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Set To Return.

SOON.

A "Quick" Review: The Adidas Crazyquick 1 Performance Review

Since the arrival of the Cazyquick 2, the Crazyquick 1s have been hitting the Sales Racks and Outlets. 

While on a trip, I took a quick trip to a nearby Adidas Outlet and found the Crazyquick 1s on clearance. I picked them and I decided to give them a go on court. Here's my review:

Court Surface: Wooden Indoor Courts Only

Testing Hours: 80 Hours

Test Situations: League Games and Pickup Games

 The Breakdown

Traction Pattern: The Crazyquick uses what is called the Next-Gen Puremotion setup, which is designed to mimic your foot's movements and flex points. Coupled with multidirectional herringbone, the traction allows for quick movements with almost no hesitation or delay. It works on almost a types of court conditions and it will cover all of your moves. One thing to note, though, the pattern is very shallow and soft, so be weary when using these outdoors. They will wear out very quickly.

Cushioning System: Being that the Crazyquick is very low to the ground, the cushioning setup is fairly minimal. A very low profile EVA Midsole with a standard Polyurethane Insoles makes up the cushioning system and offers a fairly average level of comfort and impact protection. In my opinion, I didn't find this setup to be bad at all. In fact, I actually liked the cushioning on the Crazyquicks. I allowed my feet to move naturally and flexed in the right places. I am very surprised, as I am the type of person who puts cushioning first as my requirement for Basketball shoes.

Sizing & Lockdown: They fit True-To-Size, but they run narrow at the forefoot. Wide footers, I highly suggest trying these in-store if you can, as I stuck to my 10.5s rather than going up to 11. The TechFit upper hugs your foot nicely and acts as a "very supportive second sock". It will feel tight at first, but you re-laced them properly they will reward you with some of the best lockdown in a Basketball shoe.

Support System: Support is provided by Adidas' signature SprintFrame, which runs full-length from heel to forefoot. While it does provide plenty of support, the SprintFrame does feel uncomfortable at first, but it does require some getting used to. Other than that, the Next-Gen Puremotion and overall fit provide you with excellent support.

Breathability: The shoe in itself is fairly breathable. Not to the point that air flows freely within the shoe, but to the point where heat is allowed to escape. TechFit has the same properties as Spandex, so moisture is kept to a minimal and heat is allowed to escape.

Durability: I wouldn't recommend these Outdoors as the rubber will burn out very quickly and the TechFit won't stand the rigors of an Outdoor Court. Indoors, though, will be entirely different. It won't last you as long as Leather-Based or Synthetic-Based shoes, but they feel nice enough to last quite some time. 

Overall Opinion & Score: I was surprised when I first played with these on-court. I could move without hesitation and it did give me a feeling of being "quick". While cushion is a bummer, it didn't bother me at all. Again, I'm 5'9", 185lbs and I saw no issue with this shoe. It's a good shoe to hoop in, but players looking for cushion should skip this and look for something else.

Traction Pattern: 5/5

Cushioning System: 3.5/5

Sizing & Lockdown: 3/5

Support System: 4/5

Breathability: 4/5

Durability: 3/5

Overall Score: 4.5/5

QUESTIONS? http://ask.fm/pinoysneakergeek

Performance Sneak Peeks: Adidas Crazyquick 1 & The Jordan Team 1

The Initial Breakdown: The Adidas Crazyquick 1

Traction Pattern: Multi-directional herringbone covers the entire foot. 

Cushioning System: A very low profile EVA Midsole with an Adiprene Insole provides average to above average cushioning. You will definitely feel very low to the ground.

Sizing & Lockdown: They are true-to-size length-wise, but the forefoot is slightly narrow. Lockdown is excellent when fully laced up. Great for guards and grounded players.

Support System: The SprintFrame provides the structure and support needed for movements. Natural flex points also provide great heel-to-toe transition.

Breathability: TechFit upper provides some degree of breathability. Fairly breathable and allows heat to escape.

Durability: Great for indoor use. Outdoor use is not recommended.

The Initial Breakdown: The Jordan Team 1

Traction Pattern: Full Length Herringbone provides good coverage for movements.

Cushioning System: Heel and Forefoot Zoom Air encased within a Phylon Midsole. The Phylon is fairly dense, so you won't feel the Zoom Air Units upon first wear. Requires some break-in time.

