Air Zoom Huarache 2K4

(Continued ...)

High quality construction is back. Quality is top notch from the stitching to the gluing (at least for our early version of the shoe). Details to workmanship is essential for a light weight bare-bone shoe like the Huarache 2K4.

The Huarache 2K4 definitely puts the best foot forward in making the right first impression. The new styling is aggressive and edgy where the previous shoe was refined and curved.

The upcoming color releases have some outstanding colorway combos, such as the black suede/silver as seen above. It is too bad Kobe's trial has delayed what would've been the release of his signature shoe. So far, Nike has been careful not to publicly link the 2K4 with Kobe (he has not worn this shoe in a NBA game yet). However, good things are worth waiting for and the 2K4 is no exception.

Just how light is the Huarache 2K4? Using a size 10.5 (the median between size 9 and 12) as the standard, the 2K4 weighs in at a mere 15.2 ounces. That is about 5% lighter than the Ultraflight, AZG and Supremacy; 14% lighter than last year's Performance Shoe of the Year - Air Flight 2K3; 16% lighter than the Ultraposite and a whooping 18% lighter than the Stunner. Shoe (10.5) Weight (oz) Huarache 2K4 15.2 Ultraflight 15.9 Air Zoom Generation 16.0 Shox Supremacy 16.0 Air Flight 2K3 17.7 Ultraposite 18.1 Shox Stunner 18.5

      Zoom powered Huarache is a modern day performance machine - responsive and poised at the same time. Best of all, it feels natural and effortless in the way that only Zoom Air can claim. The low profile cushioning is more responsive than that of our recently reviewed Air Zoom Generation. The feel is not quite as pillow-like and feathery but firm and unyielding. You can feel the traction bite and the Zoom Air cushioning bouncing off the court. This light-weight high performance shoe is just about a dream come true for guards. The 2k4 wants to fly. It does not lag back and make you think about where you want to go. It retains the awesome feel of a pair of socks. The shoes are light and huggable while becoming an extension of your feet. This old-fashioned recipe is hard to beat and even tougher to find in any other modern day shoe. One thing is for sure, there is simply no lighter shoe that can perform at the level of the Huarache 2K4.

Positive Impressions

Definitely sweeter the 2nd time around. The 2K4 improved on just about everything that we had to complain about with our Nike Air Flight Huarache Review. The modern day 2K4 helps us appreciate the legendary Huarache concept more than ever before. It also shows just how classic the original Air Dynamic Flight's design had been over the years.       Initial testing of these shoes is simply incredible. The perforated holes help the shoe breath with a drop-top open air feel. Performance was right on and we had no problems with any comfort or performance area of the shoe. We'll check back with a short-term and long-term review to see just how well the 2K4 holds up over time.

Negative Impressions

One word of caution for players with wide feet: The new Huarache 2K4 is narrow. The fit is tight and requires the lacing to be properly loosened before the feet can obtain easy entry. If you plan on buying these shoes online, we strongly encourage you to try on the shoe at your shoe store to get the correct sizing.       You can't get around the law of physics. Light-weight shoes lose structural integrity no matter how well they are designed. Impact protection is also minimal. Although the 2K4 has a high rise and a strap, we do not recommend the shoes to big men for safety reasons. The laces stop short at the base of the ankle area. The only thing in the upper to secure the ankle area is the strap. Construction wise, this shoe is essentially a reinforced low-top shoe and is best suited towards quick slashing guards who prefer light shoes with great flexibility. If you don't fit that description, then this shoe is probably not for you.