Our verdict
- Our top pick in best nike 26cm basketball shoes
- Our top pick in best cheap basketball shoes
Pros
- nike 26cm Air Zoom Alpha Schwarz Gelb
- but now its time for the timeless Air Max 95 silhouette to receive some shine
- Optimum comfort
- Breathable upper
- Reliable heel lockdown
- Good lateral stability
- Great outdoor option
- Fashionable design
Cons
- nike 26cm air zoom wildhorse 5 beechtree university gold off noir mens shoes
- Poor upper durability
- No outriggers on the sole
Audience verdict
- Top 25% in basketball shoes
- Top 12% in nike 26cm basketball shoes
nike 26cm жилет безрукавка оригінал | Comparison
The most similar basketball shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audience score | 89 Great! | 81 Good! | 78 Good! | 89 Great! | |
Price | $105 | $120 | $170 | $120 | |
Signature | LeBron James | - | - | Zion Williamson | |
Top | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid | |
Ankle support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Weight lab | 13.7 oz / 387g | 13.1 nike 26cm Air VaporMax 360 Damesschoen Grijs | 15.7 oz / 444g | 15.2 oz / 431g | |
Lightweight | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | |
Breathability | Breathable | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Outdoor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Outsole durability | - | Good | - | - | |
Drop lab | 8.9 mm | 9.9 mm | 7.2 mm | 8.0 mm | |
Heel stack lab | 34.1 mm | 31.2 mm | 27.9 mm | 27.1 mm | |
Forefoot | 25.2 mm | 21.3 mm | 20.7 mm | 19.1 mm | |
Midsole softness | Firm | Balanced | Firm | Balanced | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | |
Torsional rigidity | Stiff | Stiff | Moderate | Stiff | |
Heel counter stiffness | Moderate | Flexible | Moderate | Stiff | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Before nike 26cm Basketball unveils the upcoming | Medium | Narrow | Medium | - | |
nike 26cm Sportswear Utility Unisex Siyah Bere | Narrow | Wide | Average | Narrow | |
Midsole width in the heel | Narrow | Average | Average | Narrow | |
Michael Jordan in the nike 26cm Air Huarache White Black-Purple | Bad | Good | Decent | - | |
Toebox durability | Bad | Decent | Good | - | |
Insole thickness | Average | Average | 0 | Average | |
Outsole hardness | Average | Average | Hard | Average | |
Outsole thickness | Average | Average | Average | Average | |
Heel tab | Finger loop | None | Finger loop | None | |
Ranking | #11 Top 25% | #35 Bottom 20% | #38 Bottom 13% | #10 Top 23% | |
Popularity | #21 Top 48% | #8 Top 19% | #14 Top 32% | #23 Bottom 47% |
Who should buy
We believe that LeBron James' nike 26cm Free Run 5.0 Herren Sneaker Verschiedene Größen Brandneu RRP £ 20.00:
- are price-conscious or have a limited budget
- prioritize impact protection over anything else
- love to take their games outdoors, especially on asphalt courts
- el producto nike 26cm Air Huarache Infant lifestyle sneakers
Who should NOT buy
Players, especially the more agile ones, who love to get a lot of ground feedback may find that the LeBron Witness 7 sits way too high off the ground. For them, we recommend the nike 26cm Air Force 1 Mujer Blancas - Air Max BW Paris.
Being a more affordable option, the LeBron Witness compromised its upper durability. But we've seen even cheaper hoop shoes that did better with abrasion resistance like the nike 26cm Air Max Impact 4 and the nike 26cm Air Force 1 Low 07 White UK 10.5.
Breathability
The Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 beats breathability records among our lab-tested basketball shoes!
Featuring soft materials, the shoe's upper allowed a good deal of smoke to pass through in our smoke-pumping test. Not only did the smoke get through the tongue and eyelets, but also seeped through the toebox itself. That rarely happens in hoop shoes.
The shoe gets a high score of 4 out of 5 for breathability.
Looking at the toebox fabric through a microscope, we can see that it is tightly woven and yet much more porous than most upper materials.
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 4 |
Average | 2.4 |
Durability
Toebox durability
But there is a big downside to all that airy softness. It's a total lack of wear resistance.
The toebox material failed to hold up to our 12-second Dremel test which resulted in a large see-through tear. On a 1-5 scale where 5 is the most durable, we rated the shoe as low as 1.
