adidas Dame Certified Review

The adidas Dame Certified is Damian Lillard’s budget model for the year, a very solid performance basketball shoe overall.

Colorway: Black/ Green / White

Release Date: 2023

Price: $95

The adidas Dame Certified is Damian Lillard´s latest budget signature model, and the only Dame shoe Lillard will be getting during the 2022-23 season. It seems like adidas may be eliminating the main Dame signature line, but they will be keeping the Certified line, which isn’t great news for Dame fans. The good news is that the Dame Certified is no joke and it packs a considerable performance punch. On top of that the Dame Certified retails for just $95, which makes it one of the budget models of the year. It’s also one of the best adidas basketball shoes overall and one of the best outdoor basketball shoes out there.

adidas Dame Certified Traction

Traction might be the shoe’s best feature. The shoe is equipped with a beefy solid rubber outsole, with a grippy wavebone traction pattern. This setup offers really great multidirectional coverage both indoors and outdoors, but what makes it exceptional is the durability of the rubber.

Not every shoe nowadays is well-equipped for outdoor use, but this one definitely is, and that versatility is to be appreciated. But aside from the versatility of the outsole and the traction pattern, the fact is the shoe offers elite grip no matter the surface you play on.

adidas Dame Certified Cushion

The adidas Dame Certified features full-length Bounce cushioning. Bounce usually offers a very well-balanced ride on court with a nice combination of impact protection and reactiveness. In this case, this iteration of Bounce is much more on the reactive side of things. This is great to keep you feeling speedy and agile on court.

This setup is especially great on a bouncy playing surface, like a parquet floor, or a nice plush PVC surface. Outdoors that Bounce cushioning will offer just enough impact protection to keep you on the blacktop for extended periods.

adidas Dame Certified Materials

Materials are another highlight of the shoe. Although there is nothing premium on the shoe the layering and implementation of the materials adidas used on the shoe is great. We have a mix of textiles, synthetic nubuck, and synthetic leather. The combination and construction of the upper make the shoe feel much more premium than it really is.

Where the materials are placed also enhances the performance of the shoe, adding containment and support in all the areas you’ll need it. As far as budget models go, the adidas Dame Certified features the best material setup of the year, rivaled only by the materials on the adidas harden vol 7.

adidas Dame Certified Support

Support and containment are also very good. There is nothing groundbreaking or innovative about the Dame Certified but everything on the shoe works together to offer a very stable and safe experience on court. The shoe features a very wide base with a lot of contact surface with the court, the Bounce cushioning is very stable, and the upper offers excellent containment.

Synthetic leather overlays are placed on either side of the forefoot to keep you on the footbed during linear movements. Synthetic nubuck wings on either side of the midfoot add lateral containment and there’s a heel counter and a TPU reinforcement in the heel for added stability. Nothing special, but everything works together to keep you feeling safe and supported.

adidas Dame Certified Fit

The adidas Dame Certified fits true to size, so go with whatever size you usually use with adidas. The upper conforms well to your foot and requires no break in time.

adidas Dame Certified Overall

The adidas Dame Certified is a very nice performance basketball shoe, which becomes all the more attractive when we consider the price and its versatility. For $95 you get full-length Bounce cushioning, really great traction that grips both indoors and outdoors tremendously well, and excellent materials that have been implemented very well to boost performance.

The biggest drawback of the Dame Certified might be the cushioning system, which might not offer enough impact protection for every type of player. But aside from that, the Dame Certified is a very reasonably priced, well-rounded performance basketball model with amazing traction.

Nike Pegasus 40 Review

The Nike Pegasus line turns the big four-oh so you’d expect Nike to really go all out for the Nike Pegasus 40 right? Nope! The tooling and outsole from the Nike Pegasus 39 stay exactly the same but with a (slightly) updated upper. I guess 40 isn’t all that special after all. Cue all our readers in their 40s nodding vigorously.

Maybe they’re saving the big splash for 50. At least the price stayed the same. We’ll take the wins where we can get them. Especially with Nike, where, thanks to the SNKRS app, Ls are plentiful.

Release Date: April 2023

Price: $130

Weight: Men’s 9.4 oz., Women’s 7.7 oz.

Drop: 10mm

Sizing: True to size

• Rundown: The Nike Pegasus 40 is largely the same as the Pegasus 39 but features an improved upper.

Cushion

The Nike Pegasus 40 cushion is a React foam midsole, a typical oval Zoom Air bag in the forefoot, and a standard rectangular Zoom Air bag in the heel. It’s a minimal cushion setup by today’s running shoe standards.

