The Bounciest Basketball Shoe Of 2022??

Summary

This video reviews the Puma TRC Blaze Court basketball shoe, highlighting its surprisingly high performance. Initially unimpressive in appearance, the shoe's lightweight, minimalist design features key technologies like ProFoam+ cushioning and a sturdy shank that deliver excellent energy return, comfort, and durability. The multi-directional traction pattern enhances grip and agility, making the shoe ideal for quick, shifty movements on court. The reviewer praises its suitability for multiple positions, particularly for guards and players seeking speed and precision, while also noting its decent durability for outdoor play.

Takeaways

• 👟 The Puma TRC Blaze Court has impressive performance and comfort, surprising even the reviewer with its capabilities.
• 🎨 The upper design includes minimal materials but focuses on key reinforcements, such as a three-layer padded foam tongue and plastic supports in crucial areas for stability.
• 🔧 The shoe has a durable upper, resisting wear even in harsh conditions, with strong protection against toe drags.
• 🔬 The shoe uses ProFoam+ in the midsole, a lightweight and elastic foam, with some Trinomic cushioning in the heel, contributing to high energy return and explosive movement.
• 🦵 Jump height tests revealed that this shoe provides excellent bounce, averaging 44 cm, the highest jump recorded by the reviewer.
• 🏎️ The outsole design ensures superior traction with its multi-directional tread pattern, providing grip in all directions, making the shoe feel fast and responsive.
• ⚠️ The outsole is durable but may wear out on rough outdoor courts, so they are best suited for indoor play to maintain performance.
• 📏 The fit is narrow to medium, with true-to-size recommended for most, but going up half a size is suggested for wider feet.
• 💥 The shoe is well-suited for players needing speed, agility, and responsiveness, excelling for guards or players requiring quick lateral movements.
• 🏀 While the shoe works for various positions, heavier players or centers might experience some bottoming out in the forefoot and may need additional support, like orthotics.

Q & A

What was the initial reaction of the reviewer towards the Puma TRC Blaze Court?

The reviewer was initially unimpressed by the Puma TRC Blaze Court, thinking it looked just okay. However, after wearing and testing the shoe, the reviewer was surprised by its performance.

What features of the upper part of the Puma TRC Blaze Court stand out according to the reviewer?

The upper features a three-layer padded foam tongue, making it comfortable. It also includes reinforced paneling around the ankle collar, adding stability and securing the foot during movement.

How does the reviewer describe the durability of the upper material?

The upper material, despite being soft and more fabric-based, is surprisingly durable. The Dremel test, using high-grit sandpaper, did not penetrate the material, indicating good toe-drag protection.

What is the composition of the midsole in the Puma TRC Blaze Court?

The midsole consists of ProFoam Plus, which is a lighter, more elastic compound similar to injected Phylon mixed with bounce foam. It also features a pebax-based component in the heel for additional cushioning.

Why does the reviewer describe the TRC Blaze Court as having high energy return?

The shoe has high energy return due to the stiff shank in the midsole and the light, elastic ProFoam Plus, which helps store and release energy, making movements feel more explosive.

What is the primary design feature of the outsole that enhances traction?

The outsole has a multi-directional triangular tread pattern, which provides excellent grip in all directions. The continuous rubber bed ensures that the shoe grips well on various surfaces.

How does the TRC Blaze Court perform on outdoor courts?

The shoe grips well on outdoor courts, but its thin tread can wear down quickly on rough surfaces. For longevity, the reviewer suggests using them mostly on indoor courts.

How does the reviewer rate the fit of the Puma TRC Blaze Court for different foot sizes?

The shoe fits true to size for narrow and medium feet, with some expandability. For wider feet (over 2E), the reviewer recommends going up half a size for a better fit.

What kind of players might benefit the most from the TRC Blaze Court?

The shoe is ideal for players who need quick, explosive movements, such as point guards. Its lightweight, responsive design also makes it suitable for shifty footwork and aggressive play styles.

How does the TRC Blaze Court compare to other shoes in terms of cushioning and speed?

The TRC Blaze Court combines the grip of the Luka 1, the comfort and initial cushioning of the PG-6, and the speed of the KT-7 or Way of Wade 10, making it a versatile shoe for various playing styles.