Adidas X 15.1

The Look

It took some time for me to really like the look of the X. The extremely bright solar yellow upper looked fine for me from the get go, but I was not a fan of the X-CAGE when I first saw the boots. After some time and getting to experience them more, I started to appreciate the uniqueness of the look. When on feet, they really stick out on the field but in a good way. The X is a fantastic boot for players that really want something flashy. Something I loved was how the adidas branding was larger and in black on the heel. It really looks nice and it is a nice touch from the three stripes. A unique look from adidas, but it really does work for the X line. 

The Touch

Made for those who want to cause chaos on the field, the adidas X is designed to give every player the ultimate fit and technology to give that extra competitive edge to dominate on the field. The upper found on the X is named X-SKIN synthetic. When I first put the cleats on feet, the upper was slightly stiff but only after 2 sessions of an hour and half each, the X-SKIN became super soft.

A nice touch on top of the synthetic is what adidas is calling Non-stop Grip or NSG. It is made up of tiny raised bumps that are designed to enhance grip in all weather conditions, much like Nike’s ACC coating. I was actually able to play in some rainy weather one day and I actually noticed the grip while playing. Now, I don’t want people thinking that it changed the grip completely but it helped enough that I was able to notice it when controlling the ball. Oddly enough, the NSG is even found on the heel.

The X-CAGE is thin and allows you to have more stability when making sharp cuts during a match. The X-CAGE is much thinner than what online photos give off. It does not get in the way whatsoever.

Moving up the boot, the techfit collar is one of my favorite parts of the X 15.1. The sock-like fit is more comfortable than Nike’s Dynamic Fit Collar. It fits snuggly right below your ankle and wraps your foot like a tight-fitting ankle sock. It is a little tricky to get in the boot at first but it becomes easier with some practice.

The outsole is a mix that can be used on both FG and AG surfaces. The X-CLAW stud pattern had raised a lot of questions if it is suitable for AG as it has some F50-like studs plus some extra smaller studs under the forefoot. I tested on both firm natural grass and an artificial grass field and I had no problems on either. The stud pattern works well on both surfaces and I felt comfortable on both. Overall, the performance is outstanding on the X, I had no problems with comfort or  heel slippage, and the upper gave me a nice touch on the ball.

The Feel

Now this is an area that completely surprised me. The comfort on the X is incredible. The X-CAGE really helps lock your foot down to the soleplate and keeps you locked in for a great ride. The upper is a bit thicker than most think and has some slight padding in the toe box area to give a nice personal fit. The heel counter is internal and is padded on the inside to help protect your foot from hard tackles. I was very impressed with the comfort of the X and I think it is something a lot of people will be willing to sacrifice a lighter weight boot for.

Bang For Your Buck

With a $220 price tag on these boots, you are paying about the same you would pay for a top model from adidas in the past. With the technology packed into the adidas revolution boot, I would recommend picking this boot up if you could find it below retail price.

Who’s wearing It?

With adidas making the switch from 4 silos down to 2, a lot more high profile players are wearing the boot. Bayern Munich players David Alaba and Thomas Muller have been wearing the X for sometime  now. Other players who sport the boot include Real Madrid star Gareth Bale and Barcelona’s Luis Suarez, among others.

The Verdict

The X truly changed the way we look at how players play. Instead of dividing players into a boot per position, adidas decided to make it all about how they actually play. The Chaos silo is something special from adidas and everyone who is upset about the old adidas models being scrapped, you have to try these boots. The fit and performance is one to be experience.

Nike Hyperposite 2

MATERIALS – Posite, posite, posite. For those not familiar, and I can’t imagine

there are too many, Foamposite first appeared in the 1996-1997 basketball season on

the feet of Penny Hardaway and more famously on Mike Bibby’s feet in the NCAA Championship game. If you saw that and didn’t say “what the @#$& is he wearing?” you were old or didn’t care about sneaks. Inspired by an Oakley sun glass case, Posite is meant to be a heat-forming case for your feet giving ultimate fit and protection. Forgotten for years, the technology recently returned in the Hyperposite technology found on the Lebron XI and XII. At first try, the Hyperposite 2 is stiff and protective and stiff. And stiff. They don’t get much better during play. The “heat-forming” never happened, for two reasons. First, the cutouts don’t generate enough heat build-up. Also, the fit is great from the start (later for that). In that shell, we get a thick inner sleeve that is like a foot blanket and is one of the most comfortable sleeves I have ever felt. The third major material is the 360° Max Zoom. Overall, this is a shoe built to last; it’s tough, rough, and durable–a Hummer H2 for basketball.

