"We Shocked The World!!"
This shoe was released in 1998 and was part of Nike's Alpha Project line which was distinguished by it's signature 5 dots(see figure3).It features a full length Lycra/spandex dynamic fit sleeve,"monkey paw"anti inversion support,visible zoom air heel and forefoot units and a carbon fiber shank plate.Alpha Project incorporated many of Nike's top technologies and pushed the boundaries of shoe design and technology.
figure1In figure1 you can see the beautiful profile of the shoe as well as the vis zoom air pockets and the dynamic fit sleeve.
The shoe comes off as an excellent performance shoe.Even though it was released in late 1999/early 1998 it holds up very well to it's modern counterparts. The heel and forefoot zoom air pockets provide excellent cushioning and responsiveness.The full length Lycra/spandex dynamic fit sleeve provides a seamless fit as well as excellent support and breathability during play.The monkey paw anti-inversion provides added support and helps prevent excessive inward rolls.
figure2
In figure2 the carbon fiber shank is visible and provides excellent mid foot support.The herringbone pattern provides excellent traction on most surfaces.I did have minor traction issues playing on dusty tile(but then again who wouldn't).The cut of the shoe is a little bit on the wide side but nevertheless with the dynamic fit sleeve it still provides an excellent fit with minimal slippage.
figure3
The heel counter provides excellent support and when coupled with the "monkey paw" provides excellent support.The phylon wings add extra support for the lateral side of the shoe during high activity play.
Overall the Vis Zoom Uptempo was one of many excellent basketball shoes to come out of the 1990's.The zoom air units provide excellent cushioning while offering excellent support.The shoe did have some durability issues with the paint chipping off of the phylon wings but is purely a cosmetic issue.At the time the $130 price tag was fairly steep for a shoe that didn't have "Jordan" on it.
I picked this shoe to be my my first review because of the shoe's history in my life.It was worn by one of my favorite players Khalid El-Amin in the NCAA national title game in 1999 and yelled "WE SHOCKED THE WORLD!" after beating the top ranked Duke Blue Devils.I know I'm gonna hear it from JR and some other people but oh well might as well get the sentimental ones out of the way first.
figure2In figure2 the carbon fiber shank is visible and provides excellent mid foot support.The herringbone pattern provides excellent traction on most surfaces.I did have minor traction issues playing on dusty tile(but then again who wouldn't).The cut of the shoe is a little bit on the wide side but nevertheless with the dynamic fit sleeve it still provides an excellent fit with minimal slippage.
figure3the 5 Alpha Project dots run down the heel of the shoe
The heel counter provides excellent support and when coupled with the "monkey paw" provides excellent support.The phylon wings add extra support for the lateral side of the shoe during high activity play.
Overall the Vis Zoom Uptempo was one of many excellent basketball shoes to come out of the 1990's.The zoom air units provide excellent cushioning while offering excellent support.The shoe did have some durability issues with the paint chipping off of the phylon wings but is purely a cosmetic issue.At the time the $130 price tag was fairly steep for a shoe that didn't have "Jordan" on it.
Comfort and Fit-4/5
Cushioning-4/5
Ankle Support-4.5/5
Traction-4.5/5
Overall-4/5
Cushioning-4/5
Ankle Support-4.5/5
Traction-4.5/5
Overall-4/5
I picked this shoe to be my my first review because of the shoe's history in my life.It was worn by one of my favorite players Khalid El-Amin in the NCAA national title game in 1999 and yelled "WE SHOCKED THE WORLD!" after beating the top ranked Duke Blue Devils.I know I'm gonna hear it from JR and some other people but oh well might as well get the sentimental ones out of the way first.
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