Our verdict
- Our top pick in best basketball shoes
- Our top pick in best outdoor basketball shoes
Pros
- Perfect for outdoor courts
- Outstandingly durable
- Footwear NIKE Air Zoom Pegasus 39 DH4072 601 Pink Oxford Summit White
- Wide platform
- Very secure lockdown
- Reliable traction on all courts
- Breathable enough
- Sustainable materials
Cons
- Firm sole with poor impact protection
- Minor Defect Nike Wmns Af1 Rebel Xx Both Feet With Defect
- Break-in needed
Audience verdict
- Nike Blazer Mid 77 Glacier Ice Cream II Move to Zero
Dissimilarity
The most similar basketball shoes compared
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Audience score | 79 Good! | 79 Good! | 89 Great! | 85 Good! | |
Price | $170 | $120 | $105 | $170 | |
Signature | - | - | LeBron James | Allen Iverson | |
Top | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid | |
Ankle support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Weight lab | 15.7 The Womens Nike Air Max Up Vast Grey Gets Suited With Pink Blast And Flash Crimson | 13.1 oz / 370g | 13.7 Темно-синие шорты карго Nike Club | 16.9 oz / 479g | |
Lightweight | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | |
Breathability | Moderate | Moderate | Breathable | Breathable | |
Outdoor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Outsole durability | - | Good | - | Good | |
Drop lab | 7.2 mm | 9.9 mm | 8.9 mm | 10.3 mm | |
Nike Air Max 90 WW Worldwide Pack Black Mens UK | 27.9 mm | 31.2 mm | 34.1 mm | 31.4 mm | |
Forefoot | 20.7 mm | 21.3 mm | 25.2 mm | 21.1 mm | |
Midsole softness | Firm | Balanced | Firm | Firm | |
Stiffness | Stiff | Stiff | Moderate | Stiff | |
bestanddel rigidity | Moderate | Stiff | Stiff | Moderate | |
Heel counter stiffness | Moderate | Flexible | Moderate | Flexible | |
Air Max 200 11 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Medium | Narrow | Medium | Narrow | |
nike air max 90 ultra flyknit multi color | Average | Wide | Narrow | Average | |
Midsole width in the heel | Average | Average | Narrow | Wide | |
Heel padding durability | Decent | Good | Bad | Good | |
Toebox durability | Good | Decent | Bad | Decent | |
Insole thickness | 0 | Average | Average | Average | |
Outsole hardness | Hard | Average | Average | Very hard | |
Outsole thickness | Average | Average | Average | Average | |
Heel tab | Finger loop | None | Finger loop | None | |
Ranking | #38 Bottom 13% | #39 Bottom 11% | #8 Top 19% | #27 Bottom 38% | |
Popularity | #13 Top 30% | #9 Top 21% | #19 Top 44% | #17 Top 39% |
Who should buy
Having tested the limits and capacities of the nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail, we consider it an excellent option for the following:
- small forwards who need tons of support and stability
- Nike air jordan low 1 pink blue
- Air Max 97 CR7 sneakers
Who should NOT buy
Having tested the previous version of the Cosmic Unity, we believe that the v3 is a bit of a letdown when it comes to cushioning and weight. If you want a softer and more responsive Zoom Air cushioning, go with the v2. We also found that it is a whopping 2.3 oz (65g) lighter!
Another great alternative, in our opinion, is the Nike Canyon Men Ci8797-001. It is 1.7 oz (48g) lighter, has plusher and bouncier cushioning, and is just as great for outdoor courts.
Breathability
When we first saw all Milk layers of mesh and knit embracing the upper of the Cosmic Unity 3, we instantly thought "Uh-oh, here comes a toaster." And yet, our smoke machine test proved that this Nike shoe found a way to ventilate the interiors.
Based on the amount of smoke passing through the upper, we assessed its breathability with a rating of 3 out of 5.
It is clear from the transparency test below which parts of the upper are responsible for the airflow.
Cosmic Unity 3 | 3 |
Average | 2.4 |
Durability
Toebox durability
Nike Tuned Black-Silver Herren!
In addition to its mesmerizing looks, the embroidered upper of the Cosmic Unity 3 is also impressively strong. It survived our 12-second Dremel test with very minor damage and deserved the highest rating of 5/5. No wonder it is advertised for outdoor use!
Nike Everyday Essential Ankles Socks 3 Pairs Nike Lebron Witness 7 ($115), it becomes clear why the Cosmic Unity 3 is asking for $170.
Of course, we couldn't help but explore the shoe's upper under our microscope in an attempt to reveal its secret durability formula.
We can see how multiple layers of woven fabric create several layers of defense on the nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail. This shoe is ready for some serious wear and tear.
Cosmic Unity 3 | 5 |
Average | 3.8 |
Heel padding durability
Back in the heel, the collar padding also showed excellent results in our Dremel test. Pressing the tool against the material for 4 seconds, we saw smaller damage compared to basketball shoes on average.
In this part of the upper, we rated the Cosmic Unity as 3 out of 5.
