Air Jordan 11 Cmft Low Review

Dribble Media is here to provide sneakerheads with the Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low Review.

Responding to the plea of the public, Jordan Brand released the CMFT version of the Air Jordan 11 earlier this year. The question now is whether this sneaker can satisfy everyone’s expectations.

Months after Jordan Brand reintroduced the CMFT line, the Jumpan team has made another release of the CMFT line. This time, the iteration was made through the iconic Air Jordan 11.

You may start to wonder why the term “re-introduced” was used considering that the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT was just released. Well, a lot may be unaware of this, but Jordan Brand initially released a CMFT line way back in 2011. That CMFT pair is more known as the Jordan CMFT Max Air 12.

The Jordan CMFT Max Air 12 was a nod to the Jumpman team’s very own Air Jordan 12. While the CMFT line could be a potential talk of the town in 2011 given its reputation of comfortability, the line did not age well since enthusiasts looked for something similar from the source of inspiration.

Almost a decade has passed when Jordan Brand pumped up sneakerheads with the introduction of the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT. Not only that this version of the Air Jordan 1 is very comfortable, but it also almost looks the same as the OG.

With every collector’s hopes at the ceiling with the massive release of a variety of colorways of the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT, everyone turned their attention to the recently-released CMFT version of the Air Jordan 11.
TO KNOW WHETHER THIS CMFT ITERATION IS WORTH A THUMBS-UP, READ DRIBBLE MEDIA’S REVIEW ON THE AIR JORDAN 11 CMFT LOW.

AESTHETICS

Let’s be honest. We all hoped that the Jordan Brand did the same to the Air Jordan 11 CMFT as what they did with the Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT. However, everybody’s excitement was suddenly extinguished like when you pour water on fire.

From an aesthetics standpoint, it’s very evident that the pair is miles away from the original style of the Air Jordan 11. The only angle that it somehow looks the same is on the top view.

On the other hand, the toe box gives off shadows of the Air Jordan 11. But aside from these, the pair may seem like a regular lifestyle sneaker built with the touch of Air Jordan 11.

Its appearance alone is enough to make a lot of collectors disappointed since there are almost no similarities at all from the OG. But at the end of the day, it will still boil down to one’s preference.

MATERIALS

Just like the OG Air Jordan 11, the Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low is infused with patent leather. However, the quality of the patent leather used in both pairs is quite different from one another, especially in the case of the most recent releases of the OG. In the Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low, the patent is more like the older releases of the Air Jordan 11.

Along with the signature patent leather, the pair is also infused with suede on the front and leather at the back for additional aesthetics and durability. The mesh material is integrated with TPU for better ventilation.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE AIR JORDAN 11 CMFT LOW

Despite its not-so-pleasing and hope-crushing appearance, the Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low can actually live up to its name.

Appearance aside, this lifestyle pair is very comfortable. This top-notch comfort experience is brought by the state-of-the-art cushion set-up. Though the implementation is different, the Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low is infused with a full-length Cushlon for superior comfort, just like the Nike Lebron 19.

The only difference with the set-up of the two aforementioned pairs is that the Kobe 6 Protro has the Cushlon fully implemented side by side and supported by the Zoom tech in the midfoot. On the other hand, the Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low’s Cushlon is only implemented on the midfoot.

Despite this set-up, the Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low still has enough spring and bounce to provide comfort for a long period of time. Longevity-wise, the sneaker is definitely a thumbs-up.

In addition to its superb comfort, the Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low is infused with ortholite insoles. However, it’s worth taking note that unlike the OG, the CMFT version has no torsional plate.

So if you are thinking or considering playing hoops with this sneaker, then sorry to burst your bubble but you just can’t. Besides, the Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low is designed for casual and lifestyle use only, not for lebron 8.

Finally, the pair’s traction is way different from the OG Air Jordan 11. The Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low is a bit inconsistent with its outsole. Some parts have a smooth texture while the pivotal areas such as the heel and forefoot have herringbone pattern. The outsole pattern is a given.

Despite the herringbone on the forefoot and heel, there is no way that the other areas of the outsole can survive when playing hoops indoors or outdoors. Its smooth texture is not suitable for good grip in lateral movements.

