Time for another budget blowout!
Traction: Traction pattern is full length herringbone with some flex grooves, but the compound of rubber used is a little stickier than the Bank Shot, on clean, well-kept floors, traction is superior, but on slightly dirtier floors or cement, traction is lost due to debris and dust pickup, so wiping is an absolute must. Like the Bank Shot, this is a great traction pattern for guards with even more grip than the Bank Shot. 7/10
Cushion: The Princeton uses World Balance’s Terra Soft insole cushion system, which is supposed to provide a nice comfortable ride, while the foam midsole gives you adequate impact protection. This is a great setup for guards who need to feel the court and stay low to the ground, but heavier players should look elsewhere. 7.5/10
Materials: World Balance introduces slightly better materials in this decidedly more affordable shoe, synthetic leathers comprise the majority of the upper, which has been made to feel softer and more like the real thing so if flexes and moves with your foot. Support, however is sacrificed a bit here as the fit is still a bit sloppy, I’ll get more in to that later. 6/10
Ventilation: Somehow I’m bit disappointed in the ventilation department, from the outside it looks like ventilation would be better than the Bank Shot, but even with the low cut, and seemingly vented rear section, the material used hampers the escape of heat and the still, sloppy fit, albeit better than the Bank Shot, will also work against keeping you dry. 3/10
Fit: The fit in the Princeton is in a word, slightly sloppy, don’t get me wrong, they are worlds better than the Bank Shot, but still a bit sloppy and loose, my foot kept sliding from side to side although mid foot lockdown was much improved aside from the lower cut. Still, I do hope World Balance improves in this area, as there is so much potential from this shoe. 6/10
Support: Lockdown and support have improved from the Bank Shot, with plastic lace supports mid foot and a newer lacing pattern, the Princeton keeps my foot locked in to the shoe, ankle lockdown is also improved so I didn’t feel any loose movements from front to back. Side to side however, just like I mentioned in Fit, is still a bit sloppy, even though there is now a mid foot shank (which I failed to mention in the vid), but the last they used is still a bit wide, maybe going down a size (WB does not have half sizes) may help, narrower footed players. 6/10
Conclusion: The World Balance Princeton, like its predecessor the Bank Shot is a budget oriented shoe, and you do get what you pay for, however the performance potential again from WB is there. A few more improvements here and there and we may just have a winner on our hands and for less than $40.00 I really think they should be given a better chance at the spotlight.
Weartesters Rating: 5.9/10
Big Thanks again to World Balance Philippines for the shoes and Justin Alonte for the video
The audio is TERRIBLE, couldn’t even watch the first 15 seconds of the video.
Sorry about the audio issues, something went wrong with our mics… :/
weight?
Why it seems like WB loves red colorway? Hopefully they will release traditional white and / or black colorways. But thanks for the review!
Hehe becuase the Black/White colorway looks like old man grandpa shoes :p
Hahaha it depends on the design. I mean look at Kamikazes, Shaqnosis, even the Jordans. They used black and white combination. That’s what I’m missing, or I guess I am not a fan of bright colored kicks 🙂
Wont happen again. haha
Glad to see other lower end brand being reviewed. Always a plus. Great video. I like the bigger images, for example on the flex screws, etc.
Hi Ken, this is off-topic but I think it makes sense ask you this question. Do you know where to buy Anatomix Spawns in the Philippines? There was one time that Hoopsville in Galleria had sold once but it was a limited release. Also, i have heard a news once that UA is having a store in our country, do you have an idea where will it be?
Hi Badudang, I think Olympic Village carries UA, but from what I gather, the Spawns are in low supply, I’d suggest going to resellers but, the prices are so jacked up, you might as well ask a relative who lives in the US to send you one.
Well… Thanks!
Hey bro. Nice Review, wanna ask if you’ll review li-ning, anta or peak brands. wanna buy those cuz their rubber is hard and you know in the phil, majority of the courts hear are outdoors. Wanna know if they’ll last
I could do that, a true wear test, will try to see if I can acquire the shoes necessary. Li-Ning and Peak, Anta I’ll try to source out.
Thanks Ken. Alot of my shoes are nikes and play usually outdoors like in barangays’ and usually they’ll only last a year or so especially when there’s a league therefor i usually buy xdr outsole kicks but anyways nice review
hey ken.wanna suggest testing peak challenger. sorta like nike glove, they’re available at olympic village. wanna have it reviewed before i buy them
How is the outsole going to hold out on outdoor courts?
I suggest you review Peak shoes next. Thanks.