Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 Performance Review

The Wade brand is back with a new V2 version of a recently released shoe. This is a practice that some people love and some people hate, but the Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 is supposed to be better than its predecessor.

I have them here in an interesting teal colorway, which I think looks dope. However, I dom’t think this is a full-on upgrade compared to the original, just based on what I can feel and see.

I will say that the Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 has some really great colorways, which is a definite plus. The box is exactly the same as the last model, and so is the shoe itself, which is one of the weirdest things. While I understand the purpose of a V2 is often to provide a different feel or version of the same overall performance, I don’t think that is applicable here. These feel practically like the same shoe with a different skin.

Traction and Support

The outsole is literally the same exact outsole that was previously used on the Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra. It features a mixture of rubber compounds, including their tough rubber and GCU rubber (a polyurethane blend). Like Under Armour’s Flow technology, the polyurethane offers surprisingly effective grip on the court. The tough rubber is meant to be the more durable component. The outsole features the same flex grooves and the same carbon fiber shank as the previous version. The TPU chassis used for support is also identical to the previous version.

Cushion and Midsole

The cushioning is provided by the Super Boom drop-in midsole system, which is also the same exact cushion set up as the previous one. This brings into question what makes the Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 a new version, as the traction, support system, and cushioning are all identical to version one.

Upper and Materials

The upper is where the brand claims the upgrade comes from. The Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 still maintains the low-cut style and nearly identical shape of the original, but the materials here are slightly stronger, more supportive, and are said to wrap around the foot better. While it feels slightly more supportive on a try-on, I wouldn’t call it a fundamentally different version.

One change, however, is what I consider a downgrade: the tongue. The V2’s tongue is thicker, stiffer, and less breathable than the V1’s open-cell mesh tongue. This new tongue reminds me of some older LeBron tongues (like the LeBron 8) but lacks the perfect shaping; it’s a straight piece that will likely dig into the ankle and bend awkwardly at the bottom.

The rest of the upper has shifted from the V1’s lightweight textiles and thin fuse to being primarily hotmelt material (a TPU shell). This change makes the shoe a bit stiffer and more supportive. So, if you prefer stiffness and support over the V1’s more lightweight, thinner textile, this might be where the V2 aspect applies to you.

Fit and Sizing

From a fit perspective, I found the originals fit a little long, and I would say the same thing here. I would recommend going down a half-size if possible, as I personally prefer a one-to-one fit and the toe feels slightly too long otherwise. The fit and support are very good, so it just depends on your preference regarding shoe length. Both the V1 and V2 are currently available on the Way of Wade website.

Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 Summary

The Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 is an unusual “version two” release, as its traction, cushioning (Super Boom drop-in), and support systems are identical to the original. The V2 designation seems to stem almost entirely from a material change in the upper, swapping the textile build for a stiffer, more supportive TPU hotmelt shell.

I prefer the superior colorways of the Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra V2, but I find the stiffer, less breathable tongue to be a downgrade. Ultimately, if you prefer a more supportive, caged feel, the V2 is for you; otherwise, the V1 might be the more comfortable option.

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Disclosure

While Wade Brand did provide a pair of the Way of Wade 808 5 Ultra V2 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.