![LeBron-9-First-Impression-1](http://weartesters.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/LeBron-9-First-Impression-1-300x198.jpg)
As soon as a new sneaker is revealed I end up getting tons of questions regarding the shoe and what I think its performance will be like. Unfortunately I don’t have the shoes in hand to be able to tell you a full breakdown, however we do have images so its at least a good place to start.
Hit the jump to read my first thoughts on some of the performance attributes that we can actually see…
Upon first glance, the LeBron 9 looks very similar to the Li-Ning BD Doom… Just my opinion. This isn’t a bad thing since I liked the way the BD Doom’s looked as far as performance in concerned but it is a little strange to have a Nike shoe look so close to another lesser Brand’s model since usually its the other way around.
![LeBron-9-First-Impression-2](http://weartesters.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/LeBron-9-First-Impression-2-300x198.jpg)
Materials on the upper looks promising. Nike has finally fused their Fuse and Flywire materials together successfully to create most of the upper on the LeBron 9 along with the addition of the Carbon Fiber woven material to create a durable and lightweight package that will still give you enough support to play your style of play.
![LeBron-9-First-Impression-5](http://weartesters.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/LeBron-9-First-Impression-5-300x198.jpg)
The Pro Combat (I think that’s what its called) padding inside the collar looks awesome. I cant tell for sure without physically touching them, but I assume this material will have similar attributes to memory foam to help mold around your ankle shape giving each wearing a custom fit in that area. I love this, its one of my favorite parts of the Converse Star Player EVO which used a similar tech.
![LeBron-9-First-Impression-4](http://weartesters.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/LeBron-9-First-Impression-4-300x198.jpg)
The collar shape itself is very close to that of the LeBron 8 which is something I also like… for a higher cut shoe, this is the way to go to ensure optimal ankle mobility.
Cushion is the same setup as the LeBron 8 P.S. with Zoom Air in the forefoot and a 180 Air Max Bag in the heel. They’ve stepped it up a notch by using Cushlon foam instead of Phylon which is more responsive and will give you a great step in feel. They also added the Cushlon under the Air Bag again which will makes these a very comfortable sneaker!
This image gives you a good up close look at the Fuse/ Flywire combination. I’m a bit worried about the forefoot fit but the materials look flexible enough to where it may not hurt the shoe… but who knows until I try it out.
This images shows something that I really love. Right inside the ‘V’ shape cut there is an extra layer of material with additional eyelets… this should give you great heel lock-down much like the Flywire panels on the LeBron 8 did but a little more independent which is a nice touch.
The Carbon Fiber arch support is back in full swing for the 9s and this is something some people didn’t like about the LeBron 8 P.S. For flat footed ballers, this may be a deal breaker.
![LeBron-9-First-Impression-10](http://weartesters.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/LeBron-9-First-Impression-10-300x198.jpg)
Lastly, the dreaded traction. I can’t say to much on it since I haven’t tried it, the Kobe VI & Fly Wade proved me wrong and both had great traction after break in time so who knows what the ‘chain link’ traction can do. I absolutely hate how they still try to incorporate that darn lion head in all of LeBron’s sneakers… its on the out-sole here in the red areas, its just a partial image of the mane, ear and crown but come on… this is a mans basketball shoe, we don’t want lion kings on our kicks!
So that pretty much covers everything from what I can see. Until I test out the shoes, all of my thoughts and first impressions are pure speculation.
Images Via Kicks-Lab
Nice over view of the shoe. We’ll b waiting for a full review.I just hope the arch are not similar to the feel of the PS. I maybe one of the few people who liked the PS 8 alot but a couldn’t pull the trigger to buy it coz I am flat footed. Thanks nightwing.
when is the release ???
i gotta get my hands on these ^^
I dont think there is a release date on them yet.
I’m not a fan if the overall design as like you say it looks like a cheaper brand of sneaker, but I am interested in seeing a low top with this type of cusioning combination, will also be interesting to see what they have planned in terms if a v2 model. I still couldn’t run thus week due to my knee but had a shoot around in my 8v2s for the first time and they are an incredibly comfortable sneaker. I’m considering giving rhem a full court run when I make it back.
Id give them a go around once your back on court. Deff a great hoops shoe!
Hey nightwing2303, i m a 3 who likes to jump a lot
cushioning is very important and also somewhat ankle protection what shoe would you recommend?
If max cushion is what you need then the LeBron 8 will be the best source for that. It has great fit and lockdown which is what will help prevent ankle injury, not the cut of the shoe. Hope that helps!