Nike PG1 Shoe Review
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- The Good
- Entry-level pricing makes this an affordable basketball shoe.
- This high-performance footwear has great cushioning and stability.
- Materials and construction feel premium.
- The Bad
- Cushioning can feel overly firm.
- Best for indoor play given the translucent rubber used on the sole.
The latest edition of basketball shoes created in partnership with pro-NBA players is a Paul George design. Although the shoe is being introduced as a budget model with entry-level pricing, you should definitely keep it on the performance list. After all, Nike has a history of giving you far more performance than you might expect for their lower-priced lineup.
Nike’s PG1 may not take the top in all performance categories, but it is a comfortable shoe that performs well on the court. An easy fit means it will work for most players, though finding the right size is critical. A thicker than average sock liner may mean you need to try on a couple of sizes to get that perfect fit.
- Price
- $110
At $110 for the Nike PG1, there really is no reason not to buy this shoe. While it comes in at the low end of the price list, it nears the top in performance.
- Fit
- Great Traction
- Solid Cushion
- Ankle Support
- Exceptional Stability
What really sets the PG1 apart is the fit. Solid materials on the heel combine with a flexible mesh forefoot to create a fit that gives you the performance and court feel you want. The Phylon cushion doesn’t give you the spring and bounce you might expect, but it does give you solid performance. An adjustable VELCRO® strap helps secure the forefoot, so you get a comfortably snug fit.
- Materials Used
- The first edition of the PG1 comes with a translucent rubber sole that displays the Zoom Air cushion in the forefoot part of sole.
- The shoe upper is a combination of mesh, fuse and nubuck.
- Simplistic style lines and natural materials make this an almost retro shoe that meets today's performance needs.
Mesh and nubuck outsole ensures breathability and stability, all in the same shoe. The mesh flexes easily with your foot, while the fuse helps it keep its shape. The more structured nubuck gives your ankle the support it needs during fast turns and complex footwork. All of that on top of a rubber outsole with enough patterning to minimize dirt attraction, and you have a solid list of materials.
- Quality Grade
- B
The Nike PG1 definitely outperforms its price tag with an emphasis on quality. A seamless blend of manmade and natural materials creates a shoe that has lasting quality and solid court performance.
Nike PG1 Shoe: User Reviews
Nike PG1 Shoe: Comments
How Does the Nike PG1 Work?
The Nike PG1 is a basketball shoe that emphasizes performance and fit. While the materials used in construction are not the top of the list, they are solid options to create a fully usable shoe. The Zoom Air pocket on the front sole gives you a little spring during tight turns and fast maneuvers. The Phylon in the rest of the shoe provides all of the cushioning you need, without the spring back that can be distracting for those that prefer solid court feel.
What Makes the Nike PG1 Stand Out?
If there’s one area where the Nike PG1 really stands out, it is in the fit. Comfort when using these shoes is on par with some of the top options on the market, all at a much more affordable price point. The shoe fits true to size but a little snug. That means your foot feels cradled on the court, and you have the added ability to adjust the front with a VELCRO®strap. As long as the heel and length fit well, you can always adjust the fit at the front.
Common Reviews of the Nike PG1
Affordable quality are the words you’ll see used again and again when reading reviews of the PG1. It’s not the absolute-best basketball shoe on the market, but it certainly outperforms the competition at the same price point. When buying this entry-level basketball shoe, you get a lot of performance for your dollar. It routinely scores better than 8 out of 10 on review sites and a near five-star rating from retail sites and consumers.
Is the Nike PG1 for Me?
If you enjoy playing basketball and regularly hit the court, the PG1 should definitely be on your list of shoes to try on. A good fit, solid quality and a streamlined appearance make this shoe an option for nearly anyone who stands on the court. If you play a lot on outdoor courts, you might want to go for a different model, but for indoor courts, the Nike PG1 is an excellent choice. Good traction is easy to maintain with few wipe-downs, and it stands up well to all indoor court conditions. For outdoor courts, you might want something a bit more rugged that can stand up to weather and unusual court conditions.
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