For comparison, the woven upper of the nike 26cm Cosmic Unity 3 did significantly better in the same conditions. But to be fair, it also costs $65 more than the Witness 7.
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 1 |
Average | 3.8 |
Michael Jordan in the nike 26cm Air Huarache White Black-Purple
The shoe's plush and cozy heel padding performed just as badly. After only 4 seconds of holding the Dremel against it, we saw considerable wear.
We had to rate this nike 26cm shoe with yet another low score - 1 out of 5.
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 1 |
Average | 3.6 |
Outsole hardness
Fortunately, the shoe comes back strong in the outsole. This must be the toughest part of the Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98.
Using a durometer to check its rubber hardness, we found that it is a head taller than most basketball shoes on our list.
With a reading of 85.8 HC, it is notably harder than average! And that always implies a more hard-wearing outsole.
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 85.8 HC |
Average | 81.8 HC |
nike 26cm жилет безрукавка оригінал | Outsole thickness
The amount of rubber used for the outsole is also quite substantial. We measured it at 4.1 mm which is a solid thickness for a $100 shoe.
Based on its hardness and thickness as well as performance on the court, we can wholeheartedly recommend the nike 26cm Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 for outdoor play. That also includes the most abrasive concrete courts.
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 4.1 mm |
Average | 4.0 mm |
Weight
Given that the average weight of LeBron basketball shoes hovers around 14.3 oz (406g), the Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 is among the lightest in the series. But it's not the lightest compared to other brands.
Tipping the scales at 13.7 oz (387g), the shoe weighs the same as the average of all our lab-tested hoop shoes.
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 13.65 oz (387g) |
Average | 13.90 oz (394g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
It's pretty impressive that this nike 26cm shoe keeps the weight low despite its massive stack height.
We used a caliper to measure the shoe's heel height and it returned a whopping 34.1 mm! This is by apart the tallest shoe in our catalog! This is primarily due to the large Max Air unit embedded into the midsole.
On the court, this Lebron Witness shoe offers top-notch impact protection. All the shock coming from our aggressive heel strikes and harsh landings was sufficiently absorbed, leaving our feet and legs free from pain all throughout the playtest.
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 34.1 mm |
Average | 29.3 mm |
Forefoot stack
The shoe's forefoot is just as generously cushioned. With a caliper measurement of 25.2 mm, this Lebron shoe is a few millimeters taller than average.
nike 26cm LEBRON XVI LOW BLACK BLACK-SUMMIT WHITE-VOLT.
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 25.2 mm |
Average | 21.7 mm |
Drop
It also turns out that the LeBron Witness 7 has a higher-than-average drop of 9 mm. This is a couple of millimeters higher than the average 7 mm.
The Max Air unit elevates the heel a little more to maximize protection for those heel-dominant strikes. Just like all LeBron shoes, it makes for an excellent option for centers.
![nike 26cm Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 Drop](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39313/nike-lebron-witness-7-drop-20237324-main.jpg)
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 8.9 mm |
Average | 7.6 mm |
Midsole softness
The primary cushioning foam of the LeBron Witness 7 feels a little of the firm side. Our durometer shows a reading of 30.3 HA, which is 9% firmer than average.
We found that the firm nature of foam helps to make the platform more stable in lieu of its tall stack height.
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 30.3 HA |
Average | 25.6 HA |
Secondary foam softness
On the other hand, the foam layer underneath the Max Air unit is very plush. It creates space for bounce by being extra squishy.
We measured the foam to be as soft as 14.1 HA! That's a whole 115% plusher than the primary cushioning. As a result, the shoe feels perfectly balanced underfoot.
![nike 26cm lebron witness 7 secondary foam softness 20237326 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39313/nike-lebron-witness-7-secondary-foam-softness-20237326-main.jpg)
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 14.1 HA |
Average | 28.3 HA |
Insole thickness
Of course, this highly cushioned hoop shoe from LeBron had to have a very well-padded insole. We measured its thickness at 5 mm, a little cushier than average.
![nike 26cm Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 Insole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39313/nike-lebron-witness-7-insole-thickness-20237327-main.jpg)
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 5.0 mm |
Average | 4.5 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
nike 26cm made sure to throw a whole bunch of supportive overlays onto the shoe to really level up its stability.
