Well, my chance at getting my Nike Wishlist came true. But first, I gotta say thanks to the No Ka Oi connection for a dream come true. I thought visiting the Nike Company Store in Beaverton, Oregon was a long shot, but the Nike gods were with me.

Let’s rewind to a Thursday morning in July when I was in line at the Company Store before its opening at 10am. It was game time, and I knew my first target was the “back wall” of shoe odds and ends. You just never know what you’ll find (and find I did).

But what was I looking for? Read up on my Wishlist series with version 4 looking like this:

1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. Kobe 1 Protro ($175)
6. React Element 87 ($160)

What I ended up with, looked like this.

If you recall my original list, I had the LeBron 15 but then changed to the LeBron 15 Low in Update 1. But as fate would have it, the colorway I randomly used in my original Wishlist is the exact colorway I found on the back wall in my size! Yeah, I did say the LeBrons didn’t fit my feet well so I did try them on again in the Company Store and even wandered the aisles finding other shoes to try on while wearing the BattleKnit LeBrons. And that’s when I changed my mind. The overall feet of the LeBron 15 was top-notch. The support, the feel of the materials, the colors. I couldn’t put these back to the back wall.

Then there’s those crazy Perry the Platypus colored Air Max 98. Truth be told I coveted these shoes when they released on Nike’s SNKRS app. Truth be told I passed on them and regretted it. Truth be told I have a watch on GOAT for these shoes going for around $180. Truth be told I was amazed to see a few of these on the back wall. Truth be told they’re a little big at size 10.5, but truth be told, I wasn’t putting these back. So that’s two from the back wall.

So what about my Wishlist? I did try on the VaporMax 97, and they were okay. Plenty were in stock in different colorways, and I even tried on a variety of VaporMax models. The Utility model wasn’t bad but overall, none of them were keepers.

The same goes for the Air Max 270. So many colorways. Some nice ones on the back wall as well, but none stood out. I tested out the Air Force 270 line for a change on the 270 bubble, but none of them resonated with me.

The Odyssey and Epic Reacts were really the most disappointing for me. I was fully commited to buying one of these React models to run in. But they just didn’t feel right. Super snug, going up half a size made the fit better. But the arches on both models felt problematic, and I really didn’t want to buy running shoes that would either be non-supportive or chafe too much.

Kobe 1 Protros had lots in stock. I even found a few Lakers gold and purple colorways on the back wall, but these shoes are super stiff. I didn’t like them as soon as I put them on.

The React Element 87 that released that week was a long shot to find, and I was correct in that assumption. But the React Vapor Street Flyknit was there, and they felt great. Surprisingly great. I was super close to buying a pair.

But right next to these were the brand new EXP-X14 that released the week prior. The colorways were neutral with either white/wolf grey or mountain blue, but of course, I had to try the on since they were right there. I’m glad I did. Super comfortable and an overall different feel and vibe to this shoe. I put back the Vapor Street in favor of a white pair of EXP-X14 which was also my substitute for missing out on the Element 87. While looking for my size, another shopper asks if I wanted the X14 in the Just Do It colorway. I don’t know where he found this special colorway since I didn’t see any others. And can you believe they were in my size too?!? Was meant to be…

While I tried on many more models and also helped family members pick out kicks (Epic React and Pegasus were popular), in the end, my Nike Wishlist was this:

1. LeBron 15 Black/Sail/Bright Crimson
2. EXP-X14 JDI
3. Air Max 98 QS Cone/Tour Yellow-Hyper Grape

From my (hopefully discounted) Nike Wishlist, I have to sadly remove the LeBrons. Although now a Laker, the King has his same feet that aren’t like mine. Therefore, the LeBron signature shoes just don’t fit me well. Getting into the hightop version was tough, but my eye was on the low top version.

To get some early recon, I tried on a pair of LeBron 15 Lows. My usual size was too tight so I sized up. While this helped the overall fit of the Battleknit upper, the arch of any LeBrons has been and continues to be a problem for me. Just not enough support for my flat feet, and I can feel my arches collapsing when taking a step. This won’t be good if using these for performance purposes.

So the list of seven needs some changes:

1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
6. React Element 87 ($160)
7. Air Force I “JDI” ($130)

I’m also striking the AF1 JDI – just don’t need it. Although I didn’t try on the Air Max 97 VaporMax version, they do have a hardened foot bridge-like structure at the midfoot. That typically feels good for my feet. But I’m also worrying about the support of the React models. The simplicity of the minimal Element 87 concerns me. From the images, the shoe base looks wide, offering midfoot support.

Oh look… Protros (terrible name but loving the older look infused with new tech).

If these are miraculously available then of course, I’d need to consider them. So revision 4 of my Nike Wishlist looks like:

1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. Kobe 1 Protro ($175)
6. React Element 87 ($160)

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1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)

The first addition is the upcoming Nike React Element 87. Funky name, funky look – distinctive. But being new, I doubt these will yet be available at a discounted price.

My next addition is a whim. Taking it back to the old school, I think I’ve owned one pair of classic Air Force I, and this JDI “Just Do It” pack looks intriguing. Not sure if I can handle all that orange though.

