Puma GS-ONE Performance Review

The Puma GS-ONE is a fashion-focused, spikeless golf shoe with a lot of promise. Is this budget performer solid enough to crack into your golf shoe rotation?

Keeping the price in mind, let’s take a deeper dive into the performance aspects of the Puma GS-ONE and decide together whether the performance matches the lower-than-average price point.

Puma GS-ONE

Release Date: August 2022

Price: $130

Sizing: True to size

• Rundown: For the price, the Puma GS-ONE features adequate cushion and comfort, but mediocre traction.

Pros

• Cushion
• Style
• Price

Cons

• Traction
• Fit

Pros

Cushion

In order to bring down the price point, the Puma GS-ONE features nothing remarkable in the cushion category. You’re not going to get any of Puma’s proprietary cushion setups like Adapt Foam or Ignite. Instead, Puma opted for a simple setup of EVA foam…and a lot of it. Just look at how chunky these things are!

This will not be the most comfortable shoe you’ve ever put on, and when compared to the Puma PROADAPT Alphacat the GS-ONE is very bare-bones. Despite this, I found the foam midsole to be surprisingly soft and comfortable enough. Those looking for a bouncy, responsive ride should look elsewhere, though.

Most often when I’m examining the comfort and cushion of a golf shoe, I try to keep it simple. Did my feet hurt after the round? Nope! And that’s a good thing.

Style

The Puma Golf System line of shoes is generally more fashion-forward than they are technology-packed. This is evident with the Puma GS-ONE. Similar to the Jordan 37, this shoe does not look like a golf shoe. Instead, this chunky runner-style shoe could easily be mistaken for something you’d wear casually, and that’s ok.

Remember, there are plenty of new golfers out there that would sacrifice some performance to look good, and this shoe certainly fits the bill in that regard.

Price

Any golf shoe that’s under the $150 price point is probably considered a budget shoe at this point (disregarding sales of course). Coming in at $130, the Puma GS-ONE does fulfill a need for budget golf shoes.

You’re getting what you pay for, sure, but the niche needs to be filled nonetheless. The barrier to entry for golf is pretty high when you think about it from a cost perspective, so I’m all for budget golf shoes that make the barrier a little less daunting.

Cons

Traction

The trend I’ve noticed with a lot of these cheaper, more style-focused golf shoes is lackluster traction. The nubs on the bottom of the Puma GS-ONE just don’t provide much in the way of traction or grip.

I’d equate the traction here to that of the Adidas Samba Golf I just reviewed…it exists but doesn’t do a whole lot. Keep that in mind, especially if you play in a wet climate. You’re not going to be slipping and sliding all over the place, sure, but the traction could be beefier.

In a world where spikeless setups on the Puma PROADAPT Alphacat perform so well, I wonder why they couldn’t replicate that here? Odds are the traction had to be sacrificed to keep the budget down. In that case, most will find the traction to be so-so, but I was left wanting more.

Fit

Because of the massive foam midsole, I felt the heel drop on the Puma GS-ONE caused the shoe to fit a little funky. I’m not sure of the exact measurements of the heel drop, but I found it hard to keep my toes from jamming into the end of the shoe. I would have liked to have seen a more neutral setup here to avoid this discomfort and problems with the fit.

Puma GS-ONE Summary

For $130, the price is right for Puma GS-ONE. This wallet-friendly, stylish golf shoe is easy on your wallet and performs well enough to justify the beginner or budget golfer picking up a pair.

You’re not going to get insane cushion, premium materials, or the best traction in the world, but you are getting a serviceable golf shoe that looks pretty darn good. As mentioned, golf is expensive, and budget shoes like the Dunk Low must exist to fill a niche for all the golfers that want to spend less on their footwear.

Looking for a good budget golf shoe to kick start your golf addiction? Then the PUMA GS-ONE is worth a try.

UA HOVR Phantom 3 Performance Review

The Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3 is the continuation of a really good looking line of running shoes from Under Armour. The HOVR Phantom and HOVR Phantom 2 were not great running shoes. They were more “do a little of everything” shoes — workouts, short runs, casual wear, etc. Running shoes for people who really don’t run all that much. The Phantom 3 again brings the great looks. Can it do at least a little better in the running department? Let’s find out.

Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3

Release Date: September 7, 2022

Price: $140

Weight: M 11.1oz, W 9.2oz

Drop: 8mm (25mm forefoot, 17mm heel)

Sizing: True to Size

Rundown: The Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3 is a good-looking shoe that doesn’t deliver much, if any, running performance. See below for other recommended UA running shoes.

Drew’s Take

The Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3 just doesn’t qualify as a true running shoe in my opinion. It’s built for athletes that do a little running here and there alongside other workouts.

