Floppy Divac's Basketball Shoe Reviews

Reebok Reverse Jam Mid Sneaker: Basketball Shoe Review

Alright everyone. After a long delay, I finally got another review up. This time it is the Reebok Reverse Jam Mid Basketball shoe. 

Comfortability/Fit: This shoe is relatively lightweight (approximately 2 lbs). The only issue I have with this shoe is its narrow width, which made it feel rather tight on my monstrously wide feet. Lacing system is pretty good and stylish. Arch support is great while ankle support is good with proper lacing.

score: 14/20

Safety/Support/Stability:The only thing that bothered me the most about the fit seems to the narrow fit of this shoe. I have a slightly wider than normal foot so it took a while for the shoe to break in. Arch support is pretty good, and ankle support is adequate for a mid-cut shoe.The main selling point for the shoe is the Hexalite cushioning material. In case you didn't know what hexalite is, here's an excerpt from the product website:

What is Hexalite?
"Hexalite" is a lightweight, honeycomb-shaped cushioning material that provides enhanced shock absorption in areas of peak pressure. The Hexalite technology is 4 times more durable than EVA foam and absorbs up to 23% more energy than the equivalent amount of EVA Foam. Tough urethane film combined with the structural integrity of the honeycomb linkage make it one of the most durable cushioning systems used in footwear.

score: 16/20

Durability: Reebok Hexalite has been around for a few years so the cushioning material  is proven to be durable so don't worry about the shoe's durability. It has a decent track record. 

score: 15/20

Style: This is one of the main features of the shoe that attracted me. The retro design that encompasses the shoe is pretty sweet. This shoe reminds me of the old school ballers and their short-shorts. In addition to the standard Reebok logo, a Hexalite logo and a "Reverse Jam" logo is tattooed on the shoe.

score: 17/20

Value:The shoe retails for around ~$75 or so, but you should be able to purchase it for considerably less. The price fluctuates periodically so I was lucky enough to purchase it for $25 or so. You can purchase the shoe from here: Reebok Men's Reverse Jam Mid Sneaker

score: 18/20

Pros:

• Relatively low price.
• Durable Hexalite material
• Lightweight
• Good arch support

Cons: 

• Not for those with particularly wide feet
• Not everyone loves the retro design/feel

Final grade:  80/100
Reebok Reverse Jam Mid Sneaker B-

Reebok Above the Rime (ATR) The Pump Basketball Shoe Review

(A quick and dirty synopsis is at the bottom of this section for those of you with short attention spans. Click on the thumbnails for full-sized images of the shoe.)
 

Here it is, ladies and gentleman. My very first basketball shoe review. Since it's my very first review, I have to choose a special shoe. You know that one shoe that you love so much that you need several pairs of it just in case you lose one or break one? Yup. This is it. I actually bought 4 pairs of Reebok's ATR (Above the Rim) The Pump basketball shoes simply because I think it's an intelligently designed pair of basketball shoes. 

Comfortability/Fit: The pump was designed to ensure a "perfect" fit for your feet. Unfortunately, I don't really notice the difference when it's fully pumped or not. I think it's all psychologically. Luckily, even without the pump, these shoes are as comfortable as the  other side of your pillow. I've used this shoe for years now so I know what I'm talking about.It is also pretty lightweight (approximately 1lb or 16oz). They don't feel heavy at all, as I can move around pretty quickly in these shoes with an adequate hint of breathability. 

score: 18/20

Safety/Support/Stability: This is the category where I believe the shoe really shines. In the 2+ years that I've played in these shoes, I have not sprained my ankle severely in these shoes (knock on virtual wood). I even had some guy tell me that those Reebok's saved my life after I had a nasty one-legged fall after being fouled on my way to the basket. The velcro strap lacing system actually provides a good amount of ankle support (more than your average mid-cut basketball shoes).

score: 18/20

Durability: In terms of durability, this shoe holds up relatively well compared to other basketball shoes I've worn in the past. The lacing system and velcro strap still works surprisingly after repeated abuse. However, I doubt the pump works anymore; I can barely hear the hissing sound after I press the release valve. An important thing I noticed getting worn down is the sole of the shoe. Like with any other shoe, the soles eventually get worn out and you feel like you're sliding all over the wooden floor of the basketball court.

score: 15/20

Style: I've received several compliments on the courts about my shoes. Almost everyone recognizes the "Pump" shoe with a huge Reebok logo. I remember those old-school commercials and slam dunk contests where the player pumps his shoe repeatedly before the dunk. The shoe design is pretty clean and basic. The various color combinations that this shoe comes in are all pleasing to the eye.

score: 15/20

Value: Pricewise, I got a pretty good deal on these shoes while it was on sale (which is why i bought 4 of these in the first place). It should cost around $50 or so. I'll post a link if I can find a reputable seller online that still stocks this pair of Reebok ATR the Pump Shoes.

score: 19/20

Pros:

• Excellent ankle support
• Lightweight, relatively durable
• Good value for its price

Cons: 

• Pump seems to be a gimmick (does not add to fit/comfort). And no, it will not make you jump higher.

Final grade:  B (85%)
Reebok ATR The Pump