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LeBron XV Review
First Impression: The upper is nice looking, has a "quality" knit vibe to it in hand. The pull straps are gigantic, and if they weren't so helpful getting in and out of the shoe, they would be even more overwhelming. The midsole/sole combo visually looks like you would be sitting high off the court, but doesn't feel that way at all. Doesn't feel anything like an Air Max shoe or the way the LeBron X sits off the ground. Overall, doesn't strike me necessarily as a hoop shoe on first glance, but doesn't look as "trainer-ish" as the XIV's did.
Fit/Size: The million dollar question with any new model is, how do they fit? Well these are pretty close to the XIV's, size wise. The width could be a problem for some wide-footers, these are a tad snug, but a bit longer than the XIV's. I basically was between a 9 and 9.5 on the XIV's, needed a 9 for width, and a 9.5 for length. On the XV, the 9.0 fits very well. Snug like I like it, but plenty long with room in the toe box. I think those who want a good tight fit will be happy going down a half size, and others with wide feet or who like a bit of room can be happy going true to size.
Lockdown/Lacing: The lockdown is improved. The one piece upper is a bit thicker, with better construction and materials. The result is a more "sock like" feel and coverage of the top of the foot. The ankle opening has a stretchable material that you actually pull apart to get in and out, hence the giant thick pull tabs, triple stitched on the front and back. These are there for function, not form, and are very necessary for access. The good part is, it creates a really nice secure fit once in. The lacing also feels a bit more integrated into this design and you can feel the laces actually help get that final position in the shoe. But as always with a one piece upper construction, sizing is key to get a really good fit with the proper lockdown, the lacing won't make that significant of a difference. I personally liked the elastic upper around the ankle, because it seals around your ankle once in, the pull tabs aren't hanging off your ankle/leg like other models that have a one piece upper do. Will be interesting to see how this area holds up over weeks of in and out wear.
Weight: 16 oz., size 9. (XIV was 15.4 ounces, for reference). So not a significant difference created by the new cushion system.
Tech/Performance: The two biggest changes this year are the cushioning and the upper. So taking each in turn, let's start with the upper. The flyknit is unique, it has thick spots and has the elastic (spandex-like) part around the ankle and opening. There is a bit more structure to the entire upper based upon this new material. It feels kind of like the Kobe 9 elite knit upper, similar feel to touch. Very comfortable on, doesn't seem like much, if any, break in will be required, maybe just to match the foot to the insole. The heel counter is nice, and grabs the back of the foot/heel pretty nicely, but I also think it has to do with the way the upper is constructed to be a bit more "wrapping" of the foot.
As for the cushioning, definitely a difference (upgrade) on the step in comfort. On the court, the new Max Air Zoom bags were noticeable, but not so significantly better than the XIV's cushioning. The outsoles are very stiff right away, and after two 3-hour hoop sessions, I didn't notice much of a change. Maybe the soles will break in with more use, and be a little more flexible, it's possible. I think NightWing compared the cushioning setup to the X and I believe he said "top 5" cushioning in the XV's of all hoop shoes. I don't think I would put these there. It's a good setup, but it feels a lot like the KD X, and an upgraded plusher version of the XIV's. The forefoot area is still lacking support, it's not super springy, I didn't feel the bounce like I thought I would. I think people like me looking at the bags with high hopes (like me!) may be slightly disappointing if their intention is to ball in them. Casual wearers will like the new setup more, because it feels nice when just walking around. On court the responsive feel is still there like the XIV, which is rather impressive given the air bag setup. The transition is good, and the way the bags are grouped in 3 regions, the flexibility from toe to heel transitions is pretty similar to the LBJ XIV's and KD 9 and KD X. Were very comfy right away, and remained so hours into each session. Was in no hurry to take them off after we were done each day.
