Peak Kidd 2

A Frame Ahead

Two years ago,Jason Kidd was traded from the New Jersey Nets to the Dallas Mavericks.Too old and declining skills they said.Fast forward to 2010 and Jason continues to be one of the top point guards in the NBA.Despite his age,he continues to play at a high level averaging 10.1 points,6.6 rebounds,9.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 42% from three point range and 80% from the free throw line.Top it off with his 10th all star appearance.Not only did Jason change teams but he also changed shoe brands last year from Nike to Peak.Last season's Peak Kidd 1 was a decent start.While it had it's flaws,it still performed well enough to say that any drop off in Jason's performance shouldn't be attributed to his change in shoe companies.This season we get the Peak Kidd 2 that boasts some major improvements resolving some of the major issues of the Peak Kidd 1.With the Peak Kidd 2, extra attention was made to increase the breathability of the shoe as well as improving the traction.Lets see if the shoe really proves age ain't nothing but a number or if it will make you a grumpy old man.

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note the slight curve to the forefoot

The Peak Kidd 2 feels a bit lighter than the Kidd 1.The materials used in the construction of the shoe felt like better quality than the Kidd 1.The asymmetrical collar comes back for great support without sacrificing range of motion.The collar is well padded with a softer material compared to the Kidd 1 and the lining did not bleed onto my socks like it's predecessor.The placement of the padding also keeps the heel locked down,where the padding is thickest between the ankle bone to really fill in the space between the ankle bone and heel to keep the foot in place.The breathability issue was addressed with mesh vents throughout the medial side of the shoe.The improvement in breathability was noticeable and kept my foot comfortable.Peak should probably consider changing the way the shoes are laced out of the box.Using an over-under method does not allow the wearer to really tighten the shoe to provide a snug fit.Changing to a more standard under-over lacing will allow the wearer to tighten as needed.

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note the dark blue TPU shank that wraps under the heel

Peak designers did a good job lowering the profile of the Kidd 2 versus the Kidd 1.The Kidd 2 actually uses the same insole that gave me problems on the Kidd 1 but due with the reduced midsole,I didn't experience the same issues of excessive softness.Peak continues to tweak and evolve PK Rocket.On the Kidd 2, along with the lowered profile,the designers added a TPU shank to the heel that adds stability and helps disperse the force of impact evenly.I enjoyed the added stability and impact protection was again excellent.My only complaint is the again with the softer midsole comes extra weight and less court feel.I would like to see designers continue to move forward and find a way to add a lower profile overall feel without sacrificing the excellent impact protection.

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note the combination herringbone pattern on the heel and forefoot for excellent traction when changing direction and translucent rubber inserts for additional traction.

The Kidd 2 also improved in traction versus it's predecessor.The entire outsole now features either multi-directional herringbone pattern or concentric triangles for plenty of surface area to eat up dirt and really grip all court surfaces.Again a soft rubber compound is used to add to the already excellent traction.The overall feel of the shoe is very stable.An internal TPU midfoot shank adds midfoot stability and when coupled with the TPU shank in the heel makes for a really stable ride.A semi curved last also makes for great heel to toe transition.

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again note the semi curved outsole

I was impressed by the Peak Kidd 2.I liked that the shoe had an overall lower profile feel and the TPU shank in the heel to disperse the impact was great.Traction was excellent and designers addressed the lack of breathablity.Although lighter thank the Kidd 1,the shoe could be lighter with some tweaks to the midsole and compounds used.

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

Cushioning was great and while it provided excellent impact protection,the lack of rebound effect especially in the forefoot when cutting or pushing off in changes of direction made the difference.The comfort and fit of the shoe was improved but Peak would probably do better by changing the way the shoes are laced.The way the shoes are laced straight out of the box do not allow the wearer to really tighten the shoe and make for a snug fit.Overall the difference between the Kidd 1 and Kidd 2 is leaps and bounds.As Jason Kidd seems to be getting better with age,so too hopefully is mirrored by the Peak Kidd line.