Cosmic Unity 3 | 3 |
Average | 3.6 |
Outsole hardness
The shoe's unmatched durability includes the outsole as well.
Measuring the hardness of its rubber with a durometer, we found it to be 86.5 HC. This is harder than 81% of our lab-tested basketball shoes. And in our experience, it takes much longer to wear through hard rubbers.
This fact in combination with our playtests allows us to wholeheartedly recommend the nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail for outdoor use.
Cosmic Unity 3 | 86.5 HC |
Average | 81.7 HC |
Outsole thickness
We also use a caliper to check how thick the outsole is. At 3.5 mm, it is not among the thickest we've seen.
But we wouldn't be so concerned about that because the nature of the treads on the Cosmic Unity 3 looks very reassuring. Wide and deep, these lugs are not easy to wear off.
Based on all of our findings in the durability department, we can claim this Nike shoe to be one of the best for outdoor use.
Cosmic Unity 3 | 3.5 mm |
Average | 4.0 mm |
Weight
Apparently, being a durable shoe has its price.
The nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail gained some serious weight compared to its predecessor. It now tips the scales at 15.7 oz (444g) whereas the average of our lab-tested hoop shoes is 13.7 oz (387g).
It feels very substantial underfoot but it seems to be the trade-off for the unmatched wear resistance and overall support.
Cosmic Unity 3 | 15.66 oz (444g) |
Average | 13.90 oz (394g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
The shoe's cushioning comprises a drop-in midsole that sits on top of an embedded midsole. We measured the combined stack height of these two.
In the heel, our caliper shows 27.9 mm of stack, which is slightly thinner than average but still in the medium range.
Less cushioning typically translates to a better ground feel and we can confirm that the Cosmic Unity 3 feels more grounded.
![nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail Heel stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39814/nike-cosmic-unity-3-heel-stack-20020504-main.jpg)
Cosmic Unity 3 | 27.9 mm |
Average | 29.3 mm |
Forefoot stack
In the forefoot, we measured the stack height at 20.7 mm. It is also considered average for a basketball shoe. It is neither too thin to hurt the ball of the foot not extra cushioned.
![nike cosmic unity 3 forefoot stack 20020503 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39814/nike-cosmic-unity-3-forefoot-stack-20020503-main.jpg)
Cosmic Unity 3 | 20.7 mm |
Average | 21.7 mm |
NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 RETORO HIGH RTTG OBSIDIAN METALLIC GOLD-WHITE | Drop
Calculating the difference between the heel and the forefoot height, we get a drop of 7.2 mm.
This slight elevation of the heel above the toes is right at the average of hoop shoes. We believe that it will suit most players.
Bigger guys and gals, on the other hand, may benefit from a higher drop as it gives more impact protection in the heel. Some shoes like that include the Adidas Dame 8 (10.4 mm).
![nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail Drop](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39814/nike-cosmic-unity-3-drop-20020505-main.jpg)
Cosmic Unity 3 | 7.2 mm |
Average | 7.7 mm |
Midsole softness
To us, this part of the shoe has become the biggest disappointment.
The cushioning of the nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail is a far-far cry from the brand's claim of "cloud-like cushioning." We repeated the durometer measurement several times to make sure we are not biased and yet every time the tool confirmed our experience - this shoe is firm. At 33.3 HA, the Cosmic Unity 3 is about 20% firmer than average.
Because of that, the shoe feels dense (and even thin) and definitely lacks impact protection for our moderate body weight. Unfortunately, it is a downgrade from the second iteration which was 32% softer and felt amply cushioned despite the lower stack height.
Cosmic Unity 3 | 33.3 HA |
Average | 25.6 HA |
NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 RETORO HIGH RTTG OBSIDIAN METALLIC GOLD-WHITE | Insole thickness
Nike Golf Dry chino shorts in black.
NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 RETORO HIGH RTTG OBSIDIAN METALLIC GOLD-WHITE.
We are not exactly sure why Nike went with this midsole design. But at least it gives us an opportunity to replace its underwhelming cushioning with something more fun and protective. Not to mention that it gives way to using custom orthotics.
![nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail Insole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39814/nike-cosmic-unity-3-insole-thickness-20020510-main.jpg)
Cosmic Unity 3 | 0.0 mm |
Average | 4.5 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
Luckily, the Cosmic Unity 3 comes back strong when it comes to support and stability. This shoe made us feel contained like no other!
The first salute goes out to supportive materials on the upper. All Milk sturdy woven layers of Flymesh and Flyknit blend together to lock the foot in place. We experienced zero in-shoe movement.
Just look how little stretch (if any) there is in the upper!
bestanddel rigidity
Our next shoutout goes to the plastic shank embedded into the midsole. It extends up on both sides, firmly bracing the arch. We haven't seen expanded shanks like that in quite some time.
This deNero is responsible for the shoe's increased bestanddel rigidity. Twisting it is not that easy! On a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 is the stiffest, we rated it as 4.
We consider it an essential stability component of the nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail.