Sizing & Lockdown: Run fairly large. Plenty of room in the forefoot, so wide footers can go true-to-size. Others may want to go down half-a-size. Lockdown is good front to back. Materials are stiff to start.

Support System: The support is provided by the fit. TPU Shank in the midfoot for rigidity and support.

Breathability: Almost none, but it shouldn't be an issue.

Durability: They feel durable enough. Good for indoor and outdoor use.

QUESTIONS? http://ask.fm/pinoysneakergeek

The Sneaker Geek On-Court Rotation

Alright, so I'd like to kick-off with my current On-Court Rotation. Nothing crazy here, like balling in Jordans or any of the latest models, but I'd like to share my humble ball kicks and why they're a major (and probably only) part of my rotation.

Here we go:

1st Option - LeBron X - "Miami Home"

Key Technology: Dynamic Flywire, Fuse, 360 Max Zoom Unit

Rationale: The reason why the LeBron X is number one in my rotation is because of it's perfect fit and maximum cushion. I'm about 5'9", 180-lbs, and I normally play the 3-4-5. Whether I feel like playing the wing, spotting up for the jumper, attacking the basket, posting up, power play, this shoe supports me all the way. 360 Max Zoom Unit cushions each step giving me a sense of security to just focus on the game. In my opinion, it's a well rounded shoe regardless of what position you play.

I know most guards prefer low tops like the Kobe 8 or KD 6, but I've seen smaller players ball in these shoes. They've had no complaints and they're pretty much surprised that something built for a bigger player can keep up with them no matter what.

Yes, the Elite Versions and the LeBron 11s have been out for quite some time, but if it ain't broke don't fix it. Unless these give out on me any time soon, I won't been taking these out of rotation.

2nd Option  - Air Penny V - "Memphis Tigers"

Key Technology: Fuse/NuBuck Construction, Carbon Fiber Plate, 180 Air Max Unit, Cushlon Foam, Anatomically Patterned Herringbone Pods

Rationale: I was actually intrigued that these came in the Nike Brown Box (Sportswear). Normally, they wouldn't be suitable for on-court use, but they were built for the courts. The Air Penny V has been my go-to shoe when I feel like playing more of the wing spot and feeling a little lower to the ground.

Although I am peeved about the NuBuck getting dirty and damaged easily, I must say that the combo construction with Fuse offers a great fit and the Carbon Fiber plate gives awesome support. I went the extra mile and changed the laces, because the stock laces felt cheap and didn't really offer me the best fit. I think they look cleaner with these black laces and at the same time offer me a perfect fit.

The cushion setup is very comfortable and I don't feel the same mushing as I do in the LeBron X. A well-rounded shoe and it's 2nd in my rotation.

3rd Option - Zoom Soldier VI - "Dunkman"

Key Technology: Hyperfuse Construction, Adaptive Fit, Heel and Forefoot Zoom Air, Herringbone Traction

Rationale: The Zoom Soldier VI used to be 1st on my rotation, but as time went on, I needed new outdoor shoes. And these to this day, are still performing well on-court.

Before the Air Penny V, these were back-up shoes in case I didn't feel comfortable in the LeBron Xs or if I had mild sprains and I wanted to play on (yup, I'm stubborn like that. #BasketballNeverStops). The fit of the Zoom Solider VIs were so secure, that I've never rolled my ankles or had any kind of heel slip. These were also able to keep up with me no matter what. Playing big, spotting up, attacking the basket, these were so supportive and secure that I could really concentrate on playing the game. 

The cushion is built for both bigger and smaller players. Theres something about the type of foam and the large volume Zoom Units that makes the ride smooth and comfortable, and it won't stress out the joints too much upon foot strikes.

Outdoors, the traction is still beast. And they haven't grounded out yet. Definitely my money's worth.


QUESTIONS? http://ask.fm/pinoysneakergeek

After Things Have Settled

So.

I've been gone again for quite some time due to a personal issue.

Got some articles lined up for everyone, so I'd like to thank you for your patience.

Back to the grind.

Gone For The Week: Recooperating

Hey, Everyone.

I won't be posting any review or tech breakdown this time.

A very close friend just passed away, and I need some time to think.

He was like a brother to me.

We balled, talked out sneakers, but most of all, we talked about life and all the stuff in between.

