I was/am really pulling for the new underdog Warriors this year but fate, injuries, and inexperience doesn’t look like 2019-2020 is going to be GSW‘a year.
With no Steph on court for at least a few more months I really could have been smart and just waited a few more months for heavy discounts but being a Curry fanboy, I really didn’t want to. If you want to work those eye and brain muscles read my whole review below, but if you want it short and sweet (that’s what she said ) here’s a quick summary: it’s a very solid shoe but nothing we haven’t seen or felt before from UA. The Curry 2 still remains on top for me
Pros : excellent traction, fairly balanced cushioning is still on the firmer side, overall fit, support and stability, containment
Cons: forefoot fit is tighter than other Curry’s, starts out very stiff but gets more more flexible along the forefoot with break in.
Sizing advice: true to size for most, wide footers can go up half a size up due to a narrower than usually toe box
Best for: any position, players who want a firmer ride with more support and stability out of a low top
Buying Advice: Warriors went from first to worst in record fashion plus Steph is injured? Generic design $100 or less for sure, bottom around $65-75.
Weight 14.5 ounces which is lighter than the “lightest Harden Ever V4” by an ounce. About average for a Curry including the mids.
Traction
Very similar pattern and rubber compound to the Spawn 2019 which is a good thing . Almost no wiping at all in any court which is awesome. Over the years and years of reviewing shoes, traction should be the number one priority and UA got it right with most of the Curry models except maybe the V.
There isn’t much squeaking at all from this set up which is surprising considering the pattern and rubber softness…not that it matters, just saying. Very minimal wiping and consistent grip makes me a happy camper! Definitely the highlight of this shoe.
Well done UA!!
Cushioning
Don’t let the Micro G name and perforations fool you, they feel nothing alike even to the touch. Same goes for the 3Zero 3 Micro G
You know why everyone got excited about the
Curry 7 ? Because of the return of
Micro G not HOVR. As I’ve gone through the basketball HOVR line up, each cushioning set up was pretty much firm or a snooze fest because the foam surrounding the HOVR creates the feedback you get from the cushioning not the HOVR itself. Go ahead and step into any UA HOVR running shoe and the compression and fun is there from foam.
So much for the “wild energy” of HOVR requiring netting. Like the Curry 6 this is just texturized foam. It really feels like Phylon to the touch
This set up of HOVR with Micro G is basically the same set up as Curry 1 but with HOVR instead of Charged. I’m not sure if UA hockey pucked the HOVR into the midsole or put a layer of HOVR on top but it doesn’t feel like anything extraordinary.
Thin it to win it? Blue insoles are from the Curry 6 and 7, yellow is from the Curry 3 mid. Not sure if it’s a court feel thing or a profit margin thing but blue insoles are uber thin. Pretty sure it’s the latter though
If you’re expected Boost, Bounce, Zoom, or Lunarlon, React, or Lightstrike you will be very disappointed but if you’re expected Curry 2 or 3 cushioning you’ll be satisfied. I personally found these very similar to the 2 and 3 and far better feeling than the 6 and 5. It feels nowhere near as soft and bouncy as Micro G found on the OG Clutchfit or even this years Spawn (which btw is on discounts everywhere like I said it would be. I have literally not seen on person wearing them outside of sponsored players or trainers).
A lot of people focus of the “tech” of the shoe and while I do that as well to an extent, I’d rather know how a shoe feels to the player and ignore the name of the cushioning set up. There is a little more/thicker heel cushioning overall which is new for a Curry so that’s something different but overall cushioning is nothing groundbreaking. The thicker heel also adds to a little more fluidity since the 7 feels more like a running shoe hybrid (KD 8 anyone? )
You can see the contoured heel that has come over from 3-7 but I didn’t feel like jamming every shoe into the pic. The heel adds a little more fluidity heel to toe
Overall, cushioning is okay by me but not for those wanting a softer bouncy ride and not enough for me to switch from the Curry 2. If you want a softer ride, check out pretty much every shoe I reviewed this year. HOVR has been consistent for me at least… Consistently disappointing that is.
Fit
I went with my true size 11 and I probably could have gone up half a size if needed due to a narrower than normal toe box. It did stretch out enough for me but not everyone wants to go through the same break in process.
Moving rearward, UA finally got the top eyelets in the right spot nice and far back enough to pull the ankle down and back. (I guess UA reads my shit too).
