When I first started this review assignment. I really didn't know what to expect. Unlike some of the recent shoes I've tested, K1x was an unknown brand to me. I thought that surely this is not a shoe that can compete with the big dogs like Nike, Adidas and Reebok. However, by the end of the review, I was more than pleasantly surprised.

      K1x is like a new kid on the old block trying to earn his own mark in a neighborhood pickup game. Calling "Next" may get you in the game but reputation and respect comes with hard work and sweat. Let's face it. There are no shortcuts or sympathies here - none will be expected and none will be given. A fresh face among a battle of experienced old rivals is not an easy task for anyone to face. Yet that's precisely what an upstart company from Germany must do in order to etch a piece of the pie in the sneaker game. K1x (pronounced: "k one x" or "kicks") brings a new attitude and fresh ideas to an otherwise stagnant sneaker marketplace stuck on retro trends.

      Just how exactly does K1x plan to earn respect among the big time players? It starts off by doing things the right way. K1x's first venture into producing basketball shoes starts with the Chiefglider. Their goal is to bring a top quality yet stylish shoe to the consumer at a reasonable price. In that regards, the Chiefglider doesn't disappoint one bit and in fact exceeds most of my initial expectations. It is an instant reminder of how shoes used to be made - back during a time when classics like the Air Jordan III, IV and Flight '89 were born. The quality of material used and workmanship shown on the shoe's construction is a testimony that K1x wants to be taken seriously.

      In some ways, K1x has achieved with its first shoe what some shoe companies have failed to do with its entire basketball lineup in recent years. The Chiefglider has character and it has got substance. Too often we've seen modern shoes today that are either too bland or too hype. The Chiefglider is neither. Its design stresses a key element of shoe construction: "Keep things simple and use only what is essential". Design cue wise, there's not much you can pick out on the Chiefglider that didn't belong. There's no over-flamboyance from its clean flowing lines. Even the patent leather is subdued to match the shoe rather than overpower it. The approach is a nice blend of classic, retro and modern styling that won't be mistaken for anything else.

      What we wonder the most about the Chiefgliders was how well it would perform on the courts. A lot of our skeptics went away after watching the DVD that came with the shoes. The team K1x were able to dominate their opponents in Germany with a 55-1 record (that one loss was a forfeit because they were too 'drunk' to play). The players on the team all wore K1x and had some moves that is down right And1 Mix Tour material. For doubters here in the U.S., the level of play over there has dramatically increased over the past years. Just look at what Dirk Nowitzki has done in the NBA and you'll have an idea of the kind of talents that exist overseas.

      Upon first impact on the hardwood, it was easy to tell that the Chiefglider were made with performance in mind. The cushioning is not spongy soft but rather firm and resilient. The chassis is solid with very little suspension travel on hard cuts. The Chiefglider is further helped by an inner-lacing system that fully locks down the foot. Needless to say, the shoe surprised me in what it can do on the courts. Sometimes you just can't judge a book by its cover. Whatever formula was concocted into the Chiefglider certainly works – and it didn't take long for the shoe to prove its worth. This is not a shoe that will dazzle you with fancy technology and individual components. Instead, the shoes will startle you in what it can do by its overall implementation.

      The interior is easily my favorite element of the shoe. K1x utilize a plush soft fabric much like a cotton terry cloth that lines not only the interior but also the tongue and the entire sockliner insert. The result is a luxurious feeling much like a bath towel wrapped around your body right out of a shower. The material also helps to absorb the sweat away from the foot and keeps it comfortable. It functions a little bit like the T-MAC 3's Ortholite and the Air Zoom Generation's Sphere technology but without the fancy terminology. As a side note, the shoe does get hot over time and lacks ventilation and breathability despite its numerous perforated pores. Perhaps it would be a worthwhile recommendation to use Microfiber material over the traditional cotton terry cloth. Microfiber is thinner, more breathable and yet absorb much more moisture.

      The Chiefglider also felt comfortable straight out of the box. There is no break-in period necessary as I've experienced during several other shoe tests recently. I've also found these shoes to be great for casual walking off the courts. The styling is unique and turns a lot of heads here in the U.S. Design wise, don't expect the classic Chiefglider to change much over the years so you need not to worry about remodeled styling every year. There are also many different colorways and limited-edition releases for collectors to choose from – majority of which can now be found in the KG Price Guide.

      Overall, the K1x Chiefglider is a refreshing blast from the past. The shoes are implemented in the way kicks are suppose to be made. To those of you that are sick and tired of overpaying for inferior quality shoes, then the Chiefglider is a great alternative choice. It should also serve as a reminder of the good old days when quality and workmanship was more important than hype and marketing. I've always thought that more players in the sneaker marketplace can only benefit the consumers in the end. Competition will allow for better styling, value and quality over the long run. The Chiefglider is a perfect example of that. Be prepared to welcome a new face in the crowd and give it a try. You'll be pleasantly surprised with what K1x has in store for you.