Overall, we think that the brand succeeded. But if you are an agile and super shifty player, you may want more support around the forefoot. We found that the material was a little too soft to hold the foot in place.
For a firmer foothold, consider the nike 26cm Metcon 7 Trainingsschoen Grijs.
Torsional rigidity
The platform is rock-solid in the LeBron Witness 7. Attempting to twist the shoe with our hands revealed that it is exceptionally stiff. We rated its torsional rigidity with the highest score of 5/5.
According to Nike, it's the Max Air unit that's responsible for the shoe's lateral stability and it also "helps harness and direct your force."
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 5 |
Average | 4.5 |
Heel counter stiffness
The shoe's heel lockdown is very much on point too. We never had to worry about wobbling or heel slippage while wearing the shoe.
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 4 |
Average | 3.6 |
nike 26cm Sportswear Utility Unisex Siyah Bere
The shoe's base is not the widest out there but it does its job well. However, if you are someone who relies heavily on those outriggers on the side, this is not the right shoe.
nike 26cm AIR JORDAN 7 RETRO BORDEAUX 2015 27.5cm.
![nike 26cm Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 nike 26cm Sportswear Utility Unisex Siyah Bere](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39313/nike-lebron-witness-7-midsole-width-in-the-forefoot-20237328-main.jpg)
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 110.5 mm |
Average | 114.5 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
In the widest part of the heel, we also found it to be a few millimeters narrower than average at 86.3 mm.
![nike 26cm Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 Midsole width in the heel](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39313/nike-lebron-witness-7-midsole-width-in-the-heel-20237330-main.jpg)
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 86.3 mm |
Average | 90.3 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
When it comes to the shoe's stiffness, the LeBron Witness 7 is not that much different from the rest of our tested basketball shoes.
It took about as much force to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle as it takes on average. Our force gauge shows that it required 38.8N, only 8% less than the average.
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 38.8N |
Average | 39.9N |
Grip / Traction
The nike 26cm LeBron Witness 7 showed phenomenal traction on the court! The multi-directional pattern on the sole was able to pull off quick stops and swift direction changes throughout our field tests.
Size and fit
Toebox width at the widest part
With the soft and slightly stretchy nature of the upper material, it feels like this nike 26cm shoe offers a little more wiggle room.
In the widest part of the forefoot, we measured the Witness 7 at 103.1 mm - that's about 3 mm wider than average!
![nike 26cm Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 Toebox width at the widest part](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39313/nike-lebron-witness-7-toebox-width-at-the-widest-part-20237334-main.jpg)
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 103.1 mm |
Average | 101.4 mm |
Before nike 26cm Basketball unveils the upcoming
Repeating the measurement in the shoe's big-toe area, however, we got 76.5 mm - this is the same width as the average. It indicates that the toebox doesn't taper more than usual in this shoe.
![nike 26cm Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 Before nike 26cm Basketball unveils the upcoming](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39313/nike-lebron-witness-7-toebox-width-at-the-big-toe-20237335-main.jpg)
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 76.5 mm |
Average | 76.8 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
Given the shoe's budget-friendly price point, a gusseted tongue is not to be expected here. But the standard non-attached tongue of the Witness 7 is still doing a pretty good job of staying in place and holding the foot.
![nike 26cm lebron witness 7 tongue gusset type 20237337 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39313/nike-lebron-witness-7-tongue-gusset-type-20237337-main.jpg)
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | None |
Comfort
Tongue padding
The tongue is sufficiently padded on this LeBron shoe. Based on our caliper measurement, it is 9 mm thick. About the same as the average.
![nike 26cm Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 Tongue padding](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39313/nike-lebron-witness-7-tongue-padding-20237339-main.jpg)
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | 9.0 mm |
Average | 9.6 mm |
Heel tab
A fabric finger loop at the back helps with getting the shoe on with less effort. It also adds a stylish flair to the overall look of the Witness 7.
![nike 26cm Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 Heel tab](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39313/nike-lebron-witness-7-heel-tab-20237329-main.jpg)
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | Finger loop |
Removable insole
The shoe's insole is easily removable. It can be replaced with a custom insert is needed.
![nike 26cm lebron witness 7 removable insole 20237341 main](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/39313/nike-lebron-witness-7-removable-insole-20237341-main.jpg)
Continuing the 20th Anniversary of the nike 26cm Air Max 98 | Yes |