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Set To Return.

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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

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.

I'm Still Alive..

Sorry for the delay of posts everyone.

Been busy with work, the company league and the releases.

I promise the Performance Review of the Air Penny Vs will be coming out, plus some new articles on Sneaker Tech and Guides for Purchasing.

Be back REAL soon!

Cheap Thrills: 5 Performance Basketball Shoes Under 4000 PHP

Working too hard to be ballin' on a budget?

Sometimes we all don't have enough to afford the more expensive, yet tech-loaded performance models  that can help us go all out on the courts. 

Luckily, there are some good performance models on sales at the different stores (not including the Factory Outlets) and retail shops. I'll be running down some of the best performance models already on sale for less than 4000 Pesos but first here are a couple of brands which I think you avoid (based on experience). 

You Might Want to Consider

1. AND1 

Image from Google

Also in the early 2000s, AND1 was a major player in the Shoe Game. It went head-to-head with Nike, Adidas and Reebok, but has taken a dip since then. They're slowly coming back to where they were before, but it may same some time before they get there.

Their recent releases are of good quality and prices seem fair. You can find these in most Athletic Stores, such as Toby's and Sports Central.

2. Reebok

Image from Google

Much like Fila, Reebok is seeing a surge once again with the releases of the Question, Shaq Attack, Kamikaze and Shaqnosis. Aside from these Retros, Reebok hasn't seen much success. Their Zig Encore series has had some pretty awful reviews and hasn't seen a lot of time on-court.

On another note, though, they have some other pretty solid performance models for less than 4000 and you might want to give them a go on court.

Here's the Real Rundown:

1. Adidas Crazy Fast

Image from Google

One of the better on-court performers, the Adidas Crazy Fast features a Lightweight-Build with Sprint Web, EVA Midsole for Cushion and Torsion System for Support. It's a great Team Shoe that will suit any player for any position. 

2. Nike Hyperdisruptor

Image from Google

Another solid team shoe, the Nike Hyperdisruptor is a Lightweight Basketball shoe containing some of Nike's best sneaker tech. Full Length Herringbone, Zoom Air for Cushioning, Fuse Upper, TPU Heel Cup and Shank Plate for Support. What's not to like about this shoe? It's a great all-around performer.

3. Jordan Super.Fly Mid/Low

Image from Google

A Jordan Brand shoe for less than 4000?! Yes, I have seen these Performance Beasts hit the Sales Shelves due to the release for the SuperFly II, but they still pack a punch on court. Lunarlon and Zoom Air for Cushioning, Synthetic Upper and Targeted Herringbone with a Non-traditional traction Pattern, this is a steal for an item on sale.

4. Nike KD V

Image from Google

Since the release of the KD V Elite and the KD VI, the KD V has hit outlets and the Sale Section of the Sport Stores and Department Stores. Synthetic Upper, a story telling Traction that works, Air Max and Zoom Air for Cushioning, this an all-around shoe that can fit multiple play styles. Plus, it's a Signature of Kevin Durant himself.

5. Nike Hyperfuse 2012 High/Low

Image from Google

This is built for anyone...I mean anyone. The Hyperfuse 2012 has been around for sometime and it's already at Outlets and Sale Shelves. A Fuse Upper, Zoom Air in the forefoot and Full-Length Herringbone, this is definitely a shoe worth buying. They're built tough and you can use these Indoor or Outdoor.

A Few To AVOID:

1. Accel 

Image from Google via (http://personalvirgo.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/p1020217-500-x-375.jpg)

Accel used to be one of the better brands in the Philippine Market during the early 2000's. PBA Players such as, Mark Caguioa, Jay-Jay Helterbrand and Asi Taulava were the Signature Athletes of the brand, but since then, the quality of the shoes have dropped significantly. 

How? I've seen an Accel Basketball Shoe actually fall apart and tear during a game. Maybe it was coincidence, but from then on, I've never looked at the brand the same way again. 

2. Fila 

Image from Google

Overseas, Fila is showing success with the  retro releases of the Fila Spaghetti and the Fila '96, but here in the Philippines, the brand is On-Sale the whole year around. Yes, their shoes are way below 4000, but if you feel the shoe and look at the quality, it's nowhere near the quality of what they used to produce. 

If you're able to get your hands on the Retros, I suggest you stick with those. Other than that, you may wanna skip it.

QUESTIONS? http://ask.fm/pinoysneakergeek

6 Things To Consider When Buying Your 1st/Next Pair of Basketball Shoes

Having trouble deciding what your 1st pair or next pair of Basketball Shoes will be? Not sure what brand to run with? Or what Line (E.G. LeBrons, Kobes, KDs, Crazy Series) to run with? 

I hope this 1st Article will help you run down your choices and help you decide your next of pair of performance shoes to lace up on the courts. 

Here are some of the things to consider:

1. Your Body Type/Built

Your body type/built will help determine the perfect shoe to suit you. More often than not, a shoe will provide you with features that will compliment your body type. 