The HOVR cushion just isn’t good enough. Most of the step-in comfort comes from the built in Speedform insole which ends a good half inch before the toe of the shoe. And there’s not near enough HOVR in the forefoot. Pushing off with my toes felt like pushing directly into the ground with almost nothing in between. That’s not a great feeling on runs of any distance beyond 2-3 miles. Also, why are we still caging HOVR in 2022? It’s just basically EVA and no running shoe brand cages EVA…that just ruins the squish and impact protection. Under Armour needs to look at what New Balance and Hoka are doing with their big EVA midsoles and adapt.

While heel stability is very very good (thanks to the beefy external TPU heel counter), the forefoot sidewalls and overall lockdown leave something to be desired. It’s easy to slide off the footbed at the forefoot as the knit’s flexibility works against it on sharp turns. And getting the laces dialed in so my foot didn’t slide forward was impossible.

One good thing about the Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3 was the outsole. The traction doesn’t look like much but really grips well.

Listen we know Under Armour can make good running shoes…the Velociti Wind 2 and Velociti Elite are two great examples. But the HOVR Phantom 2 isn’t a solid running shoe. Why Under Armour continues to market the Phantom line as a running shoe model is beyond me.

Bryan’s Take

I want to like this shoe – I really, really want to like the Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3 – because I LOVED the HOVR Phantom and HOVR Phantom 2. The shoe looks fantastic, futuristic, sleek, and fast. However, once in action, I was disappointed. Granted, I just got back into running recently, so I’m still coming around, but for me, the cushioning wasn’t as plush as the previous HOVR Phantoms. The forefoot felt extremely thin, and I could feel the road underfoot. The heel was thicker but still not as bouncy or cushioned as the first two editions.

Another issue was downhill – I could feel my foot moving forward into the toebox and smashing my toes. Not a huge problem because of the materials and the stretch but it made me feel slightly unstable. I also experienced some chafing from the midfoot laces, but that went away after the third or fourth run (between 3-5 miles each).

Overall, for an Under Armour distance shoe, I would stick with the Under Armour HOVR Machina 3. For short runs and and sprint work on the other hand, I could see the Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3 working great depending on your running shoe preferences.

Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3 Summary

The Under Armour HOVR Phantom 3 looks awesome. It’s got a style that fits in really well with what’s hot in sneakers today, and the top down view is fantastic. But looks can only bring status as a fun lifestyle option. The Dunk Low has a bunch of issues on the running performance side. True, it’s got some step-in comfort and good traction but that can’t save it from a lack of cushioning, lockdown, and stability.

If you want to run in an Under Armour model, check out our reviews of the Velociti Elite, Velociti Wind 2, and HOVR Machina 3 here. One of those will be a much better option for anyone doing real running.

UA Project Rock 5 Performance Review

The Under Armour Project Rock 5 continues The Rock’s fitness-focused footwear line, and this iteration shines where The Rock spends a lot of time, the weight room.

In the world of functional fitness, New Balance occupies an interesting place as an innovator in apparel but is often overlooked in footwear. Certainly signing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson elevated awareness and interest with a mainstream audience, but we don’t see a lot of functional fitness stars rocking the Project Rock shoes. Are they missing out?

That’s the question we had at WearTesters, so we reached out to the folks at Under Armour, who sent us these shoes for review but have no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and have not attempted to influence this review.

So, with that, let’s see if we can smell what the Rock is wearing (Editor’s Note: apologies for the awful joke, this is Arune’s first intro).

Under Armour Project Rock 5

Release Date: September 2022

Price: $150

Weight: 13.5 oz

Drop: 8mm

Sizing: True to Size

• Rundown: The Under Armour Project Rock 5 is a super stable, accommodating shoe that excels in the weight room.

Pros

• Solid like the Rock
• Wide Feet Welcome
• The Looks

Cons

• Heavy like the Rock
• The R in PR ain’t for “Run”

How do the Authors Train?

Arune “The Pebble” Singh (age 40, 5’10”, 205lbs): Trains daily with functional fitness programming provided by Deadboys Fitness, founded by Colby “Seth Rollins” Lopez and Josh Gallegos. He has recently started training for his first-ever half-marathon and looks for every opportunity to get some time on a heavy bag. Given his medical history of Sleep Apnea and Myasthenia Gravis, Arune’s focus is on lean muscle mass and getting down consistently to 190lbs, with a secondary focus on cardiovascular training and aesthetics. He works out in a home gym with a rower, air bike, bench, adjustable dumbbells, and kettlebells.

Drew “The Slab” Whitcomb (age 40, 6’6″ 198lbs): Trains daily with a focus on running, strength training, and mobility. He writes the majority of our running shoe reviews and runs a lot of miles both due to testing needs and his growing affinity for long-distance races. He’s currently training for the NYC Marathon. More marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races are in his future. His strength training and mobility regimen center around maintaining flexibility and lifting heavy to build power as a counterbalance to all the long-distance running he’s doing. His number one focus is staying injury free so he can keep up the sweet gig of reviewing shoes for a living.

