Nike PG1 REVIEW: Paul George’s First Signature Shoe

So we finally have Paul George’s very first signature basketball shoe. After a few weeks of testing, I managed to form an opinion on these completely. Here’s my detailed Nike PG1 review.

I’ll talk about the shoe’s tech specs, fit, performance, materials and decide it it’s worth the price. Let’s start the Nike PG1 review!

SPEC SHEET


WEIGHT: 370 g. / 13.05 oz
TYPE: LOW TOP
TECH: ZOOM AIR, FLYWIRE
FIT: TRUE TO SIZE
COLORWAYS: 1+
MY RATING: 9/10

 

 

 

THE TECH


ZOOM AIR

We got a simple setup here – a bottom loaded low profile ZOOM unit in the forefoot and the rest is a Phylon midsole. Something you would see in Nike’s recent budget models. Nothing awesome but nothing terrible either.

FLYWIRE

Nike’s standard cable system tied to the laces for proper lockdown and containment. The upper is pretty strong so it holds well and gets the job done.

 

FIT


 

REALLY F**KING SNUG

So the shoe has a very narrow and tight construction, so the fit itself is very tight and snug. Some players prefer this kind of setup but being a wide footer like myself, I found them to be a bit too tight and bothering. It was pretty uncomfortable to play in them for the first week or two.

I broke them in and they’re much better now but the fit is till not as optimal as I’d like it to be. They do fit true to size, containment and lockdown are awesome, that strap also enhances they way the shoe feels and there are no slippage or dead space issues.

However narrow or regular footers will like these best. Stay away from them if your foot is slightly or very wide, or try going up half a size.

PERFORMANCE


CUSHION

A basic ZOOM unit and Phylon midsole setup won’t offer you a crazy soft, bouncy experience but what it can offer is response, court feel and speed. There isn’t that much impact protection and you won’t feel that awesome bounce like you would in something like the KD 9 or Crazy Explosive.

Still though, it’s a great setup for those who like low profile cushion setups. It’s stable, comfortable and you forget that you have a shoe on while playing (if the fit is right).

TRACTION

I think you know what to expect from Nikey’s translucent rubber outsoles. Some were really f**king bad, some were decent. This one, pretty damn good actually. I didn’t experience any slippage or lack of grip on decent indoor AND outdoor courts. Dust doesn’t stick much to this outsole and the rubber compound looks decently durable.

Wouldn’t recommend these as a primary outdoor shoe but they should last a bit outdoors.

SUPPORT

Since the fit for me was crazy tight and the shoe has all the primary support features you’d need, this is a very supportive low top. An internal heel counter, Flywire, a strap for extra security, a sturdy upper and the midsole cups around your foot.

This is a killer setup that any low top wearer will find supportive, that’s all you need to know.

UPPER


MESH UP FRONT, NUBUCK AT THE BACK

The upper is mesh with Fuse in the forefoot and nubuck in the back area. That’s a pretty unusual setup for these days but it’s definitely a good one.
Not super soft or light like Primeknit but not crazy tight or plasticy like HyperPosite.

There’s a good amount of ventilation at the front, the setup is durable and comfortable if you get the fit right. Great job in my opinion.

FINAL VERDICT


BEST FOR ANY GUARD WHO LIKES LOW TOPS, LOW PROFILE CUSHION

The Nike PG1 surprised me. I’m not the perfect player for the shoe since I do prefer more cushion with softer materials but I can surely see it’s a great option for those who want awesome response, stability, outdoor capabilities and lots of support.

Comfortable but tight, solid traction, solid low profile cushion, killer support and a great upper.

+ A GREAT CUSHION SETUP FOR THOSE WHO PREFER RESPONSE
+ SOLID TRACTION, DECENT FOR OUTDOORS
+ KILLER SUPPORT, LOCKDOWN & CONTAINMENT
DIFFICULT TO PUT ON
MATERIALS NEED SOME BREAK-IN TIME, ESPECIALLY FOR WIDE FOOTERS

Okay, that’s it for the review! I hope you found it useful!