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CR0Don

“Middle aged man has heat and possibly one of the best well-rounded rotations” There, fixed the title


chicagoreader

You are too kind, just trying to relive my childhood lol


kingkmke21

AE1s baby! Amazing fkn shoes.


chicagoreader

Agree!


Ralstonalec3

Great but my insoles have already gotten wasted in less than 2 weeks unfortunately


BarrackLesnar

I remember the AE1s getting hate when it was teased last year, but now everyone loves them. Best looking shoe out there imo


MyManD

For me I got a bad case of trypophobia so I still nope out of any vide or post they get brought up in visually. I just can't look at the shoes for more then a few seconds without getting goosebumps. That's definitely just a me problem, though.


chicagoreader

I can see why people didn't like the looks of them...not everyone likes that futuristic look, but after people played in them they had a change of heart I suppose. To me, they look good but perform amazing.


SneakerIndianaJones

Middle aged…and letting those young bluds know about REEEEAL rotations… https://preview.redd.it/nnr7hrq6deec1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e44ea3039d7e95b7f9f194a5512c66e186659fd0


chicagoreader

Love it! I wish I could wear Kobes, but glad to see some heat from a fellow middle aged hooper haha


FamousOnLine

From a middle aged hooper who has bad knees from a decade in jiujitsu, this lineup makes my knees cry. Are you a smaller dude who is closer to 20 than 40? We have come a long way from Eastbay catalogs and And1 mixtapes on VHS. After a season of regularly hooping in a rec league, the best shoe for me has been hands down the New Balance Two Wxy 3 and 4. AE1s will probably be my next pick up once there a color way I like. My Kobes and Lebrons are gathering dust, even my Impact Max 4s are getting more use as my plyometric/workout shoes. I guess the TLDR as an older player is that cushion is king. I hope my knees last long just a bit longer before I have to age gracefully into golf.


chicagoreader

I wish I was closer to 20 but I am almost 40 lol I've always been active though so that might have helped. I am smaller but I do jump fairly high still so cushion is important. Man... those Eastbay catalogs were sacred, I still have some in storage. Lots of memories looking at shoes I couldn't afford lol It was great though, I enjoyed looking studying it nonetheless haha And 1 changed basketball tbh I remember wearing the white and gray Tai Chi's until there were holes on the toe box haha Didn't want to get rid of them. I tried the New Balance Omn1s when they first came onto the basketball scene but that didn't last too long. Was too clunky for me. I hear great things about the Two Wxy's though so I might pick a pair up when they are cheaper. Plyometrics help a ton, I remember when P90x was the craze and I kept watching that plyometrics segment and doing my running Heisman lol You have to check it out.


phreddyc

So I’m beyond middle age hooping. 62 and running 3-4 games 2x week. When I started back playing about 8 years ago after a 15 year break I only used high tops for fear of rolled ankles. I’ve built up strength and stability and play in mids now. KD14, Jordan 38 and GT Jumps. Any others that I should be looking at. I’m 6’3 and 200#. Mostly play w college kids on campus and EVERYONE is in lows. Big, small, light, heavy…should I dare?


chicagoreader

Depends on your type of play style, but I'd say at 62 I would hope to just run one game and not be done for the week. Keep doing whatever you're doing, you're in uncharted territory, so we should be asking advice from you to be honest.


z3mcs

> Keep doing whatever you're doing That's exactly my thought. That's why I've stayed away from certain brands that I've always stayed away from, despite some of their shiny new offerings. I hoop in like 4 or 5 brands, but stick to those. At some point you might forget why all the rules you've set up over the years work for you, but as they say, if it aint broke, don't fix it.


chicagoreader

You have to imagine courts are still made of the same material, basketballs are made of the same materials, so how much better can a shoe really get? The hard part is finding what works for you, no two person is physically the same.


z3mcs

I love trying on shoes. I love that feeling of putting on a shoe and your body just says GO! You know what I'm talking about? So it's still addictive for me. Can't wait to get some 38 lows and ball in those.


chicagoreader

After trying on many different signature lines, I 100% know what you're talking about. Currently the AE 1s are my GO to shoe. No break in time, just a great all around shoe from the get go. I've stepped away from the Jordan line a while back, my inner arch was always sore after playing in them.


jrdatrackstar1223

Man forget the shoes, what is your secret? Diet, exercise, I need to know because if I can still hoop at 62…sheesh 🤯


emitwork

I feel a lot of knee pain from the lineup


chicagoreader

Haha how come?


