Danny Mitchell is a freelance writer from New York and contributor to Sneaker Report with an unwavering passion for the Knicks, sneakers, golf, and vintage 90′s gear. Find him on Twitter @dmitch_23
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1.
Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2013
Key Technology: Nike Zoom Unit / Molded sock liner / Hyperfuse
Spotted: St. Pauls Gym, Valley Cottage, NY
The Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2013 offers a lightweight constructed upper that still gives players the necessary support when playing. A major problem with basketball sneakers has always been movement within the shoe, so Nike combated it with a dynamic collar to lock the foot down. In addition, the molded sock liner offers improved comfort.
2.
$80
3.
Nike Air Max Fly By
Key Technology: Air Max / Hyperfuse
Spotted: Bronx YMCA, NY
It's been a few years since the Air Max Fly By made it's debut, but that hasn't kept it from staying off the hardwood. The lightweight Hyperfuse upper offers players the breathability and support quick guards are looking for, and the high ankle support strap combats those brutal twists and sprains that every basketball player is more than familiar with.
4.
Jordan Super.Fly 2
Key Technology: Flight Plate / Hyperfuse / Nike Zoom
Spotted: St. Pauls Gym, Valley Cottage, NY
Utilizing the energy efficient Flight Plate is just a part of why the Jordan Super.Fly 2 has become a favorite shoe choice on the court. The breathable construction from it's Hyperfuse upper keeps the sneaker lightweight and comfortable. A key aspect that the average user may not be aware of is the data-informed traction pattern in the forefront to improve grip on court and increase durability to high wear areas that cause other sneakers to break down.
$130
5.
adidas Real Deal
Key Technology: Adiprene+ / Non-marking rubber outsole
Spotted: St. Pauls Gym, Valley Cottage, NY
Antoine Walker's go to sneakers in the 90's will have you doing the shimmy on the court just like the former time Celtics star himself. Featuring Adiprene technology for improved cushioning, the 2013 reissue of the Real Deal has improved the overall performance, making it a more complete shoe for both indoor and outdoor use.
Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011
Key Technology: Hyperfuse / Nike Zoom
Spotted: St. Pauls Gym, Valley Cottage, NY
Although this sneaker is almost four years past its debut, the Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 is still a popular model amongst those who can still find them. The lightweight Hyperfuse upper design was one of the first of its kind which caused many people to switch from traditional leather sneakers to something more advanced.
6.
adidas adiZero Crazy Light
Key Technology: Sprintframe external heel / Torsion System
Spotted: Bronx YMCA, NY
Another lightweight kick geared towards guards, the adiZero Crazy Light literally lives up to its name. Weighing in at just 9.8 oz, the Crazy Light gives quicker guards a shoe that can keep up while offering the right amount of support. One of the biggest knocks however is that the sneaker runs extremely narrow, especially around the midfoot.
7.
Air Jordan VIII "Aqua"
Key Technology: Heel & forefoot Air / Two-panel cross strap
Spotted: Dobbs Ferry Park, Dobbs Ferry, NY
It's rare to see the Jordan VIII on court these days due to the massive collectors market. But those who have played in the shoe applaud it for the highly supportive and lockdown feel from the two-panel cross strap. The major knock on court for the Jordan VIII, however, is its lack of cushioning and traction, particularly on outdoor courts.
8.
Jordan Melo M9
Key Technology: Flywire straps / Nike Zoom
Spotted: Dobbs Ferry Park, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Exposed Flywire straps are the real standout for the Jordan Melo M9, as players get the adaptive and dynamic fit that many basketball shoes just don't have. Restricting movement within the shoe, as well as the massive amounts of cushioning, has made the Jordan Melo M9 a go-to for many ballers around New York.
9.
adidas Top Ten 2000
Key Technology: Injected EVA midsole / Feet You Wear
Spotted: Bronx YMCA, NY
Worn by Kobe Bryant when he was still with the Three Stripes, the Top Ten 2000 has made a huge comeback in recent years. Many people applaud adidas for the massive amount of support, especially around the midfoot, which has been a major problem these days as it contributes to plantar fasciitis. A problem many have expressed with the Top Ten 2000 is the lack of cushioning. However, nobody complains about the traction as its an ideal kick for both inside the gym and out.
Nike LeBron XI Max Low
10.
Key Technology: ArmorPosite / Flywire / Full-length Zoom / Lunarlon / Hyperfuse
Spotted: St. Pauls Gym, Valley Cottage, NY
The LeBron 11 is a technology mogul when it comes to sneakers. Packing in just about everything Nike has in their arsenal, the LeBron 11 was intended to be a performance marvel in the basketball world, but has come under mixed reviews especially from King James himself. Those who do rock them on court favor the cushioning and support, but feel it lacks in court feel and traction.
$170
11.
Reebok Answer IV
Key Technology: DMX Foam
Spotted: Dobbs Ferry Park, Dobbs Ferry, NY
The fourth model in the Iverson signature line was geared around his quickness and ability to stop on a dime. Those who lace up the Answer IV feel no lack in traction or cushioning, but the major complaint comes from the lack of ventilation and breathability. Though, its worth noting that that's expected from a fully leather sneaker.
12.
Nike Air Foamposite Pro "Gym Green"
Key Technology: Foamposite
Spotted: Dobbs Ferry Park, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Another sneaker you wouldn't normally expect to see on court due to its overall clunkiness and weight is the Foamposite Pro. However, the shoe does have its benefits on the court. There's surprisingly a good deal of cushioning and support, along with a great deal of traction for both on the hardwood and on the blacktop.
13.
Nike Air Zoom Flight "The Glove"
Key Technology: Water resistant zip-up shroud / Phylon Midsole
Spotted: Dobbs Ferry Park, Dobbs Ferry, NY
"The Glove" made its triumphant return after many years on Nike's shelf. Offering many benefits on court, including the highly abrasive rubber outsole, massive cushioning on the inner sneaker, and water resistant zip up cover, "The Glove" is an ideal option for city ballers.
$85
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