Let me preface this review by saying that I'm a lifestyle kicks guy, so I'll be looking at this sneaker more from that perspective instead of from a performance aspect. But this doesn't mean I don’t play ball or run when I can.
Now Puma is one of the biggest names in the sneaker and streetwear industry. However, it’s not exactly top of mind when it comes to basketball kicks. But that may be changing, considering their highly acclaimed Clyde Nitro released several years ago, and this follow up, the All-Pro Nitro. Even our country's top NBA prospect, Kai Sotto, wore them during his first Summer league game, and will probably wear them to the World Cup.
But does the All Pro Nitro live up to the hype?
Materials
If you're not familiar with the latest Puma performance tech, then chances are the midsole will make you want to squish it, and squish it often. That’s because it’s made of Pumas' proprietary NITRO Foam technology that really feels like, well, foam. The upper is made of a cloth-mesh mix, that seems at par with most performance shoes being released nowadays. The sock liner has a bit of a scratchy feel, and grasps your skin or socks, so it’s much better to wear your pair with at least ankle socks. The outsole rubber is quite good - no slips, and it seems sturdy. All in all, it can tangle with the best of em.
Rating: A-
Design
This particular shoe provided by Puma PH came in the "Lime Squeeze" colorway, and you can’t miss it. Nor can anyone in the same room. The color is built to stand out. If you watched Kai Sotto’s first NBA Summer League game, these are what he wore, and immediately your eyes are drawn to them. That being said, love for this colorway depends on the wearer, but if you look beyond that and study the design, you can see it’s actually quite neutral and conservative, which echoes the design of most Puma nowadays. I've seen pairs in other colorways and they actually look like they could be classics in several years (I particularly like the "Scoot" colors).
Rating: A-
Wearability
If you go true to size, you'll find it fits pretty snug, as with most performance shoes. I love how the foam is both squishy but firm, and over the past few days I wore ‘em straight and didn’t experience much foot fatigue—even after a workout. The heel area in particular had enough support that I felt secure and confident to move fast and run. Honestly, I'd wear these over some of the more popular performance b-ball shoes just to distinguish myself from the pack. They’re not for lounging though. There are other kicks for that.
Rating: B+
Pricing
The retail price of P7,900 is actually a bit below the usual for premium basketball performance shoes, and because of that I think they'll be a fixture courtside for the near future. Rating: A-
Final Rating
In Rhobeelicious terms, these should be the combo of meat (your choice of tapa, longganisa, or corned beef), fried rice, and egg from your favorite Pinoy resto. While it maybe not be the first thing you look at on the menu, it’s what you eventually end up ordering because you know it delivers your craving.
[An old school sneaker enthusiast, Rhobee Pilares enjoys street fashion, toys, cars, food and the excitement of busy, bustling cities. You can often catch him at coffee shops reading on the latest media trends. IG @rhobeelicious.]
Photos by Rhobee Pilares