Upper

The Pegasus 39 upper improved a ton over the horrible Nike Pegasus 37 upper and solid Nike Pegasus 38 upper. The Nike Pegasus 40 upper takes it to a new level with improved lacing, fit, and lockdown. It’s the best Pegasus upper in over four years.

Outsole

The Nike Pegasus 40 outsole being the same as the Lebron 20 is a good thing. It’s a pattern that grips well in all weather conditions and the rubber is thick and durable. The outsole is so durable it will last longer than the Pegasus 40 cushioning.

Is the Nike Pegasus 40 wide foot friendly?

The Nike Pegasus 40 is on the narrow side, like most Nikes, but is available in a wide version on Nike’s website. The wide version is not typically available at other retailers.

Is the Nike Pegasus 40 worth $130?

While the Pegasus 40 is a solid value at $130 there are several options I’d recommend for more value when considering buying this shoe.

You can buy the similar, but better overall,  Shadow AF-1  for $120. It’s bouncier with a better upper and outsole. Or you could spend $10 more and grab the high-performing Asics Novablast 3 or Hoka Clifton 9. Both of those shoes deliver way more cushioning and bounce than the Pegasus 40 alongside more accommodating uppers and similar or better durability.

I’d also recommend considering the Nike Vomero 16. It’s on our Best Running Shoes list for a reason. Its combo of large volume forefoot Zoom Air bag, ZoomX foam, more accommodating fit, and plusher, more comfortable upper make it the Best Nike daily running shoe available right now.

Cons

Nothing much to put here except that the total Pegasus 40 package is underwhelming. Nike’s daily trainers, led by the iconic Pegasus line, have fallen behind the competition in terms of technology, fit, and fun factor. It’s hard for us to recommend the Pegasus 40 over any of the neutral running shoes on our Best Neutral Running Shoes list or our overall Best Running Shoes list.

Nike Pegasus 40 Summary

The Nike Pegasus 40 is a solid shoe. But also kinda meh and hard to get excited about. It’s now an old standby and long-time Pegasus lovers will enjoy some good improvements over previous Pegasuses (Pegasi?). But if you’re looking for fun, innovative, high stack foam, or superior bounce…you’ll need to look elsewhere.

The Pegasus is no longer a shoe that’s pushing boundaries in the running industry. Hopefully, Nike has plans to get the Pegasus back where it belongs as a hip, fun, and innovative daily trainer. But for now, it’s just a ho-hum shoe that won’t generate any excitement.

Air Jordan 12 Low Golf Performance Review

When the Jordan Brand started expanding into the golf world, I was their target demographic. I’m a basketball player at heart and always will be. I bought the Jordan ADG golf shoe and loved them so much, I bought a second pair. But when it came to the Retro releases like the Air Jordan 12 Low Golf, I was hesitant to take that leap.

The Retros scared me for 2 reasons – the price tag, and the performance. As someone with kids and a mortgage I didn’t want to spend $220 on shoes I only played golf in, especially if they didn’t do what I needed them to do. I love MJ but I also like winning my golf league, and if those shoes are going to hurt my chances, they won’t be on my feet.

This past weekend I was able to test a pair of the Air Jordan 12 Low Golf out and I was shocked by the results. I’ll be breaking down my thoughts into the top 4 things I look for in a golf shoe: style, traction, cushion, and support.

Style

There is a reason that the Air Jordan 12 is considered by almost everyone to be one of the, if not THE, best-looking Jordan shoes of all time. Inspired by a 19th-century fashion boot and the Japanese Nisshhoki flag, the first flagship shoe released under the Jordan Brand moniker is instantly recognizable, and a timeless classic. The beauty of this shoe is its simplicity and the Air Jordan 12 Low Golf version of this classic sticks to the heart of what makes it great.

There is one golf-specific change to the heel tab that I absolutely love though. Where the basketball version says “Jordan – Quality Inspired by the Greatest Player Ever”, the golf version replaces that with “Golf – For the Love of 18”. It’s a small change but a great detail.

Traction

There are two connections in golf that mean more than anything else – our connection to the club and our connection to the ground. Power is generated from the ground up and if a shoe can’t be counted on to keep me grounded, then it’s useless to me.

I tested the Air Jordan 12 Low Golf in very soggy conditions after a couple of days of rain and I am happy to report that sliding was not an issue at all. The bottom of the shoe features a herringbone tread pattern as well as 7 removable soft spikes that provide a great amount of traction. I’m a big guy that generates a lot of force and I didn’t slip once during an 18-hole round.

