Since Day 1, the Rose line has been known for performance (well, except maybe the 2 — that traction…), especially last year with the Rose 7. That shoe, wow — best traction, maybe ever, full-length Boost, available with a Primeknit upper, and supportive without being restrictive. How does adidas improve on that for the D Rose 8?
Well, from first looks, adidas didn’t. Yeah, looks aren’t everything, and they matter nada to performance, but from first impressions the word “budget” came to mind. The stripes look slapped on, the matte finish on the midsole looks off, and the mesh and fuse is cutting edge 2012. With all of that said, there is no way this shoe could be as good as the Rose 7, right? Correct — it may even be better. Read on…
The adidas D Rose 8 is available now at Eastbay.com
The Rose 7 had a traction pattern based on the Chicago fire of 1871, using herringbone in an overall wave pattern to provide stick and grip on any surface. The sole was covered in tacky rubber, translucent on some colorways and solid on others, that did not want to let go — like the nerd dancing with the homecoming queen. Only one real issue: the pattern was shallow and the rubber was soft. Enter the Rose 8.
Utilizing a pattern some are calling “zipper,” rumors are it is actually based on the stitches Derrick has received from his multiple surgeries since entering the league. Kind of a sick joke, but if he approves, so be it. Whatever it is based on, the stuff works and works well. It doesn’t have that aggressive bite of the 7, but no problem. The Rose 8 still stops on a dime and holds the floor like a grudge (word, Rakim). Dust was barely an issue because the pattern is wide and pushes any debris out and off the sole to keep you ripping.
The real improvement is the thickness and hardness of the rubber. The Rose 8 could definitely be played in outdoors for at least a couple of months and be okay, especially on smooth concrete surfaces.
Really, we could just write “full-length Boost” here and be done, but that’s way too lazy. If you liked the Rose 5, or Rose 7, or even the Harden Vol. 1, you will like the Rose 8. The heel is thick and plush, with serious impact protection. There is nothing like coming down from a rebound and feeling the heel completely cushion and protect on that off-balance landing (we’ve all done it). The grey (on this Rose 8) heel cup comes down over the top of the Boost slightly, much like the Rose 7 did, containing the Boost so the stability and transition is started on impact.
However, the forefoot is where the magic happens. One thing the Harden did well is court feel plus impact protection, something Boost basketball shoes had a problem with in the past. By caging the forefoot, the Harden kept the Boost from compressing past a certain limit, meaning it has nowhere to go but up — back into shape and propelling your feet into the next step.
The Rose 8 does the same thing. The stiff lateral cage controls compression and pushes back into your movements. The best feeling in the world for a jump-shooter is coming around a curl and plant that lead foot, turn with no off-balance feel or delay, catch, rise, and release, with a smooth, impact-free landing — it makes shooting so much easier.
The medial side is uncaged, so that freedom of movement and comfort is still there, but like Jekyll and Hyde, the two sides work completely differently.
If the Rose 8 has a weak spot so far, it is the materials, but wait! It ain’t all bad. Yeah, the mesh and fuse would feel right at home in 2012. The matte paint and 3-stripes branding look last-minute. And the slits — are those…gills?! But just when it seems all is lost, you put the shoe on and it feels great. Really, really good type of great.
The mesh is stiff at first but will break in within the first hour of wearing full court. The slits are cut just right across the toebox for flexibility so running feels extremely natural for a solid shoe. The Rose 8 has fuse from the heel down to the midfoot for additional support in that high-stress area and around the laces for cord support (more on that in Fit). The mesh has a foam backing that keeps the hotspots away, as well as an inner bootie system, and the ankle loses the GeoFit pads but is cut narrow to keep fit at a premium.
The only worry about the durability of the materials is that cord lace system. One wrong pull and you are popped. I pull my laces tight and no signs of popping yet, but it could happen.
Just like most of the Rose line, different colorways of the Rose 8 will feature different materials. The Navy/Grey appears to feature a jacquard or a heat-welded mesh, like the Dame 3. A Rose 8 in that material is on the way, so stay tuned for an update on how that material performs.
If a shoe cushions well but fits like _____, it doesn’t get much play around here. The Rose 8 has been on my feet constantly. Don’t get it wrong — the forefoot feels a little roomy at the start with some side-to-side movement, but let that mesh soften up with some run-time heat and then pull the laces tight and BAM! No sliding.
The toebox looks long, since the first laces are set back behind the toes, but staying true to size was the play. For reference, this Rose 8 is a 10.5 and my Rose 7 and 6 are 10.5 and the fit is about the same.
As for midfoot fit, the lacing system is the trick. Again, let the mesh warm up and the shoe get some flex points and the fit improves. This is the area where the foam-backed mesh shines; it molds around the midfoot and straps in for the long run.
Ankle fit should suffer without the GeoFit padding found in the Rose 7, right? Wrong. The ankle cut is differently — it has an angular design from front to back that drops into a pointed seam on the back of the shoe. This would be a point where most shoes would rub the Achilles and cause blisters, but the padding is thick and dense enough to keep the outer mesh away from the foot. Even in no-shows I was good.
