Playing ball in Zoom Air vs. Max Air...thoughts?

• Jun 28, 2011

• #1

grittyman20

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I've always been a fan of Zoom Air, but lately I've been experiencing some soreness in my knees so I'm thinking about making the switch to Max Air based basketball shoes. I actually tried to go Max Air a few years ago when I bought the Air Max 360 bball shoe, but those were horrible IMO (way too stiff, always felt like they were too high off the ground, cramped toe box, etc.)...anyways, I have a basic understanding of the difference between the two but I was looking for any additional input before I go out and spend some money on a new pair of kicks. 
What are some good Max Air basketball shoes on the market right now? Anyone else made the transition from Zoom to Max Air? I'm curious to know if it's really that big of a difference from a performance standpoint. Not sure if this post belongs in Nike or Sneaker Review so feel free to move mods if it's not appropriate here. 

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #2

grittyman20

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I've always been a fan of Zoom Air, but lately I've been experiencing some soreness in my knees so I'm thinking about making the switch to Max Air based basketball shoes. I actually tried to go Max Air a few years ago when I bought the Air Max 360 bball shoe, but those were horrible IMO (way too stiff, always felt like they were too high off the ground, cramped toe box, etc.)...anyways, I have a basic understanding of the difference between the two but I was looking for any additional input before I go out and spend some money on a new pair of kicks. 
What are some good Max Air basketball shoes on the market right now? Anyone else made the transition from Zoom to Max Air? I'm curious to know if it's really that big of a difference from a performance standpoint. Not sure if this post belongs in Nike or Sneaker Review so feel free to move mods if it's not appropriate here. 

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #3

l knicks fresh knick l

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Try the lebron 8's. very comfy, repsonsive and that max air always helps.. Im one of the few here on NT that actually likes MAX > AIR

im a player that plays above the rim, and takes alot of hits and I just feel like MAX air helps MY style of play

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #4

l knicks fresh knick l

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Try the lebron 8's. very comfy, repsonsive and that max air always helps.. Im one of the few here on NT that actually likes MAX > AIR

im a player that plays above the rim, and takes alot of hits and I just feel like MAX air helps MY style of play

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #5

aj kickz

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Don't think sore knees is from Zoom air. I find all Max shoes to be bulky, but I always play in lightweight zoom (Jordan XIV first, now Kobe VI). Kobe VI have nice cushioning, even though zoom. If you haven't tried those yet (I assume everyone on NT has at least 1 pair), go for it.

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #6

aj kickz

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Don't think sore knees is from Zoom air. I find all Max shoes to be bulky, but I always play in lightweight zoom (Jordan XIV first, now Kobe VI). Kobe VI have nice cushioning, even though zoom. If you haven't tried those yet (I assume everyone on NT has at least 1 pair), go for it.

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #7

boredone1

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Zoom = For smaller agile players
Air = For larger Players, centers and forwards.

I'm frail......so it's zoom for me....

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #8

boredone1

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Zoom = For smaller agile players
Air = For larger Players, centers and forwards.

I'm frail......so it's zoom for me....

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #9

grittyman20

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I normally play in Kobes and afterwards my knees are shot. Don't feel the same after I play in any other shoes...I like the low profile and responsiveness of the line but I know that it comes at a price. There's minimum cushioning on those kicks, i don't know what you're talking about my man. I tried on the Lebron 8 V2's and they felt really comfortable, but did seem a bit bulky. Not so sure about the other 2 versions...

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #10

grittyman20

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I normally play in Kobes and afterwards my knees are shot. Don't feel the same after I play in any other shoes...I like the low profile and responsiveness of the line but I know that it comes at a price. There's minimum cushioning on those kicks, i don't know what you're talking about my man. I tried on the Lebron 8 V2's and they felt really comfortable, but did seem a bit bulky. Not so sure about the other 2 versions...

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #11

carefreejr

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Originally Posted by l Knicks Fresh Knick l

Try the lebron 8's. very comfy, repsonsive and that max air always helps.. Im one of the few here on NT that actually likes MAX > AIR

im a player that plays above the rim, and takes alot of hits and I just feel like MAX air helps MY style of play

Click to expand...