SIZE AND FITTING

The Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low runs big. It’s advisable to go half or even full size down for better fitting. If possible, try to fit a pair first to determine the perfect size.

Air Jordan 1 Low OG Review

After a long hiatus, the OG iteration of the Air Jordan 1 Low finally made a return in the racks. To assess whether the re-released version is a good cop or a whack, Dribble Media offers an in-depth review of the Air Jordan 1 Low OG.

The Air Jordan 1 Low OG was initially released in 1985 along with the Air Jordan 1 High. The release of the Air Jordan 1 Low marked the beginning of a sneaker dynasty as it was the first low-top signature sneaker released by Nike and Michael Jordan.

Then, in the early 2000s, the iconic Air Jordan 1 Low OG was remastered and it received all-new aesthetics and quality which various sneakerheads all around the world still enjoy thanks to its flamboyant silhouettes and skyrocketing collaborations.

The OG then returned in 2015 and bannered the iconic “Bred” and “Neutral Grey” silhouettes. The pair even got a Europe-exclusive release.

To formally celebrate its return, Dribble Media offers an in-depth review of the Air Jordan 1 Low OG.

AESTHETICS

The re-released Air Jordan 1 Low OG may exactly look like the 1985 version at first glance. But when observed thoroughly, there are some minor tweaks in the pair’s overall appearance and the materials.

Though the tooling in the cup sole is identical to the low, mid, and high versions, this version has a different paneling, height, and tongue appearance compared to the 1985 release. Another difference is that this release has a smaller Swoosh.

Nonetheless, the pair is still easy to match with various fashion styles with its retro look and clean colorways, especially in the case of the recently released silhouette, the Neutral Grey.

MATERIALS

One good aspect of the returning Air Jordan 1 Low OG is the leather quality. Compared to the 1985 release and some recently released Air Jordan 1 Highs, the leather of this lebron 19 pair is amazingly better.

Granted that the pair is out of circulation for quite some time, sneaker enthusiasts were having their fingers crossed on this one.  Fortunately, this iteration of the Air Jordan 1 Low OG turned out to be better, at the very least, material-wise.

It’s a good thing that Air Jordan decided to make the leather more premium for better aesthetics and a longer lifespan.

It is also noteworthy that for some reason, the tooling of the leather material on the heel portion is different compared to the aspects. The leather material on the heel portion has a better premium vibe than the other areas of the pair.

The uppers also have a pretty efficient Polyurethane (PU) coating. For those who are not familiar, PU coating is being used to enhance the lightness and durability of the materials. Also, it drastically improves the appearance of the leather material by giving tumbled effects.

But due to the PU coating, this new version of the Air Jordan 1 Low OG’s texture is rough unlike the smooth leather of the other Air Jordan 1 Low OG.

In some other aspects of the pair, the Air Jordan 1 Low OG’s tongue is made of nylon, which is common among Air Jordan 1 pairs. The nylon material gives more ventilation to the pair and makes the pair easier to wear.

And just like the other Air Jordan 1 releases, the Air Jordan 1 Low OG is infused with Nike Air Unit as its primary cushion technology. The pair is also reinforced with ortholite insoles for better comfort.

Along with these, this version of the Air Jordan 1 Low OG has a suede material for its Swoosh and heel tab.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

Personally, I prefer to rock the remastered Air Jordan 1 Low than the OG. Considering the overall appearance, the remastered version is easier to match, and its shape is more pleasing to the eyes, at least in my opinion.

However, it won’t change the fact that the OG pair will always have a rightful place in the shoe racks of every sneakerhead. OG sneakers are not only shoes that protect your feet, but they are also vital pieces that reflect the rich history of sneakers.

In general, the materials are good. The implementation of leather is definitely amazing and the cushion setup may not be the most comfortable, but it still carries the identity of the Air Jordan 1.

But it’s expected that some sneaker enthusiasts will become half-hearted in copping a pair because of its overall performance. The main problem of the pair is its instability and stiffness.

Granted that the Air Jordan 1 is not really known for having a very responsive cushion set up, as I’ve said in my previous statement, the main issue relies on how the pair was actually built. With the curves of the pair on the forefoot, the then stiff pair became more unstable.

