Adidas Superstar
Pros
- Iconic style
- Generously padded and comfy
- Nice and flexible
- Sufficient arch support
- Very durable toebox
- Accommodating toebox
- Lots of colorway options
- Affordable
- Excellent grip for urban surfaces
Cons
- Needs breaking in
- Average breathability at best
Key Features
- Iconic Design: Classic leather upper with a timeless silhouette.
- Shell Toe Protection: Durable toe cap that adds an extra layer of defense.
- Comfortable Fit: Lace-up closure ensures a secure and customized fit.
- Cultural Significance: Celebrated by various music and fashion icons over the decades.
- Versatile Wear: Suitable for casual outings or more laid-back events.
Specifications
- Outer Material: Leather
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant
- Available Sizes: Size 9 (additional sizes available)
- User Rating: 4.4 out of 5 from 109 reviews
The Adidas Superstar is a notable choice for those seeking a classic basketball sneaker that combines style with functionality. It features a traditional silhouette that connects to its basketball heritage, making it well-suited for casual wear and light court activity.
Durability is a significant strength of the Adidas Superstar, constructed to withstand frequent use. The support and traction offered by this model exceed expectations, providing reliable performance on various surfaces.
Comfort is another key attribute, thanks to the effective cushioning that allows for extended wear without discomfort. Ample arch support contributes to pain-free experiences, while sufficient toe wiggle room helps prevent hotspots during movement.
The overall quality of the Adidas Superstar is impressive; it shows minimal signs of wear even after extensive outdoor use. However, it is important to note that a wearing-in period may be necessary, as the sneaker can feel stiff initially. If immediate comfort is a priority, consider exploring other basketball sneakers that provide a more accommodating fit from the start.
Air Jordan 1 Low
Pros
- Legendary silhouette
- Adds +1000 points to style
- Fantastic wear resistance
- Very firm and grounded platform
- A Zoom Air unit adds a touch of bounce
- Very secure foothold
- Excellent value for money
- True to size
- Impressive traction on dry and wet
Cons
- Leather creases easily
- Takes a while to break in
- Not for all-day wear
Key Features
- Rubber sole: Provides excellent traction and durability, ensuring stability on various surfaces.
- Air Jordan 1 Low Grade School: Specifically designed for kids, bringing the classic Jordan aesthetic to younger feet.
- Grade School to Women Sizing: Size 6Y is equivalent to size 7.5W, allowing versatility in sizing for growing feet.
- Color options: Features a striking color combination of White/Black-Varsity Red, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported, ensuring quality craftsmanship.
- Sole material: Crafted from rubber for enhanced grip and longevity.
- Outer material: Made using premium Nike materials designed for performance.
- Closure type: Features a lace-up system for a secure and customizable fit.
The Air Jordan 1 Low is a sneaker with a rich heritage, best suited for those seeking a balance of style and performance. Rooted in basketball, it offers notable stability and strong slip-resistance, evident from our lab tests. With a price point of $125, it presents significant value considering its durability.
As a lifestyle sneaker, the AJ 1 Low can effectively navigate slick surfaces, such as snowy sidewalks. In wet-condition testing, it achieved a solid rating of 0.61, which indicates it is 45.2% grippier than the average sneaker. This makes it a reliable option for various weather conditions.
Beyond its traction, the low profile enhances the shoe's stability. The minimal stack height of 22.9/11.8 mm promotes excellent surface connection. Additionally, its resistance to twisting and lateral movements is supported by a 4/5 torsional rigidity score.
Testing of the leather and outsole revealed results that surpass the lab average. With only 0.8 mm of dent underfoot, the shoe demonstrates significant longevity. Users can expect a durable performance from this model.
However, it is worth noting that the midsole is stiff and requires a break-in period. Those who prefer a more natural ride may find other options more accommodating. Overall, the AJ 1 Low balances performance and style effectively for everyday wear.
New Balance 550
Pros
- Attention-grabbing throwback look
- Incredibly clean details
- Suitable for various outfits
- Durable, high-quality construction
- No visible wear after several uses
- Easy to clean
- Striking shades
- Reasonably priced
- Awesome grip on wet and dry streets
Cons
- Firm and dull platform
- Insufficient lockdown feel
Key Features
- Bold Design: The New Balance 550 Sneakers feature a striking aesthetic that makes a statement.
- All-Day Comfort: Designed with your comfort in mind, they allow you to feel good even in challenging situations.
- Durable Construction: The use of high-quality materials ensures longevity and flexibility, making these sneakers lighter than conventional options.
- Easy-to-Wear Style: The historical details add a layer of uniqueness while maintaining a classic sneaker silhouette.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber, providing excellent traction and durability.
- Outer Material: Mesh, allowing breathability to keep your feet cool.
- Closure Type: Lace-Up, offering a secure fit for added support.
The New Balance 550 is a retro sneaker designed for those who appreciate classic aesthetics coupled with durability and stability. Its design retains the original look and feel, making it an appealing choice for fans of vintage footwear.
This model closely mirrors the appeal of its predecessor, earning significant praise from users. The combination of durability and secure heel clasp enhances confidence with each step, reinforcing its status as a top choice among New Balance's retro offerings.
During our durability tests, both the toebox and heel padding demonstrated notable resistance to abrasion. When subjected to a Dremel test, only minor scratches remained, leading us to rate these components an impressive 4 out of 5 for durability.
In addition to its durable padding, the heel counter effectively secures the rearfoot in place. Our lab evaluation showed that it resisted various stress tests well, receiving a commendable 4 out of 5 rating for its performance.
