We wrote a detailed performance review of the , an excellent, under-the-radar basketball shoe released by the Swoosh last August 2020.
The Nike Zoom Rize 2 was released last August 2020. (Photo via Rebel Sports)
Even in the midst of a global pandemic, Nike continues to unveil new, innovative basketball shoes to avid hoopers. The Nike LeBron 18 certainly didn’t disappoint, and even a non-signature pair like the Nike Air Zoom BB NXT made waves in the sneakerheads community.
In this episode of our sneaker performance reviews, we’ll dive into an in-depth analysis of the , another generic pair that was released by the Swoosh this year. The original Zoom Rize, which was released in 2019, was one of the most underrated basketball shoes last year. When Nike announced that they will be doing a follow-up to the Zoom Rize, it came with high anticipation and an even higher expectation.
With that said, Dribble Media offered an intensive performance review of the Nike Zoom Rize 2 basketball shoe.
Materials
The Nike Zoom Rize 2 features lightweight materials. (Photo via Rebel Sports)
Similar with the , the Zoom Rize 2 also made use of a textured mesh material. This definitely made helped the pair acquire a lightweight feel, as well as prevent abrasions or scratches on the outside structure of the shoe. Obviously, the Zoom Rize 2 utilized its signature Zoom Air unit on the forefoot, which injects more energy and responsiveness.
On top of that, the padded collar and tongue should be able to protect your ankle, something lightweight pairs rarely integrate. However, the lightweight materials used could pose questions in terms of the pair’s durability.
Traction
The traction on the Nike Zoom Rize 2 integrates circular patterns. (Photo via Rebel Sports)
If you’re a huge follower of the late great Kobe line with Nike, you will notice that the outsole on the Zoom Rize 2 is similar to that of the Kobe 9’s. The patterns are wavy and circular, which should provide more grip, especially in lateral movements that require you to stop and shift and vice versa.
Along with the groove on the midfoot that adds more versatility to the pair, the traction of the Nike Zoom Rize 2 is already one of the best among the brand’s generic shoe line-up.
Cushion and Support
The Zoom Air unit on the Nike Zoom Rize 2 is thicker than its predecessor. (Photo via Rebel Sports)
The Zoom Air bag on the Zoom Rize 2 is actually a bit thicker than its 2019 version. This surely provides a softer landing and more cushion upon impact. The drawback is that wearing the pair will get you higher off the ground, which could be a problem if you are not used to bulkier pairs.
As I’ve mentioned in the Materials section, Nike placed excellent padding on the collar and tongue, giving you additional ankle support.
Size and Fitting
The Zoom Rize 2 is narrow on the forefoot. If you’re a wide-footed athlete, this should be something you have to think about. You should also try going half a size down if you’re bent on copping the pair. The Flywire cables pull the shoe down on your foot, making it a bit more compressed.
Overall Performance
There’s no question that the Nike Zoom Rize 2 is an upgrade over its 2019 version. It is a lower cut compared to its first release, which should be a piece of good news if you’re not a hefty athlete. Moreover, the traction of the Zoom Rize 2 is absolutely golden, and its cushioning system is top-notch.
However, many users seem to have a problem in terms of its fit. You might need several break-ins to ease that compressing feeling on your foot. But other than that, you’ll get the most bang out of your buck with this generic pair from the Swoosh brand.
The Nike Zoom Rize 2 nets a grade of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Where to Buy
The Nike Zoom Rize 2 is already available at for a retail price tag of US$114.