What is the Under Armour Project Rock 5?

The Under Armour Project Rock 5 is described, according to The Rock, like this:  “The Project Rock 5s are the most innovative training shoes we’ve ever made—they give you power, energy, support with an amazing comfort level.” (Editor’s Note: way to phone in that marketing quote Dwayne)

The shoe has an 8mm drop and weighs 13.5 oz – the Under Project Rock 4 had the same 8mm drop but weighed 11 oz while Under Armour’s TriBase Reign 4 (which we recently reviewed) also weighs 11 oz with a very different 2mm drop.

Pros

Solid like the Rock

Arune: There are two types of people reading this review – those who roll their eyes at that headline and those who know exactly with Arrested Development episode I’m referencing. Which one are you, Drew?

Drew: I watched 3 episodes of Arrested Development, but it got lost in the ever-growing tidal wave of content, and I never continued it. You’ll usually find me referencing The Office or Community. The only Arrested Development references I know are “there’s always money in the banana stand” and “I just blue myself.”

Arune: Whew, I was worried that was too deep a cut. (Editor’s Note: waaay too deep) But getting back to the Project Rock 5, there are a few things that are clear from the first try-on (one of which is in the Cons). Most importantly, you realize you are solidly planted on the floor. Olympic lifts, single leg movements, bicep curls, – you name it, and this shoe is built to excel at it.

I’ll be honest – the Project Rock 4 was probably the most disappointing training shoe I’ve ever worn. The sock-like upper frayed almost instantly, the sizing felt completely off, and they gave me arch pain that never went away while wearing them. I was a huge fan of The Rock’s first Delta shoe and love a lot of his products – from his Zoa energy drinks to his JBL earbuds – but those Project Rock 4s felt like a discount trainer.

But the Under Armour Project Rock 5? Immediately you get a sense this is a shoe meant to be beaten up in the gym. There are four reasons why this worked so well for me:

1. The Upper: I normally complain about laces in, well, every shoe and they just stay locked down here, along with the rest of the upper that feels wonderfully snug and supportive. My foot isn’t fighting to stretch out the shoe nor is it rolling all over the place. It’s just locked down in place so I can focus on my workout and not constantly readjust.
2. The Heel: The plush heel locks you in place, eliminating the heel slippage from the Project Rock 4. This shoe now fits 100% TTS (true to size) whereas Project Rock sizing has been infamously…unreliable.
3. The Midsole: The HOVR midsole felt a bit stiff at first (more on that in the Cons), but it seemingly molded to my foot with each subsequent workout. As much as I love the somewhat squishy Micro G in the Reign 4, the HOVR really gives me the support I need to dig my feet into the ground on the heaviest lifts. I don’t want or need squishy midsoles – so if that’s what you want in a training shoe, this won’t be it.
4. TriBase: I absolutely love TriBase, and while it didn’t feel as stable or grippy in the Project Rock 4, the Project Rock 5 provides the performance I love from the Reign 4 and locks me into place on the ground.

The end result of all that is an incredibly stable and secure shoe. I’ve used this for rowing, on an air bike, for plyometrics, and for functional fitness workouts. I don’t ever think about the shoes on my feet because I’m so comfortable and because they feel molded to my foot. I can put on the Project Rock 5 and go set, well, some PRs – which is what I did with my Romanian Deadlift, Bench Press, and Single Arm Shoulder Press over the last few days of training in these shoes.

I was also muttering “Shazam” a lot, so maybe The Rock just sent me some of his Black Adam swagger…

I’m curious if you had the same experience, Drew – I’ve got about ten lbs on you, but you’re a whole lot taller, and I’m curious if that impacts things.

Drew: Arune, you’re right about the stability on the Under Armour Project Rock 5; it’s great. On lifts like the deadlift, squat, standing shoulder press, and various others, the base of the shoe felt glued to the ground. And for that reason more than any other, I absolutely loved them for lifting weights. My base was strong, and it did help me have more confidence lifting heavier weights. And with the amount of time The Rock must spend in the weight room, a shoe built like this really feels like his shoe.

Wide Feet Welcome

Arune: You know that I had to talk about this, Drew. It’s my first question to you about every damn running shoe you test.

Drew: Yet, you still buy them even when I tell you it’s a no-go for wide footers.

Arune: Look, at least I give you lots of chances to say “I told you so” whenever I complain about crushed pinkies. (Editor’s Note: can confirm)

Luckily, that’s not a problem with the Project Rock 5, as my Hobbit-esque feet feel like the perfect shape for this shoe. I get the full toe splay I want without any of the extra room in other Under Armour training shoes (sizing on the Project Rock line has been all over the place for years) and that means a lot less of the resulting instability.

