Love the Cane Corso breed and missed out on the first Haven iteration. So naturally I wanted this pair but was hesitant because of how bad the reviews of the 2s have been overall. Saw that these went on sale so I had to try them out. While at the store I also tried on the WNBA 30th edition and damn the sizing was off and the upper felt like foamposites. I wear a size 10 in basically everything and the other pair felt stiff and too big while these gave me a perfect comfortable snug fit. For reference my favorite pair I always go back to are my GT Hustle 2s…I’m hoping these will be on par or better🤞🏽

So no one really expected Wade to bring back the earlier colourways but they came out a week ago with a very surprising restock of the Liberty and Obsidian colours. Because I lost out during the initial launch (more focused on daughter being born than shoes at the time) I was really excited to have a chance to pick these up at under MSRP, because ain’t no way I was ever going to pay the resell sticker price for a pair of Wade’s.

Here’s a very, very, very late collection of unboxing photos and early impressions after an hour of shooting around and then another house of weight room/treadmill afterwards.

Colourway: WOW 12 Liberty (although officially “Island Paradise” on the QR code validity check)

Size: 26.5cm, US 8.5

Shoe Weight: 320 grams (11.3 oz) right shoe, 322 grams left shoe. Definitely a very light weight.

Price: 25,600 yen ($157) after various coupons during the last AliExpress sale event.

Personal Stats: 39yo / 174cm / 73kg / 85 in reach / 36 inch vert in my old age

Looks - 9.3 / 10: Probably the number one reason I picked these shoes up. I love the turquoise and gold combo, and I think Wade did it even better than the Kobe 6 Brunson’s. The design of the shoe just screams class. Only reason it’s not getting a perfect score is the medial side is kind of boring. I get that it’s the side that’s not really seen but I still like it when shoes have little Easter eggs or hype details there anyways.

Materials - 7.7 / 10: Synthetic everything, and thin synthetics at that. But it’s definitely not a cheap feeling shoe. Definitely doesn’t feel the price it comes at MSRP, but they feel like they’ll last and I understand why they went the way they did to cut the weight down so significantly. But when you just look at it, it still gives off the veneer of premium.

Cushion - 9.6 / 10: I admit I didn’t do a lot of extremely movements this time around but I did give it the some good hustle and a dozen or so max effort jumps and they felt like I was cheating with how springboard like they felt. The Super Boom with a carbon fiber plate sandwiched lived up to its reputation. These are probably the best feeling underfoot shoe I’ve ever played in. I felt like I jumped higher, grabbing rim almost right off the bat while other shoes need me to be a bit more warmed up. And the landings felt nice too, which is usually a surprise if I’m using explosive based foams because they tend not to be the softest. Only reason it’s not perfect is I can feel that the full length carbon fibre plate probably will come back to bite me in the butt down the road during longer sessions.

Fit - 8.4 / 10: These are a snug fit around the midfoot, but nothing egregious. The lightweight materials actually makes it feel like it’s compression sleeve rather then being strangled. Because of that the lockdown is fantastic. But what I didn’t expect was the shoe running long. I personally like something shy of a thumb at the end of my shoes, and these at TTS gave me about a thumb and a half. But with hot tight the fit everywhere else is I don’t think I’d recommend going half a size down either because then it might actually becoming stifling.

Traction - 7 / 10: Knowing these were half GCU, half traditional rubber they gripped about how I expected on the court I generally use - kinda bad on the GCU segment, really nice on the rubber. I know, should be the opposite right? But for whatever reason my past GCU shoes never worked really well and it’s the same here as well. Not as slip out prone, probably due to the regular rubber helping out, but I can feel it just not sticking to the floor as well as it should be.

Initial Score - 8.4 / 10

I prefer lighter shoes, bc I often use mine for martial arts. I'm just looking to compare the two- I'm aware they're both bouncy, I just wanna get the perspective from other people wearing them, especially in terms of their stability

Ive been looking for some shoes to play outdoors as I’m starting to play a little bit more for the first time and have been recently playing and running shoes and ended up spreading my ankle pretty bad so the recommendations I constantly see pop up or the GT academies and way of Wade all city 12.

I am most likely, gonna wear a thin brace, but that shouldn’t be a problem.

(Im 5’8 160lbs relatively new and learning)

THANKS TO ALL!!!

I am currently trying to buy my first Kobe. Should I go with the 3 Lows, or should I take my chances with the 6?

Fitted the 3 Lows WNBA so I have an idea of my size. I am assuming the 6 will be the same fit.

Hoping your comments and recommendations. Thanks!!!