Traction: Traction pattern is completely revamped. The former digital "pixel" looking pattern has been tossed in favor of a tight pyramid pattern from toe to heel. I play on pretty clean courts, and I found the traction was decent with these. I think the translucent sole may have a tad more grip, but I only played in the Ashes, didn't wear the Ghosts on court to find out, maybe I can give that a try this week just for the heck of it. I feel like I'm never really impressed with the traction in the LeBron line, and I guess this year is no different. Jordan Brand seems to know something Nike Basketball doesn't when putting outsole patterns on their models, or Nike Basketball isn't willing to use that same strategy. The Jordan XX9, XXX, XXXI and XXXII all have great on court traction, sticky even, and I feel like Nike sigs (Kyrie, KD, Bron, now PG1) haven't found that same level of traction recently.
Overall: The XV is a solid hoop shoe that I think guards and small forwards will really like for the fit and stable cushioning setup that is still very responsive to the court. I can't see a lot of true big men wearing these, since it's a fairly soft knit upper shoe with not a lot of traditional structure and height. Comparing the XV to the XIV, the fit is better, the upper is better, lockdown is better, the cushioning is slightly better, responsiveness is the same, traction is about the same, weight is pretty close. Maybe it's just me and my reluctance to embrace the one piece upper design as a "real" hoop shoe that makes me not as high on these. I think the Max Air Zoom bags had me a little too excited for these, and is leaving me a bit disappointed, maybe over time I will come around on them. The cushioning is good, by no means is not a good setup, but it's not "great" like I had hoped when I first saw them. These feel like a better built version of the XIV to me, with no strap. To me, the air bags are visually extremely nice, but are a bit underwhelming on court. I expected more from these than the KDX, and I don't really think the XV is that much better than the KD's. Looks wise, these were much better in hand than I had initially thought. These didn't grow on me in pictures so much as when I got them and put them on. They look very nice on foot on court and are different than most hoop shoes. The Ashes have a really great simple vibe. The swoosh on the heel is my absolute favorite part of the XV.
Just my thoughts, I'm sure others will find things they like better/worse. Excited to hear what everyone else experiences with these.
First Impression: The upper is nice looking, has a "quality" knit vibe to it in hand. The pull straps are gigantic, and if they weren't so helpful getting in and out of the shoe, they would be even more overwhelming. The midsole/sole combo visually looks like you would be sitting high off the court, but doesn't feel that way at all. Doesn't feel anything like an Air Max shoe or the way the LeBron X sits off the ground. Overall, doesn't strike me necessarily as a hoop shoe on first glance, but doesn't look as "trainer-ish" as the XIV's did.
Fit/Size: The million dollar question with any new model is, how do they fit? Well these are pretty close to the XIV's, size wise. The width could be a problem for some wide-footers, these are a tad snug, but a bit longer than the XIV's. I basically was between a 9 and 9.5 on the XIV's, needed a 9 for width, and a 9.5 for length. On the XV, the 9.0 fits very well. Snug like I like it, but plenty long with room in the toe box. I think those who want a good tight fit will be happy going down a half size, and others with wide feet or who like a bit of room can be happy going true to size.
Lockdown/Lacing: The lockdown is improved. The one piece upper is a bit thicker, with better construction and materials. The result is a more "sock like" feel and coverage of the top of the foot. The ankle opening has a stretchable material that you actually pull apart to get in and out, hence the giant thick pull tabs, triple stitched on the front and back. These are there for function, not form, and are very necessary for access. The good part is, it creates a really nice secure fit once in. The lacing also feels a bit more integrated into this design and you can feel the laces actually help get that final position in the shoe. But as always with a one piece upper construction, sizing is key to get a really good fit with the proper lockdown, the lacing won't make that significant of a difference. I personally liked the elastic upper around the ankle, because it seals around your ankle once in, the pull tabs aren't hanging off your ankle/leg like other models that have a one piece upper do. Will be interesting to see how this area holds up over weeks of in and out wear.
Weight: 16 oz., size 9. (XIV was 15.4 ounces, for reference). So not a significant difference created by the new cushion system.
