Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid Premium Black 26.5cm | Nike Kwondo 1 review

Who should buy the Nike Kwondo 1

This dressy sneaker is a must-cop for those who:

• Want something different from the usual sneakers available in the market
• Find the combination of brogue dress shoes and sneakers fascinating
• Idolize G-Dragon, as this sneaker is basically characterized by his own style.

Who should not buy it

Look away if you don’t like carrying heavy weights on your feet. Check out Cole Haan Original Grand Stitchlite Wing Tip Oxford instead, as it is a more lightweight alternative. Nike Kwondo 1 also has a tight fit. If you want a roomier pair, see Cole Haan 4.Zerogrand.

Nike Kwondo 1 is pretty tight

Nike Kwondo 1 has a quite narrow fit based on reviewers’ observations. Thus, a half-size increase is recommended for people with regular to wide feet. For narrow-footed, though, it is safe to stay true to size. 

Premium soft material but with a bit of a conundrum

This sneaker’s all-leather upper surprised reviewers for being so soft and of great quality. One reported that the premium leather has a foam layer inside that “wraps around [their] feet, nice and cozy.” 

However, this exceptional leather softness on the feet didn’t reach up to the heels. Many complained that the sneaker’s back part rubbed against their skin pretty badly. That was why one preferred wearing this pair with thick socks. 

Nike Kwondo 1: Packed wNike SB Zoom Blazer Mid Premium Black 26.5cm | ith various design elements

Fans thought Kwondo 1 is a fusion of various footwear, including skate sneakers, Air Pegasus 83 Releasing in Black and Cool Grey soccer shoes. A sneakerhead demonstrated that the upper’s structure was influenced by SB Janoski sneaker’s shape. The sneaker’s removable flaps, on the other hand, were inspired by soccer shoes. Moreover, Kwondo 1’s wingtip style pattern was taken from brogue dress shoes from Cole Haan, as revealed by sneakerheads. 

“What a unique take on a sneaker” was the wowed statement of a fan regarding its non-typical build. Another said that this “dress shoe-sneaker combo is so sick!” Overall, a fan stated that she “can definitely see G-Dragon’s style” in Kwondo 1 and added that it “just suits his branding and style so much.”

On the heavy side

Sneakerheads confirmed that the underfoot experience brought by Nike Kwondo 1 was amazing. However, they found it hard to ignore its heaviness. They all believe that its weight can be attributed to its huge midsole. 

A guy vlogger weighed his pair at 600g and noted that it was the “heaviest shoe” he had ever reviewed. He then mentioned that regular sneakers usually weigh around 400g, which already suggests a 40% mass difference. For a point of reference, he also compared Kwondo 1 to his pair of Air Force 1 Low, which was only at about 450g. 

Sits on a chunky midsole

Fans might not be fond of the clunkiness generated by Kwondo 1’s midsole, but they sure did love its almost two inches addition to their heights. 

nike kapa jordan bucket jm washed cap

As a bonus, Kwondo 1 comes in a “very different-looking box” with its edges overlaid with the “same type of design” found in the sneaker, as described by a sneakerhead. The back of the box also said 1988, which signified G-Dragon’s birthyear. Speaking of bonuses! It also includes an extra pair of white laces with yellow tips. 

nike nk brsla gmsk 90 aop

A fan deeply adored the “stylish preppy kind of look” in Kwondo 1. And even though a vlogger stated she had “never seen a pair of sneakers like this before,” she thought it was not that challenging to dress it up and down. For another vlogger, Kwondo 1 was actually “one of the most versatile sneakers” that can be rocked in casual and formal settings.