2010 All-Star and Signature Hardwood Kicks
Tournaments are around the corner. Time to seek out the best shoe for your game, and here’s a start.
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Air Jordan 2010, $170, jumpman23.com Rooted in tradition, the 25th anniversary shoe of the Air Jordan franchise delivers pure basketball performance. The distinctive design glimpses into the game’s greatest mastermind, detailed through a transparent window in the middle of the shoe. The inspiration, of course, stems from MJ’s on-court routine of showing his defenders only what he wanted them to see. Aesthetics aside, the shoe’s performance features include the full-length Zoom Air unit, which offers comfortable cushioning and a forefoot constructed with an independent cover, delivering strong support and flexibility |
Nike Zoom Kobe V, $120, nike.com The Kobe IV broke a barrier when it launched as a low-cut kick last season. This year’s edition sets out to further prove Kobe’s theory that less is more, with a soccer-inspired molded heel that’s a millimeter lower. Though lighter in weight, the V isn’t thin on impact protection. The heel and forefoot—two peak pressure points—are cushioned with a Zoom bag. The shoe’s upper is engineered with Nike’s famed Flywire, intently placed to offer total lockdown, and the outside is patterned withan EKG inspired design that reduces rubber and, consequently overall weight. |
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Pony Wilson Chandler UL38, $80, pony.com New York Knicks F/G Wilson Chandler requires kicks that can withstand his 6’8”, 220 pound frame. So Pony set out to design a slick, signature shoe constructed with lightweight, breathable materials that offers superior cushioning. The midfoot strap provides additional lockdown, and an upgraded heel delivers solid support. | adidas TS Supernatural Commander All-Star Edition, $100, adidas.com Who better to command the center of the court than Dwight Howard? Attribute his Magic moves to raw talent, but don’t disregard the shoes on his feet, which are great for bigger players. The Supernatural’s performance features include adiPRENE+ [a cushioning system that maintains propulsion] and a perforated upper for breathability and comfort. |
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adidas TS Supernatural Creator All-Star Edition, $100, adidas.com Perfect for agile players like Chicago Bulls PG Derrick Rose. It’s built with Pure Motion technology, which enables the shoe to adapt to your foot’s movements; and the forefoot’s cushioning system is fit with adiPrene+, a foam material that provides bounce. |
And1 Disciple Mid, $85 and1.com And1’s Tai Chi collection sought the “perfect balance between performance and price.” Worn by Golden State Warriors G Monta Ellis, this kick is a mix of cushioning and support. It’s low to the ground, allowing for good motion control. It also features an airbag for shock absorption and a high collar for ankle support and lockdown. Multi-directional herringbone is another at “traction.” |
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2010 All-Star and Signature Hardwood Kicks
Tournaments are around the corner. Time to seek out the best shoe for your game, and here’s a start.
|
|
Air Jordan 2010, $170, jumpman23.com Rooted in tradition, the 25th anniversary shoe of the Air Jordan franchise delivers pure basketball performance. The distinctive design glimpses into the game’s greatest mastermind, detailed through a transparent window in the middle of the shoe. The inspiration, of course, stems from MJ’s on-court routine of showing his defenders only what he wanted them to see. Aesthetics aside, the shoe’s performance features include the full-length Zoom Air unit, which offers comfortable cushioning and a forefoot constructed with an independent cover, delivering strong support and flexibility |
Nike Zoom Kobe V, $120, nike.com The Kobe IV broke a barrier when it launched as a low-cut kick last season. This year’s edition sets out to further prove Kobe’s theory that less is more, with a soccer-inspired molded heel that’s a millimeter lower. Though lighter in weight, the V isn’t thin on impact protection. The heel and forefoot—two peak pressure points—are cushioned with a Zoom bag. The shoe’s upper is engineered with Nike’s famed Flywire, intently placed to offer total lockdown, and the outside is patterned withan EKG inspired design that reduces rubber and, consequently overall weight. |
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Pony Wilson Chandler UL38, $80, pony.com New York Knicks F/G Wilson Chandler requires kicks that can withstand his 6’8”, 220 pound frame. So Pony set out to design a slick, signature shoe constructed with lightweight, breathable materials that offers superior cushioning. The midfoot strap provides additional lockdown, and an upgraded heel delivers solid support. | adidas TS Supernatural Commander All-Star Edition, $100, adidas.com Who better to command the center of the court than Dwight Howard? Attribute his Magic moves to raw talent, but don’t disregard the shoes on his feet, which are great for bigger players. The Supernatural’s performance features include adiPRENE+ [a cushioning system that maintains propulsion] and a perforated upper for breathability and comfort. |
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|
adidas TS Supernatural Creator All-Star Edition, $100, adidas.com Perfect for agile players like Chicago Bulls PG Derrick Rose. It’s built with Pure Motion technology, which enables the shoe to adapt to your foot’s movements; and the forefoot’s cushioning system is fit with adiPrene+, a foam material that provides bounce. |
And1 Disciple Mid, $85 and1.com And1’s Tai Chi collection sought the “perfect balance between performance and price.” Worn by Golden State Warriors G Monta Ellis, this kick is a mix of cushioning and support. It’s low to the ground, allowing for good motion control. It also features an airbag for shock absorption and a high collar for ankle support and lockdown. Multi-directional herringbone is another at “traction.” |