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Way of Wade Fission 8 Show
Way of Wade Fission 8
The Way of Wade 8 is an ultra-lightweight, well-cushioned, hoop shoe designed 100% for outdoor use.
Colorway: Black/ Green / White
Release Date: 2023
Price: $119
The Way of Wade Fission 8 is the second outdoor-specific hoop shoe we have received from Way of Wade this year. The first was the Way of Wade Son of Flash, and that shoe was an excellent on-court performer. The one drawback of that model was the reactive cushioning set-up, which is good, just not the best for outdoor use.
The Way of Wade Fission 8, on the other hand, is equipped with Way of Wade’s best cushioning tech: Boom foam. This bodes well for the Fission 8, but let’s dive in with the review and see how this model should perform on court.
Way of Wade Fission 8 Traction
Traction might be the shoe’s best feature. The Way of Wade Fission 8 comes equipped with a very durable, solid rubber outsole with an odd infinity symbol traction pattern. The rubber used on the Fission 8 is, what Way of Wade calls, Tuff OS and is super durable and grippy and works equally well on the blacktop as on a parquet floor.
That traction pattern offers top-notch multidirectional coverage on court which should have you covered for any type of move on court. Those “figure 8s” should perform similarly to a traditional wave bone traction pattern. Lastly, the sole is also equipped with an outrigger, for added stability. A great all-around setup.
Way of Wade Fission 8 Cushion
Cushioning is also a highlight of the Way of Wade Fission 8, especially considering that it is an outdoor-specific model. Outdoor hoop shoes benefit from more plush, impact-absorbing cushioning, and that is exactly what we have on the Fission 8. The shoe features a LIGHT FOAM PLUS midsole with Boom foam units in the heel and forefoot.
Boom is Way of Wade’s top cushioning system and is very reminiscent of adidas Boost. The midsole is caged in TPU for added stability and reactiveness. This build allows you to get all the compression and comfort that you will need to keep your legs fresh for hours playing outdoors while keeping you quick and speedy indoors.
Way of Wade Fission 8 Materials
Materials are a bit hit or miss depending on what you are looking for in your outdoor hoop shoe. The Fission 8 features a textile upper that Way of Wade calls “COOL SHELL technology.” Basically, what we have is a super thin, super breathable, and super lightweight upper that still offers all the containment you need.
But, as good as this upper is in these aspects, it isn’t the most durable setup by any means. Plus, if you are planning on using these primarily outdoors, they are going to take a beating. So, chances are that these won’t hold up great after prolonged use on harder, more abrasive surfaces. While they last, you’ll get top-notch performance that will keep your feet nice and cool, which is appreciated especially during the summer months.
Way of Wade Fission 8 Support
To keep the shoe lightweight but at the same time well contained and secure on court, Way of Wade has integrated several different support and containment features within the design of the Fission 8. As we have mentioned, the shoe’s sole comes equipped with that prominent outrigger and the midsole is well wrapped in TPU by the sole of the shoe and other areas.
This keeps the cushioning stable and gives you a solid base from which to make your moves. Within the midsole, we have two shank plates, one that is thinner and more flexible between the sole of the shoe and the foam midsole, and one more substantial plate between the midsole and the strobel of the shoe.
Along the upper, we have portions of the sole that wrap around the upper for added lateral containment as well as a substantial TPU external stabilizer that wraps underneath the arch, for added lateral and torsional support.
Lastly, we have Way of Wade’s “Heel Lock”, which is an external TPU heel counter that is integrated into the lacing system that offers excellent heel lockdown. All in all, the setup works great to keep your foot contained and on the footbed.
Way of Wade Fission 8 Fit
The fit might be the trickiest aspect of the Fission 8. First off, make sure to go up half a size from your usual size. You could go true to size but you are going to get a very tight fit. Also, the tongue of the shoe is very thin and does little to prevent lace pressure, so take that into account if you usually tie your laces very tight.
Way of Wade Fission 8 Overall
The Way of Wade Fission 8 promises to be another great performance model from Way of Wade. It is the second shoe from the brand that is built specifically for outdoors, and that plush cushioning system is going to make the Fission 8 an excellent outdoor shoe. On the other hand, the upper might face durability issues, but in terms of performance, it should be great.
Especially when we take into account the $119 price tag, and the fact that this model will work great both indoors and outdoors, the Fission 8 is one of the most versatile models right now, as well as one of the best bang for your buck options. One of the best things that Way of Wade does as a brand is that they pack their lower-tier models with top-tier tech, and that’s exactly what you are getting with this model.
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