Shameless plug for your dunking skills 

I tend to see more 1, 2, and smaller 3's play in zoom compared to max.

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #12

carefreejr

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Originally Posted by l Knicks Fresh Knick l

Try the lebron 8's. very comfy, repsonsive and that max air always helps.. Im one of the few here on NT that actually likes MAX > AIR

im a player that plays above the rim, and takes alot of hits and I just feel like MAX air helps MY style of play

Click to expand...

Shameless plug for your dunking skills 

I tend to see more 1, 2, and smaller 3's play in zoom compared to max.

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #13

Naruto

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lol in Canada, centers can wear zoom air and be fine. "6'1 centers" lol

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #14

Naruto

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lol in Canada, centers can wear zoom air and be fine. "6'1 centers" lol

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #15

legend108

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haha i completely feel you on this question ive hooped in the hyperdunk 2010(Zoom) zoom soldier iv ( zoom+max) and the lebron 8 (max) and i say out of all my favorite would probably be the hyperdunk 2010 the zoom is really there and felt in the heel but cushioning wise the lebron 8 gets the job done. awesome cushioning in it with the phylon and max air. doesnt really feel bulky to me considering the lockdown it has but just my opinion

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #16

legend108

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haha i completely feel you on this question ive hooped in the hyperdunk 2010(Zoom) zoom soldier iv ( zoom+max) and the lebron 8 (max) and i say out of all my favorite would probably be the hyperdunk 2010 the zoom is really there and felt in the heel but cushioning wise the lebron 8 gets the job done. awesome cushioning in it with the phylon and max air. doesnt really feel bulky to me considering the lockdown it has but just my opinion

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #17

sdot73

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I play SF and prefer max over zoom, if you're going to try a max air shoe it should be the Lebron v2

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #18

sdot73

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I play SF and prefer max over zoom, if you're going to try a max air shoe it should be the Lebron v2

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #19

righteouskungfu

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I'm a big man, but I handle the ball sometimes too. Call me a point-forward 

Anyway I've always ran with the Max Air in the heel, and zoom air in the forefoot. It's always been the best combo for me. Keep in mind I'm 6'3 and about 240.

Right now I run in the Nike Hypermadness, probably the best shoe I've hooped in since the Kobe 1 

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #20

righteouskungfu

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I'm a big man, but I handle the ball sometimes too. Call me a point-forward 

Anyway I've always ran with the Max Air in the heel, and zoom air in the forefoot. It's always been the best combo for me. Keep in mind I'm 6'3 and about 240.

Right now I run in the Nike Hypermadness, probably the best shoe I've hooped in since the Kobe 1 

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #21

kingjay718

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To be honest, I have no preference in terms of the technology. As long as the shoe hold my feet in place, is comfy, and looks good, let's go!

This year I've been ballin' in the LeBron 8 V/2 for the most part.

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #22

kingjay718

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To be honest, I have no preference in terms of the technology. As long as the shoe hold my feet in place, is comfy, and looks good, let's go!

This year I've been ballin' in the LeBron 8 V/2 for the most part.

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #23

SplinterMatic319

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call me crazy but i hate the zoom forefoot + max heel combo i just cant feel it

i love both but i need it to be full length 19's and 18's

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #24

SplinterMatic319

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call me crazy but i hate the zoom forefoot + max heel combo i just cant feel it

i love both but i need it to be full length 19's and 18's

 

• Jun 28, 2011

• #25

bahunt8

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Originally Posted by KingJay718

To be honest, I have no preference in terms of the technology. As long as the shoe hold my feet in place, is comfy, and looks good, let's go!   

Click to expand...

Exactly. I sometimes struggle with an old ankle injury so really I just want something that fits well, is comfortable, with good traction. All this other stuff that dudes worry about (a few ounces, breathability, the list goes on) really doesn't matter to me. I play in everything from 360 max, 180 max/forefoot zoom, dual zoom, full length zoom as long as my feet feel right.