Nike Kyrie Low 5 Performance Review

I enjoyed playing in the Kyrie 8; it’s probably my favorite performance model of the year. The Kyrie 8 was a departure from the rest of the Kyrie signature line because it’s a very well-cushioned model. When I saw the Kyrie Low 5, I thought it was just a low version of the Kyrie 8. Visually they’re very similar, something that hasn’t happened with the Kyrie Low line (until now).

Aesthetically, I think this was a good move. The Kyrie 8 is a very attractive model, and the Kyrie Low 5 just streamlined everything and made some slight improvements.

Performance-wise they are very different models. The Kyrie Low 5 switched out the cushioning from the signature model and reverted to the usual Kyrie Low setup: Zoom Air in the forefoot and a foam midsole. So, going into my testing, I wasn’t sure I would like this shoe. But let’s jump into the review and see how they held up (check the video above to see the short review)

The Nike Kyrie Low 5 is featured in Best Nike Basketball Shoes, Best Value, Best Traction, Best for Ankle Support, Best for Low Tops, and Best for Point Guards. It’s also one of the best shoes for jumping and one of the best basketball shoes for training.

Traction

The traction, as in the Kyrie 8, is excellent. They both have similar traction patterns, and this version was just as good. You get grippy multidirectional coverage that is perfect for the agile, streamlined look and feel of the shoe. You feel speedy and shifty in the shoe, and the traction pairs with that perfectly.

Cushion

The cushion is low profile and reactive. Very different from the Kyrie 8. This is not a bad thing necessarily or even a downgrade. It’s just a question of if this setup fits your playing style. This setup is optimal for court feel and moves like sprints, crossovers, speed changes, etc. It is not great for absorbing impact after jumping.

You have a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot and nothing but foam in the heel. I liked the setup very much. But, I’ll reserve them for playing on parquet floors. I’m 6’3″, 230 lbs, so when I play outdoors, I need a bit more cushion, but I love playing low to the ground and feeling speedy.

Materials

The materials are almost the same as those on the Kyrie 8; there are just fewer of them. The shoe features a mainly textile upper, which is lightweight and supportive. It’s nothing premium, but it doesn’t feel cheap either. You also get some “leather adjacent” details that make this shoe not feel cheap.

The one big difference between the two models is the tongue. The Kyrie 8’s tongue was polarizing. It was puffy like a ’90s skate shoe but super comfy. On the Kyrie 5 Low, you get a soft tongue as well, but this version is textile and much more subtle. Also, the shoe laces are cheap, but you can switch those out.

Fit

The Kyrie 5 Low fits perfectly 1 to 1. If you like that glove-like fit, you will like these very much; if you have had issues with this in the past, you should try them on or go up half a size.

Support

Support is fantastic. The Kyrie 5 Low inherited the Kyrie 8 Dynamic Strap System, which works well in this model. Instead of having four anchoring points, the Kyrie Low 5 has 2, but it still gets the job done. On top of that, you get a good heel counter and the overlays on the medial and lateral side of the shoe boost containment.

Aside from that, the wide forefoot and the stable cushioning setup add to the shoe’s support and to the feeling that you can pull off any type of move on the court with no issues

Overall

The Kyrie is an excellent performance basketball shoe. Now, is it a basketball shoe meant for every type of basketball player? No. The shoe has some intentional “weak points” to cater to a specific playing style. You wouldn’t use a catcher’s mitt to play in the outfield, right?

Nike Kyrie Low 5 First Impressions

The Nike Kyrie Low 5 shouldn’t be confused with any of the other Kyrie releases, such as the signature model or his budget Flytrap series. Everything feels good so far, which is all that matters. However, we would have preferred that the brand give us some press release or tech breakdown as we have no idea of the specifics with the cushion setup. You know what to expect if you’re a fan of the Nike Kyrie Low line.

The Nike Kyrie Low 5 has actually made it on our lists of the best Nike basketball shoes, the best basketball shoes for point guards, the best low tops, the best basketball training shoes, and the best basketball shoes overall that are currently available.

What’s in the video?

In the video, Chris provides detailed information from all the usual categories, providing the in-depth information you need. He supplies expert-level opinions on the materials, cushioning, traction, support, and fit. Here’s some of what he discusses:

• Shoe breakdown in the box
• EP version
• Outdoor suggestions
• Previous Nike Kyrie Lows
• Similar but different outsole from the Nike Kyrie Infinity
• WearTesters performance reviews
• Soft foam midsole with forefoot Zoom Air
• Plastic-feeling, breathable upper
• Infinity Lockdown System
• A-symmetrical tongue
• Standard flat laces
• Sizing recommendations

Let us know your opinion on the Kyrie Low 5 in the comment section below or on YouTube or Twitter.

How to Buy the Nike Kyrie Low 5

The Nike Kyrie Low 5 is available now for $170 at eBay and will be available soon for $120 at Nike.

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