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FIT – Perfect. No kidding – for a shoe that should feel like a Wolverine steel toe on looks alone, this shoe locks up tighter than a preacher’s daughter on Prom night (oh

wait, never mind). The shell is cut a little wider in the forefoot but it works with the inner sleeve to fill any space and tighten. The collar is cut high and locks the ankle in. Additionally, the way the heel cup wraps into the ankle and the midfoot completely stops any movement in that area. At first I thought I probably could have went down a half size, but you don’t want Posite to be too short; that can lead to painful toe issues which are no fun. The lacing system also plays a part as it lets the wearer cinch in all areas and get that perfect fit.

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CUSHIONING – My favorite part, but to me, the shoe’s downfall. Confused? Me too. The shoe features 360° Max Zoom that is bouncy, responsive, and solidly stable – to an overkill degree. I love the way the shoe sinks and bounces; it lets the foot cushion down but immediately bounces back like good Zoom should. If you loved the Lebron X, these will feel great. No slow-down on reaction and no impact on your knees, the best of both worlds. You won’t find better Zoom out there. However…

The midsole is extremely stiff and never breaks in or flexes with my foot. Transition suffered greatly and my game is based on cuts and quick changes of direction. I had some extreme foot fatigue that never went away; it continued from first trip down to last game of the day. It wasn’t that cramping type of pain, more like my feet went numb. If you post up, face up midrange, or are a little older and slower, banging low for boards or you need a little more protection for achy bodies, you DEFINITELY need to check these out. No shame in playing your role; it’s even sadder to pretend you are something you’re not.

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TRACTION – Surprisingly, from the pattern, traction is extremely sticky and consistent. Not much coverage, and they are similar to the Zoom 96 which I thought sucked, but the Hyperposite 2 was squeaky and sticky on my wood floors at home as soon as I got them on (you know you all do it – straight out of the box on feet in the kitchen). No matter what floor I played on, and I played on three different 24 Hour Fitness courts and a rubberized court at a church, traction was solid. It showed very, very little signs of wear, meaning outdoors you should be good. The rubber is thick and tough even though it is semi-translucent. I really like the way the patterns are broken up; it allows the foot to flex (theoretically) where the splits are. That means more of the shoe is on contact with the floor at weird angles so you never lose grip.

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Support/Stability – You probably know from the fit category and materials category, but these are NOT rolling over. I think you could step on three feet and be okay. The Zoom rides low and the midsole contains it completely. The high Posite ankle cut covers you there and actually, next to Ektio, is the most support I have felt in the last few years. The lines of the Posite do exaclty what they should; they come around and over the foot to protect you from injury, from either instability/rolls or someone stepping on you. With that protection comes a lack of mobility, so decide what you need and begin. There is no midfoot shank but the full length Zoom is stiff and keeps your foot from bending down instead of flat. I love this category for this shoe. Rarely does a shoe hit a perfect mark in a category, but the Hyperposite 2 nails support.

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OVERALL – Here is the kicker: I have had shoes that were greater than the sum of their parts – nothing stood out, but the shoe was great. The Hyperposite 2, for me at least, was the opposite. The parts, separately, are GREAT. Fit, cushion, traction, stability, materials – all premium and perform well. However, there is that one little transition problem that killed it for me. But that is just it – FOR ME. I am not who this shoe was made for; I rarely bang low or fight for post position. I can’t imagine a shoe better built for Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Anthony Davis, DeAndre Jordan, Tristan Thompson, guys who play a nasty, hard game. Don’t be proud, but if that is you, take a look at these.

I know the price has dropped almost $100 from retail and for what you get, a super-cushioned shoe that will last forever, that is a steal. These are the reviews I love; a shoe I shouldn’t like, and didn’t fit my style, but I can see the effort and purpose. I can’t wait to see where the Hyperposite symbiote takes us next.

The Nike Magista Opus

Comfort

The comfort of the Magista Opus  is fantastic in my opinion. The Kanga-lite synthetic upper really molds to your foot extremely well after only a few times in the boot. The material is very soft and is a very unique combination of two materials on the upper. The areas that are Volt in color on the upper are Kanga-lite. Kanga-lite is used to mimic the effect of Kangaroo leather while giving all of the benefits of a synthetic. The Kanga-lite material gives a sturdy upper that doesn’t tear or rip easily. The material is thin enough that you feel very close to the ball while also feeling that your foot is protected more than that of the Vapor.

