Underrated Shoes at G2
UNDERRATED SHOES AT G2
Along with the top or disappointing shoe models, there are always names that are misjudged, possibly due to many reasons from the brand, incorrect comparisons, influence from previous models or even the media. Below are some shoe models that should be re-evaluated so that they become more reasonable choices for anyone who needs to buy.
NIKE PG 5
Despite possessing not-so-trivial technology and great traction when learning from Kobe 9, PG 5 has been ignored in recent times. The reason seems to originate from its predecessor PG 4 when negative information about the cushioning was raised.
Specifically, some social media accounts have posted about the condition of the full-length Air Strobel cushioning technology swelling after a short time of experience. Since then, users in the Asian market have turned their backs on the PG 4. In 2021, the PG 5 continued to use the above cushioning and immediately did not receive much reception from this market.
However, it must be clarified that the above cases of Air swelling are extremely rare, if compared to the natural Zoom swelling like some previous shoe models, the PG almost brings a smaller number. The PG 5 has not even received feedback on the same problem.
Besides, in terms of performance, the PG 5 gives the wearer the ability to feel the field extremely well, the cushioning is soft and the traction sticks to the field top. The only weakness that can be found is the ability to lockdown not too impressive or not being able to serve for a long time on outdoor courts, but with the development of courts in Vietnam, this is gradually not a big problem.
In general, if we ignore previous prejudices about the PG line, the PG 5 alone is still an extremely worthy shoe model in its price range. Not to mention the simple design also brings versatility in daily use.
JORDAN ZION 1
Zion Williamson became the first player in the 2019 draft to own his own signature shoe. But Jordan Zion 1 did not really explode as expected.
It is easy to see that after the event of the PG 2.5 pair being torn on Zion's feet, users, in addition to being skeptical about the upper of Nike shoes, also had expectations for major reinforcements on the first signature model of the Pelicans player. However, when Jordan launched Zion 1 with a thinner upper than everyone imagined, doubts were pushed even higher, the public at this time feared that not only Zion but they themselves would fall into a similar incident.
To talk about this issue, it is necessary to clarify that, at that time, the Pelicans' pick 1 did not choose the right shoe model for himself. PG was born with design lines that specifically serve Paul Geogre, not entirely for a player with a hustle and extremely unique style of play like Zion Williamson.
At the same time, Jordan brand certainly did thorough research before deciding to design and realize the shoe model for the brand's newest star, the media surrounding Zion is extremely large so there is no reason for them to be negligent. In general, with the physique of Asia and the level of competition, this problem is not really as big as people think.
In addition, the long-term injury situation has significantly affected the promotional plans of Jordan brand. Therefore, it is understandable that Zion 1 rarely takes the spotlight compared to other names of the same period.
It can be agreed that the Zion 1 design is not too groundbreaking, but with this being Zion's first shoe model and the current minimalist trend, in fact, there are quite a few beautiful colorways shown on this design. In addition, the excellent cushioning, quite light compared to the initial feeling with good traction, the ability to support especially for the inner players, need to reconsider Zion 1.
NIKE BB NXT
Created as a great "project" by Nike to bring a pair of shoes with the best softness and feedback ever. But if you look at the sales as well as the high sale price on the official website, it is easy to see that this is a failure.
Too high and somewhat unstable is easy to notice for anyone who experiences this special shoe model for the first time. Moreover, in an era where most players prefer to prioritize the feeling of the field, it is understandable that BB NXT is no longer as popular as when it was first launched.
However, BB NXT is actually still for typical players such as heavy inner players who need a lot of softness and shock absorption, because that is also the core for creating BB NXT. Although the cushioning is quite high, it is compensated by an impressive traction grip as well as a very good lockdown ability, so if chosen correctly for the position and playing style, being flipped will not be as easy as many people think.
In short, although there are undeniable disadvantages, Nike BB NXT can still meet the needs of some players with certain preferences and is not a complete failure in all aspects. It can be said that if BB NXT was launched at the same time as Nike's GT project, things might have been different with this shoe model.
These are personal opinions from the writer, hopefully this article will help you have a different perspective as well as prioritize your own experience to have the most objective assessment of the mentioned shoe models.
Thank you for reading, see you again in the next articles.
