Nike LeBron 11 Elite Performance Review
To Elite or not to Elite…
Traction – They played practically the same as the regular 11. Only real difference is that there is a bit more flexibility with all the additional flex grooves but nothing drastically different.
Cushion – Nothing has changed with the cushion either. Lunarlon midsole with full length bottom loaded Zoom Air. I wound up using my original LeBron 11‘s midsole so I wouldn’t have to break them in again. I personally find the cushion to be a bit too mushy until broken in but that might vary from person to person. It’s definitely a responsive and well cushioned ride – one of the best cushioned shoes out right now – however, I personally prefer something a little firmer.
Materials – I feel like a broken record… materials are the same as the regular 11 as well. Fuse and Hyperposite (Foamposite panels) are in place throughout the shoe and they make for one sturdy and durable sneaker. This will require quite a bit of break-in time but once thats taken care of then you’ll be left with a tank for kicks.
Fit – They fit true to size, wide footers will want to try them on. Lockdown is incredible from front to back. The lockdown wing thats been added really draws the heel back into the shoe and keeps it there while the TPU support frame & Hyperposite panels keep your foot from shifting within the shoe. Only downside is that the lateral TPU panel located at the midfoot hurts like hell and never broke-in. Sure, the LeBron 11’s start off a bit stiff but nothing like this… these were downright painful.
Ventilation – Nothing to complain about here. You need moisture and heat so that the Foamposite panels mold to your feet, so thats a plus, but the Foamposite panels are so thin that you really don’t feel it in this shoe as you would the Foamposite One, Pro or even the LeBron 11.
Support – Their overall support is pretty crazy. The materials and fit do most of the work while the Hyperposite/ TPU overlays really reinforce everything. Ultimately, they felt overly supportive and pretty restrictive. Not something I personally enjoy but maybe there is someone out there that would enjoy it.
Overall – The changes made aren’t worthy of the giant price hike and the TPU panel hurt while restricting movement… not exactly what I expect when purchasing a $275 sneaker with an Elite title – heck, not even clearance prices would make this particular shoe appealing for me. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; I’d love it if we’d go back to getting one great signature and one great low top of that signature per year and call it a day. Creating more signatures while giving them an Elite title only leaves room for error and disappointment.