The other material used is what Nike are calling Performance Mesh. The Hyper Punch and black cut outs on the Kanga-lite are made of this very smooth mesh material.  The soft material completely molded to my foot within the first 2-3 hours of playtime. The fit of the shoe is somewhat narrow compared to other boots but it is not too narrow that it would make it uncomfortable. . The boot fits very similar to the CTR360 Maestri line in which I personally found comfortable.

The soleplate on the Opus is listed on retail sites as being made of Compressed Nylon and Pebax. After looking at it closer and being able to play in the boot, it seems more of a TPU plastic sole plate. The soleplate is very flexible right out of the box and resembles a lot of TPU plastic soleplates I have experienced in past reviews. The heel liner is made of a perforated synthetic material like you find on the Tiempo Legend V line. The stud pattern is exactly like the Tiempo Legend V except the four studs in the heel are conical and not bladed.

The insole is completely removable and is Hyper Punch on top and made of a yellow foam material like you found on the CTR360 line. The insole is extremely narrow in the mid-foot which is very strange because boot is not that thin in the mid-foot area, so do not be afraid when you see how narrow the insole is because the boot is not that narrow.  If you have excessively wide feet I would stay away from this boot. An overlooked aspect of the boot is that the tongue is connected on the inside of your foot. I personally did not like it at first but after playing in the boot a few more times I started to appreciate it.  It really helps lock your foot in place when you are playing and making tight cuts.

Performance

The Magista Opus is an absolutely incredible boot. The boot reminds me a lot of the CTR360 line and it could have been the next high end in the Maestri line. The material is extremely soft and flexible straight out of the box. The boot really forms to the shape of your foot even within a few hours of playing. The laces are a little off center and run down the instep a little bit, which takes away from your strike zone slightly. I honestly did not mind this feature and had no trouble striking the ball.

The feel for the ball is incredible. My foot felt very close to the ball and gave me a great first touch and made dribbling feel very easy and natural. The one-piece soleplate helps give a closer feel to the ground and helps make quick cuts and movements.

The stud pattern is the exact same as the Tiempo line except for the four studs in the heel are now conical. The stud pattern used on the Opus helps with comfort of the boot especially with the stud pressure on the bottom of feet. I was able to play with the firm ground stud pattern in both sunny and warm conditions, as well as rainy and muddy conditions. The boot performed extremely well in both, and even in the mud I was able to get good traction. I was able to clean my boots after using them and it surprised me how well the cleaned up even with all of the mud on it. I would highly recommend this boot to anyone is debating whether to give it a shot.

Bang For Your Buck

The starting price for the Nike Magista Opus is $200 dollars. The price tag is a very high but I believe the boot is completely worth it. The feel and performance of the Opus makes it a great boot at any price in my opinion. Although the price tag is a bit high, the Magista Opus is more than worth it. The material is strong and very flexible and honestly very light at the same time and does not tear even after playing in many different types of conditions.

Aesthetic

The look of the new Magista line looks great in my opinion. The launch color way is the only color way available at the moment. The boot is made up a few different colors. The main color used throughout the boot is Volt (more of a very bright yellow). In the performance mesh cutouts you find the new Hyper Punch color that you find on the new Mercurial and Hypervenom lineups released for the World Cup.  The Hyper Punch color is found on the outside of your foot and fades into a black on the instep of your foot. I honestly love the look of the boot and I personally cannot wait for future color way releases.

Overall

My personal overall take on the shoe was 9.0/10. The boot was one that I had wanted to try out since the release and after being able to play in the OpusI have to say it left me extremely impressed. The size and fit was great but very tight in the mid-foot, but overall it felt extremely comfortable on my foot and really there is nothing to complain about. I now wear a size 12 US and the boot ran true to size and fit me well all over of my foot.

Asics Gel Venture

Enjoy a mixed variety of terrains with the reasonably-priced Asics GEL Venture. From casual activities to fitness workouts, the Asics GEL Venture would surely keep the feet stable, supported and well- protected from terrain irregularities and the shock from landing impact. This neutral shoe has been under the radar for its lightweight concept, comfortable feel, durability, superb traction and versatility. Its rugged outsole could surely compete with decent trail shoes in the market, without limiting its performance on uneven surfaces.  Get ready for a rugged ride with the Asics GEL Venture.