Tech/Performance: The two biggest changes this year are the cushioning and the upper. So taking each in turn, let's start with the upper. The flyknit is unique, it has thick spots and has the elastic (spandex-like) part around the ankle and opening. There is a bit more structure to the entire upper based upon this new material. It feels kind of like the Kobe 9 elite knit upper, similar feel to touch. Very comfortable on, doesn't seem like much, if any, break in will be required, maybe just to match the foot to the insole. The heel counter is nice, and grabs the back of the foot/heel pretty nicely, but I also think it has to do with the way the upper is constructed to be a bit more "wrapping" of the foot.
As for the cushioning, definitely a difference (upgrade) on the step in comfort. On the court, the new Max Air Zoom bags were noticeable, but not so significantly better than the XIV's cushioning. The outsoles are very stiff right away, and after two 3-hour hoop sessions, I didn't notice much of a change. Maybe the soles will break in with more use, and be a little more flexible, it's possible. I think NightWing compared the cushioning setup to the X and I believe he said "top 5" cushioning in the XV's of all hoop shoes. I don't think I would put these there. It's a good setup, but it feels a lot like the KD X, and an upgraded plusher version of the XIV's. The forefoot area is still lacking support, it's not super springy, I didn't feel the bounce like I thought I would. I think people like me looking at the bags with high hopes (like me!) may be slightly disappointing if their intention is to ball in them. Casual wearers will like the new setup more, because it feels nice when just walking around. On court the responsive feel is still there like the XIV, which is rather impressive given the air bag setup. The transition is good, and the way the bags are grouped in 3 regions, the flexibility from toe to heel transitions is pretty similar to the LBJ XIV's and KD 9 and KD X. Were very comfy right away, and remained so hours into each session. Was in no hurry to take them off after we were done each day.
Traction: Traction pattern is completely revamped. The former digital "pixel" looking pattern has been tossed in favor of a tight pyramid pattern from toe to heel. I play on pretty clean courts, and I found the traction was decent with these. I think the translucent sole may have a tad more grip, but I only played in the Ashes, didn't wear the Ghosts on court to find out, maybe I can give that a try this week just for the heck of it. I feel like I'm never really impressed with the traction in the LeBron line, and I guess this year is no different. Jordan Brand seems to know something Nike Basketball doesn't when putting outsole patterns on their models, or Nike Basketball isn't willing to use that same strategy. The Jordan XX9, XXX, XXXI and XXXII all have great on court traction, sticky even, and I feel like Nike sigs (Kyrie, KD, Bron, now PG1) haven't found that same level of traction recently.
Overall: The XV is a solid hoop shoe that I think guards and small forwards will really like for the fit and stable cushioning setup that is still very responsive to the court. I can't see a lot of true big men wearing these, since it's a fairly soft knit upper shoe with not a lot of traditional structure and height. Comparing the XV to the XIV, the fit is better, the upper is better, lockdown is better, the cushioning is slightly better, responsiveness is the same, traction is about the same, weight is pretty close. Maybe it's just me and my reluctance to embrace the one piece upper design as a "real" hoop shoe that makes me not as high on these. I think the Max Air Zoom bags had me a little too excited for these, and is leaving me a bit disappointed, maybe over time I will come around on them. The cushioning is good, by no means is not a good setup, but it's not "great" like I had hoped when I first saw them. These feel like a better built version of the XIV to me, with no strap. To me, the air bags are visually extremely nice, but are a bit underwhelming on court. I expected more from these than the KDX, and I don't really think the XV is that much better than the KD's. Looks wise, these were much better in hand than I had initially thought. These didn't grow on me in pictures so much as when I got them and put them on. They look very nice on foot on court and are different than most hoop shoes. The Ashes have a really great simple vibe. The swoosh on the heel is my absolute favorite part of the XV.
Just my thoughts, I'm sure others will find things they like better/worse. Excited to hear what everyone else experiences with these.
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wonder how much they were influenced by melo 
