Waking up to another stellar performance review from Zach, the Foot Doctor, is truly a treat. The dedication and effort he pours into each evaluation are simply remarkable. Today, he zeroes in on the Nike GT Hustle 2 – a review you certainly won’t want to miss.
Nike GT Hustle 2 Performance Review
Design & Uppers: The Nike GT Hustle 2’s uppers have a design reminiscent of the Nike Air Oscillate and the Nike Air Trainer One, two renowned tennis shoes. Despite feeling somewhat inexpensive to touch, they offer a premium feel when worn. The tongue, primarily made from foam neoprene, stands out for its flexibility, making tightening the laces more comfortable. The shoe also includes a runner’s knot, which significantly enhances lockdown, providing excellent support. While the flange isn’t as wide, making it less suitable for quick side-to-side movements, the overall lockdown is exceptionally good. The toe box, though seemingly ordinary, reveals a unique blend of textile and TPU chain linking under closer examination, a feature the Zach Foot Doctor highly appreciates.
Ventilation: According to Zach, the shoe performed surprisingly well in breathability tests. Its temperature only rose by 863 degrees and cooled down by another 427 degrees, indicating its ability to dissipate heat effectively. However, they tend to retain moisture. Despite being worn in a relatively cool environment of around 71-72 degrees Fahrenheit, they remained damp from sweat even an hour after being used. In sum, while the GT Hustle 2 vents heat efficiently, it has a tendency to hold onto moisture.
Durability Test: After being subjected to a 10-second grind with the highest grit sandpaper, the shoe’s drag guard merely acquired a shiny finish, indicating its resilience. However, it lacks rubber reinforcement over the midsole, which could lead to wear and tear if one tends to drag their feet a lot.
Cushioning: The Gt 2 Hustle only has one layer of Zoom Strobel and appears to be made of Phylon. Despite lacking a shank, the dense foam gives it enough support, and Zach didn’t experience his foot touching the ground or any additional shock, even after extended use on an outdoor court.
It also features a dual-density, removable insole that’s thicker in the forefoot. However, it’s likely to bottom out over time, so for longevity, replacing it with an orthotic is recommended. Without a shank though , the it will start to break down over time. So to maintain its cushioning benefits, some form of protection would’ve been necessary.
Traction: The shoe features herringbone pods spanning from the toe tips to the heel, with a wider spread in the midfoot and denser arrangement in the rear foot. The design allows for an easy transition between steps due to the bouncing effect of the tread pods. However, these pods may not provide as much grip as other shoes with a flat, single-level design. Despite having a continuous tread pattern, the large gaps could be a disadvantage, especially on outdoor courts. Each herringbone pod is divided into smaller sections, reducing the overall surface area for traction.
On indoor courts, the shoes perform well. The edges of each circle offer additional grip, making them ideally suited for indoor courts. On outdoor courts, however, they might not provide the same level of stickiness due to their lower surface area.
In sum, while the outsole design of the Nike GT Hustle 2 is intriguing and has its merits, it may not be the best choice for outdoor courts.
Speed ( its most incredible feature): The standout feature of the Nike GT Hustle 2 is the speed it offers. This impressive speed is largely due to its lightweight design, both in the uppers and the bottom. However, Zach notes that once the uppers absorb sweat, they can start to feel heavier. Despite this, because of the low stack and the predominance of Zoom cushioning, these shoes allow players to move swiftly around the court, hence the fitting name GT Hustle.
Fit: True to Size
Here’s a rating for the key categories of the shoe
| Foot Containment | 3.5/5 |
| Bounce | 4/5 |
| Shock Absorption | 2.5/5 |
| Speed | 4.5/5 |
| Durability | 2.5/5 |
| Comfort | 4.5/5 |
| Support | 3/5 |
| Playability | 4/5 |
The cumulative rating of the shoe is about 71.25% or a C-
In conclusion, my personal preference leans heavily towards shock absorption and durability in a basketball shoe. Unfortunately, in these two critical aspects, the Nike GT hustle 2 falls short. It’s worth noting that at 240+ pounds, my needs may differ from lighter players. For smaller players, such as guards and wings, this shoe could potentially be an excellent fit. So, while it doesn’t meet my specific requirements, it could still be the ideal choice for others.
Where To Buy It:
You can purchase it now on eBay from our featured sellers via authenticity guaranteed
What is a good basketball shoe with great ratings?
If you’re looking for a lightweight basketball shoe that offers great cushioning, support and bounce, then look no further than the Adidas Dame 8. The shoe has been tested by experts and has been rated as one of the best basketball shoes of 2023. It’s lightweight design makes it ideal for players who need to move quickly without sacrificing comfort or performance. Whether you’re playing in an outdoor tournament or just shooting around at your local court, the Dame 8 will provide you with all the support and cushioning you need to stay comfortable and perform at your best.
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