EQLZ 360: Even BETTER than the First

EQLZ 360 Performance Review

EQLZ 360 Traction: Top-Tier on All Surfaces

Traction is one of the standout features of the EQLZ 360, if not the best. At first glance, the outsole and its traction pattern may not look like much. But, after a short break-in time, they end up offering exceptional grip on court. The unconventional traction pattern, in tandem with the rubber compound, bite extremely well indoors — and they perform even better outdoors.

Not only is the traction setup of the EQLZ 360 durable enough to handle outdoor play, but the stopping power of the shoe on outdoor surfaces is nearly perfect. We also have some portions in the forefoot of the shoe where the outsole wraps the midsole for extra grip on more exaggerated cuts and changes of direction. Taking all this into account, it is safe to say that the EQLZ 360 features some of the best traction of the year.

Cushioning on the EQLZ 360 is good, but it might not be for everybody. The shoe features a low-profile cushioning system that emphasizes court feel and reactiveness. The 360 features an EVA midsole with heel and forefoot PEBAX pucks. These PEBAX units provide minimal impact protection, focusing instead on maximizing responsiveness and agility. The 360 feels more plush on indoor courts, but in general, it is more of a minimalist shoe as far as cushioning goes.

The EQLZ 360 also features a supercritical foam insole that adds another layer of comfort. This insole features grip-enhancing silicone which works well to keep your foot in place as you play — as long as the little beads don’t tear off, which they did immediately during our testing. However, the insole can be swapped to suit individual preferences, whether for added cushioning or orthotic needs.

EQLZ’s unique materials blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. The base layer is a tightly knit upper that balances structure and breathability. High-stress areas are reinforced with overlays, while open-knit zones on the tongue enhance ventilation. One issue this type of build usually has is lace pressure, but the designers at EQLZ have thought of everything.

In the areas of the shoe where this might be a problem, they’ve added padding to keep you comfortable — even if you are someone who laces up tight. Then, to provide lockdown and structure to the shoe, the sock build is wrapped with leather straps. These straps do an excellent job of keeping your foot securely contained on hard stops and provide a premium touch that most modern hoop shoes lack. If traction is the best feature of this shoe, materials have to be a very close second.

Support is another elite feature of the EQLZ 360. This has a lot to do with the materials featured on the shoe, but the design and implementation of these materials are also excellent. The way the leather straps of the shoe are placed and integrated into the lacing system allows the shoe to wrap your foot and draw it into the midsole. The midsole is then sculpted in such a way that it conforms perfectly to your foot.

On top of all of that, we have exceptional heel construction and padding, with a beefy interior heel counter, a very stable midsole that also contributes to all-around lockdown, and a very wide and stable outsole. The 360 is not lacking in torsional rigidity in any way, and the blend of all these different elements and their thoroughly thought-out implementation make these shoes feel very secure underfoot.

If you want to get a perfect 1-to-1 fit in the EQLZ 360, we recommend going down a half size. The shoe fits slightly big; and, as the shoe breaks in, those soft textile materials will stretch slightly, making the 360 feel even roomier. To solve all of this, it is as simple as going down that half size in order to get a perfect, glove-like fit, which is what you want in your performance basketball footwear.

The wide forefoot base and cradling midsole provide a secure feel, preventing lateral rollovers during rapid directional changes. This was one of the small issues of the EQLZ 247, which occasionally felt “tippy” during aggressive, forefoot-heavy moves.

The EQLZ 360 is a meticulously engineered basketball shoe tailored for players who prioritize agility, court feel, and stability. It is a shining example that — if you pay attention to both design and functionality — you can create a visually unique and attractive basketball shoe that provides elite performance on court, is built with premium materials, AND doesn’t break the bank for most consumers. The EQLZ 360 cuts no corners and doesn’t rely on crazy gimmicks as a crutch or as a reason to hike up the price.

The EQLZ 360 is a basketball shoe that helps to solidify EQLZ as a leading innovator in basketball footwear. From its retro-inspired aesthetic to its modern engineering, this shoe embodies the perfect blend of style and functionality. If you are a true sneakerhead looking for elite on-court performance, you really should consider supporting a brand like EQLZ that is doing things the right way.