Nike KD 2

Thunderstruck

I really try not to let certain events or players prevent me from trying certain shoes.That being said,having come from Seattle,the move of the Seattle Supersonics to Oklahoma City left a sour taste in my mouth and I completely shut out the team and players.Unfortunately,Kevin Durant and the rest of young superstars in the making wouldn't let me not notice them.Lets just reflect real quick on what Kevin Durant did this season.Youngest scoring champion,broke the record for most 25 point games and came second in MVP voting and was named to the all NBA 1st team.Needless to say, with the way signature shoes are going nowadays you would expect his signature shoe be priced in the mid $100's...nope..$84.99..not that I have forgiven the people who moved the Seattle Sonics to OKC..but the players just made a new fan.Now on to the shoe.Zoom air in the forefoot with a cushlon midsole for a soft ride.Midfoot strap and rubber heel counter for support.Lets see if the forecast calls for thunderstorms or just some light drizzle.

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note the forefoot strap and additional fabric wrap on the lateral side

At first glance the KD 2 is nothing spectacular.Simple lines,overlays where extra support is needed,just simple and unassuming.Kind of like the player.At first glance,yah Kevin Durant is really tall but physically not really what one would call a physical specimen..until he drops 40 points on your head.A closer look at the shoe will reveal a number of personal touches that pertain to his life and what and the people that helped him get to where he is today...k back to the shoe..what is impressive about writing about this shoe more than probably any other is I find myself talking about Kevin Durant as I talk about the shoe which is a reflection of the great job the designers did really making this Kevin's shoe.The collar is well padded and right under where the ankle bone sits are two additional padded lobes to really create a nice fit and help prevent the heel from slipping.The shoe is cut fairly low,more like a 5/8 height to allow some ankle coverage but allow maximum flexibility.Unfortunately the single overlay of material in the upper doesn't allow for a lot of ventilation and the shoe does not breathe all that well.

figure2

note the rubber heel counter

The KD 2 features a full length cushlon midsole and forefoot zoom air.Cushlon is found mostly in running shoes where it is a lightweight,resilient foam that offers excellent impact protection.The zoom air unit in the forefoot allows for a low profile and responsive cushioning in the forefoot.I have always wondered why designers and Nike have insisted in putting the zoom air unit in the heel in certain shoes that have only one air bag.For the most part having only a zoom air unit in the heel and some type of foam in the forefoot has always left a little to be desired.During hard lateral cuts or change of direction most of the stress comes through the forefoot.Understandably the heel absorbs a lot of impact while simply running but the application of zoom air has always been best utilized in the forefoot,where it's low profile and responsiveness really come into play.All that being said heavier players who really pound their shoes might want to look elsewhere.Active players who do a lot of slashing and are looking for a responsive ride..look no further.

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note the herringbone pattern on the medial side that provides traction crucial on quick changes of direction and cuts.

The outsole once again is a homage to Kevin's life and what is important to him.The outsole is a dangerous place to try to express your individuality.Fortunately for the KD 2,the designers did an excellent job incorporating that into the outsole without sacrificing performance.With a deep modified herringbone traction on the medial side for key pivot points,and plenty of surface area made of a soft rubber compound make for excellent traction on both hardwood and the dirty concrete tile.The midfoot strap holds the foot in place nicely.However those with wider feet may have some trouble with the strap not fitting properly.A phylon foot bucket keeps the heel in place and the additional overlays on the medial side help support the foot on hard cuts keeping the foot on the footbed.overall support is very good however with the shoe cut at a 5/8 height ankle support is marginal.

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Overall I really enjoyed playing in the KD 2.Simple, straightforward and an excellent value.Again if you're looking for more cushioning in the heel then you might want to look elsewhere.But for what it is and for how much it is,the KD 2 is an excellent value and when put up against some of the higher priced signature shoes,The KD 2 more than hold's it's own.Based on what we saw in the 2010 NBA playoffs it looks like the best is yet to come for this budding superstar and should have no problems making new fans.

