Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer

Crossing Over

Nike has been revamping it's cross training line by taking the great cross trainers of the past and updating them with today's advancements.The results from the basketball side of updating classics have been mixed at best.The cross training side has been better with the Air Trainer 1 and Air Trainer 1.5.Now the Nike Air Huarache Trainer gets an update.Zoom air and a revamped outsole while keeping the full length Lycra bootie makes for an excellent light weight training shoe.The question is so would it work on the basketball court?With the Huarache trainer popping up in the college ranks over the years and more recently on the feet of Amare Stoudamire,let's see if the Zoom Huarache trainer really has cross over appeal or should stay off the court.

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note the lycra bootie

The Zoom Huarache trainer is very light due to the minimal Huarache design which cuts out excess materials without sacrificing fit and functionality.A full length Lycra bootie adds compression and a seamless fit.With all the material cut out to reduce weight,a mid foot strap locks down the foot while adding stability.No problems with breathability as the airflow through the shoe is excellent.

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note the forefoot strap and slight forefoot outrigger

A zoom air unit in the heel provides excellent heel protection however with the flexible midsole forefoot cushioning is severely lacking.The feeling through the forefoot is very low profile but again after all the force absorbed by the torque generated by cutting and running makes for sore feet after extended play.

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note the turf inspired outsole

Traction on the Trainer Huarache was interesting.A super flexible free inspired outsole is ideal for responsiveness when making cuts.However with a lack of mid foot rigidity,the possibility for injury skyrockets.The traction pattern is a turf inspired outsole but the raised turf pattern also works like a modified herringbone pattern and really eats up dirt on the court for better than expected traction.Ankle support was marginal which is common with Huarache based shoes.The Lycra sock and a solid heel counter holds the heel in place.The midfoot strap adds some support but not enough to cover the excessive flexibility of the outsole.

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I went into the review not really knowing what to expect.I tempered my expectations on seeing NBA players and college players wearing cross trainers in games.The thing about most huarache based shoes is the similar feel from one type of shoe to the next.

Comfort and Fit-2.5/5
Cushioning-2.5/5
Ankle Support-2.5/5
Traction-3.5/5
Overall-2.75/5

As I went through the review process I constantly had to remind myself that I was playing in a shoe not designed for basketball.All ratings given are based on the shoe performing as a basketball shoe.The biggest problem with using the zoom huarache trainer is the lack of any midfoot rigidity.Especially when playing basketball,the massive amounts of torque one puts on the foot especially during quick lateral movement.Iinitially it was tough to determine what was causing some of the foot pain I endured during the review process.The soreness I experienced changed as I progressed from a result of my feet bending and twisting in ways they were not normally accustomed to the cushioning naturally breaking down and the stress from all the twisting became compounded with the lack of cushioning.Again this review was solely based on it's performance as a basketball shoe.