Best Performance Basketball Shoes of 2010 not named Kobe or Lebron

21 12 2010

In this quick post I will tackle a few pairs that are different in someways but give you some of the best fit, traction, & overall performance on the court. I will talk about them all at the same time when highlighting the different categories for comparison sake. The shoes that I will highlight in this one-time big-time post will be the Air Jordan 2010, Nike Durant II (KD II), & Nike Hyperfuse 2010.

TRACTION

The Nike Durant II takes the lead for me here and followed by Nike Hyperfuse then Air Jordan 2010. The traditional herringbone works for me and the type of game I play, which is almost any position needed each game. Although I never played with any of these shoes on cement courts, I would have to say that the KD II would be the most logical choice among the three.

The heavily crowded sole design of the KD II seems to have helped as more rubber is always good whereas the non-traditional Air Jordan 2010 sole is way lacking in rubber. Although the Jordan’s sole has less rubber, it is ample enough for cutting, running, etc. that is why it is still better than most. The Hyperfuse actually has pretty good traction, what failed it was the soles’ outrigger which had less seams and didn’t really offer the type of grip the KD or even the Kobe IV/V gave you when making hard cuts and drives.

CUSHIONING

This is where the Air Jordan 2010 dominates the other two since it has a full-length zoom bag unlike both KD II & Hyperfuse which has only forefoot zoom.

But don’t underestimate the KD & Hyperfuse as the phylon in the heel are pretty good and even after playing a couple of hours they still feel ok, anymore then the hurting starts.   The Air Jordan 2010, in addition to the zoom in the sole also has zoom bags in the insole, heel & forefoot!!! Now that is cushioning and that’s why it is also 1.5x more expensive but hey if you want comfort you gotta pay for it.

BREATHABILITY

Hyperfuse, Hyperfuse, Hyperfuse!!! For obvious reasons the hyperfuse wins in this category and with its open mesh design, the air just comes right in. The Air Jordan 2010 is next although the TPU (The circular clear plastic with holes) does not help much it is way better as compared to the KD II, which I remove at times between games since my feet feels toasted.


FIT

The Hyperfuse is also ahead by just a tiny bit over the two as its soft upper molds to your feet pretty well.  The Air Jordan also is one of the best fitting shoes out there as it also molds to your feet with added padding and judging from its’ unconventional design it had the intention of doing that. The Jordan though has a better heel cup which helps lock your feet in place but the tongue is just all around the place when you play but its just aesthetically annoying nothing more.

The Air Jordan 2010 also features an independent toe box which makes a lot of difference for your mobility. On the other hand the KD II is a basic fitting shoe with good padding and its strap is excellent to keep your foot in lock down mode when playing. I lov e shoes with straps that is why I love the Lebron Soldier III with the double strap lock down. ( Had to mention LBJ since I mentioned KB!)

CONCLUSION

End of the day you can’t go wrong with any of these pairs as they have their own strengths but really no big weakness. Even if one is above another it is still way better than most basketball shoes out there in the market. The only really difference is the price point as the KD II is the cheapest followed by the Hyperfuse then the regal Air Jordan 2010. So it basically will boil down to your monetary situation, either way if you need a BBall shoe to play in then these three are up there with the Kobe’s and my current favorite, the Lebron VIII (8)!!!

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