Our verdict
The Nike Basketball Unveils Its Elite Series Hero Collection 2 is a good pick. It performs well overall, but it's surely not perfect. There are points where improvement is needed, but they are still not significant enough to stop players from regarding this basketball shoe as one of their favorites.
Pros
- Reliable traction
- Bouncy cushioning
- Nike Air More Uptempo "Volt"
- Secure heel containment
- nike air max 2090 white aurora green bv9977 102 to buy
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Needs break-in
Who should buy the Nike Basketball Unveils Its Elite Series Hero Collection 2
Consider having a pair of these Nike shoes if:
- You want to have a low-cut shoe with reliable traction
- You search for a pair with a secure lockdown
Nike Pro NBA των
You know one is a legend when even death cannot stop him from exerting his influence. The Black Mamba Kobe Bryant continues to inspire the basketball community, and his essence is evident even in shoes that do not bear his name. The Nike Basketball Unveils Its Elite Series Hero Collection 2 took design cues from the widely celebrated Kobe 9 as it delivers the following:
High energy return
The Zoom Air unit in the forefoot is made larger, providing more explosiveness as the player sprints to the basket. The reviewers also take note of how bouncy the heel and midfoot sections are. Definitely bouncier compared to the first iteration of the Rize.
One of the reviewers reports that there is an "insanely fun ride underfoot." Contributing to the comfort is the well-cushioned insole.
However, if you are the type of player who enjoys court feel and a low-to-the-ground profile, you may not appreciate Zoom Rize 2 just as much.
Dependable traction
The Zoom Rize 2 gets inspiration from the Kobe 9's circular tread pattern, ensuring a multidirectional grip. It is also not very prone to building up dust. A basketball shoe expert described the shoe's traction as "phenomenal." Another one found the shoe's grip very efficient on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
And if you mostly play outdoors and need a more hard-wearing type of rubber, check out if the Rize 2 EP is still available. It is the exact same shoe but features a more durable XDR type of rubber.
Secure lockdown
The shoe's thin and light upper has textured prints and is further reinforced by Flywire, ensuring containment even during the most aggressive movements. No heel slippage or wobbling was mentioned by the playtesters.
Experienced players were surprised by the shoe's support given that the upper is not very structured and reinforced. It also makes the shoe rather minimal and form-fitting.
Nike Pro NBA των | Wale in the Nike SB x Air Jordan 1 Low UNC
Like its predecessor, the Zoom Rize 2 comes in a variety of basic worksways. If these iterations don't make such an appeal to you, the shoe is made available on Nike's By You platform, where you can create a unique worksway of your own.
Getting lighter
The Nike Basketball Unveils Its Elite Series Hero Collection 2 managed to shave off some of the bulk from the original version and is reported to feel noticeably lighter on the foot.
