The Adidas Dame 8 Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Adidas Dame 8 is a basketball shoe designed for performance on the court. It is particularly suitable for players who prioritize support and responsiveness, providing a lightweight feel with notable court feedback.

Lab findings indicate that the traction may be less effective on dusty surfaces, which could impact gameplay for some athletes. Despite this, the overall construction offers substantial support and bounce, making it a viable option for competitive play.

Pros

  • Good traction on clean courts
  • Impact protection in the heel
  • Forefoot responsiveness
  • Secure lockdown
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Side-to-side stability
  • Wide-foot friendly
  • Okay for outdoor courts

Cons

  • Dust magnet
  • Fiddly heel lining

Key Features

  • Textile upper: Provides breathability and flexibility for optimal comfort during play.
  • Lace closure with midfoot strap: Ensures a secure fit that supports lateral movements.
  • Thermoplastic polyurethane propulsion plate: Enhances responsiveness and energy return with every step.
  • Bounce Pro midsole: Offers superior cushioning to absorb impact and reduce fatigue.
  • Zonal herringbone-pattern rubber outsole: Delivers excellent traction on various court surfaces, allowing quick pivots and cuts.

Specifications

  • Origin: Made in USA and Imported.
  • Sole material: Rubber, ensuring durability and grip.
  • Outer material: Textile, which enhances breathability.
  • Closure type: Lace-Up, providing a customizable fit.

Adidas Dame 8 Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Adidas Dame 8 Adidas Dame 9 PUMA Rise Nitro PUMA MB.02
Price $120 $120 $125 $130
Signature Damian Lillard Damian Lillard - LaMelo Ball
Top Mid Low Mid Mid
Ankle support
Weight lab 14.9 oz / 422g 14.7 oz / 417g 15 oz / 426g 14.6 oz / 414g
Breathability Moderate Moderate Breathable Moderate
Outsole durability - Good - -
Drop lab 10.4 mm 7.7 mm 8.1 mm 6.7 mm
Heel stack lab 30.5 mm 27.8 mm 29.5 mm 31.6 mm
Forefoot 20.1 mm 20.1 mm 21.4 mm 24.9 mm
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Balanced
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Torsional rigidity Moderate Stiff Moderate Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Moderate Flexible Flexible
Width / fit Medium Wide Wide Wide
Toebox width Wide Medium Wide Medium
Midsole width - forefoot Average Average Average Narrow
Midsole width - heel Wide Average Average Average
Heel padding durability - Decent Decent Decent
Toebox durability - Decent Decent Decent
Insole thickness Average Average Average Average
Outsole hardness Average Average Soft Hard
Outsole thickness Average Average Average Average
Heel tab Finger loop Finger loop None None
Ranking Top 30% Top 6% Bottom 28% Top 31%
Popularity Bottom 25% Top 14% Bottom 3% Bottom 1%