adidas DON Issue 7 Performance Review

I may have finally found my replacement for the Nike Sabrina 2. And it might be with a line I never thought I would love, because I haven’t liked the previous six, even though I know some people have. But the adidas DON Issue 7 feels amazing. It’s the seventh model in the Donovan Mitchell signature series, and what feels like the best one yet.

While opinions vary, I believe the adidas DON Issue 7 is the best basketball shoe of 2025 so far. Its consistent, high-performance features make it my personal favorite.

The box is pretty plain, just black and red, and says “Trust Your Game” on the exterior. You can also see a little bit of the spider logo for “Spider Mitchell.” I wonder if they’ll make a Spider-Man version of these like they’ve done before.

I personally love this colorway of the adidas DON Issue 7. I didn’t think it looked very good online, but when I saw them in person, I thought they were kind of cool and reminded me a little of the Nike Kobe 8 Easter. These are fairly similar to the Issue 6s, but the tweaks they’ve made make them feel a lot better.

I know a lot of people loved the adidas DON Issue 6, but I personally didn’t. I thought they were a little clunky and slappy, even with the Lightstrike Pro cushioning. It felt dense and didn’t have the comfort I expect from Lightstrike Pro. It also had a gigantic plate that extended into the forefoot, which restricted flexibility, and I can’t stand that anymore.

adidas DON Issue 7 Traction

One of the things that feels similar to the DON Issue 6 is the traction, and the traction on the DON Issue 6 was actually really good—one of its highlights.

The traction on the adidas DON Issue 7 is phenomenal. It uses a radial pattern that creates a “ripple effect” from the center, providing consistent coverage in every direction. The design is further enhanced by two additional sections at the medial and lateral forefoot, which magnify the radial grip. This setup is so effective that the shoe grips perfectly even on dusty courts. I’d even put it on the same level as the legendary Kobe 9, which is high praise. However, the rubber is too soft for outdoor courts, so they won’t be a durable option for blacktop use.

adidas DON Issue 7 Support

The support in the adidas DON Issue 7 is a key reason for its exceptional performance. The midfoot features a plate that provides just enough rigidity to prevent over-twisting without sacrificing flexibility. Unlike the previous model, this one lacks the X-shaped spring plate in the forefoot, which is a positive change for me because it allows for ultimate forefoot flexibility. The heel is also well-designed, cupping your foot with internal sculpting and an internal heel counter. Once laced up and zipped, the shoe feels completely secure, almost like a second skin.

adidas DON Issue 7 Cushion

The cushioning in the adidas DON Issue 7 is a standout feature. It utilizes Lightstrike Pro foam, which feels much better here than in the previous DON Issue 6. The cushioning is slightly bouncy but not overly so, and it strikes a perfect balance between court feel and impact protection. You get the feeling of being close to the floor without feeling like you’re literally running on it. This combination is what many players loved about the original Kobe models with their drop-in midsoles, and the DON Issue 7 captures that same feeling beautifully.

adidas DON Issue 7 Upper

The upper feels much nicer than the upper on the DON Issue 6. I personally love the design, especially the zippers. The shell of the shoe, with its crazy gradient coloring, is a very nice micro mesh that feels premium for a textile. The materials are fantastic, which is surprising for the price. They’ve also added some cool design elements, like a rubberized grid on the toe for added texture and three stripes made of a bunch of dots. The zip-up enclosure feels like a standard Lycra system, and I love the way they’ve implemented color into it.

The interior of the DON Issue 7 is fairly basic but structured. There are nylon cables that go all the way down to the footbed for lockdown. There’s an extra eyelet at the top that’s a nylon loop, which goes into the heel of the shoe to alleviate heel slip issues. The shoe is extremely structured, with four Achilles notches that cup the entire heel and ankle area.

The design team at adidas also added similar padding to the top of the tongue to alleviate lace pressure. The tongue is shaped to go around your ankle, similar to the LeBron NXXT. The insole is a standard adidas one, but you can swap it out if you want something else, like an orthotic. Since the shoes are in an affordable price range, you can easily upgrade them.

The materials are awesome, but not very breathable. The shoe is constructed with a strong microfiber material and a Lycra enclosure at the zipper area, creating a comfortable and secure fit that feels like a glove. The shoe also features subtle graphic overlays that protect the microfiber underneath. While the shoe isn’t very breathable, it’s also not as restrictive as some other enclosed shoes.

adidas DON Issue 7 Fit

In terms of sizing, the DON Issue 7 fits very true to size. Some people may want to go up half a size depending on the type of socks they wear or if they have a wide foot, but for most people, true to size should work.

The fit is extremely snug at first, but it breaks in perfectly. I went true to size, even with thick socks, and I recommend the same for most people. If they feel just moderately tight, stick with that size.

adidas DON Issue 7 Overall

The adidas DON Issue 7 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a premium feel and enhanced performance.

The adidas DON Issue 7 is my pick for the best basketball shoe of 2025 so far. Its phenomenal radial traction and balanced Lightstrike Pro cushioning provide an incredible on-court experience. The materials, while not the most breathable, are comfortable, secure, and durable. The support system is stripped down compared to its predecessor but is exactly what’s needed for excellent flexibility and stability. While the fit can be snug initially, it breaks in beautifully. The DON Issue 7 is a top-tier performer that I highly recommend.

The overall package of the DON Issue 7 provides a strong balance of comfort, stability, and court feel, making it a one of the best basketball shoes available and an even better deal when you consider the $120 price point.