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Better in Person

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Gotta file these kicks under “Better in Person.” I’m talking about the Under Armour Micro G Volt Low. When I saw these shoes, I had to pick them up since I couldn’t quickly identify them. And that camo-like colorway on that organic upper is super intriguing. After handling the Volt, you feel the old school, solid construction, not like the woven stuff we see today. The Volt Low just feels solidly built.

Under Armour Micro G Volt Low

I’d never have considered these shoes if I only saw pictures online. These are definitely better in person.

But… I don’t need them (or so I keep telling myself), so they’re available on eBay.

Under Armour Curry 2.5 and Ankle Braces?!?!

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Just how does Steph Curry wear his signature Under Armour Curry 2.5 shoes while protected by his preferred Zamst A2-DX ankle braces?

PORTLAND, OR – MAY 9: The shoes of Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors are seen during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2016 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Even with the adjustable, wrap around fit of the “burrito lacing system,” I just don’t see how SC30 achieves a good fit as seen in the image above. It seems nearly impossible to close the tongue around the added thickness of the brace. Is that why he writes “I can do all things” on his shoes?

Kicks Analysis 2017 #7: The Finals

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It’s over… from a kicks point of view anyways. Nike has another championship locked down with North Carolina and Gonzaga playing in the finals. Starting out, Nike had a 59% chance for one of its teams to win it all. Under Armour and Adidas were close to each other at 19% and 22% respectively.

For the Sweet Sixteen, Nike’s odds increased to 75%, and Adidas and UA were at 12.5% each.

In the Elite 8, Nike maintained its 75% mark meaning Adidas and Under Armour again had 12.5%.

The Final Four featured three Nike teams, again 75% of the teams, with only Under Armour remaining.

Now with the Bulldogs battling the Tar Heels, Nike has a 100% chance of winning.

during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.
during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.
during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.
during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.

On Monday, it’s Jordans versus LeBrons, Kobes, Kyries, and KDs.

Kicks Analysis 2017 #6: The Final Four

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One down, and I’m surprised (as well as bummed since that’s the end of my bracket). Kansas and Adidas are out, leaving Nike with Gonzaga, North Carolina, and Oregon. Under Armour is still scrapping on then backs of the South Carolina Gamecocks.

in the second half during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 17, 2017 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Kicks Analysis 2017 #5: Elite 8

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The odds, the percentages – forget them. It’s March Madness, baby! All shoe brands are still in it with Nike having 75% of the Elite 8. UA and Adidas each have one team repping their brand.

Check out them Kobes!
Seed: Team, Shoe
11: Xavier, Nike
1: Gonzaga, Nike
3: Oregon, Nike
1: Kansas, Adidas
7: South Carolina, Under Armour
4: Florida, Nike
2: Kentucky, Nike
1: North Carolina, Nike

This percentage breakdown mimics that of 2016.

Kicks Analysis 2017 #4: Shoes of Champions

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I vowed that if my bracket won this year’s tournament then I would buy shoes from the popular Adidas basketball lineup. There are no losers in the current lineup of Crazy Explosives (low), Harden Vol. 1, and the Dame 3. Currently, Adidas adorns the remaining Kansas and UCLA squads.

Lonzo balls in the Hardens.

Oddly enough, I didn’t spot the special Jayhawks makeup of the Crazy Explosive in their matchup with Purdue. I did see a different color way and the unheralded CrazyLight Boost.

Kansas guard Josh Jackson (11) dunks against Purdue Boilermakers in the first half during the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, March 23, 2017. Kansas advanced, 98-66. (Shane Keyser/Kansas City Star/TNS)
Kansas guard Devonte’ Graham (4) drives to the basket around Purdue guard P.J. Thompson (11) in the first half in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, March 23, 2017. Kansas advanced, 98-66. (Rich Sugg/Kansas City Star/TNS)

 

But the Dame 3 is really growing on me. The performance is there, and while its look is unconventional, there are color schemes that flat out work.

Kicks Analysis 2017 #3: Sweet 16

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The sweetness of the sixteen teams still dancing look like this:

  1. Florida (4)
  2. Wisconsin (8)
  3. Baylor (3)
  4. South Carolina (7)
  5. Gonzaga (1)
  6. West Virginia (4)
  7. Arizona (2)
  8. Xavier (11)
  9. Kansas (1)
  10. Purdue (4)
  11. Oregon (3)
  12. Michigan (7)
  13. North Carolina (1)
  14. Butler (4)
  15. Kentucky (2)
  16. UCLA (3)

Nike holds a dominant position with 12 of the 16 (75%). Adidas and UA both have two teams represented (12.5%), but Adidas has powerhouses, UCLA and Kansas, playing.

I haven’t been impressed by any particular pair of kicks on-court thus far. So instead, I’ll give props to the Big West representatives, UC Davis and the bespeckled, hard working, Chima Moneke.

Kicks for the Older Generation

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Call it what you want, a blunder or pure genius, but the latest low cut, white colorway of Under Armour’s signature for Steph Curry is in the spotlight. Although truly a performance basketball shoe, the white colors of the “Chef” impart an older feel for these kicks. Check out this fictitous commercial made by Jimmy Kimmel.

jimmy-kimmel-curry-sneakers-commercial_om1xng

Online, this makeup is being killed for its “old man” looks, but then again, with this much coverage, I think this shoe has more public awareness than many other.

Not alone in this “shoe for dads” category, Nike, Adidas, and New Balance has their contributions as well. The aggressive styling of the upcoming Adidas Crazylight Boost 2016 screams for the young, but the white out look appeals to the aged.

Get-up-Close-and-Personal-with-the-Triple-White-adidas-CrazyLight-Boost-2016-1

New Balance may use premium materials for the 30th anniversay of the 999 model. But that colorway looks plainly familiar.

new-balance-999-30th-anniversary-pack-3_o8l3zv

But Nike still owns this space with its top-selling Air Monarch line. The Air Monarch IV is the quintessential shoe for the older generation.

nike-air-monarch

 

 

Uncle Martian

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This is so bad that it’s good! There can be no doubt that Uncle Martian, a new sports brand in China, is copying the look and logo of Under Armour. I mean really “Uncle Martian???” I guess any sportswear brand name is just a name, but Uncle Martian doesn’t conjure up images of sports or performance for me anyways.

For grins, I’m curious to see the Uncle Martian lineup. Maybe they have products copying existing items from other brands or maybe they have something original. I guess the term Uncle Martian is kinda original seeing how they needed words that could match the UA logo.

side-by-side

Kicks Analysis 2016 #5: Elite 8

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In the Elite 8 of 2016, both Adidas and Under Armour are barely hanging on with one team each (Kansas for Adidas and Notre Dame for Under Armour). All the rest (Virginia, Syracuse, Oregon, Oklahoma, Villanova, and North Caroline) don the swoosh. From a numbers standpoint, this works out to 75% Nike and 12.5% each for Adidas and UA.

Seed, Team, Shoe
1, Virginia, Nike
10, Syracuse, Nike
1, Oregon, Nike
2, Oklahoma, Nike
1, Kansas, Adidas
2, Villanova, Nike
1, North Carolina, Nike
6, Notre Dame, Under Armour

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