Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Soft rubber outsole with increased indoor traction• Zoom Air and Air Max units form the midsole• Battleknit upper provides an enhanced fit and greater comfort• Flywire cables make up its secure lacing system• Available in several new colorways• Expensive $150 price tag• Intended for indoor use• Only available in men’s sizes
Upper
Just like its predecessors, Battleknit is used to construct the Lebron 15 Low’s upper. Reviewers are especially pleased with this, as it provides most of the qualities that they enjoy in this model. Not only do its 3D reptile-scale panels give the shoe a unique style, but it also provides the wearer with lightweight and flexible comfort. Its highly breathable nature enhances this further, and the stretchable collar ensures a secure fit. Pull tabs on the heel and along the instep have three loops each for easier insertion. Stability is offered in the formed of a TPU heel counter, midfoot shank, and Flywire -based lacing system. Though it does give the wearer plenty of toe room, some have stated that there is too much of it and they lose their stability as a result.
Midsole
Two different technologies make up the Lebron 15 Low’s midsole. A Zoom Air unit is placed at the forefoot while an Air Max unit is located in the heel. Both materials are common features in Nike’s basketball shoes. Zoom Air compresses to transfer energy and then snaps back into place to provide an enhanced spring with each step. Air Max provides the bulk of the shock absorption as it cushions the heel. Though reviewers feel protected and supported, and enjoy the energy return of this feature, many don’t feel that the Air Max unit is as responsive as it could be. They also state that it rides higher than it should, making it difficult to play properly.
Outsole
The Lebron 15 Low’s outsole is constructed from a translucent rubber compound, giving it a more eye-catching appearance. Multi-directional raised triangles make up its tread pattern, allowing it to be used for street sports and everyday activities. This design is also meant to reduce slippage while on indoor courts, even when dust and dirt are caught in its grooves. Though reviewers say that they definitely feel more secure when playing indoors, its soft rubber material still loses durability when used outside.
Breathability
The Lebron 15 Low’s breathable nature is easily one of its most highly rated qualities. Its Battleknit upper material is actually a more state-of-the-art version of Nike’s trademarked Flyknit. Designed for professional athletes, it’s more durable and supportive than the knit material used for casual running shoes. It also provides heightened and more targeted breathability, ensuring greater temperature and moisture control during long and rigorous games. A removable Ortholite insole is also put in place to wick away moisture and ensure drier conditions. Reviewers state that this shoe’s level of airflow definitely makes them feel more comfortable while out on the court.
Comfort
For the most part, reviewers find the Lebron 15 Low to be quite comfortable. Because its Battleknit upper is so enhanced, it’s able to provide a more breathable and secure sock-like fit that adapts completely to the wearer’s movements. Some consumers have claimed that they wear this model without socks when they’re not on the court. The Ortholite insole helps further by cushioning the foot and allowing greater breathability and moisture control. The two midsole technologies do help this feature to an extent, as they’re said to have different levels of responsiveness. Though the Zoom Air provides a decent amount of energy transfer, the Air Max that’s located in the heel provides less shock absorption than there was in previous models.
Style
Both the Lebron 15 Low and its original mid-top version differ greatly from the athlete’s other lines of basketball shoes. Simple and smooth fabrics have been replaced with textured Battleknit, with panels that greatly resemble dragon scales. A tongue and traditional lacing system have also been swapped out for a stretchy collar and Flywire cables. With the inclusion of translucent rubber for its outsole, reviewers enjoy this model for its enhanced support and flexibility as well as its unique style. Instead of wrapping around the ankles, this low top version fits right under them for supportive measures and a simpler look. Though both are available in brand new color schemes, the 15 Low’s are more on the neutral side. Some of the selections include light bone, grey/black, all black, and white/silver. There are even blue and red options for those who prefer a little more color on their footwear.
Durability
Though certain features are engineered to be extra sturdy, the Lebron 15 Low isn’t the most durable shoe overall. The Battleknit that constructs the upper is a more enhanced version of Nike’s Flyknit, designed to retain its shape for longer and provide even greater support. Though it lasts for a considerably long time, it is still not intended for frequent use in outdoor environments. Furthermore, the soft rubber of its outsole will break down easily when worn on roads and sidewalks. Its midsole’s Zoom Air and Air Max units, on the other hand, are designed to retain their shapes after heavy usage and hold up perfectly well.