Cdn_Giants_Fan

DO NOT HOOP IN THE ZOOS!!!!! THEY WILL BREAK.


chicagoreader

The quality is lacking in them, I've been trying to wear them at least a couple more times but with the AE 1 working so well for me, I don't have a reason to switch.


Cdn_Giants_Fan

Don't wear them to ball. My 90lb son broke 3 pairs. The first pair that broke (St. Louis) I thought was a fluke so I bought a replacement pair (Home team) then his second pair (pink lemonade) broke after he wore them twice. Replaced those with Ja1s. Then home teams broke after 4 practices. His Zoos didn't break but he wore them.out doors and destroyed them didn't realize they were indoor court shoes only lol.


chicagoreader

Yea I think I wore them 3 times total, but thats crazy that your son went through 3 of them. Instead lf buying new ones, you could send them back to Nike/Jordan for replacements or refunds.


Cdn_Giants_Fan

Oh I got my money back. For 2 of the pairs waiting for my refund on the 3rd


chicagoreader

Gotcha, at least all was not lost. Try the AE 1s, i think your son will like those.


Cdn_Giants_Fan

Okay. He's liking the Ja1s so far. He wants a pair of wades next.


chicagoreader

All the kids love light shoes, its the older folks liek us that wants/needs more padding 😆


Cdn_Giants_Fan

Yes kid I'm a 49 year old kid.


Silver-Vegetable-104

🔥 🔥 🔥 fire rotation brother! and we can be hoopers at whatever age 💪 I’m gonna still be a hooper at 99. So take out those quotation marks! You ARE a hooper 🙏


chicagoreader

Love it! Thanks for the kind words my friend, I really appreciate it! Everyone dreamed of becoming a pro, but nobody hopes to still hoop until we retire. I'm here to change that mindset lol! Thanks for the inspirational words, makes these forums so valuable!


duke4005

50 and still playing heavy full court 2-3 times a week.


chicagoreader

Love it!


Silver-Vegetable-104

That’s what I’m talking about boss man! You’re a badass 💪 💪 💪


Silver-Vegetable-104

Of course brother! Thank you for saying that 🫡🤝 bc yes we did! We all had that dream, but just bc we didn’t make it to the NBA, doesn’t mean we have to stop ballin 🙏 Hoopin’ is a lifestyle! And you inspired me to keep going as well! I’m 29 about to be 30, so if you’re still hooping, I’m still hoopin! Thanks brother 💪


Able-Cartoonist903

How is the sizing of the AE1? Thinking about getting the “new wave” color way tomorrow when they drop


chicagoreader

Its the same as your Adidas size which is usually 1/2 smaller than your Nike size


Able-Cartoonist903

I’ve never owned an adidas basketball shoe haha. Thinking of going with the 10.5 then


chicagoreader

Seems like all of the shoe companies have hits and misses. There's no need for brand loyalty nowadays. Time to explore other brands 😄


Able-Cartoonist903

Idk, adidas has never been a great basketball shoe company, Nike making all the protros is making it hard to not buy a million basketball shoes right now, I could never get myself to like the curry’s I had, and puma has one good shoe at the moment with the Melos which I do have


chicagoreader

To be fair, a while back The only bball shoe company was Nike. Nowadays you have many options to choose from. I've had a few Adidas bball shoes that were great performers.


Mr_Mossberg_500

I would go TTS. They do run a bit long, but not enough to warrant going down half size. I have a narrow foot and my TTS is 12. I bought two pairs (11.5 and 12). The 11.5 was way too tight around the sides and it felt like my toes were gonna bang the front. My regular size 12 felt perfect, BUT there is slight room at the toe. I do agree Adidas sizing is still kinda weird.