So just to keep the wishlist at seven (just a random number), here’s how it now looks:

1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
6. React Element 87 ($160)
7. Air Force I “JDI” ($130)

When it comes to decision time (aka time to pay), I’d say I’d go with the LeBron (for badminton and to honor his past season) and the Odyssey React (since I want to try Nike’s new running foam). A third pair would have to be something deliciously good.

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1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. LeBron 15 Low ($150)
6. Air Jordan 1 ($145)
7. ACG Dog Mountain ($110)

Thanks to Nordstrom’s redemption, I can strike out #6, the Air Jordan I. But however, I always reserve the right to reverse my choice if a super fresh or rare colorway is lucked upon.

Looking at #7, the ACG Dog Mountain, I think I’ll also strike this outdoors-theme shoe from the list. Why? Because I found the Nike Air Zoom Albis 16 at Ross. While I would have loved that Concord purple colorway, the black and wolf grey makeup is just fine with me.

At #5, a refinement if available. This Flight Pack colorway of the LeBron 15 Low is too good featuring the Teal Tint and Sunset Pulse, but it’s not yet released.

So I’ll end Update 2 of my wishlist like this:

1. Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. LeBron 15 Low “Flight Pack” ($150)
6. Air Jordan 1 ($145)
7. ACG Dog Mountain ($110)

1. Air VaporMax Utility
2. Air Max 270
3. Odyssey React
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit
5. LeBron 15
6. Air Jordan 1

The first change I’m making is taking the VaporMax Utility out of the rotation. I still love its look but after watching a review of this sneaker by Hes Kicks, I’m hesitant due to the squeaking and chaffing. If I find a pair, I’ll try them out of course, but instead I’ll probably opt for one of those “Past Meets the Present” hybrids like the Air Max 97 VaporMax or Air VaporMax Plus. I gotta like the colorway though.

I’ll leave the 270 on the list for now but again, I’d have to find a great looking pair. With so many variations coming out, this shoe is ultimately bound for discounters in a about a year.

The original Epic React runner still has the nicer colorways than the the Odyssey React, but for fit purposes, the Odysseys are a better match. These stay on the list. So do the React Vapor Street Flyknit if the price, color, and fit are just right.

Win or lose in the NBA Conference Finals this year, LeBron James continues to impress. Getting up in age, he’s still producing and playing at an unreal level. To pay tribute, I’d go for the LeBron 15 (which reminds me, did LeBron even switch to his Solider line this post season like he’s done in the past?). The LeBron 15 high top version is cool but the LeBron 15 Low sounds better for me according to the Weartester’s reviews by Duke4005 and Nightwing2303.

The Air Jordan 1 would have been crossed off this list if Nordstrom had come through. But instead, I took a loss with the AJ1 Shadow. Again, so disappointed with Nordstrom and its wonky inventory system, but I digress…

Another Nike that caught my attention recently is the new ACG Dog Mountain. Yeah, weird name, but kinda useful to have an outdoorsy shoe that can take a beating. This shoe may eventually replace the React Vapor Street Flyknit in my Wishlist.

So here’s my Nike Wishlist updated for May 28, 2018.

1. Air VaporMax Utility Air Max 97 VaporMax/Air VaporMax Plus ($190)
2. Air Max 270 ($170)
3. Odyssey React ($120)
4. React Vapor Street Flyknit ($180)
5. LeBron 15 LeBron 15 Low ($150)
6. Air Jordan 1 ($145)
7. ACG Dog Mountain ($110)

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Air Vapormax

Yeah, I wouldn’t pay $190 for Nike’s latest Vapormax 2, but at half price, I’d do it. Actually, I’d strongly consider the funky Utility variant. The Utility appears to have more structural support and is just not your typical sneaker.

Air Max 270

While I like the overall look of the 270, with so many color ways coming out, these are bound to hit the discount stores eventually. So by being patient, that $150 price tag may drop to $50, better than $75 at 50% off. So pass unless there’s a dope colorway available.

Odyssey React

For pure utilitarian purposes, I’d get the Odyssey React. The Epic React looks better, but the Odyssey model seems to have improved upon the Epic and is cheaper. I also want to see what Nike’s answer to the Adidas Boost is like.

React Vapor Street Flyknit

Now this React-equiped model is not made for running but is a everyday lifestyle shoe. It’s odd, it’s long-ish, and it’s different. Again, a consideration if under $100 and super comfortable.

LeBron 15

This is definitely a long shot. Historically, LeBron James’ signature shoe hasn’t fit me well, and I really don’t need more basketball shoes. But if there’s an awesome colorway to be had for around $90 then I’ll be rocking’ a LeBron 15.

Air Jordan 1

Maybe it’s all those Retros that have released recently, but I find myself wanting a pair of the OG Air Jordan 1. While I’d love certain color ways, I’d settle for any that look good. I have a hard time paying modern prices for retro shoes, but the AJ1 is a classic that forever changed the kicks game.

So that’s my Nike kicks wishlist for now although I’ll probably update it in a few months. If you could pickup a few pairs of Nikes at half off, what would be on your feet?