Nike Zoom Flight 5

ZOOM ZOOM

Originally released in 1996,Jason Kidd 2 years off his co-rookie of the year was given his first shoe to bear his name.That same year,he was traded to the Phoenix suns to join Kevin Johnson and a rookie from Santa Clara, Steve Nash.The Suns battled back from an 0-13 start to make the playoffs behind a "small ball" starting back court of Kidd and Johnson with Nash backing up both guard spots.The Nike Zoom Flight 5 was inspired by a track spike and Jason Kidd's ability to turn games into track meets.With a track spike inspired outsole and TPU "alien eye",the shoe was built for speed.The shoe also features the continued evolution of zoom air from the previous Zoom Flight 95 and Zoom Flight 96.

figure1
note the track spike inspired outsole as well as the concentric circle pattern.

With the focus of the shoe on speed,the shoe needs to really grip the court just as a pair of track spikes really get into the dirt for maximum traction on the track.With speed nubs coupled with concentric circles on soft composite rubber,the shoe does just that.As seen in figure1 the traction pattern only covers the forefoot rather than both forefoot and heel.The concentric circle pattern optimizes a shoe's ability to come into contact with the playing surface at 360 degrees,maximizing the outsole's ability to really grip the playing surface.The traction ate up the dirty tile floor with minimal slippage and performed wonderfully on clean hardwood.

figure2
note the lower profile cut on the ankles as well as the TPU "alien eye"

The shoe also features a phylon support wing on the lateral side with a TPU "alien eye" continuing the bug eye concept started with the zoom flight 95.The TPU pod actually helps the phylon wing support the mid-foot.The phylon wing is actually segmented and allows for maximum flexibility.The heel features a large heel counter that locks down the rear part of the shoe while a TPU midfoot shank keeps everything stable.A dynamic fit sleeve also adds to the fit and support.Its a good thing the shoe is stable because it offers hardly any ankle support.The collar of the shoe ends just under the ankle bone.

figure3
a rear view of the shoe as well as Jason Kidd's logo

At the time of the shoe's release,Zoom air was still in it's relative infancy.What started out as tensile air in the Nike Air Go evolved into zoom air in the Zoom Flight 95 and continued on with the Zoom Flight 96.However the difference of 2 years made all the difference for the shoe.When I wore original zoom air based shoes it felt like there wasn't any cushioning at all.Hardly any of the responsive and low to the ground properties we are used to today.The Zoom Flight 5 was the first zoom air based shoe that I really LOVED playing in.Cushioning was responsive and low to the ground.I felt like I had total control of how I moved without sacrificing cushioning.With previous models I felt like I was lower to the ground.Unfortunately at times it felt like I was landing directly on the ground barefoot with the Zoom Flight 95 and 96.

figure4
the front view of the shoe.Note how the phylon wing is segmented to allow flexibility.

I'm going to admit that this shoe was the shoe that made me LOVE shoes.I loved the amazing design and how it was different from anything out at the time.It isn't however without it's faults,ankle support is below average.While the shoe as a whole is very stable,the whole track spike inspiration didn't really allow for a higher cut for ankle support.While a cosmetic issue,The TPU pod scratches fairly easily.

Comfort and Fit-4/5
Cushioning-4/5
Ankle Support-2.5/5
Traction-4.5/5
Overall-4/5

Although originally released in 1996,the shoe stands up well versus many shoes designed today.It does have a strange fit to it.While it is cut a bit on the wider side,it's length is a bit on the shorter side.Ankle support is about on par with a low top.But if you re looking for a shoe to run the opposition ragged with,this is your shoe.