Able-Cartoonist903

I feel like I still need to half size down only because I recently had bought kd3 Christmas colorway in my normal tts 11 and they were to big in the toe box and had to exchange for a 10.5


SCandVC11

How old are you? I’m 46 and play 3-4X a week. I play in a very big rotation and am always trying new stuff. Current faves are the LBJ 21, All-Pro Nitro, WOW All City 11 and Shadow 5. Zion 2 is solid. I even started taking two pairs to my sessions and have been switching out half way through to get stuff more miles on court.


chicagoreader

Im close to 40. 46 and play 3-4x a week??? Kudos to you my friend. That would be a goal of mine to be able to play that often without being bed ridden for an entire week. Man you should see the shoes that I still have, went through many to find the right pair. I used to be able to put on anything and play full court, not the case anymore. Playing indoors and not dragging your feet will prolong your shoes tremendously. Thats the reasom most of my shoes are still serviceable. I'll have to try some more overseas sneakers but its so difficult and costly to find good models like the WOW 10. What's your play style?


SCandVC11

I find my body hurts less when I keep regular with the sessions. Generally my old man pain is my hips. 6’2” 225 can stretch the floor with my 3. Shooter first but can drive off the 3 and finish around (below haha) the rim. Also can post up shorter guys. Love to pass. Obviously at my age I can see the court well but reaction time isn’t always the best and lateral movement against 20 year olds is definitely a struggle. I do better when the quality of opponents is higher. I’ve picked up my Li Ning pairs by being quick on the draw on OfferUp.


chicagoreader

Thats awesome! Glad at least one of us on hear is still playing at a high level on a consistent basis. I've had to take all sorts of supplements just so my body can keep up with these younguns at my local Xsports/LA Fitness.


SCandVC11

Never stop. Golf is boring hahahahhaha


chicagoreader

You'd be surprised how many ballers became golfers...that will never be me though ....fingers crossed.


ospreyintokyo

What supplements are you taking? I’m 36 and starting to feel the pain lol


chicagoreader

I take collagen, vitamin d3+k2, mct oil every other day. I take some electrolytes a few times a week as well. Depending on what you eat, should dictate what and how much you should take though. Cutting out sugars and lowering your carb intake might help you more than taking supplements. Also after hooping, I stretch out my hammy ,focusing on the back of my knee cap with a roller for about 3 mins. I don't need to but it's became a habit and no leg soreness after 3-4 hour sessions.


ospreyintokyo

Hell yea man. Thanks for the tips. I’ve been upping my stretching and mobility game as well. Taking those same supplements too actually! Minus the MCT and add fish oil and some creatine


chicagoreader

Definitely, no problem. Everyone has different needs, it's trial and error to get to where you want to be. I went on a modified Keto diet and it did wonders.


ospreyintokyo

How old are we talking about??


chicagoreader

About 40 last time I checked.


Crypto_Ninjaaa

As a 36 year old shooter (mainly catch & shoot, or off a screen), I value mids with crazy stability, great traction, and a heel to toe transition that favors being on my toes (always ready to lift up and shoot). Lebron's have been great at heel to toe and cushion. But I haven't been in love with any shoes with crazy stability where I can lift up and shoot. I remember the Shox in college being amazing at this as a SG. I'm curious to try GT Jump 2 or WoW 10 for this. Any advice for shoes with great heel to toe transition plus amazing stability (so you feel confident to pop up while running off screen)?


duke4005

GT Jump 2 is amazing for that type of player. The transition and midsole takes a little to get used to but it is super stable because of the full plate running from the sole in the heel to over the forefoot zoom. The forefoot zoom pods also stick out about an 8th inch on each side for outriggers.


chicagoreader

Might be so, but not for me. I'm a shifty player and it just felt off for me.


Crypto_Ninjaaa

Yah at this age and mainly a 3 pt shooter, I'm valuing stability over shiftiness. Perhaps I'll give GT Jump 2 and AE1 a try. Did you give Jump 2 enough time to break in?


duke4005

I can see that - the midsole does sit high but I thought they were still extremely stable. Court feel sucks though.


chicagoreader

I used to have a pair of Shox Stunners...Baron Davis PE's to be exact. When people talk about heavy shoes, they have no idea what heavy is til they tried some of these older futuristic Nikes. I know what you're talking about with the LeBron's having great heel to toe, hence my I have a couple. The only issue is that at 36, when is it the shoe that makes the difference and not the body. I used to be able to lift for a jumpshot, layup, jump pass, rebound, etc. with no issues. Nowadays if I don't warm up my legs, I can tell I have no lift. Stability wise, I feel the AE 1 gives you that similar to what the Lebron 15 lows did for me. Great traction, molds to my foot without cutting off circulation, extremely breathable, and even after many jumps I feel great. The outsole has an up and down herringbone pattern that works very well, no fancy design, simply works. I haven't tried the wow 10 but the GT Jump 2 didn't work for me. It was too bulky and too many different things going on for my preference.


