While I have been having a difficult time with the adiPower Howard 1, the adiPower Howard 2 is not only better in nearly every facet but they also play extremely well even though they’re not made with a Guard in mind.
Traction was one area that looked as if it wouldn’t play well. The surface is predominantly smooth and the design features many areas that are flat. Fortunately they don’t play the way they look what-so-ever and I have been able to maneuver as naturally as I would in any shoe built for a Guard.
There have been a few instances when my speed on-court has felt as if it were too much for the pattern used but I’ve noticed that this rubber is far softer than that of the adiPower Howard 1. With enough torque and pressure applied while making quick cuts & slashes to the rim, they have been able to keep up just fine.
Cushion is one of the highlights in the Howard 2. They state that the cushion system is ‘Alive’ and is comprised of an injected EVA midsole. I can tell you right now that these are quite possibly one of the most comfortable adidas models – from a cushion standpoint – that I have ever had on my feet.
Most of the cushion is featured in the heel while the forefoot sits lower to the ground. The strange part is that you can actually feel the cushion change during play. It sounds strange and feels even stranger… during cuts and quick steps the cushion stays fairly firm while providing protection yet when coming off of landings or while in transition you can feel the cushion absorb the impact.
These are actually (I’m surprised to say this) one of my favorite shoes this year; both from an aesthetic and performance standpoint. I will be purchasing the Home and Away colorways just to wear casually – they’re that comfortable – while this All-Star colorway takes a beating on court.
Wow, ok u got my attention! Never even thought about purchasing a Howard model. But after injuring both of my ankles during the last half year, i think about getting a higher, more supportive shoe for outdoor playing. Although i love my Kobe VI’s, but i don’t want to wear ankle braces everytime.
By the way, how do the adizero spreedwraps perform? Got them as well and i think the fit is horrible. Got a 8,5 and ordered M but they seem to small somehow. Due to my injury i couldn’t play in ’em yet, but at this point i’m quite disappointed. Got a normal adidas speedwrap and there fit is superb.
So at this point do you think these would be a proper shoe? I’m also playing Guard
I havent had any issues with the speedwraps personally and think theyre great. They are slim as well so they dont make an awkward fit when worn with any shoe.
I had instantly pressure pain on my ankle when i wore them in my shoes. Also there is not a lot velcro left, when wrapping it around my lower leg. Maybe i should go one size up or i’m just really the only one in the world who has problem with these 😀 You’re wearing them in Medium right?
Sorry for talking off topic 😉
Yeah mine are a M. You could try going up a sz but not sure if thats the issue, only one way to find out though.
Hey, short update. Got the speedwraps in L and now they fit nearly perfect. Overall the difference is like day and night. Still think adidas could easily improve the fit of the velcro strap. Anyway, very happy, weird though, cause i’m a 8,5 and i need these in L instead of M.
after a full 4 years with my kobe iv’s they have finally given out on me, i need a go-to every single night shoe….would these work?
Theyre different than the kobes but its worth a shot if youd like to try a foam based cushion.
I think the ADPH 2 performs exceptionally well in every category especially in the lockdown/fit category. The only thing that you can say about this shoe is the ventilation. My feet get roasted in this and I found my self removing the shoe after every game or every hours to release some of that moisture/heat trapped inside.
Heat buildup is an issue but as you said, these perform very well.
sweet, the adipower howard 1 is my favorite shoes right now, but i can’t wait to get the adipower howard 2’s.
About the cushion, do you prefer the melos m8 or the howards 2?
Theyre very different but i like them both.
When will u be making the full performance review on these? And I’m looking for new shoes to ball in so what’s the best performance shoe for this year that u would recommend for a PG/SG?
Im doing the best i can to get them done soon as possible.
Best shoe for a G this yr at this point is the 2012s & 2.5s.
Do the speedwraps effect the fit of this shoe. They work fine with my rose 1, 2’s and 2.5’s but I haven’t tried them with and howards yet. Any thoughts or opinons
They allow for a tighter fit in the heel IMO, which i like.
Hey nightwing,
i have really bad problems with my achilles and need a new pair of shoes to hoop in, so i need shoes with good heel/achilles protection which would you recommend?
Not sure if you mean protection as in padding or cushion.
I am thinking of pruchasing either ADPH 1 and ADPH 2,which one do you think would hold up better at outdoor court?You mentioned that ADPH 2’s traction is way softer,will it affect its durability?how is ADPH 2’s cushion compared to ADPH 1’s?
I inly play indoors so i cant speak on outdoor durability. All other info is in the actual teaser that ive written up.
Padding. ;D
I know it is not about this but would you prefer Rose2.5 or air jordan 2012
BTW NICE TEASER BRO
I personally prefer the 2012, they fit my foot perfectly.
In your opinion, which, thus far would you say is the best shoe of 2012 (not counting the Jordan 2012)? Also, would you recommend this shoe over the Rose 2.5 for someone who may play the 2,3, or 4 (If you can, recommend other shoes within $120) ?
Not sure yet but i do really like the rose 2.5 & howard 2s right now.
Are these and the Rose 2.5’s good for indoor and outdoor play? Because most are only equipped for indoor like the Crazy Lights
They can be used for outdoor. The Crazy Lights have really thin traction so if used outdoor it will wear away very quickly.
In need some recommendations for a good friend of mines if possible. He’s a 6’5″ 290lb Center in need of some new ball shoes. He’s been playing in the Hyperfuses indoor and outdoor for the past year and I bin preaching to him he needs more ventilation. Can you give me/him some suggestions/advice? Old shoes are accepted too, he’s kinda conservative when it comes to kicks. Thanks in advance.
Btw I decided to copp the Flywade2s after some long deliberation. I’ll Pick them up from the post office on Monday. Can’t wait to ball in them next Thursday. Hoping my experience in them is as good as yours. Haven’t went the foam route before so it should be an experience
Other than adidas products, you wont get much more ventilation than with a fuse based shoe.
Oh shit, my bad I meant to say “…he needs more cushion and support” not ventilation. Sorry for the mixup. Any suggestions?
Cushion and support can be found in the melo m8 and howard 2.
Alright thanks alot. I mentioned to him the adipowers as well and to also look into finding the LeBron8s as well.
Great teaser! I was thinking of buying a pair. How would you describe the fit when comaring them to the Adiros 2.5? The reason that I’m asking is that I normally fit a size 9 but I found that going down to an 8.5 in the 2.5’s made for a better overall fit in the forefoot where it was just way too roomy. Would you suggest I do the same thing in these or stay true to size?
True to sz is best with these. I felt the rose 2.5 were a little big in the forefoot.