Arch support and pronation control

The Asics GEL Venture is a neutral shoe. Neutral shoes are a cross between minimalist shoes and stability shoes. These shoes adopt the lower heel to toe drops that are a common feature of barefoot shoes, but have the cushioning technologies of the stability ones. Neutral shoes are non- traditional and they work perfectly for runners who want to pursue barefoot running in the future. In terms of pronation control, the Asics GEL Venture is recommended for supinators or runners who experience under pronation. It provides a steady platform and medial support to keep the feet from rolling outward while on the move.

Terrain

The Asics GEL Venture is a versatile shoe that is best for mixed terrains. It has shoe technologies made for both the road and trail.  Its AHAR outsole provides super grip and traction on a variety of surfaces, but the Trail Specific treading pattern is helpful in cross country marathons. The shoe fares well on the hard pavement, shiny gym floors, rocky courses and dirt trails. It also has superior performance on wet and slushy surfaces. However, it is not recommended for serious mountain runs that require more aggressive lugs on the shoe’s outer sole.

Use

Versatility is one of the strongest assets of the Asics GEL Venture. The shoe is said to be a hybrid between a trail and track shoe, making it a great choice for cross country or mixed terrain running. Furthermore, a lot of fitness enthusiasts use the Asics GEL Venture for general fitness activities like gym workouts and sports, like indoor volleyball and tennis. It is also used for casual days, like going to work or just walking around the block, considering that the shoe looks great with pants. Runners with orthotics will also be pleased to know that the padded insole is removable.

Durability

The durability of the Asics GEL Venture is, without a doubt, spectacular. For a $60 shoe, the quality at par with the high- end collections of Asics. In fact, it does great on both track and trail terrains without the danger of falling apart the next day. The resilience of the upper also keeps the shoe in top shape despite numerous flexing. The outsole, the most vulnerable part to damage, has AHAR rubber that is proven to have enhanced durability and high wear resistance. There are some cases that shoes are defective upon purchase but Asics would be happy to replace them if it happens.

Fit and sizing

In terms of sizing, the Asics GEL Venture shows a standard length. It is advertised that the shoe’s forefoot, mid-foot and rear foot accommodates medium widths. However, many have been complaining about the tightness or narrowness of the shoe. While the heel’s fit is satisfactory, the toe box feels cramped. This could result in discomfort while running. It is best to order a half size bigger than your original size to solve the problem.

Outsole

Like any normal trail shoes, the outer sole of the Asics GEL Venture displays an aggressive pattern technically designed for the trail. Uneven terrain can be tricky, even if runners tend to stick in light nature trails most of the time. The outer sole’s primary material is the AHAR or Asics High Abrasion Rubber outsole, a common technology in Asics performance shoes. It has a Trail Specific treading pattern which features reversed lugs. These lugs may not be as big and aggressive as mountain trail shoes, but they are fairly capable on both track and trail. Together, they provide enhanced durability, super traction and grip, and high wear resistance to the Asics GEL Venture.

Midsole

The midsole of the Asics GEL Venture has minimal cushioning technologies, due to the fact that the shoe is primarily designed to promote a natural running technique. For the forefoot to rear foot coverage, there is the Full- length EVA foam. The EVA foam is a lightweight material that could be seen in other performance shoes, not just Asics products. In the heel part, there is he Rear Foot GEL cushioning system. These two midsole technologies provide better shock absorption, protection, comfort and support without keeping the feet far from the ground.

Upper

The upper construction of the Asics GEL Venture did not stray far from its siblings. It still prioritizes a customized fit and breathability, which is why the materials are the same in other models. The primary material of the upper is the breathable open mesh. This resilient fabric is then supported by synthetic overlays for a structural control. A traditional lacing system is in place to adjust the fit of the shoe. The heel collar and tongue are also plush and padded to improve the step-in comfort of the Asics GEL Venture. Inside the shoe, there is a removable sock liner which is handy if you are using orthotics. The lightweight concept of the upper surely made the model a good choice for speed work on mixed trail/ track runs.

Summary

For the runner with the tendency to run on one terrain to another, the Asics GEL Venture is undeniably the perfect match for you. The neutral shoe is not as common as other trail shoes because it has impressed people with both its form and function. The shoe fares well for casual activities like shopping or traveling, but it does not compromise its performance when used on the track or trail. In fact, it provides a balance of of comfort, support, stability and durability rolled into a cool-looking product. The Asics GEL Venture is highly commendable and remains as one of the Asics best releases  in the performance shoe market.