So much for those theories from apologists that UA made the eyelets on the 5 and 6 like that just for Steph and his Zamsts. Pro Tip: you can loosen the laces to accommodate braces.
There is no heel slip from the get go thanks to the eyelets as well as a nicely padded ankle collar.
Lace pressure is pretty much non existent thanks to a padded tongue as well.
Half tongue set up
Overall fit is very good so no complaints here. Some slight break in time is needed to get a more comfortable and conforming fit.
Materials
It’s 2011 y’all! Mesh, fuse and synthetic panels! Hyperdunk 2010-2011 anyone? I never knew Steph loved those Hyperfuses and Hyperdunks that much.
UA has a penchant for increasing pricing at
exactly the wrong time
. Warriors go from 2K Cheat code mode to bottom feeders, Steph gets injured, UA reverts to mesh and fuse, and the Curry 7 prices INCREASE $10. Solid formula huh? This sounds like Curry 3 part deux anyone ( 3-1 lead finals, $140 pricing before
KD ) ? Adidas
dropped their Harden V4 prices by $10 this season because believe or not, price is a big driving factor in sales. At least the the design is more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing versus the 3 so maybe we won’t see massive discounts like we did with the Curry 3. Maybe Luka can save UA.
Usually I don’t say much about materials but UA put so much synthetic/ plastic paneling on the 7 that it needs to be noted because it’s such a throwback. They call it “TPU skins” which translates to plastic so save the xafsing jargon for someone else.
These panels are on both sides of the shoe make the shoe slightly stiffer than average out of the box but it does provide support and strength snd does break in.
The paneling extends into the forefoot area so you do need to break them in to get them to feel more natural. These are easily the least luxurious looking and feeling materials out the seven sigs. Not a deal breaker for me but if you are looking for $$ feeling material go buy something else.
Support
This is what I call a high low. Definitely a supportive feeling low bc the cut is pretty high. With that higher cut, a better fit, well padded ankle collar and a firmer than usual upper, it all leads to a very supportive feeling low which I like a lot.
Midfoot support
Ironically this protruding plastic thing is called a Flexible plate. I guess UA ran out of xafsing dollars to come up with a better name or ran away from the Speedplate name for some reason. The plate itself might be flexible but forefoot and back it is stiff which is good for PF suffers. How stiff is it? Think Dame 3 level which is fine for me but not everyone loves that feel or wants that support. I
prefer a slightly more flexible ride but it is definitely noticeable especially in the beginning. The stiffest Curry I could think of would be the 3 for reference and they are still slightly more flexible than these despite a true carbon fiber shank.
I’m straining to hold this position. I highly suggest bending the shoe to help with break in. Phylon HOVR side walls add to the stiffness.
Stability is excellent as most Curry’s have been thanks to a nice wide base and outrigger that has been carried over from 4-6
You can see how wide the 7 is especially in the forefoot
Overall the 7 is a very supportive and stable shoe
. Well done, maybe a little overdone, but still well done UA
!
Containment
No issues here thanks to the raised Phlylon HOVR and the plastic panels that envelope the shoe on both sides.
Conclusion
Expectations will make or break how you view this shoe just like the Warriors 2019 season. If you’re expecting something ground breaking because of HOVR and Micro G, you’ll be disappointed.. if you’re expecting a “better” shoe or nicer materials because of the price increase, you will be disappointed. However, If you’re expecting a Curry with cushioning on the firmer side with some feedback/ bounce, and a solid all around shoe, you’ll be happy with the Curry 7. I think in any other year, I’d say these have a shot of getting into the rotation but this year I’ve gotten pickier with my purchases and have watched UA go from an eager up start sneaker brand to another brand trying to squeeze out over penny they can out of a shoe. You’ll hear a lot of people say this is the best Curry ever or very Curry since the 2. A better way to phrase it is probably least worst Curry since the 3 or 4 since the 5 snd 6 were duds. Here’s how I rank the Curry line:
- Curry 2/2.5
- Curry 3 Low
- Curry 4/ Curry 7
- Curry 1/Curry 3 mid
- Curry 5 and 6 (I can’t decide which I like the least overall)
I’d probably even put the 3Zero 1 and 2 around the 3 spot as well.
I’m sure some will question the Curry 3 low placement enjoyed the Curry 3 low a lot and actually place it higher up the ranks than the Curry 7; it’s a little lighter at 13 ounces, just as supportive, cushioning feels similar, it’s a little more flexible, traction is pretty good as well, and it’s super cheap now.
