Jordan 2010 (blk/blk)
Anyone who knows me knows that I like to stick to one brand when it comes to "hoopinology" and for now, I'm in my Jordan brand phase. Some of the younger kids might think Jordans are just about style. That's really not the case. During his playing days, MJ always looked for the competitive edge on his opponents and part of that was the shoes he wore. If somehow his shoes could help him jump higher or his legs not get tired as quickly, he would be interested.
This weekend, I went at it in the Jordan 2010. (A little more knowledge for you shoe youngsters: every year Jordan releases one main flagship shoe model--they started with model #1 in 1985 and model #23 came out in 2008. After that, they decided to go with the year instead of the model number for the name. In other words, Jordan 2010 = Jordan XXV, in case you were wondering).
The Jordan 2010 really gives you the feel of a luxury ride for your feet on the court. It lives up to the fact that it is supposed to be THE performance shoe from the sneaker leader. Cushioning is great throughout, from heel to toe (I think it's a zoom air bag which is a thinner, more responsive airbag than what you'd see on a pair of air maxes, for example). The next thing I always consider is traction and a simple test I have is do I get the "squeaky-squeaky" type traction? In the case, yes, I do...most of the time. I only say "most of the time" because 1. you have to keep the shoe bottoms clean (wipe of the dust/dirt, even during a game) and 2. If you look at the bottom, there isn't too much material:
Fit is great (tie your shoes properly, kids) and I was never worried about my feet slipping around even during hard cuts. I even had to go with an ankle brace on my left foot and there was no problem fitting the shoe around the brace. There's also a molded piece of plastic around the heel that helps add stability to your feet.
What its NOT so GOOD at
Overall, the Jordan 2010 is a great shoe. There's just one nagging exception: how do you feel about the way the shoe looks? I think it's pretty clean in the all black colorway but it's not the color that bugs me. It's the giant, circular window on the upper of each shoe. It's good for ventilation (I mean you want your feet to stay cool right?), but aesthetically? Maybe not so much. Some people might look at it as good chance to show off some socks or something. From far away, no one will really notice and I don't think the look of the window makes the shoe unwearable, especially considering the great on-court performance it provides. If the window really bugs you, you might give the Jordan 2010 Team a try (essentially the same shoe, no window, and still available in many places).
The Verdict
Buy it and play in it...if you can find it. Otherwise, the Jordan 2010 Team might be a good alternative. Check eastbay.com, finishline.com or your local Nike Outlet.
