Nike Zoom Uptempo 3.0

Perfect Strangers

At first glance of the Nike Zoom Uptempo 3.0, it looks like a mash up of the previous Zoom Kobe 1 and Zoom Kobe 2.While both were excellent in their own rights,2 rights together can sometimes throw things off and make a wrong.That being said the exciting combination of double stacked zoom air in the heel coupled with a nike free inspired outsole similar to the Zoom Kobe 2 has the pedigree of a winner.Lets find out if there is such a thing as too perfect.

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note the fabric wrap stitched on for additional support

The upper of the Nike Zoom Uptempo 3.0 is similar to the Zoom Kobe 1 which depending on how you look at it,could be a good thing or a bad thing.Thankfully Nike seemed to learn from the issues previously had on the zk1 and managed to improve on them.One of the issues on the Zoom Kobe 1 was the overall lock down feel when lacing up the shoe.On the Zoom Kobe 1 it seemed that no matter how tight one pulled on the laces,it never really felt like it was laced very tight.The Zoom Uptempo 3.0 remedies that by removing all of the padding that was in the tongue and lace hole area in the Zoom Kobe 1 and keeps all material to a minimum.While this does dramatically improve the wearers ability to really lock down their foot,it takes away some of the comfort that made the Zoom Kobe 1 comfortable to wear.The wearer’s foot is supported with a dynamic fit sleeve which adds comfort and support.Mesh vents and perforations on the medial side provide heat and moisture management but I found the shoe absorbing alot of moisture after playing in them.I didn’t really feel like my foot was excessively hot but with the shoe being primarily suede in the color way tested,it didn’t manage the moisture very well.

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perforations on the medial side help for heat and moisture management.Also visible is the cut out of midsole/outsole under the arches.

When Laced up tight,there is a bit of foam padding inside the shoe which was fairly comfortable..nothing spectacular..it gets the job done.The material that lines the collar that may cause irritation to those who like to wear no show socks.It is similar to the material used in the collar of the Zoom Kobe 1 however it isn’t as padded or flexible so be forewarned.

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visible in the window is the carbon fiber wrap.As well as the material in the collar and reinforced heel counter.

Overall ankle support is decent.The shoe features an additional fabric wrap made of heavy duty ballistic mesh nylon that wraps around the entire shoe to add additional support rather than the carbon fiber spring plate used in the zoom Kobe 1.The ballistic mesh adds support to the foot by preventing the foot from moving off of the foot bed.The shoe minimizes on weight by cutting out a piece of the outsole/midsole at the midfoot area.While the shoe does feature a carbon fiber midfoot shank,unlike most carbon fiber midfoot supports we have seen,it does not extend all the way across the bottom of the outsole but only extends to less than half way across the foot.The support works the way it is supposed to however,that open space under my arches caused some soreness from the lack of support.The ballistic Nylon mesh runs under the arch providing support,but it would have been nice to have a bit more support.The Phylon used in the midsole is very dense but didn’t hurt the weight of the shoe.The forefoot Zoom air coupled with the denser Phylon provided firm cushioning.It was fairly responsive but I guess I am spoiled by the feel of the zoom air in the Zoom BB’s.The Double stacked Zoom air in the heel provided great impact protection in the heel on hard landings.

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Nike "free" inspired outsole and another look at the cut out of material under the medial side of the foot.

Traction was great on normal hardwood.When I first brought it out to my dirty concrete tile floor,I did experience some slippage however by the second time I brought the shoe out it was fine.The Free inspired outsole worked with my foot well when cutting to the basket and allowing my foot to make the quick changes in direction when picking through the traffic on the way to the basket.The Rubber compound is also fairly dense so it may be able to stand up to use on outdoor courts with the denser phylon compound as well as a denser rubber compound that will stand up to black top better than the zoom Kobe 2 or zoom Kobe 1.

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Overall the shoe performed well.If you consider it’s price point of $80.00 US the value is excellent.It is a lightweight performance shoe that has excellent value for it’s features.I wasn’t a fan of the lack of support under the midfoot and while The zoom air in the forefoot wasn’t bad..I think it could have been better.

Comfort and Fit-3/5
Cushioning-3.5/5
Ankle Support-3/5
Traction-4/5
Overall-3/5

The shoe improved on the fit problems of the zoom kobe 1 but unfortunately cost it some of the comfort of it as well however I will admit I would take this upper over the zoom Kobe 1’s.Cushioning was decent but I expected better.Overall a decent shoe with excellent value for it’s price but not without it’s faults.