The midfoot is just snug enough, as I felt a bit of pressure on my arches (especially on the right foot) during the first wear but that’s disappeared completely after a couple of wears.

I don’t often wear shoes that give me the snug hug that people want in their training shoes, as I’m generally getting my pinky crushed or I’m sizing up .5 with too much room. But this is as perfect a fit as I could imagine.

Being able to spread my toes out without slipping around the shoe meant that I could focus on driving into the ground. Even with an 8mm drop, I felt as connected to the ground as I do in the Reign 4 with its 2mm drop and really could go for it on more complex lifts like cleans.

Drew: This is where Arune and I differ. I love the materials used, the neoprene tongue, the Achilles padding, the nylon/rubber, the heel counter/lockdown strap, and the ClutchFit-like forefoot. Well, at least the forefoot feels like ClutchFit (a previous Under Armour tech used on basketball shoes). It doesn’t perform like ClutchFit. Doing anything laterally in my Project Rock 5 resulted in my forefoot getting out over the footbed. Quick feet or cone drills were not doable.

Don’t get me wrong, the forefoot is super comfy and breaks in nicely to mold to your foot. The Project Rock 5 just doesn’t work for any side-to-side movements. This is too bad, because the decoupled heel really allows some nice flexibility at the midfoot. It’s got everything it needs to be a good HIIT or Metcon shoe except for the lateral containment and cushioning (which we’ll mention in the Cons).

I also had a problem where my foot would slide forward and hit the end of the toebox for the first couple of wears. As the built-in Speedform insole conformed to my foot and I tightened up the top two eyelets, this went away. Be wary of quick stops during your first few wears.

Looks

Arune: The Project Rock line of shoes has gone through a lot of changes, and the aforementioned Project Rock 4 decidedly felt like a shoe for the gym and nowhere else.

But the Project Rock 5 has embraced the big shoe trend that we’re seeing everywhere from HOKA (respect to the OG) to Yeezy and created a hefty training shoe that looks great for the gym and great for wearing casually too.

The biggest tell for me was my very fashionable wife’s reaction of “you should keep those” when she saw me pull the Project Rock 5 out of the box.

These aren’t as distinctive as something like the Nike Metcon 8, but that’s also to the Project Rock 5’s benefit. They’ll easily work with a pair of shorts or joggers when you’re going out casually.

Drew: The Under Armour Project Rock 5 looks a lot better than the Project Rock 3 or 4. I’m still not ready to rock them casually. They still look like they belong in the gym to me. However, some of the colorways did catch my eye (especially the Black Adam one), so maybe I’m wrong on this one.

Cons

Heavy Like the Rock

Arune: I teased this above, but the specs let you know this shoe is 2 oz heavier than most other Under Armour training shoes and you definitely feel it from the moment you put your foot in. It doesn’t feel like wearing cement shoes, but if you like barefoot training or lighter training shoes, you’ll feel the weight right away.

I mostly wear ASICS shoes these days, and I’m spoiled by the fact that those shoes are probably 40% lighter than these, so perhaps I felt this more acutely – Drew is the running king around here so he may be more used to this variance in the weight of his shoes over the years.

The good news is that the feeling of the weight goes away pretty quickly and it’s not something you really think about unless you throw these on right after wearing lighter kicks.

But I think a lot of folks will put this on their foot and not like it right away – so I can only say that I hear you, I felt like the shoes were heavy and stiff out of the box but they break in quickly.

Drew: Yep, they’re heavy, but if you’re using them in the weight room, to do what they’re best built for, I don’t think it’s a showstopper. Most of the younger kids are rocking Nike SB Dunk  to lift at my gym…this is a much, much better experience than those even with the extra weight.

The R in PR ain’t for “Run”

Arune: You’ll hear more from me on this in the verdict, but these shoes are exceptional for lifting and the kind of workout you see from The Rock in his training videos.

Just remember that, because I absolutely hated running in them and never plan to do it again. We put our bodies on the line for you, folks.

I like these a lot for plyometrics, but the Project Rock 5 isn’t what I would recommend if you’re only taking one shoe to the gym to train – and that’s okay because I don’t think these are intended to be the “do everything” shoe.

But given that these are $150, you’re spending a decent chunk of change. Many folks only have one “gym shoe” for the year, so I’d plan your cardio around the elliptical, bike, Stairmaster, or rower if this is gonna ride solo in your training rotation.

Drew: The Under Armour Project Rock 5 is absolutely not for running. Not even short distances on the treadmill felt good. The HOVR in them is just kinda meh with all the softness coming from the built-in insole. I wouldn’t want to run more than 50-100 yard sprints in them.