Also, there is almost no flat portion in the outsole. When worn, it gives the impression that the outsoles are caved in and there are some weird curves that make the feet feel warped and wobbly. This greatly affects the pair’s stability and comfort.

In addition, the supposedly strong reinforcement for additional comfort expected from the insole cannot really be felt. The ortholite insole is not bouncy enough to provide the cushion expected from the pair.

Nonetheless, the Air Jordan 1 Low OG will remain as a must-cop pair for this year. Maybe it’s not an everyday shoe for every enthusiast, but it will always be a new piece in their collection. Besides, there is no way that an OG release will not make the cut on the list of every sneakerhead.

SIZE AND FITTING

Just like the other Air Jordan 1 pairs, the Air Jordan 1 Low OG runs true to size. But if you want more snugness, believing that it will drastically decrease the chances of creasing, then you may go down half a size.

WHERE TO BUY

The Air Jordan 1 Low OG is up for grabs at selected retailers for US$130.

OVERALL RATING

The Air Jordan 1 Low OG nets an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5.

Nike Giannis Immortality Performance Review

After releasing his third signature pair with Nike, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo recently rolled out the Nike Giannis Immortality, his first ever budget sneaker with the famous brand.

Upon its first appearance, the Giannis Immortality immediately received positive feedback from the sneaker community. From an aesthetic standpoint, some even claimed that this budget sneaker is way better than the latest pair from the main signature line, the Zoom Freak 3.

However, the comparison did not age well for the lebron 19 . It is because when the Giannis Immortality was released in July, many ballers even pondered that the budget pair is also better than the main signature shoe performance-wise.

But before you get too hyped over the claim that the Giannis Immortality is better than the Freak 3, keep in mind that this is a budget pair and it only costs US$80. Of course, Nike made a lot of cutbacks with the pair, so don’t jump the gun just yet.

However, it doesn’t mean that the pair won’t work, either. Besides there are a lot of bright spots Giannis Immortality could offer.

So is it a fact or a myth? Is Giannis Immortality really better than Freak 3 in both major categories?

To enlighten your perplexed minds — and feet — Dribble Media is here to provide an in-depth performance review of the Giannis Immortality.

MATERIALS

The Giannis Immortality is infused with cheap textile materials on the uppers, which feel very minimal thanks to its thinness and softness. The textile uppers are surprisingly excellent in conforming to the users’ feet and are very comfortable for its price.

Also, there is a good amount of airflow and breathability, so ventilation won’t be much of a dilemma. In addition, its forefoot has a minimal amount of fuse materials for reinforcement and protection.

Speaking of protection, the heel portion is infused with micro-molded mesh for added stability, comfort, and lockdown.

However, the uppers have a major downside. Since they are made from basic and weak materials, the durability is questionable. The uppers may be excellent aesthetically and there are also some bright spots performance-wise, but in the long run, the materials won’t be able to take on heavier loads.

There is one word to describe the traction performance of the Giannis Immortality: beast. For a US$80 pair, the shoe is an absolute beast on the court and could be considered a top-tier sneaker.

The outsole is very aggressive and there are almost no delays when stepping on the gas or shifting directions. It is made with either solid rubber or translucent outsole depending on the colorway. Even though Nike has been a bit inconsistent when implementing solid rubber or translucent outsoles performance-wise, this pair somehow made it work.

On top of that, the outsole’s best attribute is the pattern. It is infused with a full-length herringbone traction pattern. Again, the herringbone is a tremendous on-court performer and is arguably the best traction pattern, as it is famous for its aggressive grip and omnidirectional bite, so pairs rarely go wrong with this traction pattern.

Also, the compound used in the sneaker’s outsole is thick and firm, so the durability won’t be much of an issue whether being played indoors or on blacktops.

Therefore, there is no room for debate that the aggressive traction of the Giannis Immortality is its best attribute.

CUSHION AND SUPPORT

Let’s first go with a bit of a reality check here. Since the Giannis Immortality is a budget pair with a US$80 price tag, there is no way that Nike would implement heavy-duty and cutting-edge technologies in the entirety of the pair. So somewhere along the shoe, there will be cutbacks and loopholes. In this case, the Giannis Immortality has a hollowed cushion technology.

