Rigorer AR 2: A Big Improvement

One of the standout features of the original Rigorer AR was its traction, and the AR 2 continues that legacy. The outsole features a durable rubber with thick, flat grooves, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor courts. The outsole is etched with an aggressive, wavy herringbone traction pattern, which provides excellent multidirectional coverage while making your moves on court.

The traction is reliable, providing a solid grip on various surfaces. The sole is very flat and wide, creating a stable base underfoot, and several portions of the sole wrap up the midsole and provide added grip on more extreme cuts while playing.

Cushioning is where the Rigorer AR 2 truly shines. The midsole is equipped with ETPU supercritical foam, branded as “Showtime foam.” This setup offers a balance of bounce and stability, enhancing the overall feel underfoot. Unlike its predecessor, which felt somewhat basic, the AR 2’s cushioning system provides a responsive and bouncy ride.

The midsole foam is great and the implementation is very well thought out. There are enough portions left exposed to allow the foam to compress underfoot, and at the same time, it’s caged enough to keep everything stable and speedy. The shoe is also equipped with a nice, dense insole that adds an extra layer of comfort.

The materials used in the Rigorer AR 2 reflect a modern approach to basketball shoe design. While the upper doesn’t feature traditional materials like leather or suede, it incorporates a textile base with synthetic overlays for added structure and support. This combination ensures flexibility, breathability, and durability, catering to the tastes of contemporary basketball players.

The use of these materials also helps keep the shoe’s cost down, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers without compromising performance. Here at Weartesters, we prefer to see raw materials used on basketball shoes, but as long as performance doesn’t suffer, there isn’t much to complain about.

Support is a critical aspect of any performance basketball shoe, and the Rigorer AR 2 delivers in this department. The shoe includes a torsion plate that doubles as a spring plate, adding a layer of stability and responsiveness. This feature, along with the TPU-wrapped cushioning, keeps the AR 2’s upper stable and responsive on court.

The AR 2 features a robust heel counter as well, and the upper provides enough containment to keep your foot in place as you stop and cut. Lastly, the outsole is slightly rounded on either side to allow for maximum mobility while you are playing. All in all, the AR 2 is a very secure and agile-feeling basketball shoe.

The AR 2 fits true to size and fits very well with little to no break-in time. For those concerned about finding the right size, focusing on the centimeter measurement on size tags can provide the most accurate fit. Wide-footed players might need to exercise caution due to the TPU side pannels, but overall, the fit is tailored to provide a locked-in feel without being overly restrictive.

In conclusion, the Rigorer AR 2 is a well-rounded basketball shoe that addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor while introducing significant improvements. Its blend of excellent traction, responsive cushioning, supportive build, and modern materials make it a very solid on court option. Whether you’re playing indoors or venturing onto outdoor courts, the AR 2 offers the versatility to handle both surfaces with ease.