I do agree with Arune that they’re solid for plyometrics, even box jumps. They just have a clunky heel-to-toe transition that makes it annoying to run in them. Especially with most of today’s running shoes packing a nice rocker shape that helps you roll through your stride. If you buy the Project Rock 5, just know you won’t be hitting the roads in it.

Is this for me?

Arune: Look, I’ll cut to the point: The Under Armour Project Rock 5 is my favorite training shoe in nearly a decade and top five overall, with the Reebok Nano 4, 5 & 6 in that mix alongside perhaps the Nike Metcon 2 or the Under Armour Project Rock Delta. This is 100% not the kind of shoe I expected to love given that the Project Rock series has basically been a bust for me, but I’ve already purchased another pair of Project Rock 5 because I love them so damn much. In case you’re wondering which pair, I ordered the Black Adam pair and everything from that collection.

For my training style and my feet, this shoe is nothing short of a 10/10. I know Drew might tell me to GoRuck Off (#dadjokes) (Editor’s Note: #sigh), but I hate taking these shoes off and switching to anything else unless I’m running. I plan to wear these for travel, casually and any damn time I’m training.

Drew: I mean listen, Arune just bought the entire Black Adam Project Rock collection! He’s hopelessly biased toward this shoe. Also, if you look at his author picture you’ll see he bears a striking resemblance to the Rock himself. Is Arune Dwayne Johnson’s long-lost brother from another mother? I’m not saying he is but if a DNA test were to conclusively prove it, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Which is all to say, Arune loves him some Rock. Personally, I prefer a more versatile shoe in the weight room so I can do some lateral movements and run. Something like the GoRuck Ballistic Trainer. But, if I do need to sling some heavy weights I may call on the ultra-stable Project Rock 5 to help me do it.

Is this for you?

Arune: I think this will be a polarizing shoe in a market where training shoes are getting lighter, and versatility is the key.

I don’t think this is for anyone who wants a “do everything” shoe, and I don’t know that it’s the right choice for anyone doing the kind of functional fitness that has rope climbs and lots of running in their WODs.

But if you’re someone like me who’s using this for weight training and plyometrics at home or in the gym, this is a killer shoe.

Just give it a try before you buy since Under Armour’s sizing seems to change annually and this is much heavier than the shoes you’re probably wearing now.

Drew: The Project Rock 5 is for you if you like to smell what the rock is cooking (Editor’s Note: not you too smh) and spend plenty of hours in the gym pushing and pulling on big stacks of weights. If that describes you, I think you’ll be really happy with your purchase.

Under Armour Project Rock 5 Summary

Arune: As I said, the Project Rock shoes have been a bust for me after the Delta released in late 2017. I’ve tried every model – including the BSRs – and they’ve always felt incredibly ill-fitting, unstable, and often very cheap.

The Under Armour Project Rock 5 is a huge turnaround for the brand and the kind of shoe that I think will appeal to a lot of folks if they’re willing to give this line one more chance.

Drew: As I said above if you’re a gym rat that’s looking to continually lift heavy and value stability and an accommodating fit above all else, step right up. The Project Rock 5 is going to serve you extremely well and make you feel like you could bust out a people’s elbow at any moment (Editor’s Note: holy hell, can we be done now?).

Nike LeBron 20 Performance Review

The Nike LeBron 20 is one of the most highly anticipated LeBron shoes in recent memory, mostly thanks to its resemblance to the Nike Kobe line.

Release Date: September 2022

Price: $200

9/10

Total Score

LeBron James is entering his 20th NBA season and his third with the Los Angeles Lakers. Over the off-season, his sons, Bronny and Bryce, have been in the headlines more than King James due to their development and exposure. They actually debuted the Nike LeBron 20 on the court before their father did. Right off the bat, people loved the design, and that love grew deeper when the tech specs were revealed.

Traction

Duke4005: The Nike LeBron 20 has the best traction I’ve played in for years. I’m talking Air Jordan 37, Nike Kobe 9, Flow – you name it, the Lebron 20 will match and probably beat it. On a day when I watched players in Nike KD 14, Nike Kyrie 5 Low, and adidas Dame 7 slip and literally fall on the terrible 24 Hour Fitness court, the Nike LeBron 20 was sticking like crazy and never skated or dropped. Outside? I wouldn’t – the traction is soft, and the “grooves” are thin. On a rough outdoor court, I can see these lasting about as long as Russell Westbrook and Pat Bev get along.