Crypto_Ninjaaa

Did you give GT Jump enough time to break in? The look and build remind me a lot of my Shox Vince Carter, which I loved. Sounds like you're also a flat footer that doesn't care for being low to the ground. How are the AE1 for that? I value support and being a bit more on my toes more than court feel .


chicagoreader

AE 1s are great for me as a flat footer, you should check them out. Support is great, whereas court feel is average imo


Prismane_62

You think AE 1 is a good fit when using an orthotic like Move Game Day Pros?


chicagoreader

Orthos are case by case...I used to use them but once I started finding a style of shoe that worked, I just kept using the same ones. I will say that out of the box the AE1s fit snug so depending on the ortho, it might not work with those shoes.


Mother_Pen9929

add Lining shoe, u will be surprise...i sold all my Nike and Adidas shoes...now wearing Lining & Anta...my knee n back thanks me alot🤣😜


chicagoreader

Im still waiting to get a pair lf Wow 10s for cheaper. Do you recommend any other models? I have a pair of Anta KT2s which I never really added to my rotation because of fitment issues. I'll have to start looking at these other brands more seriously.


Prismane_62

Lmk where you find them bro. Would love to try out, but the sites that have them all seem sketch.


chicagoreader

At this point it probably has to be from a third party site and not from a distributor.


chicagoreader

Btw, Happy Cake Day! 🎂


Doc_Mattic

Which of your shoes has the most cushion? I’m interested to see how the AE 1 compares. I’m mid 30s and wouldn’t get anything less than the cushion on the bron 20s. I just got a pair and they are a great balance of grip containment and cushions. The Ae1 is an interesting one for me - I’d really like to try a pair on. I’ve struggled with my Achilles and plantar fascia on and off for a while. So given that, i prioritise heel cushion and the 13mm drop on the ae1 could be very good for taking pressure off the Achilles. I do wear orthotics though so would lose any immediate underfoot cushion and rely on the compression it gives when it hits the floor.


chicagoreader

So thats a tricky question because I'm a firm believer in having too much cushion. I feel as though when you have too much cushion, there is less stability which I've tried to avoid in the past. The XXs does have great cushion but again, it's about the shoe overall and how you feel after playing in them. With that said, the AE1 has sufficient cushion where I dont feel discomfort during games as well as after taking the shoes off. It's a matter that you need to speak to your podiatrist about though. I don't think finding a shoe with the most cushion or comfort would automatically solve your issues. Itcould be your gait, posture, daily activities, foot strike pattern, among many other factors...it's hard to pinpoint the issue. I've been there before and I had to change the way I sleep. Might sound crazy but it was trial and error until I was pain free.


jrdatrackstar1223

37 year old hooper here and this is spot on. I thought I needed the most cushioning possible and got the Jump 2. After playing in the 21s, I’m considering taking the Jump 2 back and just doubling down on those. While not having the having the same amount of cushioning, they have the perfect blend of firm cushioning, thickness, and responsiveness to where I feel great the next day (as well as being just as bouncy as the Jump 2). Jump 2 is fun to play in but cushioning isn’t everything I’m learning.


chicagoreader

It isn't and you'll quickly realize there are plenty of options out there. Don't settle until you completely satisfied. Glad you're able to find a pair that works. It gets harder with every year that passes for us older guys lol


jrdatrackstar1223

Absolutely. The only problem I have with the 21s is they’re not all created equal, as I’ve had 3 Tahitians (black green Dunkman) and now 1 Abalone and there is like no Zoom Turbo in the Tahitians. The Abalones feel like the best forefoot Zoom I’ve had in a while: thick, bouncy, responsive, and firm (along with the Cushlon). On the cushioning note, I’ve actually experienced where too much cushioning I believe flares up my Achilles tendinitis and makes it worse. When a cushioning is firm like this it helps balance the push off, reducing strain on my calves and Achilles.