For example smaller and compact players, getting a shoe that's low to the ground and has great traction will definitely compliment you in many ways. Kobe 8's, KD V Elites, KD VI's, CP3.VIs and the Crazyquicks are just some of the  great on-court choices out there that will definitely be able to keep up with you on the court.  

But if you're like me, more of bulky, bigger-type player, they you might want to stick to something with good amounts of cushioning and excellent lockdown. Shoes such as the LeBron X's, Hyperposites, Hyperdunks and Melo M9s might be they way to go.

2. Your Play Style

This may go hand-in-hand with your body-type, but nevertheless we all have our own play styles. Your play style will definitely play a role, because certain shoes will have certain attributes/technologies suited for different play styles.

Do you like playing the point? Are you more of the Post-Up, Power Player? Or do you like playing the Wings and Attacking the Rim whenever you get the chance?

Determining your play style will help narrow down your choices of performance sneakers. The norm, for example, for Guards (Point Guards/Shooting Guards), are shoes that are low to the ground, offer great traction and have a secure fit. You'll need something that will be able to keep up with quick movements (cutting, laterals, curling off of screens, crossovers and hesitation moves) and at the same time, keeping your foot in place. 

On the other hand, Forwards and Centers may want to get shoes that have a secure fit, higher profile and a good cushioning setup to reduce the impact on the legs when going up for blocks, rebounds, layups, and attacking the basket.

3. Foot Width and Sizing

It's always best to run with your actual size. Why? Running with your actual/normal sizing will keep your feet comfortable and prevent hotspots and calluses. When purchasing your next pair of shoes, always make sure to know your proper size and be sure to different models in-store. Fitting before purchasing will determine whether your feet are too wide or too narrow for certain models.

Some  performance models, like the KD Line, have a history of running narrow. People with skinny feet or those with regular foot width would definitely enjoy these type of sneakers or would have no problems going down half a size, because they wouldn't be sacrificing the overall fit. Wide footers on other hand, may have to go up half a size to compensate for the width. 

Generally, going up half a size isn't the best way to go because you'd be sacrificing that one-to-one fit that will keep your feet comfortable and it would allow your feet to slide within the shoe, no matter how tight you tie your shoes or how many socks your wear. 

The best way to go, is it to know your size and try different performance models in-store.

4. Budget

This is probably one of the most important things to consider when purchasing your next performance shoe. But it does have it trade-offs, and more often than not, you get what you pay for.

Today's "top-of-the-line" performance shoes such as the, LeBrons, Kobes, KDs, will definitely run you a lot of money, unless you can buy them at outlets or at discount. But these are today's premium performance shoes that will offer the best technology and will definitely give you a lot to offer. They are the Signature Line of these Signature Athletes, so if you want the same tech as they do, you'll have to be willing to shell out money. 

Mid-to-Top-Tier performance lines, such as the Hyperdunks and Crazyquicks, offer premium performance much similar to the Signature Lines, but at a fairly reasonable price.

Entry-Level Shoes such as the Nike Dual Fusion BB or Overplay VII, won't hurt your budget as much and offers some of the attributes higher-tier models would, but won't be as "tech-loaded" as the more expensive models.

The best place to go would be outlet stores and store-hopping for discounts. Most of the time, you may find older, premium performance models, but you may just find the newer models at 10-off. So get off your seat and start looking.

5. Going 2nd Hand?

Buying 2nd Hand Shoes is definitely an option for most people, especially the budget conscious. More often than not, Resellers will sell certain performance models at a reasonable 2nd hand price but the major trade-off would be the condition of the shoe. 

When we wear our shoes, the initial lacing or fitting of the shoes gives the materials a mold of our feet that allows it to flex and bend according to the shape of our foot. The more we wear and lace up our shoes, the more it contours and molds to our feet. 

The problem of 2nd Hand Shoes is that they may have already molded to the previous owner's foot. Whether they've used it on courts or just casually, the materials may have already molded to someone else's feet and it will sacrifice that perfect fit.

If you're going 2nd Hand, it's probably best to purchase something that has only been fitted once or never been used/kept in the box since purchase. That way, you can still achieve that 1:1 fit without punching a hole in your wallet.

6. Personal Preference

Okay, okay. I know. This is probably a terrible factor to consider when purchasing Basketball shoes, but admit it, we all have our brand preferences.

Some people will only purchase Nikes, Jordans and Adidas  Sneakers and some will only stick to one brand in particular. Others will only go for Signature Lines.

If you only want to stick with one brand, then by all means, you may stick with your preferred brand. 

The trade-off? This will further limit your selection to what's available within the brand. Would you prefer Nike Tech over Adidas Tech? Will you only buy shoes from the Jordan Brand because they're Jordans? (Although the Jordan Brand does have some of the best tech in the market. Hehe.)

There are lots of good brands with some awesome performance models such as Li-Ning and Under Armor. 

It's always best to explore different brands and see what each has to offer.

Questions? : http://ask.fm/pinoysneakergeek