BrandBlack is code for beast…
Traction – Not sure what it’s officially called but the traction looks like blades, and that’s how they play. If you’re familiar with the J Crossover 2 then you’ll already know what to expect, and if you haven’t then don’t worry…these have got you covered from all directions. I wouldn’t play in them outdoors, and if there is a lot of dust – or your court needs to be refinished – then you may experience some slipping. But for the most part, I’ve never had a truly negative experience with this setup. I always have the J Crossover 2 in my bag in case the floor I’m playing on sucks – since it’s the most consistent shoe I currently own – so you can expect the same with the Force Vector Court.
Cushion – BrandBlack uses JetLon cushion – this is the same setup as the J Crossover 2 – and it’s. Freaking. Awesome. Boost, Micro G, and JetLon… best foam cushions currently available at the moment — in no particular order. It’s responsive, low enough to the ground to offer good court feel, and best of all, it lasts. The foam midsole has a higher rubber content than your typical EVA/ Phylon setup so you’ll enjoy the cushion much more than your average budget friendly model(s) found from other brands. If you’re skeptical, all I can really say is just try it. You might end up really liking it.
Materials – A molded micro mesh is used along the entire upper with a few synthetic leather details on the tongue and heel. This stuff is awesome and slightly more supportive than the woven upper found on the J Crossover 2. You can’t see it, but under the mesh there is a web-like system in place that makes up the structure of the shoe. The lacing system is attached to it and then the mesh wraps around your foot. This setup makes it so you’ll have an upper that is supportive but doesn’t require break-in time along with keeping some ventilation in place.
I personally prefer the woven upper on the J Crossover 2, but this setup is a very close second.
Fit – I feel they fit true to size, but if you wanted a really snug fit (since it’s mesh) then going down 1/2 might work well for you. I wouldn’t go up a size at all; you might end up with a shoe that is too loose. Lockdown is superb. As mentioned earlier, under the mesh upper is a web-like structure that is the actual shoe. That’s what keeps you locked in and ready to roll. From heel to forefoot, you’ll be secure the entire time you’re on-court.
Support – Their support features mimic that of the J Crossover 2. They share the same tooling so you’ll receive the same platform, Force Vector midsole plates, and shank plate. The upper is where you’re receiving slightly more support since the underlay structure won’t stretch the same way a woven might when put under a lot of torque or pressure. The Force Vector manages to offer support while retaining mobility – from the upper – perfectly, and you’ll barely notice that you’re wearing anything at all.
Overall – For $120 you’ll get awesome traction, cushion, materials, fit, and solid support. So what are you waiting for? You might want to try these out. I think you’ll enjoy the ride and it’ll really open your eyes as to what other brands can offer you for your money. Quality performance, aesthetic appeal, and they won’t break the bank. They’re not a signature shoe…and they don’t need to be.
Additional Product Images Via
Nightwing, does jetlon lasts longer than micro g?
Unfortunately, there is no way for me to accurately assess that. All I know is all my Micro G and JetLon shoes still feel amazing anytime I lace them up.
I just bought a pair to put in my rotation w the xx9 and m11. Looking forward to something other than Jordan brand!
I find the Micro G holds up pretty well, before any issues with the cushioning something usually goes wrong with the midsole or outsole for me. I do play outdoors mostly though. At the $20-$100 I pay for UA stuff, I don’t mind wearing them out. Brand Black I had one pair of and while it didn’t impress me much, they were fairly durable. The only foam I find to have a short shelf life is Lunarlon, it will get squishy and then bottom out, with the exception of the cool unit they used in the AJ Flight Time 14.5
Hi NW, awesome review! I wear 1/2 size down for my JC2 and they fit perfectly so I should probably do the same for the VF?
I’m intrigued
These look all kinds of good. As soon as I find the right Colorway for me, done.
I left my JC2s in the hot car for a 2 weeks and the shrank half a size. The fit is now more snug and supportive. #RandomThought
That is random and odd! Doesn’t heat expand matter? What is this darkness that brand black is using.
Hey nightwing, since you have connections with the people at brandblack i just wanted to ask if the cw you were wearing during the testing process will release….
I’m not sure. I don’t really ask a ton of questions about upcoming product bc I’m considered media so I’m always afraid my natural curiosity will be misinterpreted as trying to get a scoop or something.
Slight difference on the top design on the retail versio.. but overall looks good!! I think Brandblack will be my next shoe thanks NW!!!!
Thanks again for all that you do!
Quick question. How does the upper on this compare to that of the Force Vector that’s currently discounted at Finish Line? Looks like same tooling, but perhaps a leather upper? Is that a lifestyle model?
Thanks!
This is a great question because I saw those on finish line too and wanted to know the difference.
Hi NW, does the force vector have a roomy toe box as the JC2?
HI NW, is the toe box also roomy as the JC2?
Ordered my pair last night, pretty stoked to try out Brandblack.
I want the colorway that Nightwing2303 is wearing. They look like a refined version of the AJ7 “Raptor”.
Hey Nightwing! Where can I get them and the J Crossover’s? I’ve been looking for those JC 2’s since last month.
I know ‘starting five’ is a great score for cushioning, but since you rate Jetlon so highly, how come it doesn’t ever get a ‘hall of fame’ score? Is it just that this implementation isn’t worthy of a hall of fame score?
Will you add this shoe to the Top Performance Picks?
Also will you do a performance review for the Super Fly 4 and Clutchfit Drive 2
Hey Nightwing, I am about to start my HS season and was wondering what you thought about these compared to Jordan Melo m11. I am a 6’2 power forward, maybe a 3 or a 4. What shoe do you think is the better option?
Hey nightwing. Do you know where I can purchase these? Also tried to buy the j crossover 2 through brandblack website but every color I add to cart tells me sold out when I try to check out. Love the videos man!!! Been watching since the days you never showed your face! You and your videos are the reason I’m trying new options like brandblack. Thank you!!
We’ve published their availability here on the site, just use the search bar and type in the shoe name and it’ll pop up.
Thank you. Really appreciate the help!!
I just picked up a pair of “Phantom Premium” for $30 and “Jet” for $25 at my local Burlington Coat Factory. I feel like I stole them at that price. Always wanted to try Brandblack based on NW’s reviews and they’re no joke.
That’s a total steal. Been wanting a pair of the Phantom Lows for a long time.
Wow!
my wife got me the black ones yesterday as an advanced birthday gift and they feel great! have been wanting to try brandblack ever since i heard about the brand from nightwing2303. glad titan carries them now. initial impression unlaced, they seem to have too much space… (maybe going down half a size as suggested would have solved that) but once laced-up, they fit incredible. will hopefully get to try them out on court one of these days…
I copped these off the strength of your review. these are definitely in my rotation along w/Jordan 29, Jcrossover2,& 2015 adidas crazy light boost. This is a beastly shoe.
I guess picked with games and after my first game i can honestly say they are an amazing pair of shoes. I find the cushioning is bouncy and low to the ground. i love the bounce back. i also wear Kobe 9s and i find them a little too squishy. the Force Vector are an excellent balance. i also love how stable the base of the shoes are. compare to the jordan 29s i find that they are more stable. The are also very light. i Play like a big guy and i have to say these are not only an excellent guard shoes but they are also amazing big man shoes.
these shoes also look much better in person than in any picture.
i am a big believer in brandblack. I was able to buy the shoes from Urbanoutfitters (http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/ca/en/index.jsp) here in Canada in Canadian Dollar with no additional duties.
Thanks NW
i love these kicks
Are these better than the jc2s
Just got them on Black colorway. awesome ! very impressed i can’t wait to test them on court