That leads us into the performance & wear test portion of the review. The first thing you'll notice about the AZG is that the shoes are surprisingly lightweight and extremely comfortable. It is the first shoe to be lined with the Sphere technology. The interior of the AZG uses a micro-fiber material that wicks away moisture and feels like your foot is surrounded by a pillow. The feeling is very similar to wearing Nike DriFit gear that allows the moisture to be absorbed onto the surface and then evaporated. Think of it as Drifit for your feet - Sphere is more than just a marketing term. We are convinced the interior of the Zoom Generation is as good they come and the overall comfort of the shoe is one of the best we have ever tested. Perhaps the best compliment one can make about the comfort & fit of the AZG is that the shoe doesn't remind you that it is there. It becomes an extension of your feet during competition. There were many times during the month long testing where I've forgotten what shoe I was wearing - until someone asks if they were the Lebron's. This flexible, no restriction, go-where-you-want feeling leaves competitors from the Posite & Shox Series in the dust.
The upper uses full-grain leather with a mixture of lightweight mesh material. There is also a mesh vent opening on the medial side of the shoe that works together with the Sphere lining to maximize breathability. The excellent ventilation combined with the overall comfort of the plush interior, makes the Air Zoom Generation truly a shoe fit for a king.
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Performance wise, the AZG draws mixed opinions from our staff. While some thought the shoes are excellent on the court, others felt it was merely above average. Both sides agree, however, that the ZOOM in Air Zoom Generation was not very impressive. The bouncy & springy feeling we've come to expect to find in a Zoom Air shoe just wasn't there. The rear of the shoe uses a Heel Air-Sole unit that absorbs impact fairly well. We believe the Zoom + Air-Sole combination is used to keep the shoe affordable and also better suited for all-around players. A full-length low profile Zoom Air option would've raise the retail price as well as turn the Zoom Generation into a guard-only type of shoe. Because the AZG is a shoe for the masses, Nike's decision to appeal to a wider audience is a well calculated business move.
Fabric-wrapped Phylon midsole helps to stabilize the shoe from the center out. The ankle safety on the AZG is probably the shoe's weakest link. The light-weight & flexible oriented shoe simply had no room for an anti-inversion system. The shoes felt almost like a low-top in that regards. It is fair to note that the inner lacing system and reinforced polyurethane clip gives the foot a full lock down fit to decrease the chance of an ankle roll in the first place.
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The performance area where we had the most problems was the traction. At first glance, the solid rubber outsole with wavebone traction pattern and a visible full-length carbon fiber spring plate seems world-class. The sole utilizes traction bars which continues up the side of the shoe, extending the grasp on the floor. However, we've experienced several instances where it was possible to provide enough thrust to overwhelm the traction grip of the outsole. This is especially true on dusty surfaces where the shoes would become quite slippery. We would recommend that you keep the soles clean from dust and dirt with a moist towel. The difference in traction between a clean and dusty sole on the Zoom Generation is like night and day.
Durability is another concern with the AZG. After a month of wear, there was a fair share of wrinkles and scuff marks. The polished metallic lining across the toe area quickly rubbed off after just a couple of wears. The reflective tint "windows" at the heel area was another place where scuffing was highly noticeable. But throughout our test, the shoes never felt cheap in quality. The AZG was very reasonably priced at $110. It doesn't feel over priced like the recent Air Jordan releases. Fact is, with the Lebronmania at full swing, Nike could've priced much higher and still sell. AZG's great value certainly reflects Nike's intent to gain back much of the market share it lost to rival Adidas's TMAC in the best-seller department.
Overall, for the price, the AZG is really as good as it comes. Regardless of the style, comfort and performance, consumers will buy the shoes simply for the LJ23 logo. However, in the years to come, the Lebron James signature line will have its work cut out for itself. The model must continue to improve and wow us year after year as expectations grow. It's easier being a rookie trying to survive than a veteran who is constantly targeted to be knocked off the top. In many ways, the Air Zoom Generation reminds us of the Air Penny I. The Penny signature line evolved dramatically over time to stay competitive in the market place. Will the same will be said about Lebron? Only time will tell.
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Air Zoom Generation
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OVERALL RATING:
  8.02 / 10
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HIGHS:
The Air Zoom Generation is a super light-weight, extremely flexible, highly breathable and ultra-comfortable shoe that will make you forget you even had them on. Sphere technology wicks moisture away from the foot. Did we mention this is Lebron's signature shoe?
LOWS:
Sphere interior lining gets dirty quick. Traction remains to be desired on non-clean surfaces. Where's the ZOOM in Zoom Generation? The cushioning is not as responsive as most Zoom Air shoes. Ankle support could also be improved.
VERDICT:
Certainly a shoe fit for a King. Lebron's signature shoe is reasonably priced at $110. It is pound for pound one of the best value for performance-luxury shoe this year. Look out Adidas, AZG is bound to challenge the TMAC 3 as the best-selling shoe of 2004.
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The reflective metallic tinted window can get scratched and scuffed easily. The mesh material holds up much better over time and less likely to get scuffed.
The mesh vent opening allows for maximum breathability and ventilation. The material also
allows the shoe to be super light-weight. The AZG's weight is nearly identical with that of the Nike Ultraflight. 