Stanley Tse: The Nike LeBron 20 has hands down the top 5 best traction of all the LeBron models ever created. Hear me out, I’ve tested all the models including the Soldiers and Ambassadors as well as Witness models, and the LeBron 20 is definitely a hard one to beat. On indoor courts, I stuck to the ground. I occasionally had to wipe only on super dirty surfaces, but after a quick wipe, I was up and at it. I would stay away from outdoor courts as the traction will wear down heavily (well, unless you have an extra $200 lying around).

Cushion

Duke4005: We all know LeBron is a beast on the court – size and speed still like no other at age 37. Nike has constantly been giving his retail shoes HUGE air bubbles and Zoom bags and overall volume coverage – and he hasn’t been wearing them. Last year we saw him in the Ambassador and his retros more than the LeBron 19, and there’s a reason – the cushioning. Even with Nike giving him pairs with waaaaaay smaller bubbles, he went with Zoom. The Nike LeBron 20 comes through with a forefoot Zoom Turbo unit that is top-loaded (pretty much right under your forefoot) and a HUGE 13-millimeter heel Zoom unit, all inside a Cushlon midsole. This isn’t Cadillac cruising – this is Jaguar smooth and speed. Bounce, impact protection, decent court feel, heel like a pillow (don’t land on it to try) – the Nike Lebron 20 is a shoe that made me feel faster while keeping my knees and back happy. The Nike Kyrie 8 was my favorite cushioning setup from Nike last year, and the LeBron 20 takes what worked there and amplifies it by 10.

Stanley Tse: Bottom-loaded large 13.5mm heel zoom, top-loaded forefoot Zoom Turbo, and full-length cushlon midsole. OMG, this is the McLaren of sneaker cushioning. It’s fit for a King (James). The shoe doesn’t feel too high like the LeBron 19 did. The LeBron 20 provided a nice balance while staying lower to the ground with proper court feel, but most importantly provided enough bounce-back after rebounds or jumps and even running down the court. While I’m a slightly bigger player, the break-in time for me only required a warm-up and probably one game. Once the cushlon broke in and contoured to my feet, it was game on. Not only does it work extremely well for myself and my old knee(s), but it definitely kept my legs fresh from end to end on back-to-back games with the stellar impact protection.

Materials

Duke4005: It says Flyknit, but it’s not like the Flyknit of the past. I said it feels like an old washrag or your grandma’s couch – it feels worn in and soft in some spots and rough in others and has no give laterally thanks to the “wire” (fishing line) running through the knit from side to side over the foot. It doesn’t affect flex while keeping the foot locked in – well done, Swoosh. The tongue is a sleeve and has a nice patch of leather at the top while the sleeve uses Nike Sphere in the heel (a callback to the Zoom Generation, LeBron’s first shoe). Sphere is a nylon fabric on top of the foam with holes cut in the foam to keep the skin spaced from the fabric, leading to better ventilation and cooling from the increased airflow. We also get a carbon fiber plate in the midsole that does NOT get in the way of playability, sitting on the sideline until needed.

Stanley Tse: The strategically weaved upper gave the Nike LeBron 20 a nice “look,” and it does seem all too familiar (i.E. Kobe XI elite upper). This is not necessarily a bad thing as the weave and wire strands help reduce the weight of the shoe while giving it structural stability. In addition, adding back the comfy Nike Sphere heel – a call back to the Nike Air Zoom Generation – as well as a carbon fiber plate, Cushlon midsole, forefoot, and heel zoom, I mean, this is the way the future of Nike Basketball should be built.

Fit

Duke4005: I am a 10.5 in Jordan Retros and a 10 in adidas basketball shoes. The Nike LeBron 20 I ordered was an 11 based on the Air Jordan 36 and Kyrie 8. The LeBron 20 fit length-wise like those two shoes. I could have possibly gone with a 10.5 (I have a pair coming in) but I like the extra room in the toe box. The heel slip is nada and the lacing and knit upper let the shoe wrap the forefoot through the midfoot perfectly.

Stanley Tse: I’ve always had a questionable relationship with LeBrons and the fit. However, it’s safe to say, with my slightly wide/flat feet, that the Nike LeBron 20 fits absolutely true to size. I have a little bit of room in the toe box just the way I like it, and I felt locked in as soon as I laced up. No lace pressure, no heel slippage, nothing. Just a beautifully crafted, well-fitting performance shoe.

Support

Duke4005: Well, it’s built for Lebron, so it has serious support, but nothing restricting or boot-like like the LeBron 17 or LeBron 19. Your basic elements are the carbon plate in the midfoot and a very slight outrigger to keep your foot upright. The base of the shoe is wide, and the heel is fairly solid so underfoot while playing feels like a “guard” shoe. As I have gotten older support/stability has been needed, and the Nike LeBron 20 never left me scared.