Price

It retails at $60, which is truly affordable for a trail shoe. Many have doubted its quality, but based on reviews, the shoe certainly delivers top notch performance on both the track and trail. Casual runners won’t even have complaints in purchasing this shoe, knowing its versatility and quality. Professional runners might not be too excited to go back to a traditional shoe for trail running, but getting this model for their collection won’t hurt their wallets.

Nike Flex Run

Nike makes a remarkable comeback with the all new Nike Flex Run, a high performance running shoe with newer, more enhanced and more articulated features that provide maximum target efficiency in running. Integrated minimally but more durable, the Flex Run offers a plush and stable ride that is adapted to the runner’s foot type, all the while maintaining security in the fit. The Nike Flex Run proves to be better than ever with its new flexibility feature that allows athletes to consume more than the length of the distances they have acquired initially.  The combined technologies of comfort and flexibility may give runners the reason to run every single day.

Arch support and pronation control

It is evident that the Nike Flex Run has been more reinforced in terms of arches to allow more support in that area to cater to severe and mild overpronators. The arch support value is then considered good and moderate. Supinators, however, may feel that there is “too much arch” in the Nike Flex Run.

Terrain

The Nike Flex Run is a versatile running shoe good for gravel, urban city, and off-road surfaces. If brave enough, even runners can rely on the Nike Flex Run on dirt-packed trails and tough hiking trips. They are even comfortable on the treadmill.

Use

Anyone eyeing the Nike Flex Run can be assured that the shoes are fit and adaptive to any athletic activity. Originally marketed as a neutral running shoe whose maximum potential can be seen through high performance activities, the Nike Flex Run also proves to be a versatile option.

Durability

As previously mentioned, the strengthened outsole material allows smoother road transitions, which reduces excessive wear in return. The breathable coverage on its upper does its best by keeping out debris and gunk that could harm the runner’s foot. The reduced layering also allows flexibility and agility in the midsole, which aids the runner’s gait and prevents high chances of rapid wearing. The overall fit of the Nike Flex Run is not compressive or restrictive, and is neither too loose. The maximum flexibility of the outsole also highly contributes to its being durable. Being very flexible means lesser impact during midstance and faster takeoffs.

Fit and sizing

The Nike Flex Run’s sizing is normal, with sizes available from B to D, which is standard to medium. Half-sizes are also included and are available. 

Outsole

It is essential for interested runners to know the further details of the outsole material of the Nike Flex Run and what makes it an agile option for anything. Starting with the quality of the material, the outsole of the Nike Flex Run offers an articulated pattern of flex grooves (hence the name Flex Run because it literally lets the runner feel the flex during takeoff), which highly aids the natural movement of the foot. High anti-abrasion rubber has also been strategically placed in key areas of the outsole for optimal protection and excellent traction. The outsole unit has been made out of Phylite molded material, which provides cushioning, support and stability and is highly durable and resilient and also lightweight.

Midsole

The Nike Flex Run midsole feature the Soft Phylon™ midsole material which provides the excellent cushioning. This material is able to provide a much more resilient ride. It is also remarkable in the sense that it can double as an outsole because it is made out of a very durable compound. A Pressure Mapping Technology is also found in the Phylon midsole core which fairly distributes impact in key zones to ensure protection and comfort of the foot even after miles and miles of running. This also extends the life of the shoe in general.

Upper

Synthetic overlays are found on the breathable upper mesh of the Nike Flex Run, which fairly regulates air coming in and out. The sock-liner is EVA-injected and is also removable. The sock-liner is encased with a full inner sleeve construction that stretches out to the entirety of the shoe to provide it comfort and protection. For midfoot breathability and relief, a lightweight sandwich mesh is incorporated in the midfoot area. A softer padded tongue is also able to increase security and comfort.

Summary

The Nike Flex Run proves to be more than just a neutral running shoe that has more strengthened features than its predecessors. The Nike Sole that some Flex Run models come in with testify that the overall engineered quality of the shoe has been through a very complex and well-planned process, just to be able to cater to all kinds of runners and all kinds of feet. Did you like the Nike Flex Run? Get your own pair and look up some stores now!

Price

For a Nike shoe, the Flex Run comes with a more reasonable price. It initially costs $89, with some online retail stores offering discounts starting from 30% up to 46%.