Cosmic Unity 3 | 4 |
Average | 4.5 |
Heel counter stiffness
The shoe's heel cup was another pleasant surprise. First of all, it is notably stiffer than most basketball shoes. Giving it a good squeeze, we rated its stiffness as 4 out of 5.
Secondly, the shoe's rear foot is designed in such a way that our heels ended up sitting quite deeply in it. Heel slippage is simply non-existent here.
Cosmic Unity 3 | 4 |
Average | 3.6 |
nike air max 90 ultra flyknit multi color
Finally, we cannot leave the shoe's wide base without attention.
Measuring the widest part of the forefoot with a caliper, we found it to be 115.3 mm. This is a little wider than average.
Having a wide landing area, we felt extra confident making sharp direction changes.
![nike cosmic unity 3 midsole width in the forefoot 20020512 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39814/nike-cosmic-unity-3-midsole-width-in-the-forefoot-20020512-main.jpg)
Cosmic Unity 3 | 115.3 mm |
Average | 114.5 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
The Cosmic Unity 3 also features a wide heel area. We measured its widest part at 91 mm. A solid average for a hoop shoe.
![nike cosmic unity 3 midsole width in the heel 20020513 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39814/nike-cosmic-unity-3-midsole-width-in-the-heel-20020513-main.jpg)
Cosmic Unity 3 | 91.0 mm |
Average | 90.4 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
Being such a sturdy shoe, the nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail loses a bit on the flexibility front.
It doesn't bend very easily on the foot and as our lab test shows, it's not very bendy per se. It took 44N of force to get the shoe to a 90-degree angle, according to our gauge reading. This makes the shoe 5% stiffer than the average. Not critical but noticeable.
We anticipate that the shoe will get more flexible with use but the break-in period is going to take a while.
We felt less maneuverable in the Cosmic Unity 3 but in return, we got smoother heel-to-toe transitions and enhanced stability.
Cosmic Unity 3 | 44.0N |
Average | 39.8N |
Grip / Traction
The grip is fabulous on the nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail. We mostly tested the shoe on a rubberized outdoor court and felt very surefooted. But we can readily recommend it for hardwood and concrete surfaces too.
We had to wipe the dust off much less frequently compared to other basketball shoes.
Size and fit
Air Max 200 11
We measured the widest part of the shoe's toebox at 105.4 mm. This is a few millimeters wider than average and is a pretty good Nero for wide footers.
![nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail Air Max 200 11](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39814/nike-cosmic-unity-3-toebox-width-at-the-widest-part-20020516-main.jpg)
Cosmic Unity 3 | 105.4 mm |
Average | 101.5 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
Towards the toes, the toebox goes from being above-average width to simply average. We measured the width at the big toe at 76.7 mm.
In our opinion, the nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail will accommodate most foot shapes perfectly. Except perhaps the really wide feet. We recommend these players to go a half size or even a full size up because the Cosmic Unity 3 is not available in wide.
Cosmic Unity 3 | 76.7 mm |
Average | 76.7 mm |
NIKE AIR MORE UPTEMPO BLACK 27.5cm
Surprisingly for its higher-end price point, the Cosmic Unity 3 doesn't have a gusseted tongue.
However, this was never an issue for us as the tongue stayed in place and wrapped around our insteps comfortably.
The tongue is pretty wide and is made of a neoprene-ish material, which apparently makes up a success formula for this Nike shoe.
![nike cosmic unity 3 tongue gusset type 20020518 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39814/nike-cosmic-unity-3-tongue-gusset-type-20020518-main.jpg)
Cosmic Unity 3 | None |
Comfort
Tongue padding
The shoe's tongue is much thinner than average. At 4.9 mm, it is nearly twice thinner. And yet, it feels fairly well-padded.
We think that more padding in the tongue would be unnecessary as the shoe's upper offers plenty of support and in-shoe comfort as is.
![nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail Tongue padding](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39814/nike-cosmic-unity-3-tongue-padding-20020520-main.jpg)
Cosmic Unity 3 | 4.9 mm |
Average | 9.5 mm |
Heel tab
Because the edge of the shoe's collar is made of a pliable Flyknit material, having a finger loop to assist with putting it on is pretty handy.
![nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail Heel tab](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39814/nike-cosmic-unity-3-heel-tab-20020519-main.jpg)
Cosmic Unity 3 | Finger loop |
Removable insole
Remember that taking the insole out of the nike air force 1 retro prm jewel 941912 200 mushroom mushroom sail equates to removing the shoe's cushioning entirely. So you would need to find a thick replacement of at least 12 mm in the heel.
![nike cosmic unity 3 removable insole 20020523 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39814/nike-cosmic-unity-3-removable-insole-20020523-main.jpg)
Cosmic Unity 3 | Yes |
Misc
Sustainable materials
As a final bonus, the Cosmic Unity 3 is claimed to be partially made of responsibly sourced materials. These include recycled post-manufactured and post-consumer waste like yarns, textiles, and plastics.