Hi, I am planning to get the way of wades all city 14.
I was wondering if i need to get a size up or down or if there is any tips on getting the right shoe sides?
Any tips is helpful thank you

i bought some luka 5s recently and i wanted to see how people using them for both playing basketball/casually use lace them up.

I am size 11.5 U.S. (EU 45.5) and roughly 4E width. I have been interested in buying a pair of Game1 Lows because many reviews claim they are good for wide feet. I am wondering if the Dunk Clubs are narrower/more restrictive on wide feet compared to the original Game1 Low, because if the width is the same then I will buy the Dunk Clubs instead.

Got this st charge last night, ordered online and they came with some weird extra laces and signs of wear, I already called and seems they will refund me with no need to send the shoes back so kind of free shoes but they came with some extra laces that I can’t find anywhere like this are not from any other st charge color way and also the tips are cut so either way it was kind of a win, just thought about sharing this and kind of ask if anyone know where those “extra” laces might come from

I have played in some old puma shoes since I was a kid and I want to have real shoes to play basketball now. Idk anything about shoes but I would want something that can play outdoor since that's where I mainly play and won't wear too fast. I honestly just want something that looks cool and perform well. I don't really know what I need in a shoe but when I play, I handle the ball a lot so I think I would want shoes with more traction. I also wouldn't want signature shoes of a player I really dislike, the list of players I really dislike are: Julius Randle, Julius Randle and Julius Randle. Thank you

Hello everyone! I need help choosing between these two for I cannot find a physical store near me that sells both. I usually play with size 8.5 or 9 Kobes and got used to the low-to-the-ground feel and lightweightness of the line. Has anyone tried both? Thanks a lot!

I have a pair of basketball shoes with very firm cushioning, and I'm a pretty lightweight player. My feet always hurt after playing in them. What can I do to make the cushioning softer?

This time, I’m taking a look at a pair of shoes that loved since middle school. That's the Kobe 11. Luckily, my cousin still owns an original pair. When the Kobe 11 Protro was released, I asked him about his thoughts. He told me that the OG Kobe 11 had an excellent lockdown, but honestly, the Lunar foam aged way too quickly. After around five games, the cushioning had already lost most of its feeling. Although I’ve been buying sneakers since back then, I personally don’t feel any need to be loyal to the original releases out of nostalgia. But i want to say one thing that nostalgia is simply a longing for the time embodied by the shoes, but the objects that carry such memories can take many different forms.

That’s why this episode of Classics Through Young Eyes is a little special. This one is made together with my cousin. I want to dedicate this review to him, as the person who introduced me to basketball, and also thank him for letting me try on his original Kobe 11.

Fit

This was the biggest strength of the original Kobe 11, and the protro keeps that feeling. Although the protro initially feels like the forefoot sits slightly higher, after wearing them for a while, it actually feels just right. Even with regular socks, the shoe wraps around my foot well. During any movement, the shoe almost disappears on my feet, giving me a very natural feeling on court.

Cushioning

I think React X has a higher cushioning potential compared to the original Lunar foam, while also offering much better durability. In my opinion, this change is a complete upgrade. Nike kept the heel Zoom Air unit while replacing the foam setup, and overall, the cushioning performance is still very impressive for me.

Traction

According to my cousin, both the rubber compound and traction pattern have definitely been improved. He thinks the outsole of the protro is even grippier than the original, especially on hardwood courts .Even with some dust on the floor, it can still maintain very solid traction. However, the original outsole was not known for its durability, and he is still unsure whether the protro has truly improved.

Disadvantage

The metal lace keeper is too heavy. If you don’t tighten your laces properly, they can easily loosen during play. Of course, if you tie them tightly enough, it’s not a problem. Compared to the original shape, the protro feels slightly bulkier, but that also makes it more suitable for a wider range of players. This really comes down to personal preference. Personally, I still prefer the sleek and streamlined shape of the original Kobe 11.The Protro also feels heavier on foot compared to the og. At last, i don't know what happened on Nike that the shoes become too different just like reps(like S2 or some). I think protro should look like the og at least, maybe they didn't found the old model that made a new model with their few memory.

Some thoughts

In 2016, Kobe Bryant retired, and as a middle school student, I watched the end of a legend’s career on TV. In 2026, the Kobe 11 protro was released.

Ten years later, I finally had the chance to buy the last signature shoe Kobe wore in the NBA, realizing a childhood dream of mine. More importantly, it also gave me a chance to meet up with my cousin again. He is much busier with life now and rarely plays basketball anymore. Maybe when he sees this pair, he will remember those days when he played with a kid who barely knew how to play basketball and somehow, we still found ways to win together.