Stanley Tse: The shoe is supposed to fit for a King, and by a King, I mean me, HA…..(crickets). The low-top build provided no restriction and allowed me to play freely knowing I was locked in by not only the fit but also the comfort of the cushioning. In addition, since I push off heavily via my forefoot, the nice wider base really helps my feet plant and push off for my quick (super-lagged) first step. Honestly, no surprises, except I didn’t need to ice my knees/legs after the game (wahoo!)

Nike LeBron 20 Overall

Duke4005: Is the Nike LeBron 20 the best Nike basketball shoe this year? Possibly. Probably. And for $200 it had better be. Fast, stable, cushioned, court feel, looks – wow. The only thing holding it back is the price tag ($200 is not easy, especially in 2022’s economy), but if you are a player who wants the best, do not hesitate to grab it. Run fast, jump high, fill the lanes, find your teammates, pretend your LeBron – it’s easier in this model than you would think.

Stanley Tse: Ok, you ready for this? The is by far, the best performance LeBron model to date and absolutely (and I know I’m being premature with this), a top 5 performance shoe this year. One gripe? The price. 200 beans.

I love the packaging/pull-out box like they did back in the day via the LeBron 2, and the included product card. But $200 is heavy. I’d like to see the model be around $165-$180. This doesn’t mean the shoe is bad, the shoe is OUTSTANDING. If you want all the nooks and crannies, never having to second guess your jumps/movements/planting, and want to feel like having a high-end luxury sportscar on your feet, the Nike LeBron 20 is it. The bar is set quite high now…so it will be fun to see what Nike does with the LeBron 21.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 Performance Review

2022 has delivered some stylish, chunktastic running shoes with New Balance right in the middle of the fray. This summer we reviewed the ultra bouncy and massively cushioned New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer, and we loved it. So, when the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 landed at our door, we were ready for more chunky running and cautiously optimistic about its performance.

Last year’s Fresh Foam X More v3 made our Best New Balance Running Shoes and Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet lists because it was a beefy, cushioned runner that delivered comfort across miles and miles of easy running. Can the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 deliver more of the same?

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

Release Date: September 2022

Price: $150

Weight: M 10.4oz, W 8.4oz

Drop: 4mm (30mm forefoot, 34mm heel)

Sizing: True to Size

• Rundown: The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is a stylish, affordable shoe with great cushioning alongside industry-leading stability and fit.

Pros

• Fresh Foam X
• Accommodating Fit
• Stability
• Style
• Price

Cons

• Outsole Durability
• Bulk
• Pros

Fresh Foam X

Drew: New Balance’s top-of-the-line foam is FuelCell. Fresh Foam X is its less expensive brother meant for everyday use. If you’re not familiar with it, think Kyrie 9 or Jordan Luka 1 as the closest comparison. On the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4, the Fresh Foam X is a big stack of overly plush EVA that feels great on foot for any number of miles and/or chores. I really enjoyed the Fresh Foam X on foot during all my runs and even took it 10 miles down a Denver-area greenway without any issues. It’s probably a bit much shoe for long runs, but the cushion could easily handle runs of 12+ miles without deadening.

In addition to runs, the Fresh Foam X More v4 became one of my go-to household chore shoes and my airport shoe. Got a super long walk to your connecting gate? No problem, you’re covered. These could easily pass the theme park test. They can stay on all day through lots of standing and walking and never get uncomfortable, which is why they’re so great as airport shoes. Well, that, and they’ve got plenty of room for your feet to expand in-flight…

Tyler: Admittedly, I’ve stayed away from any NB models that sported Fresh Foam since early 2020 as I had a consistent experience with hot spots underfoot, no matter the distance or pace. All I could attribute it to was the Fresh Foam. So to say I was apprehensive when these came through our doors would be an understatement. Well, whatever was tweaked in the New Balance kitchen made this recipe agree with my feet and get me back on the Fresh Foam train. Fresh Foam X is an excellent combination of plush and smooth. And while I knew this was a high-cushion runner, it still surprised me with how soft, yet stable, the midsole was. Similar to Drew, these have started to rival the Hoka Ora Luxe as my around-the-house and errand-running shoe.

Accommodating Fit

Drew: Before I first tied the laces, my normal-ish foot felt like it was swimming in the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4. The upper is very roomy. But New Balance did a great job with the geometry of the upper because lacing up I was able to get a very comfortable fit and lockdown where my foot didn’t move around despite the extra room. This is really valuable in a running shoe because your feet expand the more you run. It’s also really valuable on an airplane, so you don’t have to be one of those…people (I’m being nice here) that need to remove their shoes as soon as the plane hits altitude. Regardless, it’s nice to know you have a shoe in your closet that is never going to make your foot feel like an overstuffed sausage. It’s an extremely valuable shoe for the day after a hard workout or long, long run when your feet need some sweet relief.

