It is impossible not to think about Michael Jordan’s Jumpman if we are speaking about basketball shoes. They have been many years innovating in materials and technology while seeking the same goal: to be the perfect sneakers to become a better player; jump higher, run faster, be a reference and achieve the highest possible.
Nowadays, sneakers may not last as long as before, but they have clearly evolve to improve performance. Nike is still a reference when we talk about design and innovation in terms of sneakers. Technologies such as Zoom Air continue to evolve from that in 1982, when the legendary Air Force 1 entered into game with the Air cushioning, the Zoom predecessor. A never seen before cushioning began to emerge into basketball courts as the technology of the future.
Nowadays, we can choose a pair of sneakers according to our game type and our necessities. The heat-sealing Hyperfuse, the Flyknit technology, the Lunarlon sole or the Phylon foam, as well as the above-mentioned Zoom Air, are examples of innovative technologies that benefit the player’s performance.
Whether you prefer Hi-Tops, Mid-Tops or Low-Tops sneakers —the latter booming for several years—, anyone can find the height suiting their basketball position.
This year, Nike is releasing the new version of the Hyperrev: a new twist to basketball shoes using the best technology of the Swoosh brand.
The Hyperrev 2016 features Zoom Air units in hell and forefoot, a mesh inner sleeve for a sock-like fit, Hyperfuse construction for a lightweight support, Phylon midsole for a stable ride and a rubber outsole for traction and durability. The finishing touch is given by a hook-and-loop closure system for an increased lockdown.
These are a clear candidate to compete against Nike Signatures such as the Kyrie-II, the KD-8, the LeBron-XIII or the Kobe-XI, possibly the last sneakers signed by the Los Angeles Lakers player.
At Sivasdescalzo we wanted to know the opinion of real basketball players. We have interviewed Mario and Guillem, two brothers who have been playing basketball for as long as they can remember. Both of them currently play at the Basket Almeda Senior. In the past, they used to play at the Basquet Cornellà, C.B. Hospitalet as well as in Catalan Preselections.
Q: Which are the first basketball shoes you can remember?
A-M: Some stiff J-Hayvers, bought at my neighborhood’s shoe store.
A-G: Some And1 with a red and white colorway. Back then they were terrific.
Q: Which sneaker made you become interested in the basketball sneaker culture?
A-M: The Nike Air Zoom GP I Gary Payton. I used to have a coach that worked at Nike and I was able to cop a pair. They were totally different to what you could see here back then in Spain. Now you can buy whatever sneaker you want.
A-G: Some Nike Zoom Kobe VII – London 2012 Olympics. My first Low-Top sneaker, such a discovery!
Q: Talking about Hi or Low Tops, which one do you prefer?
A-M: Low-Tops! Both of us are small forwards, so we need more movement freedom while maintaining a firm grip.
A-G: Low-Tops too! Not only because of what my brother just said, but because we think Low-Tops have strengthen our ankles. When you play with Hi-Tops it may seem it’s less probable to injure yourself, but the thing is some of our mates use them and they do injure themselves, because their feet are stiffer with Hi-Tops. But then I suppose it depends on the person!
Q: What is more important, the looks or the technology of the sneaker?
A-M: The look is the first thing that catches your eye, but we like to go to the store and try several pairs before buying any basketball shoe.
A-G: Looks come first, but for me it is always more important for a sneaker to be comfortable. Sometimes you have a very concrete idea of the type of basketball sneaker you want, but then you have to change your mind because the ones you wanted doesn’t fit you, or maybe because they are stiffer than you thought.
Q: Do you prefer a colorway matching your equipment or do you want your sneakers to stand out?
A-M: I’m the classy type. I like white and grey colorways.
A-G: I was into this colorful sneaker trend, but now I also prefer classic colorways.
Q: A brand?
A-M: Nike.
A-G: Nike… (laughs)
Q: And a sneaker? Whichever you want…
A-M: I’m not going to repeat myself so I would say the Jordan 7 for the Barcelona Olympic Games of 1992. I still have them! Legend!
A-G: All the Nike Kobe.
Q: Tell us about the Hyperrev2016.
A-M: These are very comfortable. At first I thought they were very tall, but then you see it is just a mesh inner sleeve, so they fit like a glove to the feet. They are lightweight and definitely have a good cushioning.
A-G: I’m happy with them, they look quite stiff but then, once you put them on, you see they offer a comfortable fit so you have a good freedom of movement while playing. I want the grey ones! (laughs)
Thanks bros! :)