adidas Dame 9: The Best Basketball Shoe of 2024?

The Dame signature line has been one of the most consistent signature sneaker lines on the market this past decade, however, there hasn’t been a new Damian Lillard signature shoe since January of 2022. This led many to speculate if adidas had canceled the line and if the last Dame shoe would be the Dame 8 EXTPLY. Fortunately, this wasn’t the case.

Damian Lillard himself gave us the reason (in our YouTube comments) behind the lengthy delay in the release of the Dame 9. The original design of the Dame 9 had to be thrown out and reworked. Even though this delayed the release of the shoe, it shows the care that went into the creation of what might be the best basketball shoe of 2024.

adidas has been on a hot streak recently with standout models like the adidas AE 1, the Harden Vol 8 and the Don Issue 6. The Dame 9 looks like it will be prolonging this state of grace. Let’s check it out:

adidas Dame 9 Performance Review

adidas Dame 9 Traction

The Dame 9 features an intricate thunderbolt-shaped traction pattern. Thunderbolts offer the same multidirectional coverage as herringbone, and depending on the section of the foot, it is orientated in different ways for optimal performance. The rubber adidas used on the shoe is translucent and bites the court very well, but it’s not the most durable compound out there.

The outsole is carved with flex grooves that allow the shoe to bend naturally with the foot’s movement, offering increased flexibility and enhancing court feel. The traction performs very well overall indoors, but outdoor durability will be a bit of an issue. The shoe will still perform great on the blacktop, but the traction pattern will wear down quickly.

It’s also important to note that the rigidity of the outsole, due to the integrated torsion system, may result in a longer break-in period. This stiffness, particularly in the forefoot area, might be problematic for players prone to tendonitis or those who want their shoes to feel broken in straight out of the box.

adidas Dame 9 Cushion

Here we see an important change in Dame’s signature line. Dame shoes tend to feature adidas’ Bounce foam. In this case, adidas decided to switch out Bounce for a full-length Lightstrike foam midsole. If you’re familiar with adidas’ cushioning technologies this might cause some concern. Lightstrike has been very inconsistent over the years, but, this iteration is excellent.

The cushioning setup of the Dame 9 offers a plush and responsive experience on court. This is the most pillowy version of Lightstrike we’ve ever tested and it feels cushy and comfortable underfoot. This softer sensation is ideal for players who prefer more impact protection and compression without sacrificing court feel and responsiveness.

The cushioning system is thoughtfully designed, with the foam on the medial side of the shoe being almost completely exposed, for greater compression, while the lateral side includes additional rubber elements which boost containment and stability. This asymmetrical approach ensures that the shoe balances comfort and support.

adidas Dame 9 Materials

The Dame 9 utilizes synthetic leather across the upper, a material that feels more plasticky than premium leather but still delivers in terms of durability and structure. While this synthetic material might not offer the softest or most luxurious feel, it works great in terms of lockdown, durability, and containment. It provides a refreshing alternative to the textiles and knit materials that dominate modern basketball shoes.

Keep in mind that these types of materials require a bit more break-in time than textiles, so be patient. The upper is also thoughtfully ventilated, with cutouts along the Adidas three-stripe logo to allow for breathability. While not the most breathable shoe on the market, the design is functional and should suffice for most players.

adidas Dame 9 EXTPLY Support

Support in the Dame 9 is excellent. In this shoe, we have various elements working together to ensure you feel securely locked in while you play. The shoe incorporates an internal lacing system that extends deep into the midsole, locking the foot in place from the heel all the way through to the forefoot. This design creates a snug and secure fit that prevents your foot from moving around inside of the shoe.

The lateral side of the shoe also features a unique rubberized support piece, acting like an outrigger to prevent ankle rolls during hard lateral cuts. Combined with the shoe’s wide base and the internal torsion plate, adidas’ Infinity Plate, this setup ensures a stable and supported feel, which is critical for players like Lillard who rely on speed and agility to navigate the court.

adidas Dame 9 EXTPLY Fit

The fit of the Dame 9 can be a bit tricky as you would expect with an adidas hoop shoe. Due to high demand and limited sizing options at launch, Chris had to go down half a size. Surprisingly, the shoe still fit perfectly, providing a one-to-one fit that felt secure without being too tight. However, for players with wider feet, sticking with their true size is recommended, as the snug fit may become uncomfortable if sized down too much.

One potential small issue with the fit of the Dame 9 is the internal booty construction, which can make the shoe harder to put on. While this full-length internal sleeve offers a sock-like fit once inside, players who prefer a more traditional tongue setup might find this aspect cumbersome. Additionally, a seam running along the back of the ankle area raised some concerns about possible chafing or irritation, particularly during extended wear.

adidas Dame 9 Overall

The Adidas Dame 9 strikes a great balance between comfort, support, and style. Its traction pattern provides reliable grip indoor and the Lightstrike cushioning system delivers a plush, responsive feel, making it one of the more comfortable shoes in the Dame series. The synthetic leather materials, while not premium, offer durability and a structured feel that complements the shoe’s performance-oriented design. And it retails for just $120.

However, there are some drawbacks. The rigid torsion plate may be slightly uncomfortable until the shoe is completely broken in. The synthetic leather upper will also require slightly more time to conform to your foot, and the fit, while snug and secure, may pose challenges for wide-footers. The Dame 9 also won’t be a great option for outdoor play, but, to be fair, it is intended as an indoor model.

Adidas continues to dominate 2024. The Dame 9 is a great all-around basketball shoe, it’s currently the most comfortable and best-cushioned adidas basketball shoe, and a firm candidate to be the best basketball shoe of 2024.

Did you know we have a great community where we discuss reviews and various other nerdy topics? You can join WearTesters here.