Cushion

The original Air Jordan 12 came equipped with a full-length Zoom Air unit and that’s what you’ll find in the Air Jordan 12 Low Golf as well. And while the airbag is under your whole foot, the place I felt most cushioned was in the heel, which is where a lot of golf shoes fall short. This is just another example of the Jordan Golf team executing something simple in a great way.

Support

The other feature that the basketball and golf versions have in common is the carbon fiber shank plate. I’d be lying if I said that while I was playing I was thinking “man I’m glad that shank plate is there” but the Air Jordan 12 Low Golf is a stable shoe that will keep you locked in.

As someone who has had more than his fair share of sprained ankles, finding a shoe that will keep my foot and ankle joints secure is something that’s very important to me. Because of the premium I place on stability, I’m willing to make sacrifices on footwear that other people may not, which brings me to the two factors that people might not love about the Air Jordan 12 Low Golf.

The first thing that might rub people the wrong way is the cut of this shoe. These are officially called the Air Jordan 12 Low Golf, and while they might be considered a “low” on a basketball court, I wouldn’t say it’s the case on a golf course. If you’re someone who is used to a traditional golf shoe cut and the way they fit, then this shoe might not be for you.

Another element that helps with the support but could also be a negative to some people is the leather that is being used in the upper. I think it’s important to remember what this shoe actually is – a recreation of a 90s basketball shoe, and back then we weren’t as concerned with things being lightweight or breathable.

Where I live we haven’t cracked 80 for more than 3 hours yet this year so I have tested the Air Jordan 12 Low Golf in pretty chilly temperatures. I could see that leather and the lack of ventilation being a problem when the heat and humidity start to rise. I’m no stranger to sweating buckets into basketball shoes but even I will admit that when the thermometer KD 15, I will probably be reaching for a different shoe option that day.

Air Jordan 12 Low Golf Summary

 

I will fully admit that the Air Jordan 12 Low Golf was made with someone like me in mind. That being said, there’s a reason why I never had a pair until a couple of weeks ago. I’m sure I’m like a lot of people out there who were worried that the price tag wouldn’t match the performance, and for some people, this shoe still might not.

The Air Jordan 12 Low Golf is a basketball shoe at its core and has a different feel than traditional golf shoes. But if you’re anything like me (and the rest of the WearTesters team) and grew up in basketball shoes, I can definitively say that you’ll love these.

First Look: Jordan Tatum 1 Performance Review

Jayson Tatum has made a significant leap on and off the court this season.

After leading his Boston Celtics’ franchise to their first NBA Finals in over a decade last year, Tatum has made yet another jump this season, as he’s emerged as a strong 2023 MVP candidate. Number Zero leads the league in total points this year and has been the main catalyst in propelling the Celtics’ to the number two seed in the East.

From signing with the Jordan brand back in 2019, Jayson Tatum has been one of the standout superstars of the NBA and his on-court accomplishments have now been rewarded by the Jumpman organisation.

the lightest performance shoe in Jordan Brand’s performance line this season - born out of Tatum’s desire to wear an on-court shoe that felt more connected to his foot.

This shoe-foot connectivity was vital due to Jayson Tatum’s three-dimensional scoring, effective ball handling and lockdown defence. The latter has become prominent in the last couple of seasons due to Tatum’s impressive ability to guard one through four on the oppositions line-up.

Built out of a lightweight, reinforced TPU frame, the shoe is wrapped by a ground-contact foam that also acts as an integrated traction pattern. The minimal rubber on the toe and ball of the foot was designed specifically for Tatum’s predominantly forefoot game.

A large, uncaged Zoom Air bag in the forefoot of the Tatum 1 helps provide high energy return without sacrificing natural court feel. The mesh knit upper is strong yet lightweight, while the collar is padded for ankle support due to the intensity and requirements of the modern game.

There are several personal touches and details that have been added to this sneaker design. “I Just Didn’t Quit” — which is tattooed on Tatum’s calf is situated on the TPU piece along with the coordinates for his hometown of St. Louis. “Living Proof” is printed on the outer sections of the rubber which pays homage to his relationship with Wizards star Bradley Beal and how his mentorship helped Tatum reach the league. A “0” lands on the heels to represent his Celtics’ jersey number while his signature “JT” logo embellishes the tongues and his son’s name “Deuce’ is visibly present on three out of the first four launch colourways.

What Is The High Post In Basketball?

If you are a basketball enthusiast, you must have often heard a coach or players call a particular area of the court the post. There are two post positions known as low and high post in basketball.

This region requires players that are physically strong and those that can call a foul on the opponent team.

