A classic is back, and in spades
Written: Jan 04 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Classic look, great feel and everyday comfort, definitely get second glances
Cons: Second glances can be odd at first
The Bottom Line: A classic of the Jordan line, rightfully so, for basketball, but now more for comfortable casual everyday or work use, it does it very well.
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| rookshark's Full Review: Nike Air Jordan Iv Retro Met |
I bought the original versions back in 1990, as well as three different pair last year as retros, the black/black versions (known as the blackcats), the white/military blue version (the militaries) and the white/black/read versions (with Mars Blackmon pictured).
I guess it goes without saying I like these shoes.
I used to play a little basketball in them, and they were great shoes for that which they were designed. The outsole was so good as to be used in other shoes of the time and afterword. Of course as retros the original designed use is now secondary to their use as just shoes, or more as a fashion statement. Far fetched it might be to compare these to the endurance that the Chuck Taylors have had, but the idea is similar in nature.
I do not play basketball as much as I used to, but there is no fear in wearing any of these out on the court for some practice or even light games. Some of the pros or college teams still break these out for games as well, and of course they have access to better, more modern and supportive shoes, but it is a testament to the classic nature of these shoes at the same time.
I should note at this time that there are a plethora of colorways of this shoe out now, released in the past year. The two white based shoes that I bought have an almost identical feel to them as an upper…comfortable, flexible, heavy, but not overbearing. They are leather-like, and have held up well to normal use, and seem to clean up well enough without incident or difficulty. The black version is an even more durable, less shiny nubuck. It too holds up well, and is more resistant to stains and such in the first place. Cleaning usually just involves taking your hand or a little bit of water to the shoe. .
Cushioning is first rate. I could play in these shoes, or wear them all day for casual or work use (and have) with no fatigue and they feel great. They hold up well with use as well, as I wore the originals for many, many years, hard years, and although these retros I have tried to treat with more care and less use, so far I have had no issues or problems.
These are not light shoes mind you, but the weight has a substance and comfort to it rather than bulk and clumsiness. They might be heavy…but you won’t mind.
Stability is at least for me surprisingly there. No fancy carbon fiber shank plate or high cut, but the width of the shoe seems to keep me firmly planted and not shifting much regardless. If you have stability issues or ankle problems, good grief go get something else to ball in, but for casual use, it should not be an issue.
I am still not a big fan of changing the identifying Nike Air on the heel and Nike on the outsole to the famous Jumpman Jordan symbol, which I feel detracts some from the looks of the shoe, but there is nothing that can be done about that it would seem for the foreseeable future. Otherwise the retros take colors of the originals and do a fair job of staying faithful enough in the white based colors, although purists will of course note they are not exactly the same. The all black colorway is completely different than anything that was originally released, and although that idea is not always appealing (either just as an idea or in execution) I really like the way the all black nature means the shoes blend in well in many different settings.
If you want some comfortable shoes, shoes that have that “classic look” without just looking old, in an everyday wearable package, then check a pair of these out. Just be ready for questions and stories from those you meet on the street about their first pair. It is like driving a classic car…they can definitely be a conversation starter.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rookshark
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Location: Honduras
Reviews written: 54
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About Me:
missionary living in Honduras
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