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Performance Teaser: Jordan Melo M9

Not just the best Melo to date… they’re one of the best combo shoes ever designed and manufactured.

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The materials on this pair are a bit different than the rest of the lineup but after comparing them all together in person, the overall thickness and pliability of the materials are all the same. Not only that, this is easily the softest 3M material I’ve ever worn… much softer than anything featured previously on a Jordan Brand product. I’ve worn the Green Bean Retro 5 and those were stiff while these flex easily.

I can’t attribute their ease of flexibility solely on material thickness… it has more to do with their design than anything. The upper is minimal. I know it doesn’t quite look like a minimal upper, but it is. It’s lace loops, or fingers as I call them, wrap around your foot only in the areas that are needed. Minimizing the overall materials used while still remaining extremely supportive and proving one with a superior lock down fit.

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The cushion is great. I personally feel the M8 was a bit more comfortable at the forefoot but overall, I can’t really complain. If you enjoy the springy responsiveness of Zoom Air then look no further… the Melo M9 has everything you need. It’s completely understandable that a lot of players are irritated with Nike’s recent push with their foam cushion systems so if you like the more traditional setups, Jordan Brand has got you covered.

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Just like Melo’s game, the Jordan Melo M9 is one hell of a versatile shoe. Nearly any player on the floor could wear them… and I actually recommend it… you wont be disappointed.

For us older guys that prefer 90’s styled kicks… these have that plush feel within the fit and comfort but with the reduced weight of a modern day sneaker.

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39 comments
  1. the Melo M9 and Li-Ning Way of Wade are two shoes I can’t wait to play in, hopefully I’ll be able to get these soon. also can’t wait for your review of the M9s.

  2. its ironic, the last three ball shoes iv purchased, iv purchased on the same day right before you release either a performance teaser or a full review, just bought the christmas melo m9’s, looks like i wont be regretting it!

  3. Why do you pesonally prefer the M8 in terms of cushion? Is it because it little more low to the ground or more responsive?

      1. I see. IMO I think you prefer the cushion in the M8 in terms of the Pylon cause I tried it at Nike Park and somehow the Pylon was more dense than the M8.

          1. I’m positive it was Phylon but hey….. Both M8 and M9 are great just by looking at it. Sorry for missing letters on my replies. I have a bad keyboard.

    1. I just picked up the M8 advance. Cushion and comfort are amazing. In fact, TOO good -at times I feel like I’m sinking into the shoe. I’m certain it’s 100% psychological, but my cuts/jumps just don’t feel as sharp/springy. I’m leaning towards picking something up that’s a bit firmer.

      Of the recent top shoes – or cushion technologies – what gives the most “springy” feeling? I’m curious to give lunarlon a shot.

  4. I love the Soldier 6, so I just want to ask if the forefront zoom of the M9 is as responsive or dense and wide as the Soldier 6 regular zoom unit and if the heel unit in the M9 is a little more cushy or do you feel any difference with regards to the forefront zoom being located beneath the outsole surface itself? does the M9 also display the push forward feel of the KD V?

    1. Its a little different. The Soldier had it right under your foot while this is under the midsole and closer to the ground than your foot. Im waiting to see if theyll break in any more to completely answer that. At this point, the M8 was more ‘cushy’ but that was due to placement and size of Zoom unit.

      1. thanks. I’d be waiting for that info. I’ll bring this topic up once you get a full assessment of the shoe.

  5. Does the rubber on the bottom of this shoe feel too pliable to be used outdoors? I was curious because I really enjoyed the Melo M8 and the rubber on that shoe has lasted for quite sometime. By chance, would you be able to add that to the performance reviews in the “traction” section, how pliable the rubber feels? Thanks for all the help and I love the videos man!

    1. I do every time. These have pliable rubber but not super soft pliable rubber like the Kobe or CP3. These should be decent outdoors but may not last quite as long as the M8.

  6. How good do is the traction for dusty indoor courts?
    Can´t wait for the review on these bad boys! Love your work.

  7. Played in my M9s two times last week for 2-3hrs. Shoes break in quickly and then are amazing on the court. Great traction, comfort, support, and cushioning. I actually like the forefoot zoom more in the M9s than the M8s and that’s saying something because the M8s have great forefoot zoom.

    I’m really curious how you like these compared to the KD Vs. I’ve picked up a pair of the KDs but haven’t played in them yet. After playing in the M9s I’m tempted to exchange the KDs for another pair of the M9s.

    1. Don’t trade it man! KD’s these day are much awaited I guarantee you after Nike release the last colorway of KD5, they will hit the market but if your more to earning money go ahead and you can use that cash for upcoming models.

    2. personally I wouldn’t trade them. they might react differently and may give you a different feel depending on what you prefer. I couldn’t comment on the M9 but I could with the M8. the M8’s were tough and cushy while the KD V were practically extremely responsive and flexible, imo.

  8. Looking forward to the full review. I’m just waiting on a better cw to drop here before I grab my pair, we only have the white/black/blue pair released here so far. Will be getting these first instead of the kobe’s. These feel much better on my foot, and I have to agree that the plush feel reminds me of the way 90’s kicks felt when you tried them on.

  9. hey Nightwing ! big fan ,,, are the m9’s durable and are good for outdoor courts ? .. you know, cause , there’s not a lot of public indoor courts here in the Philipines man … im confused on whether i would by the superfly 2’s or the m9’s .. what shoe do you prefer on playing outdoors .. thanks man

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