If my review sounds Elliot and Mr Robot it’s because I have been debating how I feel about this shoe. If I didn’t have a large inventory of Curry 2’s and a few 3’s and 4’s, I’d be pretty happy with the Curry 7 since it does everything well. But if I knew I could still get a similar Curry from two or three years ago for $75 bucks or less , I’d be pretty annoyed. Relative to this stellar year of reviewing sneakers ( every shoe has been on the First Team except the Freak 1) the Curry 7 is not something I’d reach for out of this years line up because it just lacks that fun factor that the others have i.e cushioning. However, I cannot deny the fact it performs well In every category ..but yet I can’t ignore the ten dollar price increase and the retrograde materials..do you see the conundrum?
Based on pure how does it perform on court I’ll give it a First Team rating. Happy Thanksgiving UA.
29.11.2019.
Stanley Tse Weighs in on the Nike Kyrie 6 Performance Review
The Illuminati has its ways, just like the way Kyrie controls the ball like a yo-yo. With Zoom Turbo making a return, will the Kyrie 6 make its predecessors proud? Let’s find out.
Traction on the Kyrie 5 was good, however the traction on the Kyrie 6 is a major upgrade. Once you get past the coating material on the shoe, the shoe just clamps down. Multi-directional traction has this shoe ready for battle from the get-go. The rubber is soft (outdoor players be aware), however, the shoe grips well. The best thing about this shoe is that no matter how you plant your feet, you’re definitely covered.
Same setup as its predecessor. The Nike Zoom Turbo is used in the forefoot and it feels amazing. It’s even better because the shoe feels lower to the ground without sacrificing any stability. The added plus is the injected phylon used for the midsole itself and it feels responsive from the start. Smooth transitions, low ride, and responsive feedback are a great combination that create a nice ride.
The Kyrie 6 uses some textiles along with some genuine leather along the midfoot to give it a nice old school feel. The interior of the shoe is heavily padded, which is taken from skate shoes, to give you extra comfort. The shoe is finished off with the Zoom Turbo forefoot cushion along with injected Phylon and a soft rubber outsole for solid traction. The material usage overall is solid and the midfoot strap and extra leather along the midsole give it a 90s old school basketball vibe. A great combo.
Here’s where the minor struggle comes in. On the previous Kyrie 4 and Kyrie 5, I had to go up half a size, and unfortunately, for the Kyrie 6, it wasn’t available in the 1/2 size up of a 13.5. I had to use the 13. I will say if you wore cushioned socks, be prepared to scream in pain. I wore thin socks initially to break-in the shoe, which helped a tad bit, especially in the “less painful agony” part. After the shoe broke in, it hurt less. And while the shoe still felt tight, it was bearable to the point of being able to play aggressively and not feel worrisome.
Solid as long as you get your proper size. 360 degree traction, soft midsole, proper lockdown, an extra padded interior, and your foot sits directly on the footbed without any slippage.
If you liked balling in the Kyrie 4 or 5, then you’ll absolutely love the Kyrie 6. It’s not a big change between the models. However, it’s evolved into something much better. I wish I had a 13.5, but once broken in, the shoe was as fun as watching an aging Uncle Drew cross up the competition. I definitely suggest trying them on in-store before purchasing. Besides that, the evolution of the Kyrie line is here to stay and we’re quite impressed. Here’s to the next one.
28.11.2019.
Mizuno Wave Sky Waveknit 3 Performance Review
The Mizuno Wave Sky Waveknit 3 checks all of the technical boxes. It has a knit upper, a midsole combining two soft foams, an outsole built for durability, and a plush collar and tongue. It’s got the whole package to be a solid everyday running shoe. And if you’re not familiar with Mizuno as a running brand, this is a good place to start.
We tested the Mizuno Wave Sky Waveknit 3 from both a male and female perspective. This review is based on our experiences using the shoes for speed workouts, trail runs, treadmill training, long runs, casual wear, and more.
Let’s start the performance review by focusing on our favorite part of the shoe, the cushioning.
Cushion
Jodi: The cushioning system is pretty darn impressive. It’s a combination of XPOP PU foam and Mizuno Foam Wave. Every time I ran in the Sky Waveknit 3 I felt like I was flying down the road. They felt light and responsive. They’re one of those shoes where it’s hard to tell where your foot ends and they begin. It literally felt like they were one with my feet.