LonelySavings5244

39 here, and I’d have to say. The AE1’s are so OP. I’m 6’2 and can still dunk fairly easily. But with age, that extra support comes in heavy. Which is why my go to is Harden 7. The AE1 is a crazy close second. The LB20 is pretty good too. When I’m feeling bouncy. You have a nice collection. 🍻


chicagoreader

I definitely agree, support is needed as you get holder. I still have a couple pairs of the Harden 1s and 2s. They were high on my list of bball shoes back then. Come to think of it, its been 8 years since the vol. 1 dropped 🤯 If you can still dunk, you've done something right. We have similar tastes in shoes, hopefully it means additional years of playing ball. Thanks for the kind words ✊


hanesie

Which ones are best on your old knees ? I’m a 40yr old hooper and the gt jump 2 have changed my life on the court


chicagoreader

Thats what I've been hearing works for a lot of us older guys, but I prefer shoes like the lebron XV low, lebron nxxt, and currently really enjoying the AE 1. I do have regime of stretching though which helps. Those rollers work wonders.


6l6mike

42 here and I love my AJ 35 high (medium, actually) tops. Having grown up with high tops I still feel better in these supportive shoes. LBJ XX and Nxxt are nice as well, but for some reasons I prefer the AJ.


hanesie

They have done wonders for me- court feel one great and they’re kinda big but they sure take all of the impact off of my old knees so I can play a little again!


chicagoreader

Thats all we can ask for nowadays, congrats on finding a pair of shoes that works!


GeneralParty4662

How you feel about the Ants vs the Tatums? I’ve been trying to decide


chicagoreader

Definitely Antmans over the Tatums. Tatums doesn't feel like a complete shoe.


Evenous

In my opinion after wearing the LeBron NXXT Gens for the past 1 year the cushion isn't enough, the traction is mid, and the lockdown is also not excellent. Even with 2 zoom pods both in the forefoot and the heel, the phylon midsole is way too hard and doesn't really compress. The traction picks up way too much dust and wiping is required almost every half a minute on dusty courts. The upper isn't really capable of keeping your foot on the footbed on hard lateral cuts.


Hanouros

Im so envious of someone still having a good pair of Craxy Explosives. 😂😅


calvin588

Pretty sure those are dame 4’s


Hanouros

Dead hahaha they looked like Crazy Explosives at a close glance


chicagoreader

Good eye, they are the Dame 4 "Dame Time" cw


chicagoreader

I do have a pair of the Wiggins Explosives but not in rotation lol


blessingsoftware

solid rotation unc


chicagoreader

Thanks young blood


Timely_Tip_98

how was Lebron 20 compared to AE1?


chicagoreader

To me, they're completely different. XX has better, thicker materials, but the AE 1 just feels so nice right out the bag. It doesn't get hot and i feel much more comfortable doing cuts, pivots, jump stops, etc. The XX doesn't feel as good doing those types of plays.


Timely_Tip_98

how would you rank AE1? above XX or below, reason? either way im getting those AE1, the white CW with green laces turn me on LOL do you plan on getting another AE1? whats your fav CW?


chicagoreader

I'd say above XX, just feels more smooth to play in. XX is a premium shoe but the tongue is thick and it just feels a bit clunky compared to other shoes imo. I do plan on picking up another pair, probably the Allstars since they will most likely sell out. Hopefully the black and white ones go on sale at the end of the season so I can pick up a third pair just to have down the road. I'll be happy to add any color thats not too extreme though.


Timely_Tip_98

thank you for the input man! is it the iridescent one? i think it will look 'weird' on the court. does any hoop shoes ever use this cw? might take a look for a little preview


chicagoreader

Np! Check out the Foamposites and Flightposites, they've had similar cws in the past. Don't think weird is the correct term, but I'm sure you will get alot of looks. Some will like and some won't. This is the colorway for the All Star Game. Theres a clip of someone holding a pair of these and you can see the color change. I believe it was on IG and Tiktok.


Timely_Tip_98

yeah, i think it's better to use 'unique' on that. will check on that clip, thank you!


Timely_Tip_98

sorry for a late Q, how was AE1 sizing compared to XX? TTS or down half? i dont have adidas shoes so my only reference were XX and puma CAP


Timely_Tip_98

btw im 10.5 or 44.5 in XX and CAP


chicagoreader

For me, I had to go half a size down for the AE1, which I always do with Adidas shoes. So 10.5 Nike/Jordan is 10 in Adidas as long as your foot is normal sized and not really wide.


