Adidas TS Lightswitch Gil

Fire Starter

"Basketball is a brotherhood" is Adidas' ad campaign for the new ts line.Stressing the power of 5 rather than the individual.The Adidas TS Lightswitch Gil falls into line like the other shoes in the ts line but are low cut given agent zero's affinity for low tops.The shoe features Adidas select insoles to give the wearer a couple of options for the cushioning set up.One insole features heel Adiprene and Adiprene+ in the forefoot.The other option features full length Climacool material for maximum moisture management.The shoe also features a TPU injected heel counter with vents for maximum support and breathability as well as a forefoot strap for additional support.Lets find out if the shoe is more hibachi or just a bunch of smoke.

figure1
note the forefoot outrigger and strap for added stability

As a low top,ankle support is minimal...actually almost non existent.The forefoot is actually wider with the inclusion of an outrigger to allow better stability and to help prevent roll overs.A TPU shank provides midfoot and heel support. Even though the shoe is a low top it is very stable and the forefoot strap does add support and locks the wearers foot in the forefoot area.I do have one complaint with the heel area,I experienced some heel movement when wearing them and it did bother me a but where my forefoot was locked in but my heel was slipping at times.The shoe features lining inside the shoe for a seamless fit and the padding in the heel and collar area is dense but comfortable.

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note the vented TPU shank that adds support and breathablity

The TS Lightspeed comes with two different insoles both have different properties.I'm sure it will be different for others but I preferred the select cushion insole over the select Clima insole.On the select cushion insole I found the Adiprene cushioning in the heel to be a bit stiff but I really liked the Adiprene+ in the forefoot.The cushioning was firm but felt responsive during change of direction.The select Clima insole didn't offer the responsiveness that the Adiprene insole had.The overall feel of the shoe was fairly stiff.Given that it is a low top and whatever support is crucial,I wish they would have gone with a softer EVA foam for the midsole for a little bit more cushioned ride.

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note the flex groves for added flexibility and herringbone traction for excellent traction

Traction was very good on the different surfaces I played on.The outsole has a number of flex grooves on the outsole for flexibility.Herringbone pattern throughout the outsole and a soft rubber compound work in tandem for great on court traction.I only found myself wiping the bottoms of my shoes a couple times when playing on the concrete tile but otherwise traction was very good.The TPU heel counter extends all the way to the midfoot providing support as well as ventilation.

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Overall the shoe is decent.Unfortunately it left me wanting more.I understand the whole all for one concept but at least address some of the needs of the different positions/players.It is a very stiff shoe that is better suited for post players and forwards who need support.To make it a lowtop and call it a guard's shoe was a stretch.The inclusion of a couple cushioning options was a nice touch but the Clima select insole didn't really offer anything except provide some moisture management on a primarily leather shoe that doesn't breath all that well except for a series of vents on the TPU shank.

Comfort and Fit-3/5
Cushioning-3/5
Ankle Support-0/5
Traction-4/5
Overall-3/5

The shoe doesn't stand out in any aspect and while not a true signature shoe,the TS Lightswitch Gil is simply a lowcut version of a shoe better suited for forwards and post players.A definite step back from the excellent Adidas Gil Zero.