I get asked a ton of questions on a daily basis but none more than “What are my top 5 performance models so far this year?”
Well… here they are… anything can change but for now this is it.
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adidas Dame 8 EXTPLY Review
The adidas Dame 8 extply is an updated version of the Dame 8, a solid performance basketball shoe. So, are the updates for the better?
2 questions
Did the exposed stitching hotspot eventually go away? And is it only a problem when playing rather than try on? Because I tried these on at the store with Nike Elite socks and didn’t feel the exposed stitching on the tongue.
I wear Nike Elite socks when playing. I used the level 1 brace I showed in the video.
so, in a short form, if you have a game you want to win so badly, you will pick Soldier VI as your companion without thinking isn’t it? =)
I would say its my go-to shoe. Not a shoe id pick to win a game lol, i can do that in almost any shoe.
Nice top 5 NW!
Just wondering, what’s your basis in choosing which shoe to review? As you said about the soldier 6, that you didn’t plan to do it.
Keep it up man!
I didnt plan on the Soldier just based on the fact that I had already reviewed three pairs of LeBrons so I though they would perform the same but I was wrong. Usually I will review the shoes that are the most popular since those are what people tend to search on search engines and such but I also review things I feel may be good such as the off brands like Li-Ning, Protege and so on. The off brands dont get as much attention bc the bigger brands pump out so much product that it can be hard for me to keep up with it all.
Got it thanks. BTW will you be doing APL anytime soon?
Not anytime soon
Any chance reviewing super fly?
They havent arrived yet
Great top 5! Love the Howards 2!
does the toe height of the lebron soldier 6 affect ankle stability?
Nice fave-five, looking forward to your year end list.
Thanks
Nice top 5. The Zoom Soldier looks like a really nice performer, I hope that those drop here. I already see some resellers selling them for the retail price of retro J’s. lol.
The M8’s are a nice surprise to be on the top 5.
Another great vid man!
Thanks, i love the M8s
Great list, so happy to see the Howard 2 still up there! Just wondering though, how much of a factor was price is your personal ranking? The reason I ask is, you left out the Air Jordan 2012 and the Lebron 9 Elite, even though both seemed to had made a better impression than at least 3 of these top 5, judging from the initial review videos.
I explained the difference between my list and the top ten list in the video.
My question was whether you took price into account for determining your personal top 5 (because I know it wasn’t a consideration for the top 10 on your homepage). If that in particular was explained in the video, I must have missed it.
Ah gotcha. Well… I suppose it subconsciously may have a factor but i think the main thing is that each of these perform really well and just happen to be affordable. The KD IV is priced very affordable yet their performance suffers but id never say that its bc its a $95 shoe, you know? Jordan 2012 is probably right around spot 6 or 7 on my personal list and you can get those for a decent price now that theyve been marked down a bit. I think it just worked out to where they happen to all be decently priced.
Yeah, the AJ 2012s getting marked down is basically the reason I was asking for a clarification, so thanks for that. I hope this doesn’t qualify as sucking up seeing as how this is virtual communication and all, but I have to admit your reviews have been responsible most of my decision making involved in probably 4 out of the last 5 pairs of bball shoes I bought. Anyway man, many thanks for all the work you put in here, keep it up!
Glad I could help out with your hoop shoes. Appreciate the support!
Of the past two years what are your favorite pair of shoes performance wise?
Do you prefer the zoom soldiers or the fly wade 2’s?
I like both equally. They each have attributes I enjoy.
I bought a pair of turningpoints and the toebox is a little tight. Does that area break-in that much or should I go up a half size?
If they fit fine length wise then you may need to break them in. My foot is narrow so I didnt have an issue at all. Could also be the materials… the materials on mine were pretty soft.
I agree the kobe vii is complete rubbish. I bought the yellow barcelona because I liked the color.
It feels like a 20 dollar shoe from payless. Where do they get these cheap nasty plastics from.
I tried to remove the insole to see the interchangeability, but I stopped trying since applying anymore force would have ripped the sockliner from the sole.
And the fit is absolutely useless. I wear 12.5-13 in nikes. In these a 13 was unbearably tight. Felt like an 11. And going is not possible since the shoe will be too long
Hello!I’m watching your reviews quite a long time and i have to say that you are doing a nice job. Keep up with the good work. As far as your top 5 list is concerned even thought i haven’t used many of your shoes i really think that Melo M8’s are the best shoes that Jumpman brand has released the last 2 years, including the retros. It’s very interesting though that you find Ling’s shoes decent enough and i think that i should try to cop a pair.
I dont get it why is the hyperdunk no.5 but in your list at the side it is no.1
Oh ok… Then how do u judge your fav
I explained how the list and my personal choices work in the begining of the video.
Hey man, what color way is this Lebron Soldier VI that you reviewed? It can’t be the university red one right? It looks orange
So much hate for the LeBron 9’s haha. I’ve gotta say, I think size is huge in how the 9’s perform. I know you said that they weren’t as responsive for you because you are smaller and quick, but for me they are money. I own the 9’s and the Adipower Howard 2’s and switched it up mid pickup session and the 9’s outperform them in my opinion. I weigh 230 though and play more of a post up/mid range style game. I know it’s all based on opinion, and in my opinion the 9’s are top notch. Love the reviews, I check the site daily, thanks for doing what you do.
Appreciate the support. I dont mind that you love the LeBron 9 lol.
Which color way for the Lebron Soldier VI was shown in this video? Because on eastbay, footlocker, and champs website, the only colors are either the black and blue or the university red. These look orange though?
You rank adipower Howard 2 at 2nd.What about Howard 3 ?Have you wear that?
How’s he gonna review a shoe that isn’t even released yet…?
The Howard 3 uses the same last, midsole and outsole as the 2s… its going to perform the same.
how about crazy light 2? i’m deciding either CL2 and HD2012 as they are direct competitors in terms of price/performance standpoint.
Thumbs up that you have Li Ning as #3. I just break out my Peak Vujacic pair last week. In short, they perform better than I expected. Similar to what you experienced with your Li Nings, they felt like 90’s ball shoes. I can’t wait to wear them again this week.
where would the fly wade 2’s place in this list if they were made in 2012?
Heey NW! i was wondering, if the the fly wade 2’s were apart of this list where would it be ranked? and ive been hearing a lot of complains bout the longevity of the fly wade 2’s, is that true?
Was lucky enough to stop by the employee store in Beaverton and I snagged some of the USA zoom soldiers for $60 and they fit like a glove. can’t wait to ball in them! Great reviews nightwing keep up the good work!
@nightwing2303
Out of the 90s era shoes you’ve tested what are your top 5?
Dont know yet… need to finish the Jordan Project and Penny project. Fav #1 though is the Reebok Question.