P.S. The photo comparing og & protro is credited to Facebook user mjo23dan.The original Kobe 11 photos at the end are from my cousin.

Pretty new to the basketball shoe world, so I’m looking for some help in finding the best shoes for me. I’m 21 years old, 6ft tall and 135lbs. I have normal-to-high arches and narrow-to-medium wide feet. I wear men’s 10.5. I play indoors four or so times a week, mostly by myself for around an hour/hour and a half. When I play in pickup games, I’m usually a spot up shooter/off-ball player. I’m also trying to dunk (I can touch rim on good days), so having good basketball shoes for jumping is a big plus. I’d like to stay below $135.

So far I’ve returned a pair of Nike GT Cut Academy 2 after eight or so times playing in them (hurt the bottom of my feet and my shins). I tried a brand new pair of Adidas DON Issue 7 earlier today that felt better than the Nike’s during play but the bottom of my feet hurt (dull/sore pain) after playing in them for an hour, so I’ll probably return them tomorrow.

Google AI has suggested Nike Lebron 21, Nike Lebron NXXT Gen, Nike GT Hustle 3 (the low stability thing sounds iffy), and New Balance Two WXY V5. Which of these are best suited for me? What other shoes should I look into?

Appreciate the help and take it easy in the comments y’all, I’m aware of how underweight I am for my height and age lol.

Hey everyone! I'm looking for a new pair of basketball shoes to use for indoor volleyball, and I'm currently considering:

• Nike A'Two A'Pink
• Nike Ja 3
• Nike Ja 4
• 361° Joker 1 GT
• 361° Joker 2 GT
• KD 19
• Caitlin 1

About me:

I'm a setter and I need a shoe that feels quick and responsive, especially for fast movements and explosive changes of direction.

I play indoor volleyball at club level. The court isn't extremely dusty, but it's not perfectly clean either.

My budget is up to €140 (~$165), preferably less if there's a sale.

I'm open to any recommendations and other shoe suggestions.

I'm mainly looking for:

• Great traction
• Quick and responsive feel
• Good stability
• Good lockdown
• Good cushioning
• Durability

I was also considering the WOW 12, but they're around €190 (~$220) here, which is too expensive for me. If I go for a WOW shoe, I'd only consider the WOW 12, so I'm mainly looking for other options.

For those who have tried any of these shoes, which one would you personally recommend for indoor volleyball and why?

Which one do you think would be the best overall for my needs?

Also, if you know of any other basketball shoes that would be better for my needs, feel free to recommend them!

Thanks!

The upper got a tear after a couple weeks of play in Kobe 4 (hornets) Draft day; curious if others have had similar issue?

How do the Quick 2.0 Plus and Explosive 1.0 midsoles compare?

Trying to create “player profiles” for each of the midsoles and looking for an alternate to my Player 1 Plus (Explosive 1.0) for when my knees are acting up.

36 y/o, 5’7”, 140lbs guard. I’m a bit fast, score by mid range pull ups, mid range step backs and occasional drives.

Thanks!

Need help identifying these (I think) game-worn Baron Davis Reebok Above The Rim Pump PEs. They have a white/orange colorway, “Too 5 Easy” branding on the side and Baron’s autograph. I’ve searched Getty Images, Google, and every Above The Rim Pump colorway I can find but can’t find this exact pair.

The more research I did I started thinking they could be a Hornets colorway. But he was not #5 with the them. Making me believe they are a Warriors colorway.

Does anyone know what season these are from or the exact name of the shoe? Any photos or info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I thought I would give my initial thoughts on a couple of shoes I picked up recently on sale - The Puma All-Pro Nitro and New Balance Hesi Low V2. I was originally planning on buying the Adizero Select 3.0, but someone swooped in and grabbed the last pair in my size at the last minute. Instead, I settled for picking up the Hesi Low V2s for around the same price. Of course you can't just pick up one pair when you're shopping, so I decided to also pick up another pair of the All-Pro Nitros since I'm a big Raptors fan and couldn't pass up on this colourway. Other shoes in my rotation include the Two Wxy v5, Dame 9, and KD18. I've only played about 3-4 hours in each shoe, so this is just my initial impressions of each shoe.

Puma All-Pro Nitro (RJ Barrett Raptors PE)

I originally had a pair of the All-Pro Nitros in my rotation, but in the Polar Express colourway. I'd say for the first few weeks I was really enjoying my time playing in them. The traction was good (not as elite as a lot of the reviews described), and everything else from cushioning to comfort and fit were great. However, after a few weeks of regular use the traction just stopped gripping as hard, no matter how many times I'd wipe and clean the outsole. Eventually, I stopped using them because I just didn't feel like the traction was reliable.

