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The Brandblack Rare Metal ‘Stratus Blue’ Drops Tomorrow

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The Brandblack Rare Metal has had a rocky release but that doesn’t mean we should write off the silhouette — it is a beastly performer, with looks to match, that retails at $110. Let’s try to be a bit understanding, as Brandblack is about to drop another colorway of the silhouette tomorrow.

The Rare Metal ‘Stratus Blue’ will release tomorrow, November 15, for $110 at Brandblack.com. If the ‘Stratus Blue’ colorway is the one pictured below, it seems much more grey and white than blue to me — but that doesn’t matter. We’ll see if this upcoming Rare Metal drops without a hitch.

If you’ve already got a pair — or your Finish Line order was cancelled — let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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12 comments
    1. But would that be a bad thing? before the KD9 those were my favorite shoes…these offer similar tech at a similar price, with a different look…choose your preference

      1. well, it’s not just the tech but the aesthetics as well. I mean it does appear really identical. for the same price, knocking off a shoe like the Dames doesn’t really make people interested on this shoe. point is, BB could have done better that makes itself really stand out rather than knocking off another shoe that close. like what it did with their previous lines. we may disagree on our opinion but this changes my point of view with BB as far as this line is concerned. point is, DO BETTER BB !

        1. I have the Lillards and just got these BBs and I respectfully disagree this is a knockoff. The lines and design are a whole lot cleaner. It’s not a single bootie construction. The materials and fit are way better than the Lillard. Same price point but BB gives you more bang for your buck…If anything the jacquard knit looks similar to the CLB 16.

    1. I went down half a size like I did with the Ether, and there’s a bit more wiggle room in the forefoot with a slightly longer toe (feels like what should be TTS for me). Maybe only concern is the vertical space. Nightwing was not kidding when he pointed out the revision to kill dead space. It’s one of the most close-fitting setups I’ve experienced in a while — a little lower than the Kobe 11 EM. Breaks in, though and of course the material is soft. Heel isn’t too narrow and the tightness is more dictated by the laces. That setup was genius for lockdown and pressure distribution, and should be a mainstay for future pairs imo.

      Have had mine since Saturday. These things are straight up the most sensible guard shoes on the market imo. Pretty much everything from the JC2 seems directly improved upon, though cushion is a bit firmer. From the BB interview, Jetlon EVL is actually Blackfoam with reduced volume. Sensible approach because that was a good base to attempt getting lower. I personally feel like it’s all mainly felt in the forefoot, but at the same time the transition is very smooth due to the deeper shank placement and single outsole profile. Basically a quicker-feeling setup than the JC2/FV tooling.

      So I can’t say bigger players would like the RM. But for the players it works for…they’re very hard to beat for the money. I haven’t owned Lillard 2 but I can see there being comparisons, with the Lillard probably more inclined for cushioning (based off a try-on) vs. the lighter and closer fit of these. If we were talking Kobe EM for $50 more…LunLOLon, notably inconsistent traction, less torsional support, probably less reliable upper.

      1. @Ventruck — appreciate the feedback on these and how the half size down has worked out. I went down a half too as I typically need to when it’s suggested — when I first got them in, I was like woah… it’s not quite as roomy as expected, but I think it’s going to be the right move once broken in. Can’t wait to play in these things

  1. so my Finishline order for the 3rd was cancelled and as soon as i got the email i reordered them on Finishline because it said they were in stock and now they are shipping and will be here friday lol. Finishline just sucks and i hope dicks sporting goods can take over for main vendor for Brandblack.

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