Drew: When I initially unboxed the Sky Waveknit 3, my eyes were immediately drawn to the cut out on the outsole that provides access to the XPOP foam. Just pushing it with my finger showed me it’s as bouncy as adidas Boost or Nike React. The Mizuno Foam Wave that carries and sits above the XPOP feels very plush, like Nike’s Cushlon or other soft EVA foams. Together, the package is extremely good at impact protection and giving your foot a nice bounce off the ground. This is a shoe that’s long run friendly. Your knees and back will take less of a pounding and recover quicker because of the cushioning package.
Traction
Jodi: The Sky Waveknit 3’s traction is solid. It’s everywhere on the outsole but broken up in all the right places to keep the shoe light and flexible. It’s carbon rubber reminds me of what Under Armour used on portions of the
UA Curry 7. Which begs the question, how durable is this setup? I’ll let Drew answer that…
Drew: This outsole is built to last. My pair has approximately 50 miles in them and looking at the outsole rubber you’d think I’ve run 3-5 miles in them. This outsole and cushioning system will most likely last 300-500 miles which isn’t a given in most of today’s running shoes.
One small note. Initially, the outsole didn’t grip very well on wet roads. It was only slight slippage with each footfall but it was noticeable. It got better over time as the outsole gained some miles but it’s something to be mindful of when taking your initial runs in them.
Support
Jodi: The Sky Waveknit 3 has the sturdiest heel counter I’ve ever encountered. You put them on and the shoe pretty much sucks your heel into place. And don’t worry, the heel counter is heavily padded so rubbing isn’t an issue.
Drew: I agree with Jodi on the heel counter. It’s super stiff and does it job well. The Waveknit itself is on the stiffer side so the upper holds up well to turns. On trail runs it still wasn’t quite enough containment in the forefoot. The heel was great so I tried them on trail. But because your foot doesn’t sit inside the midsole you can get over the edge in the forefoot. It’s better to avoid rocky or root-filled trails and stick to asphalt or gravel.
Materials
Jodi: Mizuno calls the upper’s material Waveknit. It’s very formed and tough. Where the Nike Epic React is pliable, stretchy, and thin, the Mizuno Wave Sky Waveknit 3 is the complete opposite. The only real stretch the shoes gave me were on the top of the toe box where the holes are larger to give you breathability. Because the rest of the shoe is so layered your feet don’t get much of a breeze outside the toe box. Side note: I don’t know if Drew noticed this, but the pattern on the toe box is shaped like a heart. Maybe I noticed this more because my shoes are bright red and I’m a girl…
Drew: It is a heart! If you look at the shoe top down from the front you can totally see it. On my grey pair I just thought it was a normal grouping of ventilation holes. Now it definitely appears a cheeky Mizuno designer snuck in a heart. I kinda like the personality. Most running shoes these days are all business.
Also, Jodi is right that the Waveknit is layered and thick. It’s different than knit from other brands but that means it’s also more supportive. It’s not what we’ve come to expect out of a knit but it’s an interesting change of pace. Want a thicker, more durable knit shoe? The Sky Waveknit 3 is perfect for you.
Fit
Jodi: Fit is where the shoe didn’t work for me. Lengthwise, the shoes are my true running size. Width was another story. I had to run with mine laced as loose as possible to give me some wiggle room. I could see my socks peeking through between the sides of the tongue and the upper due to how I had them laced (and the lockdown was still great!). I would feel amazing and light as I headed out for each run only to have my feet start swelling around mile 2 and be royally uncomfortable by mile 3. Anyone with even slightly wide feet should buy the wide version of the Sky Waveknit 3.
Drew: Even with my narrow feet, the Mizuno Wave Sky Waveknit 3 was tight. I generally like my shoes that way but I would recommend the wide version if you have anything other than narrow feet. As Jodi said, lengthwise they’re true to size. The Waveknit, despite being a thicker knit, flexes extremely well. The collar and tongue are also super padded with an almost memory foam material. As long as you get the right width, they’ll be comfortable.
Overall
Jodi: If you have a narrow foot, the regular width Mizuno Wave Sky Waveknit 3 would be fantastic. It’s built to be fast and light. All the potential is there. Unfortunately my feet needed the wide version. So if you’re a wide footer like me, just make sure you get the wide version.
Drew: The
nike kyrie 6 cushioning and durability are the big attractions. This is a shoe that will last you a lot of miles and be kind to your feet, knees, and lower back. Just make sure you know they run narrow so you can go wide (if needed).
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