I think 2015 was seriously the most iconic year for basketball shoe releases. There were a lot of great ones out there (including 2016), last year was amazing in every way. I already have an old list of last year’s picks, but this is the remade ultimate list.
I’ll talk about six shoes that were superb in terms of comfort, performance, materials and price.
1. UNDER ARMOUR CURRY TWO
This one really shined in terms of comfort for me. And it’s one of the best shoes for low profile guards too.
My Rating: 8.5/10 | Weight: 14 oz | Type: Mid Top
The Curry Two has full-length Charged cushioning and the upper is mesh with the SpeedForm synthetic.
These stood out for me because of the pure comfort. That awesome SpeedForm upper feels really unique, and it’s awesome. They’re mobile, light, breathable, responsive cushioning, moderate support for lighter guards and the traction is superb.
2. UNDER ARMOUR CLUTCHFIT DRIVE
One of the most versatile and balanced shoes of 2015. Everything from cushion to support is solid and fit for most playstyles.
My Rating: 8/10 | Weight: 13.6 oz | Type: Mid Top
The Clutchfit Drive 2 has full-length Charged cushion, a MicroG insole and the upper is mesh & Fuse and ClutchFit.
These play very similarly to the Curry 2’s except for the upper. ClutchFit is this really soft, comfortable and supportive material that’s way more versatile to something like SpeedForm. Combine that with proper all-around performance and you got yourself a killer shoe.
3. ADIDAS D ROSE 6 BOOST
Boost is the reason adidas got back in the game. And this just shows how AWESOME a cushion setup can feel. Plus good all-around performance.
My Rating: 9/10 | Weight: 17 oz | Type: Mid Top
The Rose 6 has full-length BOOST cushion, StableFrame for midfoot support and a NON-MARKING outsole. The upper comes in many different options, so check the review out to find out more.
BOOST. That’s all you need to know. Seriously, if you want a perfect example of how BOOST feels like at its true potential, get these shoes. The response, comfort, bounce, softness and impact protection these offer in unreal. Ideal for explosive guards, but also great for pretty much any other smaller player out there.
4. NIKE LEBRON SOLDIER IX
Looking for unbelievable support and lockdown. This is it. This is THE shoe for heavier/bigger players, but it’s also solid for smaller guards too.
My Rating: 9.5/10 | Weight: 14.6 oz | Type: Mid-High Top
The Soldier 9 has ZOOM AIR cushion in the heel and forefoot areas, Flywire cables for lockdown and the upper is mesh with Fuse.
Thanks to their 360-degree strap system, these offer one of the best lockdown & support experiences I’ve ever played in. It almost feels too much (though it’s not). If you’re a bigger player, take these and don’t think twice. If you’re a guard, you could still try them out since the performance is great all-around.
MY #1 RECOMMENDATION:
ADIDAS D ROSE 6 PRIMEKNIT. Oh man, talk about comfort, the freedom of movement, breathability, speed. The Primeknit upper addition to the Rose 6 makes it one of the best shoes I’ve played in EVER.
My Rating: 9/10 | Weight: 16.3 oz | Type: Mid Top
The Rose 6 Primeknit has full-length BOOST cushion, StableFrame, a NON-MARKING Outsole and the upper is pure Primeknit.
Add a Primeknit upper to the already phenomenal Rose 6 and you got yourself something crazy. It’s not as versatile since Primeknit doesn’t offer that much support, but you’re getting way more instead. Dramatically improved fit, ventilation, reduced weight and more mobility.
MY #2 RECOMMENDATION:
ADIDAS D LILLARD 2.0. It’s still hard to compete with this shoe, even at 2016. Every single thing you’d want from a ball shoe is probably here. Performance, comfort, versatility, good price, lots of material choices. No doubt my main recommendation for 2015.
My Rating: 10/10 | Weight: 15 oz | Type: Mid Top
The Lillard 2.0 has full-length BOUNCE cushion, SprintFrame for midfoot support, TORSION SYSTEM for torsional support and a Continental Rubber outsole. The upper comes in many different options just like the Rose 6, so check out the review for more.
There’s simply nothing wrong with the shoe, that’s why there’s that 10/10 score. Traction – awesome both indoors and outdoors. Cushion – great balance between bounce and response. Support – superb with plenty of tech made for most playstyles. Materials – anyone could find something they’re looking for, the shoe has different options for different colorways.
Okay, I hope you found this list useful! Seriously, this is a KILLER list, everyone should find something that should impress them.