The post is painted a solid colour so it is easier to identify. It is divided into two regions known as the low post and high post. The low post is closer to the hoop while the high post is nearer to the free-throw line.

The post is played on by centres and even power forwards. They will often post up in the area to accept the ball from the point guard.

Since playing at the post is quite tricky, it is necessary to have big-post players appointed at the post to ward off overcrowding and the occurrence of mistakes.

Being able to play the post requires skill, hardworking, talent and proper basketball knowledge. The player’s posting should know which position indicates what.

In this guide, we shall look closely at the high post, offensive strategies and techniques you can use to master it. Let’s get straight to it!

What Is The High Post In Basketball?

The high post in basketball or high post area refers to the painted region of the post that is near the free-throw line. This is located at the top of the key in the half court.

This region of the post is present on either side of the basket or hoop. However, the high post area is about 12 to 15 feet away from the basket as opposed to the low post which is nearer.

There is a 4-posts analogy used in basketball. 2 posts out of the 4 are at the corners, also known as the elbows. The elbows are positioned at the key/free-throw line in each half-court.

The elbow or corners are used to play mid-range jump shots and most team coaches ensure they focus on this region for players posting.

Taller and bigger players are often appointed at the high post so they can ward off the defender away from the hoop and keep the lane to the rim free.

Similar to the low post, the high post in basketball is critical for both defensive and offensive players. Power forwards and centre players often make use of the high post to pick the ball or set up a move or pass to an open teammate.

Post players posted at the high post play long shots and often position themselves there to grab the ball.

Players often use unbalanced or fadeaway shots at the high post instead of dunks, layups and hook shots which are usually played at the low post.

Defending the basket using a high post position can frustrate the opponent team and cause them to work towards a single-dimension approach.

This makes their tactics less complicated and even easier to play against. The high post player’s defence team benefits from the high post offence and offensive strategies.

Why Is It Called The Post In Basketball?

You now know what the high post in basketball is, but ever wondered why the painted region on the court is called the post?

The truth is that even though basketball history is well preserved, no one really knows why the term ‘post’ was given to that particular area of the court.

Some people believe that it has been derived from the word ‘outpost’. An outpost is a position a soldier or army personnel guards during a war/battle.

Others think it was derived from ‘posting up’  as offensive players ask for the ball once they position themselves on the post. This is because players post up at a high post or low post position during a game.

A few people also think that since four posts or corners need to be painted to mark the location on the court for high post/low post, the term was derived from there.

Some less popular beliefs include:

• The term posting up is slang that is used in the U.S. to claim an area or region. Posting up refers to being posted or placed at a specific position.
• Posting up is used to define a gathering or plan with Tatum family/friends.

How To Play High Post In Basketball?

To play the high post in basketball, the most common tactic used is the high low action. The offensive player positions at the high post and one in the low post.

The high post player obtains a pass from a point guard or player near the perimeter that is behind the 3-point line/triple threat position.

The low post player cuts the lane to receive the ball from the high post player and throws a shot. They usually launch this shot using low post moves, dunks or layups.

Let us look at the four main offensive techniques used by high post players to create scoring opportunities:

1-4 High Offense

This tactic makes use of the high post and the low post regions to obtain a score. It allows players to play shots while they are close to the basket or while positioned at the perimeter/free throw line. Several basketball screens and cuts are utilized to perform this strategy.

Princeton Offense

The Princeton is a tactic used by offensive players that require players to:

• Dribble.
• Pass to an open teammate.
• Screen.
• Cut.
• Shoot.

Post players must also be able to perform the point, low and chin actions when they are close to the hoop or positioned at the perimeter.

UCLA Offense

Coach John Wooden devised the Oreo strategy. It makes use of screening, cutting, mid-range jump shots, blocking shots and passing techniques to create scoring opportunities near the basket or from the perimeter.

Horns Offense

This is an offensive player technique that is used to create more space. Enough space allows players to shoot a hook shot while they are near the basket or positioned at the perimeter. This ball handler often uses dribble handoffs and basketball screens to land post shots.

What Is The High Post Offense?

A high post offence occurs when a player positioned at the high post receives an entry pass. This could be a power forward or centre player posting who is responsible for blocking the opponent team and allowing the offensive player to flow through them.

Conclusion

Our guide on the high post in basketball has finally come to an end. This post is quite important to obtain a score from the perimeter or near the hoop as a ball handler.

Although it can turn the game around, it is considered less ideal and most coaches tend to use the low post positions instead.

However, with perfect mastery of technique and skill, this post can prove to be quite as effective!