The Adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 is a performance basketball shoe designed for players seeking reliable traction and containment on the court. Its notable **traction** and **containment** features make it ideal for dynamic movements, ensuring stability during gameplay.

Lab tests reveal that its structure provides added arch support, particularly in the medial area, enhancing comfort for players with specific foot needs. The **outsole** demonstrated strong performance on both indoor and outdoor surfaces, effectively maintaining grip even on dusty courts after minimal cleaning.

However, the materials used in the upper and outsole may not offer long-term durability, indicating that players might need to consider replacing their footwear more frequently. Overall, the Adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 combines functional design with essential performance attributes, catering to the demands of serious basketball players.

Pros

  • Incredibly good traction
  • Lots of stability and containment (extra midfoot support)
  • Adapts to different playstyles
  • Feels quick on foot
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Recycled upper (50%)
  • On the affordable side

Cons

  • Not responsive
  • Outsole lacks durability
  • Weird tongue design

Key Features

  • Regular fit: Designed to offer a comfortable yet snug fit.
  • Lace closure: Ensures a secure feel while you play.
  • Soft synthetic upper: Provides flexibility and support without sacrificing breathability.
  • Lightstrike cushioning: Offers lightweight cushioning for superior energy return.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Closure type: Lace-Up
  • Water resistance level: Not Water Resistant

Adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Adidas D.O.N. Issue #5 Adidas Harden Stepback 3 Adidas D.O.N. Issue #4 Adidas Dame Certified
Price $120 $100 $120 $95
Signature Donovan Mitchell James Harden Donovan Mitchell Damian Lillard
Top Low Low Low Low
Ankle support
Weight lab 13.8 oz / 390g 14.9 oz / 422g 13.5 oz / 383g 14.3 oz / 404g
Lightweight
Breathability Moderate Moderate Warm Warm
Outsole durability Decent Good Decent Good
Drop lab 8.9 mm 10.5 mm 9.0 mm 9.8 mm
Heel stack lab 30.3 mm 31.5 mm 29.5 mm 30.3 mm
Forefoot 21.4 mm 21.0 mm 20.5 mm 20.5 mm
Size Slightly small True to size Slightly small True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Balanced
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Flexible Flexible Moderate
Width / fit Wide Wide Wide Wide
Toebox width Narrow Wide Medium Wide
Midsole width - forefoot Narrow Average Average Average
Midsole width - heel Average Wide Average Average
Heel padding durability Decent Bad Decent Good
Toebox durability Decent Decent Decent Decent
Insole thickness Average Average Average Average
Outsole hardness Average Average Average Average
Outsole thickness Average Average Average Average
Heel tab Finger loop Finger loop None Finger loop
Ranking Top 19% Bottom 37% Top 46% Bottom 32%
Popularity Bottom 18% Bottom 24% Bottom 13% Bottom 15%