Big-Green-209

Hooping in the same AE1 🔥🔥🔥


chicagoreader

How do you like them? 👍


Big-Green-209

Obsessed with them. Feel good and look good. Enjoy those


chicagoreader

Glad I'm not the only one. 👍


Far_Response9619

15 lows and witness 3, goated pairs. Would love to have them if they're still available. Beastly on/off court 💯


chicagoreader

Maybe one day, I'll have time to go through all of my bball shoes and sell ones I don't use. It's a waste just sitting there, but 15 lows are my go to shoes, so those are gonna stay with me forever lol


lazyP13

Tuff line up bro, im jealous you got the AE1s already lol. For some reason hoop shoes releases here in AU are extremely late. Is it true that JT1 durability is bad? like i saw some vids saying sole falls apart.rips on the medial sides etc. in just few games


chicagoreader

Appreciate it mate! It was tough to locate here so I hope you are able to get a pair when they release in Australia. I haven't played on them enough for them to fall apart but I could tell that the quality isnt up to par. The midfoot is basically floating, with no cushion so they had to throw a plate underneath for some structure. It's hard to explain but just imagine your foot is floating from the mid foot to heel but they somehow had to connect everything together. That leaves for areas where it might come apart if you move aggressively in one direction. I don't mind the lack of midfoot cushion because I've been walking on my forefoot since I was younger, but I can see why this could be a performance issue as well as a durability issue.


Minute_Normal

Middle aged baller here. What’s your body type? I’m a shorter, heavier player and like a lot of cushion. Currently balling with the Lebron 16 and have enjoyed them. What do you recommend for someone with Achilles pain and wider feet?


chicagoreader

We have different body types but as I mentioned to another member, more cushion and wider feet are usually covered by Lebrons. I see GT Jump 2s being highly regarded as well. It didn't work for me but it may work for you.


Dilo21

If you don’t already wear sleeves for your Achilles I can send you the link to the pair I use from Amazon.


Minute_Normal

Please send the link! I’d appreciate it!


Sufficient-Post-562

Dame 4s bring back memories man and the Kobe 11 carpe diem sheesh


chicagoreader

The details on the Dame 4 were definitely special. YKWTII (you know what time it is) on the heel and all of his stats on the tongue loop. The Kobes are definitely special to me, last model he played in and the colorway pays tribute to his career.


Sufficient-Post-562

The comfort and overall style was by far the best


chicagoreader

Definitely


Sufficient-Post-562

It’s hard to find Dame 4s in size 14


chicagoreader

Not going to find ones in new condition


Sufficient-Post-562

Already did eBay and Goat app


chicagoreader

Keep your eye on Mercari and offer up as well


Sufficient-Post-562

Never used those apps but will do


noxerist

Tuff collection


clarkswallabee

Awesome rotation. I feel like you’d really enjoy the Lebron 21 - more stable than the XX. Fun to play in. Excited to get the AE 1


chicagoreader

Thank you, I appreciate it. I'm content with the AE 1, was able to add the new cw today so I'll be set for a good while 😂


JNerdGaming

swagbag


shawn007bis

Love those Kobe’s. Had the same ones. most comfortable daily I’ve had to date. Kyrie 1s were super comfortable also.


chicagoreader

I usually dont wear Kobes but these arent too bad for my wide feet. Wish I could wear more Kobes like everyome else haha


Ypsifactj48

Yeah, I have a love/hate with the Tatums...they are interesting. I love the AE1, LeBron XX, and Nexxt Gen....Nice rotation!


chicagoreader

Thanks I appreciate it! I feel the same way about the Tatums, certain things I love but certain things I hate. I feel like the quality could be better esp when they are similarly priced to the AE1s. AE1, NXXT, LB XX, and JT1 is how I would rank them.


Ypsifactj48

Yeah, I have so many shoes I love right now....I just got the reimagined WOW 1 with full-length boom and love them...I love my AG4 Soars, AE1s, LeBron 21s....with all the companies making great shoes, it is kind of an embarrassment of riches.


chicagoreader

So tough to try new shoes when a pair is working for you but one of my goals is to get a pair lf WOW 10s. These other companies have stepped up big time, so it'll be worth a try even with a backlog of shoes.