I'll be back soon...I promise.

The Super Delayed: Air Penny V Performance Review

So….At long last, the Performance Review for the Air Penny V is upon us. Yes it took me way too long to upload this, and yes I still owe it to everyone. I'm finally dropping my performance review after FINALLY finding time to write. Here we go:

Colorway Tested: "Memphis Tigers"

Court Conditions: Indoor Courts

Testing Hours: 50 Hours (2 Hour Pickup Games,  various League Games)

Image from Google

Image from Google courtesy of Footlocker.
(Wasn't able to snap photos of mine)

Traction Pattern: The Air Penny Vs utilizes a full-length Herringbone Pattern, which divided into sections of the foot. The key feature of the Air Penny Vs traction pattern is that it is shaped like a foot. It covers the sections of the foot that need traction. The colorway I tested had a full translucent sole, which was perfectly fine on clean courts. On moderately dusty courts, the traction was average at best, but I did encounter some minor slipping. I recommend wiping the soles at every dead ball, just so the dust won't collect in the traction pods.  In my opinion the Orlando Colorway, which features solid rubber traction pods, will work better on most court conditions. 

Cushioning System: The Mid-Sole utilizes a Foam-Heel Air Max Bag, meaning that there is no Air Max/Zoom Air Cushioning in the forefoot. What the Air Penny Vs have is a combination of Cushlon (a  soft-rubber based foam) and a 180 Heel Air Max Unit. It offers a very plush ride and provides lots of impact protection. I'm about 5'9" and 190 pounds, and I play the 3-4-5. I'm pretty hefty player, I will say that this is one of the most comfortable cushioning systems I have played in. It allowed my feet to flex naturally and protect my legs from landings. This cushion setup may work for most players, as you don't mush into the shoe when you make your cuts, shoot your jumpers, attack the basket or go up for those rebounds. 

Sizing & Lockdown: They run True-To-Size, but wide footers may want to go up half a size. I'm a 10-1/2 on some shoes, and I did have to go for an 11 on these. I did experience hotspots at the forefoot of the right shoe, but that was fixed with re-adjusting the lacing and not wearing really thick socks or double socks. Yup, thats how tight it was, but it was for a reason, the lockdown. Lockdown was perfect, even if I loosened the lacing at the forefoot. The shoe kept my foot in place no matter what moves I did: cut, curl, post, stutter step, etc. It kept up with me throughout games. The achilles pillow prevented any heel slip, and the inner boot ensured a 1:1 fit.

Stability & Support: The base of the shoe is shaped like a foot and the forefoot area is wide enough so you'll feel stable with every step. There is a heel counter to help with roll-overs and a carbon fiber plate directly underfoot for arch support. Flat footers, like me, will certainly benefit from this setup as there is enough support to prevent over-pronation  and it will strength the arch. One issue that I had with the shoe is the outrigger section. Its a rounded-flat section, so if you kick-off with that part of the shoe, you may roll-over or slip. I did experience this issue every now and then, but just be aware of how you plant/kick-off and you'll be good.

Breathability: The shoe is breathable, with lots of perforations in the toe box and the medial & lateral sides of the shoe. The inner boot may retain heat, but not to the point where it's noticeable.

Durability: The shoe combines the old school and the new school together. A combination of Nubuck and Fuse provides that rigidity and support, which in my opinion is great. One thing to note is that the Nubuck will get ruined if you get stepped on, but hey, it's Basketball. You will get stepped on every now and then. I wouldn't recommend these Outdoors, as the traction pattern may get burned down very fast and the nubuck may not hold up as long as you'd like. Indoors, they're great and will last you a very good amount of games.

Overall Opinion & Scores: I really think that the Air Penny V's are a well-rounded shoe. Guards, Forwards and even Centers will enjoy the performance of these shoes. I enjoyed these a lot and it offered a lot of attributes to helped me keep focus on the game and not my feet. This a shoe that keeps up with me, while offering a lot of cushion and support. It does, however, come in a Nike Sportwear Box, but that doesn't mean you can't take these to the courts. 

Traction Pattern: 4/5

Cushioning System: 4.5/5

Sizing & Lockdown: 4/5

Breathability: 3.5/5

Durability: 3.5/5

Overall: 3.9/5

Got more questions? Hit me up at: ask.fm/PinoySneakerGeek