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

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!

Sneak Peek: Air Penny V Performance Test

Giving you guys a Sneak Peek at what's to come.

Gave these kicks a go on-court. And I'd like to say, they're great on court. Even if they come in a Nike Sportswear Box, they perform as well as some of today's Performance Models.

Stick around to get the full review of the Air Penny V's.

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