That’s hollowed, not lackluster, because the pair literally does not have any cushion technology infused in it — not even a small amount of Zoom unit. Therefore, it did not receive the name Zoom Giannis Immortality, unlike the “Zoom” Freak 3. But despite the absence of cushion technology, Giannis Immortality still has enough compression that fully comes from the full-length phylon midsole.

Also, Nike filled that gap by implementing cored holes, which you can see at the pair’s outsoles — a concept similar to the Nike KD12. The cored holes allow the foam to compress inside the mold, so when the user presses onto the shoe with all the body weight, the hollow pillars will move inward then expand outwards. That would give a sensation of compression even though there is no cushion technology.

In addition, there are two breaks as seen on the outsole. One break is for flexibility that reinforces the traction when running or shifting, while the other is for additional responsiveness wherein the foam will move inwards between the rubbers, resulting in more compression.

Though very minimal, the pair can really serve some responsiveness and is very lightweight, too. The pair also provides excellent court feel, given that it is not bombarded with technologies and foams.

Giannis Immortality’s heel-to-toe transition is also smooth. It has good curves on the heel and forefoot, which reminds us of the Nike Kyrie 8. However, its maximum heel to toe transition relies on its forefoot flex since it has very thin and soft upper materials.

As far as the support goes, there is a minimal amount of padding and mesh on the tongue, while the ankle portion is not really bombarded with foams so there is not much tightness on that portion. Nonetheless, the ankle lockdown is still good.

In addition, there is a double-layered midfoot band beneath the medial Swoosh for added support and lockdown.

For stability, there is not much slide in the footbed except for lateral movements. Since there is no lateral counter and the upper material is very thin, not to mention that the pair’s forefoot is steep, users could experience a bit of instability during lateral movements.

But to make things worse, the major downside of the lack of cushion technology of the pair is the absence of torsional support. It is very evident when the pair is bent to its limit. Hoopers will notice that the Giannis Immortality can actually be bent up to its medial portion where the torsional support must be present. This somehow reminds us of the Nike Roshe Run.

Due to this, some players, especially those who have arch issues, might experience pain on their arch. Though the pain they might encounter may not be very severe, it could still be bothersome. Nonetheless, this issue could not be considered as a deal breaker for the pair.

As far as sizing goes, the pair goes true to size. However, the forefoot area is snug. But if you are considering going down half a size, think twice.

The pair’s sizing is a bit tricky. Depending on your feet structure, going down half a size could make the fit shorter. So it would be best to personally try a pair before purchasing.

Nonetheless, the forefoot will still stretch after a few break-ins.

OVERALL RATING

The Giannis Immortality is definitely a bang for the buck, considering its excellent aesthetics, cool colorways, top-tier traction, and not-so-bad cushion. Remember that ballers could enjoy all these attributes by only paying US$80, which is absolutely a steal.

However, players just have to be wary about the pair’s compatibility. Based on the pair’s materials and performance, it would be more appropriate for players with straightforward play style.

Players who are very shifty or heavy could have a hard time using the pair due to its lackluster lateral stability and support. Also, the absence of a cushion technology and implementation of cheap uppers could be an issue for heavier players in the long run.

Now, how do we settle the argument if the Giannis Immortality is really better than the Freak 3? Since ballers have different preferences and point-of-views, opinions would still vary.

The Giannis Immortality might have some aspects which are better than the main signature shoe such as the aesthetics and traction. However, longevity and overall effectiveness would always be the deal breaker.

Keeping the price comparison aside, we cannot discredit the fact that the Freak 3 has real cutting-edge technologies and better materials, while the Giannis Immortality has no cushion technology, which might backfire on full-time ballers.

Nonetheless, the Giannis Immortality will be highly-sought after and shall definitely make its case for the best budget sneaker of 2021.

The Nike Giannis Immortality nets an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5. 

Despite being a top performer, the absence of a cushion technology could be bothersome for many players, especially to those who have feet issues.

