Our verdict
The Nike Air Force 1 Lv8 Gs Digital Swoosh Black Af1 Junior Kid 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
- Good impact protection
- Secure heel containment
- Nike SB Dunk High Pro Pineapple EU45
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Needs break-in
Who should buy the Nike Air Force 1 Lv8 Gs Digital Swoosh Black Af1 Junior Kid 2
Nike Air VaporMax Plus Worldwide Pack Black Green Strike Mens Sz 8.5 CZ7904-001:
- des Nike SB Dunk Low Black Red
- You search for a pair with a secure lockdown
Nike Air Force 1 Lv8 Gs Digital Swoosh Black Af1 Junior Kid 2: An ode to the Black Mamba
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 Air Force 1 Lv8 Gs Digital Swoosh Black Af1 Junior Kid 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 max 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 max 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.
decoding nike kobe 9 elite masterpiece
Like its predecessor, the Zoom Rize 2 comes in a variety of basic ltlich. 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 colorway of your own.
Nike SB Dunk High Pro Pineapple EU45 | Getting lighter
The Nike Air Force 1 Lv8 Gs Digital Swoosh Black Af1 Junior Kid 2 managed to shave off some of the bulk from the original version and is reported to feel noticeably lighter on the foot.