However, breathability is a drawback for this shoe. Our assessments indicated that neither smoke nor light could penetrate the upper material, resulting in a less favorable ventilation score of 2 out of 5.
Adidas Campus 00S
Pros
- Extremely padded tongue and collar
- Spot-on fit
- Soft leather upper
- Worth the price
- Old-school vibes
- Stylish for casual fits
- Comes with two extra sets of laces
- Excellent outsole traction
Cons
- Slightly heavier than usual
- Firm and unresponsive midsole
- Difficult to clean and maintain
Key Features
- Upper Material: Leather for durability and a premium feel
- Outer Sole Material: Rubber, providing excellent grip
- Outsole Type: Marking, suitable for indoor use
- Arch Type: Medium, catering to varying foot shapes
- Cushioning: Medium support for comfort during prolonged wear
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber, ensuring longevity and performance
- Outer Material: Leather, contributing to the sneaker's aesthetic
- Closure Type: Lace-Up for a secure fit
- Water Resistance Level: Not Water Resistant, so avoid wet environments
The Adidas Campus 00S is an ideal choice for individuals seeking a comfortable sneaker that accommodates wide feet. Its combination of chunky, retro aesthetics and a secure fit makes it suitable for various age groups. Lab tests confirmed its broad, firm, and grounded base, providing exceptional surefootedness during wear.
Our testing revealed that the Campus 00S offers an unrestrictive fit, contributing to overall comfort. The measured width of the sneaker is 95.5 mm, which is 3.5% wider than average, making it a practical option for those with broader feet or bunions.
With precise measurements of 24.6/14.5 mm, the low-profile design ensures adequate ground buffer while maintaining necessary surface connection for improved control. Additionally, the durometer reading indicates a firm cushion at 37.1 HA, which is 27.1% harder than average, resulting in a stable ride.
However, the weight of the Campus 00S can be a drawback, as it may lead to fatigue after extended periods of walking. Weighing 14.9 oz (422g), it is 7.9% heavier than average and may not suit those in search of a more agile sneaker experience.
Asics EX89
Pros
- Keeps feet warm
- Great traction even on wet surfaces
- Extremely comfy
- Good impact protection
- Feels stable underfoot
- Retro look
- Completes many casual outfits
- Good for gym days or some fitness activities
- Easy to clean
- Has Ortholite insoles
- Fits true to size
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Toebox needs a bit of break-in
- Some synthetic material in the upper
Key Features
- Inspired by the heritage of the GEL-EXTREME sneaker from 1989
- Designed by renowned designer Toshikazu Kayano
- Constructed with leather overlays for added durability
- FF BLAST cushioning for lightweight impact absorption
- Unique outsole pattern mirrors a city view from the sky
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Polyester
- Inner material: Recycled PET, Textiles
The ASICS EX89 is a basketball sneaker best suited for athletes seeking exceptional durability and robust construction. This shoe features a tough toebox, durable heel padding, and an abrasion-resistant outsole, making it one of the most resilient options on the market.
In our lab tests, we utilized a Dremel drill to evaluate the toebox, heel padding, and outsole. Both the toebox and heel padding demonstrated impressive resistance to pressure, with minimal marks remaining after high-pressure drilling, earning them a perfect score of 5.
The outsole also showcased remarkable durability, with only a 0.6 mm dent caused by the Dremel, significantly less than the 1.0 mm damage typically seen in standard sneakers. As a result, wearers can feel confident when navigating rough outdoor surfaces.
While the ASICS EX89 excels in durability, it does feature a notably thick tongue, measuring 12.2 mm compared to the average of 8.7 mm. This plush design adds comfort during wear.
However, it's important to highlight that this sneaker is heavy, weighing in at 17.0 ounces (or 482 grams), which may be cumbersome compared to the average sneaker weight of 14.04 ounces (or 398 grams). This weight could impact some users' preference for agility during play.
Nike Air Force 1 07 LV8
Pros
- Great Air cushioning and impact protection
- Super trendy and stylish
- Fire basketball aesthetics
- Materials feel high quality
- Nice support and lockdown
- Good outsole grip
- Timeless design
- Makes you taller
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Heavier than other Air Force 1s
- Break-in period
Key Features
- 100% Authentic material ensures quality and longevity.
- Imported origin adds to its global appeal.
- Rubber sole provides excellent traction and durability.
- Synthetic outer material offers a sleek look while being easy to clean.
- Lace-up closure allows for a customizable fit and added support.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Synthetic
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- Rating: 4.6 based on 1588 reviews
The Nike Air Force 1 07 LV8 is particularly well-suited for individuals with flat feet, offering a combination of basketball heritage style, stability, and cushioning. Our lab tests indicate that it features a full-length Air Unit, which enhances the comfort of each step, while the upper material contributes to the overall structure of the shoe.
This sneaker presents a classic leather appearance that is versatile for various outfits. Its sturdy design provides firm foot support with minimal flexibility during lateral movements, achieving a maximum rigidity rating of 5/5 in our manual twist test. The construction instills confidence in stability, making it difficult to topple over while wearing this shoe.
The LV8 includes a generous 36.7 mm heel height that effectively cushions against ground impact, complemented by the soft 26.5 HA durometer rating of the cushioning. This combination offers a comfortable experience with each step taken.
Notably, despite being made from leather, the sneaker demonstrates some breathability. Our smoke test revealed that a thin wisp of smoke could escape through the toebox ventilation holes, resulting in a breathability score of 3/5, which is commendable for leather footwear.
However, it is important to note that the rigid structure necessitates a prolonged break-in period. Those looking for immediate comfort upon first wear may find this aspect less favorable.