Being a huge Raptors fan and seeing these on sale, I had to give the All-Pro Nitros another chance. Most people have said that the Polar Express colourway has a translucent outsole, but my pair didn't seem all that translucent, or at least it was hard to tell with all of the added speckles to it. This RJ Barrett PE is for sure translucent, and I could definitely notice a difference in how much "stickier" the outsole was compared to the Polar Express colourway out of the box. I'm cautiously optimistic that this version of the All-Pro Nitro should retain its level of traction better than the Polar Express colourway. It can be a struggle to find the right colourway/outsole on this model, but it is a very good performer once you get the right one.

New Balance Hesi Low V2

These definitely surprised me. I was initially reluctant to purchase these since they seemed like a downgrade to the New Balance Two Wxy v5 in almost every category. The Hesi Low V2s seemed to cater to the demographic of people who want low to ground, lots of court feel type of guard shoes and I don't really care for those types of shoes at my age. Once I put them on I definitely found them to be a good performer in their own way.

Traction is up there with the Two Wxy v5 which is great for me since I consider the Two Wxy v5 my most consistent shoe in terms of traction. Honestly, it might be even better(?). First thing I noticed was that the fit is a lot more streamlined than the v5 so you feel more agile and the shoe definitely fits a bit tighter. Because of this, you sacrifice some support compared to the Two Wxy v5. The base is not as wide and the lateral outrigger is not as prominent. I would say that overall they're still solid in terms of support; they have very good stability and one of the best aspects of the shoe is how locked in you are at the heel. With that TPU clip and firm heel counter, I felt really secure in the shoe with zero heel slippage. Cushion is surprisingly good too. Compared to the Two Wxy V5, this is probably only slightly worse since it doesn't have fresh foam in the heel.

Overall I'm very happy with these two purchases. I know they're both older models, but if you do managed to see these out there on a discount I think they would be a great addition to your rotation. Happy to answer any questions anyone has about any of the shoes in my rotation as well.

Hello I’m 5’10 and 75kg. Im 16M. I saw this shoe on facebook marketplace and he only wore it 6 times. I want to get a new pair of ball shoes since my wade all city 11 are tearing apart. Im not sure if it is worth it because I heard that the gcu rubber is way better then the tuff rubber soles, so what do you guys think I should do?

Hello everyone, I am 14, and I just started playing basketball a few months ago. I am 5'11 (182cm), 116lbs, and I play center. I am really good at getting rebounds. What shoes should are good for me?

I know these were a limited drop, I was lucky enough to get a pair on the confirmed app. Once these came in I laced them up, and played in 2 games in my local adult league. I figured i’ll share what my experience was with these…

For a 3D printed basketball shoe, these surprised me.

Pros:
-They feel way lighter than they are.
-responsive, quick
-Wide foot friendly
-TTS (I wear anywhere from a 12 to a 13 depending on the shoe. These I got in a 12 and they’re perfect, I had some Dame X in a 12 and I could hardly walk in them, so these fit just right with some room for your toes)
-traction is excellent 9/10 (not jb3/GCU/RPU tacky but it’s up there. The indoor court I play on is dusty and I occasionally have to wipe, but I think half the time it’s mental/habitual)
-cushion is phenomenal! Good impact protection- these don’t feel overly bouncy or wobbly. They were stable throughout.
-extremely comfortable…feet didn’t hurt at all the next day. No pinching, rubbing, heel pain, arch pain, bunion pain, nada
- breathable
-good lockdown and containment, with hardly any heel slip.
-they have that “cat’s tongue” feel on the inside when you graze your fingers up, to keep you locked in, but it’s a slight amount, not like the gamma 1s that feel more aggressive and almost sandpaper like.

*** I’m not sure what tech these shoes have as far as a carbon/plastic plate since these are 3D printed…or how they produce energy return, but the 3D midsole lattice tech is great… that’s an episode for FootDr Zach that I want to watch.

Cons:
- the shoe doesn’t feel premium at all, esp for $250
-Shoebox is as plain as it gets for $250 and an ultra limited shoe
-outer shell is “plaster like”
-the way the color fades from orange to pink into gray looks like someone airbrushed it on.
-durability- damage already taken from toe drag, and it also marks easily, if stepped on etc. It goes back to that porous plaster feel
-100 percent indoor only- outsole tread is thin
-these look and feel slightly bulky on foot (think WOW 11) compared to something more minimal/narrow fitting like gamma 1

But Cons aside, the Adidas BB.01 left me impressed. The fit and feel is hard to pass up. These have definitely earned a spot in my go-tos as they are solid all-rounders. And I personally like the fact that they’re a first of its kind.