When I first unboxed the Adidas Next Level basketball shoes, I couldn't help but draw parallels to what ZUS Coffee must have seen in their recent draft pick - that 20-year-old, 5-foot-9 athlete selected 28th in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft. There's something fascinating about underdog stories, whether in sports or product development, and that's exactly where my mind went when testing these much-hyped sneakers. The basketball world often focuses on the flashy first-round picks, the obvious superstars, but sometimes the real value lies in those late selections that bring unexpected qualities to the game. Similarly, while everyone's talking about the latest Nike releases or Jordan retros, Adidas has been quietly developing what might be one of the most technically advanced performance shoes I've tested this year.
Let me be perfectly honest here - I've been through about fifteen different basketball shoes in the past two years, from various brands and price points, and I've developed some pretty strong opinions about what makes a great performance shoe. The Adidas Next Level retails at around $160, which positions it squarely in the premium mid-range category, and honestly, that price point had me skeptical from the start. I remember thinking, "Can these really compete with shoes that cost $50 more?" But after putting them through rigorous testing across three months of weekly games and training sessions, I've reached some surprising conclusions that might help you decide whether they're worth your hard-earned money.
The first thing that struck me was the cushioning system. Adidas has implemented what they're calling "BoostPro+" technology, which they claim offers 38% better energy return than their previous generation. Now, I'm always suspicious of marketing percentages, but I have to admit - the cushioning feels phenomenal. During my testing, I logged approximately 42 hours of court time, and my knees and ankles felt significantly better than they typically do after similar periods in other shoes. There's this perfect balance between responsiveness and impact protection that I haven't experienced since the Adidas Crazy Explosive series from several years back. The way the foam compresses and rebounds makes you feel like you're getting legitimate assistance with every jump and landing. It's not just comfortable - it feels like it's actively working to enhance your performance.
Durability is another area where these shoes genuinely impressed me. After those three months of testing, including some outdoor court sessions that would typically destroy traction patterns, the outsole showed only minimal wear. I'd estimate about 85-90% of the original traction pattern remains intact, which is remarkable considering I'm a relatively heavy player at 210 pounds who relies heavily on quick cuts and changes of direction. The rubber compound feels different from what Adidas has used in recent years - it's slightly softer but seems more resistant to peeling and separation from the midsole. I've had issues with other performance shoes where the outsole starts separating after just a few weeks, but that hasn't been the case here at all.
Now, let's talk about fit because this is where things get interesting. The Next Level uses what Adidas calls "AdaptWeave 2.0" upper material, which supposedly adapts to your foot shape over time. In my experience, it took about four or five wears for the shoes to truly break in and mold to my feet. The initial fit was slightly tight in the midfoot area, but after that break-in period, they became incredibly comfortable without losing lockdown security. I've always had issues with shoes either being too loose or too tight - finding that Goldilocks zone is challenging - but these managed to achieve it after that initial adaptation period. The heel counter provides excellent stability without digging into your Achilles, which has been a problem I've encountered with several recent performance models from various brands.
When it comes to actual on-court performance, the traction pattern deserves special mention. The multidirectional herringbone design provides exceptional stopping power on both clean and dusty courts. During testing, I played on six different court surfaces, and only on one particularly dusty community court did I experience any significant slipping - and even then, it was minimal compared to other shoes I've tested. The court feel is solid without being too low to the ground, giving you just enough feedback while maintaining that protective cushioning I mentioned earlier. For players who rely on quick changes of direction like myself, this combination is crucial.
Are there downsides? Of course - no shoe is perfect. The weight comes in at approximately 14.2 ounces for my size 11, which isn't heavy by any means, but it's not super light either. If you're coming from ultra-minimalist shoes, you might notice the difference. Additionally, while the aesthetic is clean and modern, it's not particularly groundbreaking from a design perspective. Some of my teammates thought they looked a bit plain compared to more flashy options on the market. Personally, I prefer understated designs, but your mileage may vary depending on your style preferences.
Comparing these to other shoes in the category, I'd place them above the Nike Giannis Immortality 3 but slightly below the Jordan 37 in terms of overall performance package. However, when you factor in the price difference - the Jordans retail for $50 more - the value proposition becomes much more compelling. For players on a budget who still want premium performance, these make a strong case for themselves. I'd particularly recommend them for guards and wings who need a balance of cushioning, responsiveness, and court feel.
After all this testing, I keep coming back to that basketball draft analogy. The Adidas Next Level shoes aren't the flashiest option available, nor are they the most hyped release of the season. But much like that 28th pick who brings unexpected value to a team, these shoes deliver performance that exceeds their relatively modest marketing presence. They're the kind of shoes that grow on you over time, revealing their qualities through consistent performance rather than immediate flash. Would I recommend them? Absolutely - particularly for serious players who prioritize performance over prestige. They've earned a permanent spot in my rotation, and I suspect they might surprise you too if you give them a chance on the court.