Nike Zoom Kobe IV Performance Review

All hail the Godfather

Before the Kobe IV, lows were afterthoughts for shoe companies as they would produce them after the mid releases and watch them hit the clearance bins. Now everyone clamors for the lows thanks to the innovation Nike, Kobe, and Eric Avar created in the kitchen. Although it has its flaws, the Kobe VI still outperforms most of the newer shoes despite being  seven years old. Hell, it’s still in my top five rotation today.

TRACTION

Full length multi directional herringbone gives the Kobe IV ridiculous traction. I wish they kept this pattern on the V and VI. Worked amazing back then and still sticks like glue. I’d take this traction over almost every shoe out there. No floor was too dirty for the Kobe IV.

CUSHIONING

Zoom in the heel and Lunarfoam in the forefoot. Sound familiar ? The Kobe X basically has the same set up with caged Zoom in the heel and Lunarlon in the forefoot. Zoom in the heel is perfect, stable yet bouncy. Lunarfoam, the first iteration of Lunarlon, worked ok for me but lost its bounce and bottomed outextremely quickly. However, after all these years I have gotten used to the feel and don’t really mind it anymore since the shoe excels at so many other things.

FIT

The Kobe IV was the first Kobe that I went up to an 11 in. Prior to that all my Kobes were a 10.5. These ran shorter and much narrower than the previous Kobes and really set to Nike’s new sizing since nearly  every shoe I’ve bought since the Dunk High has been an 11.

Flywire was in its infancy and wasn’t even detached from the shoe and shows up as raised lines on the upper. I mean, it really did nothing but Nike needed some kind of tech to hype right ? The upper where the Flywire was really had a plasticky feel. No additional support was provided by the raised lines known as Flywire.

Thankfully the shoe still fits like a glove thanks to a plush heel collar that all shoe companies should copy. Almost the exact same heel collar as the Kobe X. Zero heel slip, no side to side movement even on the hardest cuts.

SUPPORT and STABILITY

Support comes from a perfect fit and the Y bar to help keep the ankle from leaning on hard movements.  It works wonderfully as I can honestly say I have never turned my ankle in these in  7 years.

The Kobe IV also has an outrigger at the forefoot that really kept the forefoot stable and safe

CONTAINMENT

Woven uppers and the minimalist movement hadn’t started yet so the upper features a mix of Flywire/fuse and synthetic leather that helped provide excellent containment. None of this mesh stuff that my foot could bust through.

I know I used this pic already
Containment is further enhanced since the footbed is sits below that line you see along the forefoot.

Conclusion 

Aside from the crappy short lived Lunarfoam, the Kobe IV really was and still is a perfect shoe . Excellent traction, fit, support and stability as well as containment all in a low top form factor. It really is no wonder everyone else followed suit after the success of the IV. It took a lot of balls on Nike Kyrie 8 behalf to put a low top on Kobe but thanks to some serious innovation, they set a whole new precedent.

Jordan Jumpman Hustle Performance Review

Let’s warm-up with the freshest Jordan brand’s take on team performance, before having a go at the big daddy – Air Jordan 33. Get ready for the Jordan Jumpman Hustle performance review…

WEIGHT: 335.5 g. / 11.83 oz

TECH: ZOOM AIR

TYPE: LOW-TOP

COLORWAYS: 2+

FIT: TRUE TO SIZE

RETAIL PRICE: $110

BD RATING: 8.2/10

BEST PLACE TO BUY: FINISH LINE 

PERFORMANCE

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MATERIALS

So the Jordan brand bringing back that shroud trend alive with the Why Not Zero.1 has built up a ramp for even more back-to-90s vibe by recapturing that zippered shroud upper with the two-type leather combination on the Jumpman Hustle.

Talking about that two-way leather combo, the toe cap section is rocking that extra shiny patent leather taken straight out of the AJ 11. Meanwhile, the shroud itself is made out of paper-thin synthetic leather which adds an enormous amount of containment & volume for the upper without really making the shoe play heavy/bulky due to its thin nature. And it’s definitely something that lets our eyes take a break from consistently looking at those knitted uppers. Love it.