The corded lacing system works so well in tandem with the wired lace holes in a true dynamic fashion that you can lace some areas tighter and some looser to conform to your foot. The only issue here is the laces keep coming undone – three times during one game!
Luckily, my friends in the Philippines sent me a web link to try different lacing styles that worked. This meant my foot was pulled into that thick heel padding and heel counter for no slipping or sliding at all.
Rose shoes are always supportive, which seems strange given his injury history. Just goes to show support isn’t necessarily all you think it would be. With the design of the Rose 8, that makes sense.
The Rose 5 had ankle braces built in, with the pods from the midsole up to the ankle. The Rose 6 saw seatbelts for feet and a huge thick and padded collar, one of the bulkiest cuts around. The Rose 7 last year had a thickly padded GeoFit collar and an overlay ankle support system.
The Rose 8 has…laces.
Yeah, not much. But don’t get it wrong — what is here works great. Again, good design and materials are often all you need for support, and the Rose 8 has both. The base is solid and wide with great traction — no slipping or tipping over on cuts or moves. The upper is supportive with no stretch, so containment on hard cuts is strapped and locked. The ankle is locked in with the high cut and padding. And underfoot, in the middle of that Boost cloud, you have the inifinity shank from the Crazylight Boost 2016.
Even with all of that support, the Rose 8 is still a fast shoe due to the great cushioning, midsole transition, and fit. This is the fastest feeling Rose since the 4. Actually, I would call this the Rose 4 Boost.
While it seems Derrick Rose may be in the twilight of his career (really, really hope not), his signature line seems to be gaining ground. By combining great traction, awesome cushioning, and serious fit, the Rose 8 is built for every player — whether you play a post up, low-block game or want to get out and run past everyone and jump higher than the rest.
The adidas Rose 8 has no weak spots. It is a shoe that does everything well, and if you don’t like the white mesh, wait for more colorways and builds to appear.
Much like the player, the Rose line has had some early injuries, but has come back in different forms and styles to keep grinding and hitting. Rose may not ever achieve All-Star status, but it won’t be because of his shoes.
Great review! I’m excited to see the other colorways and materials as I think it shows a lot potential. Question for you , though: did you experience any issues with your toes slamming into the front of the shoe on sudden stops? This was a real issue for me with the 7s (I’ve seen other ppl mention this as well), even with a proper fit, that rendered the shoe totally unplayable for me. Thanks and keep up the good work!
I did read some reviewers say that but I was good in the 7. These have a little longer toebox, not enough to size down, so there is a little more room. I didn’t have any issues with these at all.
Thank you, sir!
Does the shoe have a forget you are wearing them feeling or they they feel bulky?
Not bulky like the 6 or 7, but not minimal like a kobe 6 or 8.
The shoe looks really durable for the outdoors…but why made the lacing that way…. would have been perfect here in the PH
Great review, very addicting tbh. Can I have the link for the diff. lacing styles? So what i’m getting from this is that the Rose 8 boost is like Harden Vol. 1 in the forefoot and Rose 7 in the heel? Thanks man.
google “ians secure knot”
life changing really… you are welcome
HEAR HEAR
Great Review man!!! I was expecting to know how the cushion in this was placed to ensure a theory I have of what kind of cushion D-Rose likes. I had the 5, 6 and two pairs of 7, really enjoy playing in those!!! Now I look forward to get the 8, I like that white/ black-royal colorway a lot (big fan of that combo). Keep going dude!!!
Great review as always! And the new score card design looks sexy.
Does the shoe slope down a bit like the 7 or Dame 3? Thanks Duke great review.
Yeah, sorry for being so late, but it slopes like the Rose 7
Dope review!
Are these shoes good for wide fallen arches and flat feet? Also do the shoes feel durable?
Not extremely wide footers – if you wore the 7 then the 8 will be good. Durabel? Depends on the materials. This colorway yes, the knit versions, if they come out, less so, at least on the upper. The traction and cushioning should be good for months.
I believe it was pointed out in a previous article, but the tooling seems to be a re-worked CLB16 setup. Traction and caging details were namely redone, but the torsion plate and general configuration are strikingly similar. Maybe the materials are indeed Adidas’ new approach to offering him support. Nice to know they don’t play like an afterthought, but man they still look like one.
Great review, thanks! Would love to get that link to different lacing patterns you mentioned.
Great review! How does the traction on the D Rose 8 compare to the Hyperdunk flyknit 2017?
Don’t have the Hyperdunk 2017, but from what I hear they are both really good. Durability on the Rose would be better though.
I love the rose 6 primeknits, just a tad sloppy. Would you reccomend the 8 over the 7? Or is there a main differentiator overall to sway either way?
Performance-wise, the Rose 7 and 8 are almost identical. Price would be the deciding factor, and the 7 can be had for cheap right now.
Adidas hyperfuse 2017
Rose is still popular in china maybe they made the shoes suitable to china outdoor courts
Man and I was all sold out on Brandblack and BlackFoam too. These have me intrigued but I still have a sour taste in my mouth from the Rose 6 Boost going firm on me. I will have to try these on in the store to see if they have improved.
