Performance Review: Nike Huarache 08

It's only appropriate that the first post on this blog is about one of the great basketball shoes of all time. I'm not biased in any way; as a connoisseur of basketball shoes, I've played in Reebok, Adidas, and Nike, and I can say with confidence that the Huarache line is the most consistent-performing line of ball kicks I've ever hooped in.

The Huarache 08 brings a fresh new look from the previous years' Huarache Elites I and II (unless you were fortunate enough to have your own PE straight from Nike). Along with the drastic aesthetic upgrades come a very familiar performance and feel... Zoom Air in the forefoot and heel provide a very responsive spring in your step, and the flexible midsole and leather upper ensures playability right out of the box. Traction was never a problem during play, and the feathery weight is a delight.

The only gripe is that the 08 model runs a tad bigger than past models, so the foot tends to slide around a bit more than desired. Naturally, I laced the shoes up more tightly, but then found that there was a lot of extra room in the toebox, rendering the shoe a little clumsy on quick cuts. I went with a half-size down on my next pair and found the length to be perfect, but they were slightly too narrow. (By comparison, I wear a 12 in the Huarache 2K4 and it fits perfectly; I would elect to play in an 11.5 in the Huarache 08 and let the laces out a little.)

The Bottom Line: The Huarache 08 is a great basketball shoe that doesn't fall short of the Huarache line's standards and expectations. It plays well right out of the box, and if you've balled in Huarache's before, this shoe will feel completely familiar. It comes in terrific colorways, and I find myself wanting to collect them all. Performance-wise, I'd rank the 08 just behind the 2K4, but just ahead of the 2K5. The 2K4 tops my Huarache list with its superior foot lockdown and more nimble forefoot silhouette, and the Zoom Air cushioning of the 08 somehow feels more responsive than that of the 2K5, especially in the forefoot (and the 08 is a more durable shoe).

note: I haven't tested the Huarache 09

Evolution (2K4, 2K5, 08)

Huarache 2K4

Huarache 2K5 Rashard Lewis PE (Seattle Sonics)

Huarache Elite II Rashard Lewis PE (Orlando Magic)

Huarache 08 Deron Williams PE