Now the back area, including the ankle section, and everything else that is hiding underneath the shroud creates a one-piece mesh booty. Worth mentioning – I didn’t receive any fit related issues unlike experiencing some light bubble effect type of scenario in the toe area of the HP X & air max 2021. I’m willing to think that it’s mainly because of the shroud sort of containing everything together in one place. Or it’s just every single piece of the upper contributing & performing as a whole package. Either way – I’m really impressed.

CUSHION

If comparing the Jumpman Hustle with one of its rivals – the Hyperdunk X – that $30 dollar decrease in price leaves us with only one Zoom Air unit located in the forefoot – the rest of the midsole being pure Phylon.

Obviously, with the heel Zoom Air pillow gone, the back loses some of the fun if high-grade of bounciness is what you’re going for. Personally, phylon alone was not enough for me to really enjoy the heel unit as much as I would want to. It definitely wasn’t “dead” by any means. You’re still getting a decent amount of impact protection. But the problem for me was that it did feel some type of way constrained, I’m assuming, that has to do with the phylon compound being too firm – even for my size & weight. Man… That heel Zoom Air pillow would have changed everything.

TRACTION

I feel like for brands it’s so much easier to manufacture a team model, instead of a signature one just because you’re not forced to push the envelope as hard as possible by inventing top-of-the-line technologies and so on. You just pick what’s available & what is proved to work and whoa la – all of the sudden you got yourself a beastly performing sneaker. And the Jordan Jumpman Hustle is the newest proof of that.

So the bottoms are housing, no doubt about it, the best traction pattern since first it came out – herringbone. I think there’s no need to add more. Well, maybe that this stuff is a true dust assassin & the king when it comes to producing beastly bite with whatever surface you’re playing on. The spacing is rather narrow, not going to lie, but that doesn’t make any difference as far as performance goes whatsoever. Those outsoles don’t give a damn. You know your bottoms are so damn good – that the only reason you’re wiping them is to protect that icy look from turning piss yellow.

Also, street ballers should be celebrating since the rubber compound seems to be outdoor friendly – not the most durable – but you should be okay.

FIT

That zippered shroud and one-piece booty combo don’t sound like an easy access for any type of foot. WRONG. The tongue section actually has those rubber panels on the lateral sides for an easy access. No sweating your ass off while trying to stick your foot. They got you, bro.

So what’s going on under that shroud? Well – nothing unusual. Just your standard loop style lacing system. Which has been working flawlessly since I remember it – tight lockdown, your heel is pushed in its ideal spot, no some type of sliding – you get the point.

Now when it comes to actual sizing. These do fit a tad bit narrow but not as narrow enough for regular footers to go up in sizing – true to size is what I recommend. For wide footers, on the other hand, might want to go half a size up. Either way – you ain’t zipping that zipper on. Talking about the zipper, I loved how it tightens up the whole front construction of the shoe, creating that awesome custom fit.

SUPPORT

Can’t say a single bad word against the upper – that area did it thing flawlessly. Strong foot containment in all areas possible, especially on the lateral side. And all of that does come without costing any issues with the comfort whatsoever. I still was having that almost flyknit-like second-skin fit, as flexibility wasn’t intact as well.

Can’t say the same about the midsole. First of all, I’m definitely not a super explosive/shifty player. That being the case, I didn’t experience my foot busting off the footbed when performing mad stuff. Yet, that pretty marrow platform that you have under your foot & not having an outrigger to compensate all of that or at least some of it – explosive players should definitely put that into consideration. Everything else was on point tho.

OVERALL

I would gladly pay those extra $20-30 in exchange for that juicy fat Zoom Air unit in the heel. It makes me so freaking mad when something is so close to taking that big W but comes short in such a frustrating fashion. Just noticed – I accidentally described last night’s the Lakers vs the Spurs game. LOL

Anyway, the Jordan Jumpman Hustle should have been in this year’s TOP 5 list of best performers, yet, was hit by LeBron’s brick free throws, basically. Keeping it serious – they’re still awesome/fun/solid performers. It was some much fun to play in them – definitely going back to them once I have some free time from testing shoes. And if you’re one of those ballers who doesn’t use their heels so often & doesn’t mind having firmer cushioning – this might be your best investment this season.