Fearless
Looks can be deceiving.At first glance there is really nothing spectacular about the Nike Zoom Brave.Initially released as Yuta Tabuse's signature shoe,Tabuse was the first Japanese player to make the NBA.The Zoom Brave was also worn by Jason Kidd and Kevin Martin.The shoe features a dynamic fit sleeve,full length zoom air and combination herringbone pattern/concentric circle outsole.It took me nearly 5 months to track down the shoe and get it imported from Asia.
figure1
note the mesh vents on the forefoot between the black and silver lace loops
When you first pick up the zoom brave you'll notice how light it is.It is actually lighter than the Nike Zoom BB which is slated to be the newest top of the line guard oriented shoe that Nike produces.While researching information about the shoe it was heavily advertised of having "advanced fitting" made specifically for "Japanese feet".I didn't have any problems with the fitting of the shoe with my moderately wide and flat feet.The shoe actually rivals the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 in terms of comfort.Its full length dynamic fit sleeve allows for a totally seamless fit.It features a mesh tongue and vents on the forefoot for heat and moisture management.It is well padded inside the shoe and I didn't experience any foot movement during play.One downside however is the shoe is cut fairly low and offers hardly any ankle support.The lacing system really locks down the players foot and midfoot support is excellent but all that does little to offset the shoe's biggest weakness in the ankle support department.
figure2
note the combination herringbone/concentric circle outsole
The outsole really helps make the shoe special.It features a combination herringbone/concentric circle pattern.Coupled with plenty of surface area for the outsole to contact the playing surface,I can't name many shoes off the top of my head that beat this one in the traction department.It performed exceptionally well on hardwood and didn't slip once on the dirt tile surface after a day's worth of mud and dirt was tracked through the gym.
figure3
note the midfoot lace loops which add mid-foot support
Cushioning is excellent,it features a full length zoom air unit that is responsive and low to the ground.I didn't experience any soreness or excessive leg fatigue on concrete tile.With a wide foot base and phylon support in the forefoot to keep the foot from moving.The midsole is actually internal in the heel of the shoe,with a perforated and raised patterned leather covering it.While the pattern isn't lasered on,it adds an extra dimension to the shoe.
figure4
note the low profile design that emphasizes speed
Comfort and Fit-4.5/5
Cushioning-4/5
Ankle Support-2/5
Traction-5/5
Overall-4.5/5
I absolutely loved the shoe.It is stable,excellent cushioning,comfortable and provides top of the line traction.It's biggest downfall is it's lack of ankle support and difficulty to obtain.It also isn't the prettiest shoe but we're concerned with performance not looks on this site.If you can find it and like shoes like the Nike Zoom Turbine and Nike Zoom Flight 2k3 you will definitely love this one.
Looks can be deceiving.At first glance there is really nothing spectacular about the Nike Zoom Brave.Initially released as Yuta Tabuse's signature shoe,Tabuse was the first Japanese player to make the NBA.The Zoom Brave was also worn by Jason Kidd and Kevin Martin.The shoe features a dynamic fit sleeve,full length zoom air and combination herringbone pattern/concentric circle outsole.It took me nearly 5 months to track down the shoe and get it imported from Asia.
figure1note the mesh vents on the forefoot between the black and silver lace loops
When you first pick up the zoom brave you'll notice how light it is.It is actually lighter than the Nike Zoom BB which is slated to be the newest top of the line guard oriented shoe that Nike produces.While researching information about the shoe it was heavily advertised of having "advanced fitting" made specifically for "Japanese feet".I didn't have any problems with the fitting of the shoe with my moderately wide and flat feet.The shoe actually rivals the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 in terms of comfort.Its full length dynamic fit sleeve allows for a totally seamless fit.It features a mesh tongue and vents on the forefoot for heat and moisture management.It is well padded inside the shoe and I didn't experience any foot movement during play.One downside however is the shoe is cut fairly low and offers hardly any ankle support.The lacing system really locks down the players foot and midfoot support is excellent but all that does little to offset the shoe's biggest weakness in the ankle support department.
figure2note the combination herringbone/concentric circle outsole
figure3note the midfoot lace loops which add mid-foot support
Cushioning is excellent,it features a full length zoom air unit that is responsive and low to the ground.I didn't experience any soreness or excessive leg fatigue on concrete tile.With a wide foot base and phylon support in the forefoot to keep the foot from moving.The midsole is actually internal in the heel of the shoe,with a perforated and raised patterned leather covering it.While the pattern isn't lasered on,it adds an extra dimension to the shoe.
figure4note the low profile design that emphasizes speed
Overall the effort that went into tracking down the shoe was well worth it.If you are an active guard looking for a lightweight shoe,this could be the one for you...If you can find it.
Comfort and Fit-4.5/5
Cushioning-4/5
Ankle Support-2/5
Traction-5/5
Overall-4.5/5
I absolutely loved the shoe.It is stable,excellent cushioning,comfortable and provides top of the line traction.It's biggest downfall is it's lack of ankle support and difficulty to obtain.It also isn't the prettiest shoe but we're concerned with performance not looks on this site.If you can find it and like shoes like the Nike Zoom Turbine and Nike Zoom Flight 2k3 you will definitely love this one.
Posts