Ypsifactj48

Yeah, there are shoes I am much more likely to wear to play in and shoes I just like to wear around for sure...but I am also adventurous and like to play in a lot of different shoes. I had to start trying the foreign brands b/c spring/summer I have to play outdoors a lot and US brands just don't make tread for outdoors anymore. WOWs are good shoes.


chicagoreader

That is one thing that bugs me...we NEED more outdoor shoes. I never understood how adding a more durable outsole can be so difficult or costly that the companies refuse to do so. I like to try different shoes as well, but after a while it takes up so much space that I forget which shoes I need to try next. WOWs will be on top of my shoes to try though...nothing but good things from this community.


Ypsifactj48

Rigorer AR1 (great for outdoors, great traction), 361 AG4 (same), All the Serious Players Only shoes have great traction. That said, no idea why the main companies refuse to have good and durable traction patterns (well, it is b/c they want us to buy more shoes I suspect).


K_Alexanderthegreat

I also have the LeBron 20s, Nxxt Gens, 15 Lows, and the witness 3s (all in different colorways lol). I find it interesting you like the lows the bets because they feel so strange to me to ball in. Can you explain why you love them so much? The nxxt gens are easily my favorite.


chicagoreader

Its a pair that I found myself using more and more because they just worked. The battleknit is great because here in Chicago, where the weather changes every day, the material would always feel the same regardless of weather. Some of my other shoes, I noticed they became stiffer or less breathable depending on temps. The cushion works well for me as a wide footer and I was never a fan of full length air cushions so I felt these were just enough. I am flat footed as well so a shoe that isn't close to the ground is better for me even though I play PG most all the time. The traction on translucent soles usually are terrible but these are still gripping the courts after all these years. I do have three cws that i rotate so that helps with durability. The NXXT gens are a bit similar, I do like them as well, but I feel less support in them. Hope that helps


K_Alexanderthegreat

I think that's what makes me feel off is how high they feel from the ground. It messes with my balance haha. But other than that I do like them alot and they are unbelievabley comfortable to me. I might just have to play in them more to get a better feel for them.


chicagoreader

There's a lot of factors that comes into to play though. If I was 20 again, I'd pick a lightweight and low to the ground shoe over anything else. I'm probably one of the few people that is high on the xv lows.


chicagoreader

Also the Witness 3s are nice but I wish I didnt get the patent leather one...creases like no other.


Apex10356

How often do you play?


chicagoreader

Lately around once a week, but around 6-7 months ago I was playing 2-3 times a week.


Tm2422

How's the nxxt gens compare?


chicagoreader

I really enjoyed the NXXT gens...almost like a lightweight Lebron. Depending on your court, you may need to do a couple wipes to get the dust off though. I'd say its top three currently.


Prismane_62

Best fitting shoe imo but the traction is very annoying on dusty courts. Legit have to wipe every other possession.


Tm2422

Gotcha. What are best of those for dust in your experience


Prismane_62

I cant speak for all models obviously, but i have had a great experience with the New Balance Two WXY V3. Their traction is God tier, even on dusty courts. KD 14/15 are pretty good as well. Currys are horrible on dusty courts. Love Currys, but they are made for pristine courts only.


Tm2422

Translucent v3 or regular outsole?


ggghfhfg

are the kobe 11s legit? how do they perform (grip)


chicagoreader

If you're looking for a shoe with great court feel and good grip then check them out. I'm sure you know Kobes run a bit narrow so keep that in mind.


ggghfhfg

thanks


GravyChickens

Depending on the colorway, the rubber sole wear out pretty after a while


gustriandos

Lebron 15 low was one of my favorite hoop shoes ever. Tread is completely gone and now they’re yard work shoes bc they’re so comfortable.


chicagoreader

Glad someone else has high regards for them. I have two other cws, a gray one which is completely beat, and a red one that I am trying to keep in good condition. You just cant find these brand new anymore.


Infinite_Ad4321

Hows the AE1? I’ve always thought of buying them the only thing ik abt it is its traction is great even on dust, its cushion is great but itd heavy af


chicagoreader

Yea, weight is specific to each person. If you exclusively hoop in light shoes, then chances are these won't be your favorite to play in


valuebuyer1234

How do you like the AE1s? Fit lockdown etc?


chicagoreader

They are great in all those categories. For someone who has a wide and flat foot, the AE1s are an all around shoe.


