot fills up the shoe properly, so as long as the upper holds my foot in place, I’ll be alright.

For guys who are on the heavier/more explosive side – I’d recommend something more structured. But for anyone else, and especially for those who prefer a minimal setup – the Kyrie Flytrap 5 should do the trick.

V. THE BUILD

What are the materials used for the build and how do they feel & perform? What about reliability?

The 5th Kyrie Flytrap model doesn’t bring any surprises to its structure and build quality.

You’ll find an open design mesh material throughout the forefoot, while the midfoot portion, which takes up the biggest chunk of the build, is sporting a stronger ripstop style fabric that’s also see-through for greater airflow.

The heel utilizes a softer micro-molded mesh material. The tongue features a basic fabric that’s very minimally padded with foam.

You’ll also find fuse overlays around the toebox, under and over the forefoot’s mesh material for protection, and also on the midfoot to shield some of the high-wear areas.

All the materials used throughout the build are as thin as it gets, though the ripstop on the midfoot feels fairly strong for its minimal footprint.

The shoe utilizes a half-bootie construction with the tongue sewn directly to the upper and acting as one continuous piece. Great for lockdown, terrible for putting the shoe on without feeling mad at it first.

PERFORMANCE

I wasn’t overly impressed with how the materials moved with my foot but that wasn’t a surprise given the paper-thin compounds and a $90 price tag. However, I can’t say I had deal-breaking issues either.

This type of setup barely requires any break-in time, however, the forefoot does stretch out a bit given some action time. Those with narrow feet might not find this as a plus if the toebox is already too roomy.

Ventilation was also decent due to the open nature of the materials.

My foot could be regarded as compatible with the shoe minus some discomfort due to pressure but I can’t say this mesh and ripstop do a good job of wrapping around my foot.

The toebox feels a little bubbly and not very conforming. Nothing terrible here but I’d imagine someone with a more compact foot than mine wouldn’t appreciate it since the toebox is already pretty spacious.

Overall, the shoe felt fine after a few sessions. I remember maybe three or four instances where I thought my foot was about to slide off the footbed (only happened during a full-pace pickup game) but it never did.

Still, something that no player wants to think about while hooping, casually or not.

I took the time to find the optimal lace pressure to both feel secure and comfortable and while this is definitely far from a contender for a 6’9 high-flyer in terms of foot containment, a lighter, more low-profile player or anyone who’s looking for a cheap beater should make these work.

RELIABILITY

As you might expect, all of the materials feel and look pretty cheap.

The mesh on the forefoot is looking a bit bubbly and is quick to start looking all banged up after some flex. The internal lining around the ankle uses a low-quality fabric that already looks a little faded and scratched up.

However, none of this cosmetic damage affected my time with the shoe yet. It’s not looking like I’ll blow right through them soon. With that said, I’m not expecting multi-year outdoor durability either.

I don’t see a reason these won’t last a few years if you’re hooping in a gym though.

I haven’t yet toe-dragged heavily with these and no one has stepped on my foot during these two months (2 things that usually have the potential of wrecking the shoe’s materials), so I can’t really say how they hold up in those situations.

Though my guess is, pretty standard due to the fuse overlay on the toe and a thin but multi-layered forefoot.

It’s basically a good beater of a shoe for cheap if you need that backup option. Or, if you can’t afford a more expensive shoe.

VI. OVERALL

Closing out the Kyrie Flytrap 5 review & a quick recap

The Nike Kyrie Flytrap 5 brought no surprises to my expectations and it’s probably why my overall scores will be a tad bit higher than others (though I haven’t thoroughly checked how other reviewers rated this one).

QUICK RECAP

It’s definitely a performance sneaker that’s tailored to a specific set of players. You’ll get speed, mobility, precision, and will be able to keep a low-profile footprint.

But for a hooper who needs more structure to withstand their more explosive or athletic movements, or for someone who’s on the heavier side, it’s a tough sell both cushion-wise and security-wise.

It also might be tricky to achieve a proper fit if you’ve got a narrow foot or you didn’t have the chance to grab the non-EP version.

There are not a lot of support components implemented here, so if the fit is off – it might be game over for some.

Traction held up fine though, as long as I kept wiping the outsoles down in a dirtier/dustier environment. On good condition surfaces though – you’ll have no issues at all.

Is it a great overall shoe for everyone? No. Is it a noticeable upgrade over the Flytrap 4? Not really.

But if you don’t have the previous model and looking for a cheap outdoor-ready option, don’t overlook the Flytrap 5 as long as your preferences align with what the shoe offers.

GORUCK Ballistic Trainer Performance Review

The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer’s simple build hides some great material and tech suggestions. This shoe packs a large performance punch.

Colorway: Lunar Rock

Release Date: 2020

Price: $125

 

9/10

Total Score

What if I told you the inventor of the Reebok Pump, Paul Litchfield, is now making training shoes? And that he’s doing it for GORUCK, an upstart training gear company founded by a Special Forces veteran, that’s also pioneering a whole new sport called Rucking. If you’re like me, you’d 1) be surprised and 2) want to try the shoe. Thanks to several WearTesters readers, I learned about the GORUCK Ballistic Trainer and this fascinating company.

The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer actually made our list of the best CrossFit shoes of 2022, our list of the best weightlifting shoes in 2022, and they are also a great basketball training shoe as well.

Once I got in touch, the folks at GORUCK were nice enough to send a test pair and let me have an hour with Paul himself. What follows are my experiences wearing the Ballistic Trainer for rucking, hiking, running, and working out. Along the way, I’ll also share all the tech specs and the creative process behind the surprising Ballistic Trainer.

