It made me love Zoom.
Not Zoom from the Flash TV show but the cushioning from Nike. We’ll get to that in just a while.
I couldn’t really compare it to any other pair except for my D ROSE 5 and my Adidas Crazy Fast 2 (which I just use outdoors). I’ll just do comparisons for you and I’ll tell you what I like about the 13 and what I don’t.
First, a quick tech breakdown:
- Hyperfuse Mesh Upper
- Hyperposite Pieces
- Hexagonal Zoom Air units in the sole.
- Phylon Material for the midsole.
- Outsole is made of anthracite or Gum Soles.
Check out this video of mine for better details:
Let’s start with the review.
Traction:
There are little triangular pattern shapes on the bottom/inner part of the sole where there are no zoom units and multi directional line patterns on the protruding zoom units.
There’s nothing that I don’t like about it. That’s the problem. The shoe grips the floor perfectly. No slipping whatsoever. One quick wipe every now and then is all that you need.
(Rating: 4/5)
Support:
As for the support, I really loved the segmented Hyperposite pieces on different areas of the shoe.
They do not hinder your movement while playing. Thank God for that. They give you enough support and a good fit without sacrificing your range of movement and mobility.
In comparison with the D Rose 5’s Support/Ankle Collar, I think that the 5’s are better. Your movement with the 5 is a bit more fluid and smooth since the ankle collar is made of soft yet sturdy and durable rubber-like material.
Also, there’s this arch support/shank below the shoe:
As with other reviews, if you have a high foot arch, your foot will scrape the top of the inner part of the shoe and it will be uncomfortable. I ain’t got no problem with that, I don’t have a high foot arch to start with.
(Rating: 4/5)
Lockdown/Fit:
I’ve been playing with this pair for 3-4 times already and so far, no issues with the lockdown yet.
The dynamic flywire helps in locking down your feet without the unpleasant feeling you get when you tighten your shoelaces too much. This way, it gives you a good lockdown and a snug fit.
One thing I do NOT like at all is this extra Hyperposite piece on the forefoot.
I mean, it doesn’t really bother you but it is irritating. You could feel it pressing against your foot when you’re running, jumping, abruptly stopping from running, and so on and so forth. Others may not have a problem with it but it does bug me.
(Rating: 3.5-4/5)
Cushioning:
This is what I really LOVE.
Cushioning set up was on point.
Midsole is made up of Phylon and the outsole is made up of anthracite or gumsole with segmented and strategically placed Zoom Air Units.
Midsole:
Outsole:
So, cushioning.
Phylon does it job as the shoes’ midsole. It’s not hard on the feet when running or jumping. It’s soft and durable. It’s not too thick for you not to feel the Zoom units that are placed on the outsole. Unlike Boost that is extremely soft, Phylon has this extra bounce to it that compliments the Zoom units’ responsiveness in the shoe.
Zoom. I am now a big fan of Zoom. I love the responsiveness of the units.
When rebounding, you could actually feel the large Zoom unit propelling you upwards. It doesn’t make you jump higher, but it does give you a better transition from either standing-jumping or running-jumping and an extra boost upwards.
The smaller Zoom units in the forefoot are bit harder to notice when playing. But as my friend said, “try to do a lay up, you’ll feel it.” Which was true. It was there but it wasn’t that noticeable.
(Rating: 3.5-4/5)
Material/Ventilation:
Upper is made of Mesh and Hyperfuse material for better durability, better movement, and better ventilation.
I personally love the mesh and hyperfuse combination. It’s light, it’s soft, and it’s easier to move. It won’t crease when you bend.
As for ventilation, it was below par. My feet were starting to feel really hot, not to the point where it starts to sweat crazily, but it was a bit uncomfortable. Don’t get me wrong, I love the shoes and I don’t think the ventilation ruined this pair but I just think that they could’ve done better.
(Material Rating: 4/5)
(Ventilation Rating: 3/5)
Overall:
I love the shoes. There were some things that I thought they should’ve fixed or improved like the ventilation the extra Hyperposite piece on the forefoot, but other than that, it was all good.
Also, I’d like to point out that the sizing is pretty much TTS/True to size, length wise. Just try different sizes and get the one you’re comfortable with.
I’d give this pair a solid 4/5 rating.
I recommend that you cop this pair. The Lebron 13 is a must have hoop shoe, especially for big men type of players who come down hard from rebounding, jumping, or even blocking.
So if you’re looking for a nice pair to hoop in, you know what to get.
Extra pictures:
If you have any questions, comment down below and I’ll answer you ASAP.
Tall Tales! 