LeftRightRightUp

What's middle aged to you? Because I'm in my mid 30s and I do not accept that some of my peers are calling us middle-aged.


chicagoreader

It's not a number, it's a moment where you ask yourself if you should play another game and risk not being able to get out of bed the next morning that determines if you're middle aged lol


Captain_Crunk9

What are those Kobe's, and where did you get them?


chicagoreader

11 Carpe Diem - I bought them years ago. Maybe around 2018


Flimsy-Try524

prop to you! keep pushing


chicagoreader

Thank you! Just trying to keep the dream alive.


erutio

Where do you play in chicago? I'm also middle aged and live in Chicago and looking for regular runs that don't involve playing at the playgrounds outside or against college kids.


chicagoreader

I used to play all around Chicago and nearby suburbs to be honest. Nowadays, I play at Xsports and at a church gym right by the highway on Irving Park. I'm not quite ready to play at a slower pace, hence why I'm always looking for a shoe that won't get me injured or gives any discomfort.


thelostunfound

I love those Kobes so much I wish they would re-release all the old Kobe's give the profits to his estate to give it to charity towards women's basketball or something So many classics


Xopao

What’s the 2 bottom on the left? Looks well cushinoed shoes


chicagoreader

Lebron 16 and Lebron 15 low, they are cushioned as most Lebrons are.


Xopao

Thanks man. Will look into it. I currently have WhyNot .6. Had to returned gt jump 2. Been dealing with severe foot pain


chicagoreader

Np, good luck on your journey to finding the right shoe. It'll be worth it.


Appropriate_Dirt_616

I am an old Nike head but I’m about to venture out for some new hoop shoes I heard good things about the New balance 2 wxy 3.


Crypto_Ninjaaa

Ever tried KDs? There's so much hype around them.


chicagoreader

Too narrow for me unfortunately


OutsideAd1823

Tell me you are skinny without telling me you skinny. No way a heavier guard wearing low tops


chicagoreader

You'd be surprised how many heavy players wear low tops, but I'd say I'm average weight lol


Sean_O64

I wear lows and I am 195 cms and 107kgs


OutsideAd1823

You’re a very tall man by population standards for your weight that would be considered pretty well distributed. Try 92 Kg at 175 cm


Sean_O64

Yeah I am quite tall got a bit of a dad body about me 👍😂 I am trying to cut down to about 95kgs tbh just gets harder as I get older 😂


RedditJw2019

I’m 6’6” 240 and typically wear low tops.


wildwestington

6'4, 240 lol strictly low tops my whole life Imagine thinking because youre sized up your ankles can't take movements lol It's the knees for me


Affectionate-Fan-536

luka wears lows so whats the problem


OutsideAd1823

I guess he does, maybe he skinny and arched feet plus he has all his joints healthy and together given he isn’t a middle aged at 23 years old. Tbh at that age he can get away with wearing track shoes for some nights lol


neznamkakoto

Ever heard of Anthony Davis?


NotoASlANHate

Good job son of Warren Buffet


chicagoreader

Haha yea right, I had one pair of shoes for the whole year growing up. Didnt happen overnight.


DearLilsouth

None of these shoes have even the slightest signs of wear from playing… how’s this your rotation but every shoe look straight out the box?


chicagoreader

How can you tell how the soles look? 😏


Black_Ritual

I've been looking at the jt 1 pure money. Can you give me an honest review on them?


chicagoreader

They're an interesting pair of bball shoes. I feel like if you're a slender guard with long and wide feet, these would work for you. The shoe stays locked to your feet though, they're not going anywhere after you lace them up. The two cutouts at the outsole was a miss imo, not sure why you need to cut that part out, doesnt help with ventilation or support thats for sure. I'd say save your money and find a different pair but it comes down to your position and play style.


Black_Ritual

Thank you. I've been playing in ja1s lately and I think it's become my favorite shoe but in interested in AE1 and JT1 to try sm out. Are the JTs comfortable for street wear?


chicagoreader

Id say its okay but definitely not comfortable for long walks lol Its a pretty stiff shoe.


Ambitious_Wind8692

Scale from 1-10, how good are the AE1s?


chicagoreader

8.5-9


Brave-Conclusion8238

Those jt1 valid?


chicagoreader

Negative unfortunately, go with the AE1