Protection
The Lebron 15 Low can easily safeguard the foot against many of the usual hazards found on the basketball court. The rubber outsole’s triangular lugs keep functioning even when clogged with debris, giving the wearer plenty of security on any indoor court. Though the responsiveness of the midsole’s Air Max unit isn’t as strong in this model, the Zoom Air unit still provides enough shock absorption to cushion the foot and keep the wearer going for long periods of time. The added support given to the Battleknit upper keeps the foot better set into place, and the TPU heel counter and Flywire-based lacing system provide added security.
Responsiveness
Reviews about the Lebron 15 Low’s level of responsiveness are mixed. They enjoy the supportive yet flexible nature of this shoe’s Battleknit upper, as it permits natural movement while still ensuring that the foot is kept in place. Its pliable rubber outsole gives the perfect amount of indoor traction even on dirty or dusty floors. Reviewers also appreciate the energy return that they feel from the forefoot’s Zoom Air unit. However, the Air Max unit that’s placed in the heel doesn’t measure up. Its shock absorption is lacking, and reviewers say that they feel more of the impact in this model than they have in Lebron’s previous releases.
Support
For a shoe with no overlays and only a heel counter and lacing system for structure, the Lebron 15 Low proves to be much more supportive than it looks. Though it lacks durability, the translucent rubber outsole still functions as a decent base for the shoe’s intended purposes. Both the Zoom Air and Air sole units keep the foot cushioned as they absorb each impact. And its Battleknit upper conforms to the foot’s shape and keeps it in place as it moves around. The inclusion of the TPU heel counter and Flywire cables of its lacing system further secure the wearer.
Terrain
Because this model was designed primarily for use on indoor basketball courts, the Lebron 15 Low does not prove to be very useful when worn outside. Though its small triangular gripping lugs do help somewhat when out on everyday streets and sidewalks, the softness of the outsole’s rubber compound will cause it to wear down quickly. And while it keeps the runner secure as they run around on a slippery court, it can’t do the same when on wet ground.
Price
Most special edition sports shoes, especially those designed by well-known athletes, tend to come at an inflated price. This makes the Lebron 15 Low’s $150 price tag anything but a surprise. Though a number of buyers will gladly purchase this model, even if it’s just for the name attached to it, others are unsure about this high cost and whether or not it will be worth the money. Its materials do limit its usage quite a bit, and it has far less responsiveness than similar, less-expensive models on the market.
Drop
Although there are no details that describe how high the Lebron 15 Low’s heel-to-toe drop is, one can draw a reasonable conclusion by looking at product photographs. The average drop height for a running shoe is 10mm, giving the runner proper heel cushioning without impeding natural movements. Because this model looks similar to other shoes with this exact feature, it’s likely that the KD 11 has it as well.
Stability
The Zoom Air and Air Max units of the Lebron 15 Low take on the impact of each jump to keep the wear going securely. And its rubber outsole’s tread pattern carry them through even when it’s clogged with dust. Though it does keep the foot secure, the upper’s TPU heel cage and lacing system ensure that the foot truly stays in place all day. However, the dead space that can be found in the toe box can cause smaller athletes to lose their balance. Because of this, many reviewers strongly suggest trying this model on in-store first before purchasing it.
Flexibility
All of the Lebron 15 Low’s features work together to offer a surprisingly flexible wear. Its translucent rubber outsole is soft and pliable, enabling free and unrestricted movement across the court. Both the Zoom Air and Air Max units can easily retain their shapes after being bent and compressed numerous times by the wearer’s movements. Of course, the shoe’s Battleknit upper enables this quality the most. It conforms entirely to the wearer’s shape as it moves completely in sync with every motion.
Traction
For an indoor basketball shoe, the Lebron 15 Low’s level of traction is surprisingly good. Its tread pattern is cut into a series of small triangular lugs that keep the wearer secure on a slippery court, even when they are clogged with dirt and debris. It is still a good idea to clean them every once-in-a-while in order to get the best traction possible. Though its tread pattern could be more useful on outdoor surfaces, the outsole’s soft rubber will wear down and come apart very easily when used frequently on paved roads. Though there’s no indication of how well it would perform on wet surfaces, it’s more than likely that it would be quite poor.
Bottom Line
No matter your expert level, $150 is a lot of money to spend on a basketball shoe. This seems even stranger to do so when it’s on the heavier side and lacks the responsiveness that’s needed. Still, the Nike Lebron 15 Low does offer a high level of breathable comfort and a surprising amount of traction for an indoor sports shoe. And for a shoe with no midfoot cage or overlays, it proves to be quite supportive. Though some buyers will no doubt purchase this model simple for the name attached to it, those looking for a stylish yet functional basketball shoe should absolutely try this one on if they’re willing to fork over the cash.
