Nike KD 9 Shoe Versus Nike PG1 Shoe
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- The Good
- Very comfortable shoe to wear and play in.
- Excellent traction when clean.
- Superior cushioning during even the most strenuous moves.
- The Bad
- Shoes need frequent wiping to maintain traction.
- Minimal support and lack of stability during lateral motions.
This solid addition to the Nike lineup puts comfort at the top of the list. It’s a great fit from day one and will leave you feeling energized on the court. The only big downsides are the reduced traction during heavy play and the lack of support.
- 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
- $150, on sale for $115
An affordable price point combined with reasonable performance makes the Nike KD 9 a great choice to fit nearly any budget. You might even be able to grab a pair on sale and enjoy a premium brand at off-brand prices. They first retailed at $150 though, so be prepared to pay more if you need to order in a specific size.
- 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
- Traction is where the KD 9 really excels.
- The amount of support you get, particularly in the ankle, will depend entirely on the fit.
- Superior cushioning gives you added spring when shooting and blocking.
- Added cushioning in the form of articulated Max Zoom does impact stability since the KD 9 did away with the two TPU bumpers that reinforced the sides during lateral motions.
The KD 9 tends to run slightly big, which can make sizing a challenge. The right size can make it difficult to get the shoe on. However, once on, a good fit should mean a solid, locked-down fit that will keep slippage to a minimum.
- 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
- A rubber outsole combined with a full, articulated Max Zoom insert offers exceptional cushioning.
- The upper is made up of Flyknit, mesh, nylon backing, foam and Fuse.
- The Flyknit front offers tons of options in design and texture, while the rear support section creates contrast.
A Flyknit upper backed by nylon gives you a front foot that is flexible and durable, while the more structured heel helps achieve a stable fit. The Max Zoom sole makes every jump and lunge feel smooth and comfortable.
- 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
- A-
For the price, it is hard to find another shoe that meets the quality standards set by the KD 9. Serious cushioning, exceptional traction and some of the best materials out there make the KD 9 a top-quality basketball shoe.
- 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 KD 9 Shoe: User Reviews
Nike PG1 Shoe: User Reviews
Nike KD 9 Shoe: Comments
Nike PG1 Shoe: Comments
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How Does the Nike KD 9 Work?
Like any good basketball shoe, the KD 9 is fairly easy to fit, though it doesn’t run entirely true to size. You might need to size down a half size for the best fit. Once you have the right size, you can ensure a solid lockdown with plenty of lace loops to give you customization. Once the shoe is on, you’ll see what all the fuss is about. The articulated cushioning in this shoe makes it a supremely comfortable option during a game. Combine that with great traction when clean, and you’ve got a shoe that will give you great court feel and performance.
What Makes the Nike KD 9 Stand Out?
If you’re looking for one feature that really makes the KD 9 unique, it’s all in the cushioning. A full Zoom sole gives serious bounce during any motion, with little to no need to wait for the shoe to reset before starting your next motion. Because the sole is articulated, the air pockets for the heel and midsole are separate from the air pocket that supports the ball of your foot. That separation gives you unparalleled mobility in any direction. The only thing to watch for is support during lateral movements. There isn’t any reinforcement on the sides of the shoe to help keep you solid on the footbed. That added spring from the Zoom sole could cause you to slip off the base of the shoe. Something to keep in mind during a quick turn.
Common Reviews of the Nike KD 9
KD 9 reviews usually start by talking up the cushioning. After all, what’s not to like about an industry-leading design that doesn’t quit? However, the shoe also gets an honorable mention for solid traction control and a great choice on the materials. Consumers (the people actually buying and using the shoes) also give them high ratings. On retail sites, you’ll often see four stars or better.
Is the Nike KD 9 for Me?
The KD 9 is great for smaller players, guards and anyone who doesn’t need a lot of support while on the court. The dual zone air pockets make transitions from heel to toe quick and seamless, but larger players may have trouble with stability. The Flyknit upper is a great choice for mobility, but it doesn’t add stability in the same way that a TPU-reinforced sole does. The lack of an outrigger also plays a role in the reduced stability that is part of the KD 9 design. The incredible traction and cushioning make up for these defects for players who don’t need the added stability.
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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