Materials

When the GORUCK Ballistic Trainer is in hand, the materials stand out. GORUCK uses a nice flexible knit on the toebox and tongue. Then they use durable Ballistic nylon for the back two-thirds of the shoe. The strong nylon pays homage to the company’s initial product, the GR1 rucksack.

The nylon draws the eye just like it does on the Air Jordan 11. Compared to the Jordan 11, the nylon used on the Ballistic Trainer is a tighter weave that’s softer, more flexible, and tougher. Cordura nylon is used on very few shoes, mostly for cost reasons. But when it is used, it gives off a vibe that the shoe is ready for anything. I’ve worn the Ballistic Trainer a lot. And while the nylon portion gets dirty, there are absolutely no fraying or loose threads. This nylon will last a long time.

My only (minor) complaint is the small vinyl piece at the top of the heel used for the GORUCK logo placement. While it’s durable, the material used feels cheap compared to the rest of the shoe. I would have preferred an upgrade to a softer synthetic leather. On the other hand, GORUCK includes a second pair of laces in a different color…which is a nice touch and unexpected at the $125 price point.

9.12.2022 Update: On recently released colorways, GORUCK has replaced the small vinyl piece on the back of the shoe with a buttery leather piece. It’s a small thing that really elevates the shoe’s look. Here’s a video we made to highlight the change:

The knit toe box and tongue are one seamless piece. A single layer of breathable knit with a little bit of extra backing at the toe to maintain shape. It flexes great and feels minimal on foot. The upper is simple, but the chosen materials work well. Thanks to the material choices, the Ballistic Trainer’s upper can comfortably handle the gym, the office, and all-day wear.

Fit

I just finished raving about the materials so be sure to read that section because the materials drive the fit. The materials are put on top of a good last (or foot mold) that’s not too narrow or too wide but has a generous toebox for toe splay. A majority of foot shapes will enjoy the fit.

GORUCK explains on their size chart that the Ballistic Trainer runs “about a half size larger than other athletic trainers”. I found this to be accurate and recommend going a half size down from your normal shoe size for the best fit.

Cushion

The aforementioned Paul Litchfield, who once upon a time oversaw the development of Hexalite, told me his first love is chemistry. Specifically, he loves the science of midsole chemistry. With the Ballistic Trainer’s midsole, he got to showcase his passion with Gradient Density EVA. That means the shoe is more cushioned and better at rebounding in the forefoot to accommodate jumping, running, and explosive movement. The heel of the shoe is denser and stiffer to provide a stable platform while doing various lifting movements like deadlifts and squats.

And the craziest part…you can’t tell a difference in the foam by looking at it. The Ballistic Trainer’s midsole looks the same from toe to heel. But you can feel the difference by pressing your thumb into the two sections. On foot, the two densities work together well and offer a smooth transition from heel to toe while walking or running.

To further improve the cushioning, the GORUCK team added a thick polyurethane insert (insole) that contours nicely to the foot and arch. I liked the extra squish the insert provided. But if that’s not your style or you don’t like the added arch support, the Ballistic Trainer comes with a flat EVA insole as well.

Overall, it’s enough cushioning for everything the Ballistic Trainer is meant to do. Short runs, walking with a weighted backpack (also known as rucking), plyometrics, and lifts. I didn’t find myself wishing for more cushioning during high-impact movements and that’s a rarity in the cross training shoe segment.

Traction

Here’s another place where there’s tech hidden inside an innocuous-looking package. What looks to be an outsole made of one type of rubber is actually made of 3 different rubbers. A grippy forefoot, a harder more durable midfoot made for climbing ropes, and a denser heel to endure heel strikes while running or rucking. Move your finger along the bottom of the shoe and you’ll feel the subtle differences. Most companies achieve a similar result with various panels made of different types of rubber. This is a cleaner method that looks slick.

But the traction never feels slick. The segmented suction cup pattern used at the tip of the toes, on the lateral forefoot, and medial heel really grabs the floor. It does collect tiny rocks, which can be annoying if you’re using them for hiking, but it really sticks to the ground.

The outsole is just a great overall outsole design and composition. I never experienced slippage, even on slick concrete floors or in wet/cold conditions.

Support

The support starts at the base of the shoe with the 8mm drop. It’s a traditional drop and not the trendier zero drop approach to workout shoes. The drop puts less strain on your Achilles during lifts and feels better when rucking, hiking, or running.

The whole rear area of the shoe is built to keep your heel in place. The heel is sculpted so your foot easily falls into place. There’s also a lengthy, sturdy heel counter that extends to the midfoot. The Ballistic Nylon on the outside of the heel is also strong enough to add further structure and stability. Once you’re laced up, your heel doesn’t slip. I felt completely secure when doing quick side-to-side agility-focused movements and quick changes of direction.

Also, I tried using the top two lace holes and then not using them. I felt locked in both ways. No matter which lace loops you use up top, you’ll get great lockdown.

Overall

The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer is my favorite cross training shoe of the year alongside the Reebok JJ IV and On Cloud X. And honestly, it’s probably my 2020 favorite due to its unique construction, great comfort, and the extra tech packed into an unassuming package. The Ballistic Trainer is both great for hard workouts in the gym and a casual night out (remember those?). Plus, at the $125 price point, you’re getting your money’s worth.

Even though GORUCK is a young brand, it’s obvious they found the right creative direction for their shoe line. The shoes really match the aesthetic and toughness of the company’s Special Forces roots. Their first versatile, functional fitness-focused shoe is a winner and I’m excited to see more from them in the future.