Comfort and Fit-4/5
Cushioning-3/5
Ankle Support-3/5
Traction-4.25/5
Overall-4.25/5

The lack of breathability hurt a little bit and those looking for more cushioning in the heel may want to look for something else.

Li Ning BD DOOM

Dooms Day

Baron Davis certainly has had an interesting career along to go with his personality.There will be times where he will make you jump out of your seat(see the Golden State Warriors season of 2006-2007),to make you scratch your head a little(see 2009-2010 Los Angeles Clippers).His choice in shoes have mirrored his career as well.Baron Davis was in the Nike Freestyle commercial and recently signed with the Chinese shoe company Li Ning.Li Ning is one of the top athletic shoe companies in China and boasts Jose Calderon and Shaquille Oneal as other primary endorsers.On the surface the move from Nike to Reebok and then to Li Ning was a head scratcher but looking deeper,what you find may surprise you.Backed with an extremely popular youtube video that created hype similar to the nike freestyle video that Baron was originally in.While the Li Ning BD Doom will be his first signature shoe to bear his name what truly makes this shoe his is the unique "Beardman" logo.Lets see if the shoe makes you want to jump out of your seat like one of baron's countless highlights or leaves us scratching our head.

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note the variable lacing at the top of the collar for a customized fit

Right out of the box you notice the BD Doom is well made.No stitching problems or glue stains.One thing I did encounter after playing in them a number of times was the paint chipping off of the midsoles.Not really a big deal and does not effect the performance of the shoe.The interior is well padded and provides extra padding on the Achilles to prevent the shoe from rubbing on the skin.One of the major gripes I had with the shoe was the severe lack of breathability.A mesh lined tongue and collar that is padded provided very little airflow in the shoe and made for drenched socks and hot feet after extended play.Strangely of the two different pairs I played in,there seemed to be a difference in stiffness of the internal heel counter.While it did not really change the fit or the feel of the shoe but it was enough to notice.

figure2
note the tpu supported heel counter as well as the additional padding for the achilles

The BD Doom uses two different types of cushioning.First off there is Li Ning Bounse which is found in forefoot and claims to have 25% more rebound effect.It does, but like every other foam based cushioning system,with extended use it eventually bottoms out..which can be said for all cushioning systems but foam based ones seem to lose effectiveness a little bit quicker.The heel features Li Ning Cushion which claims to provide 68% more shock absorption than other shoes.Needless to say without the percentages,both systems do their respective jobs.The forefoot does feel a bit more firm and while running and landing on the heel absorbed the impact well.However over a number of times wearing the shoes,the cushioning did diminish over time.The ride also sits very low for extra court feel which is excellent for active slashing players.

figure3
Note the visible Li Ning Cushion

Now this truly where the BD Doom really excels.Traction.Nice big and deep modified herringbone traction on nice soft rubber with plenty of surface area for the shoe to really grip the court.Coupled with the low to the ground feel,makes for an excellent combination.The outsole is also segmented for good flexibility without losing rigidness.Ankle support is marginal.The shoe is cut fairly high and offers variable lacing to allow the wearer to tighten or loosen the shoe where they see fit but other than that overall ankle support is very minimal.

figure4

Overall the Li Ning BD Doom is a solid signature shoe.Excellent traction,pretty good cushioning and a simple design are great but what really makes the shoe pop is how Baron Davis' personality exudes from the shoe.The Beardman logo just simply makes the shoe cool.Good thing the rest of the shoe is solid.With a couple of minor tweaks and fixes,primarily the lack of breathability,I'm sure we will be hearing more from Li Ning..besides to quote the company motto.."Anything is Possible"

figure5
"Beardman" logo

Comfort and Fit-3/5
Cushioning-3/5
Ankle Support-2.5/5
Traction-4.25/5
Overall-3/5

Again breathability was an issue and the cushioning's lack of sustained performance was taken into account in their respective categories.