I honestly would give them another chance. I’ve seen a few people online saying the boost went firm or “bottomed out” on them, but my experience has been great. I’ve had two pairs each of the Rose 5, 6, and 7 (I usually use one casually and one for hooping), and none of those lost any bounce. Most people I’ve seen online seem to have had the same experience. I really think a few pairs may have had defective or messed up boost, and that’s why some people felt them go firm. But the shoes in general have been super bueno for me.
Thanks for your reply. I’ve heard the same from others. I went through 5 pairs of the Rose 6 because of it. Only 2 of them had good Boost, the rest all went firm on me.
Man, that’s wild. I can totally understand why you would be hesitant. Sorry to hear you’ve had such bad luck with the 6.
Thanks! Now, that’s not to say I won’t try the Rose 8 because I actually really like the way they look and the performance sounds like exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’ve just been having such good luck with BrandBlack now and their cushioning never fails me so I kind of had it stuck in my head that I’m just sticking with BrandBlack and never looking back….
But the sneakerhead in me won’t let that happen lol…
Thanks Duke, You sold me on the shoes
Will be picking up the primeknit options when they come out
got the navy jacquard in yesterday – pics up soon on IG
Very nice and thorough review as always! I have to say that they might look very cheap but i think they did because the want to reduce its weight.
Great review Bryan!!! Would you go with the 7 PK or the 8?
Really depends – if you are outdoors at all I would go Rose 8. Staying indoors, Rose 7 PK is nicer materials and a little better fit but ankle collar is bulkier and harder to tighten up . I have the navy/grey coming Monday so I will update on the different materials.
when
Great review as always bryan! Keep up the good work! How would u compare this to the CE PK . I really dont know which shoe to get . Im a wide footer and always heard about the excellence of the CK PE . However i cant find the size in my country and ill have to order it . Both is available for ordering right now im still wondering which to get i hope u can help me with my pruchase decision
Really close in performance. Rose 8 will be more durable on traction and uppers, but the CE is more comfortable and fits a little better. Both shoes are very fitting in the forefoot and are slightly narrow, but the Knit may fit you better. If you do get the CE going up half a size will help without the fit getting too sloppy.
Great review, I wish these were popping up in stores so I could try on. The 7 pk is my favorite but because of the shape of my feet (slightly wide and higher instep) the bootie fit tongue was a little too tight until in properly broke in though at times can still be uncomfortable. I really prefer full tonge to help mold to my feet like the 5 and 6. Duke how is the tongue on this?
It’s open at the top but attached at the midfoot. A little looser but not an old-school, normal tongue.
Looks like a solid shoe. Proven tech…should be a great performer. The real test will be to see if Rose can remain injury free in them. lol
thanks for the great review! just read it today. dang i need to play in my Rose 7 more and wear them down – so excited for the 8!
Great review sir!!!
Which shoes would you like to buy between Rose 8 and Crazy Explosive 2017? If you can only buy one. I have limit budget.
Thanks.
Rose 8 has slightly cheaper price, if you were concerning about budget, but still it has the best traction so far as the same level of Rose 7 compare with any other basketball sneakers. CE 2017 PrimeKnit is a bit more expensive than Rose 8, but it has better new whole experience, fit so amazing, great cushion for long term use, secure wide base, and plus traction improvement in Black Scarlet edition with solid rubber outsole. I do feel more bite on court feeling and more durable. It’s worth it.
The materials are really disappointing…
Hey, between the D Rose 8’s and the Dame 4’s, which do you prefer?
I’m 6′ and 130lbs looking for a quick, low-to-the-ground shoe with a solid fit and support for my narrow foot. For reference, the Clutch Fit Drive 3’s fit my foot well with the immense amount of padding that allowed me to really crank the laces; whereas, the curry 2.5, curry 3, KD 9, KD 9 Elite, and Harden V1 all left room in the forefoot for my feet to slide around or hurt my feet from the lace pressure. Would you recommend either the Dame 4’s or D Rose 8’s for my needs? If not, what shoe would you recommend?
Appreciate the help!
If you need low to the ground, go Dame 4. Rose sits higher in the forefoot and has a more cushioned ride. Dame is a low-riding rocket.
That’s good to know! How would you compare the fit between both? I think having a narrow shoe with less lace pressure is of more importance for me at the moment.
Thanks again!
Then i would go dame 4
Have you ever experienced pinching near the ankle collar when you lace them really tight? I experienced pinching on both of my ankles which was pretty annoying. Wearing an ankle brace solved the problem but I don’t want to wear one every time I use the D Rose 8.
I didnt get that at all. Maybe just your structure.
They don’t carry these where i live. What size would you recommend? I’m size 10 in Dame 4 and size 10.5 in the crazy explosive 2017.
Have you tried out the traction on the new Gray/blue jacquard d rose 8? The sole brothers said it was a lot worse than the original colorway and I wanted to see if that was true. I bought the d rose 8 with a solid outsole not this translucent one and I hope I didn’t make a big mistake.