While I think a fair amount of wide footers could fit the normal New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4, there’s an even more accommodating version available. Both Running Warehouse and New Balance offer a wide version in both men’s and women’s (links below). The fit of the regular version plus the wide options may make this the most accommodating running shoe on the planet.

Tyler: I’m reading Drew’s comments as I write this and we had the exact same experience upon initial try-on. While I’d much rather put on a thicker pair of socks before sizing down, my first slip-in left me questioning if the shoe was too big, but upon standing up, the fit was dialed in. I felt a touch of support on the lateral side of each shoe and am happy to say that sensation continues, even after a lot of miles. Bonus points for New Balance shoe laces. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: New Balance has the best shoelaces of any brand on the market. From the length to the stretch, to the thickness, a perfect lace can make a good shoe feel great.

Stability

Drew: Sometimes, when an upper has lots of room, and the midsole is big and chunky, it’s a recipe for instability as your foot moves around within the upper and threatens to slide off the footbed. Not so here. The upper lockdown is solid, especially in the heel and midfoot. In addition, your foot sits inside the midsole walls at the heel and midfoot. The midfoot walls go super high, reminding me more of a 90s basketball shoe than a modern running shoe. Your foot is staying on top of the midsole.

And the midsole itself flares out in all directions to create natural outriggers that keep the shoe upright on uneven pavement or sharp turns. There’s also a large channel down the middle of the outsole that allows the four corners of the outsole to work independently and provide extra stability with the added benefit of letting your foot feel more flexible. It’s a great setup with a bunch of little things done to improve the sturdiness of the shoe and keep the wearer upright no matter what the road throws at them.

Tyler: Stability wasn’t something I thought about when wearing the shoe, but sitting here writing this review, I think the stability of the shoe is what makes it ride so nicely. Now, it’s not a stability shoe, but it does a great job of providing the all-around support that ensures you have a consistent and solid underfoot experience.

Style

Drew: I’m no fashion guru, but even I notice when people comment on my shoes this much. The number of people that complimented the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 while I had them on foot was surprising. I think New Balance nailed the bulbous “Dad shoe with a modern flair” look that’s popular right now.

Tyler: I drive a Prius with two car seats in the back. This shoe is perfect for me. End of story.

Price

Drew: Last year’s version (the v3) was $160. This year’s version is better and costs $150! I can’t think of this ever happening before in the shoe industry, and I’ve been reviewing shoes for 12+ years. Given today’s inflationary environment, this is one of those pricing quirks that you should take advantage of before New Balance closes the loophole.

Tyler: It’s unreal to think that in this climate, New Balance decreased the cost of such a plush trainer, but I’m not mad about it. To keep from jinxing myself, I won’t say what I would pay for this shoe, but spoiler alert: it’s more than $150.

Cons

Outsole Durability

Drew: I really love the outsole’s design, and the many flex grooves that make it feel more malleable than a shoe with this chunky of a midsole should be able to feel. But I’m tearing through the outsole at a pretty good clip. I’ve worn away a lot of the rubber in my toe-off zone during my 75ish miles in the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4. The rubber is thick, and there’s more to burn…but people who are heavy landers may burn the rubber down to the foam quicker than 300 miles.

Now, even if you do burn away all the rubber up front, there’s still plenty of foam underneath, so I don’t expect the Fresh Foam X More v4 to be unusable. But, we’re going into winter so be careful about burning away all that rubber and then going into snowy runs with a bald forefoot. That would be a recipe for disaster.

Oh, and all I said above just goes for the forefoot. My heel and midfoot strike zones look great. I think the rubber used at the heel and midfoot, in addition to being a different color, is made of a more durable rubber compound. So, if you’re a heel striker, I think you’ll get normal durability from the outsole.

Bulk

Tyler: I debated even including this as a con, but wanted to be objective in the review. This is a bulky shoe, straight up. I found the bulk of the midsole to come into play on a few extremely hot days when I was wrapping up a long run. As my form got sloppier, I could sense that the shoes were flailing a bit under me and I was ready to get them off. I’d chalk that up in part to bad conditioning and in part to the shoe. It’s not a game changer in the least but something to consider.

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 Summary

Drew: The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is a stylish shoe with great cushioning and industry-leading stability and fit. This is likely going to be a popular shoe among runners, walkers, and people who want a comfortable running shoe for everyday tasks. I heartily recommend picking it up and enjoying all the miles you’ll put in it along with a visit to a theme park or an airplane ride or two.

Tyler: For me, this is a top-3 shoe of 2022. It’s exactly the type of shoe that I gravitate toward, and I’m so happy that the Fresh Foam X didn’t give me the hot-spot sensation of past years’ Fresh Foam. It’s a very comfortable, affordable, and excellently executed high-mileage shoe that sports a ton of versatility.