Why Nike Sucks Right Now

Hey Guys! Today we have a topic of discussion. Today we discuss Why Nike Sucks Right Now.
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[@Cooj11]

still pisses me off to this day that the kobe line is so hard to get

[@markflores6104]

@@Cooj11 Missed those days when Kobe is atill alive and playing those Mamba shoes are so awesome.

[@jordanhall8739]

It’s Nike’s fault. There is no reason they shouldn’t have been made widely available by now.

[@Revin2869]

Same man , I had to get my first pair through a reseller and only got to cop retail with the girl dad . I like the girl dad but the damn glue stain just pissed me off . They make it widely available but the quality is bad

[@long8888]

Product cannibalization….nobody would buy shitty Ja1, Book1, Tatums, Zions, so on and so forth.

[@DMVBLACK]

That’s because you waited till the man passed before you decided to cop a pair. Before his passing they were always in stock

[@jaimeh8246]

Nike went downhill as soon as it stopped caring about pushing boundaries and innovation and focused more on trends and hype. Sad to see really.

[@murph6253]

Facts, Nike is more concerned will collaborations with celebrities then actually innovating and implementing technology into its products. Something else that bothers me about Nike is when they have tech that really works for a shoe line they abandon it the next whether it be materials, design, cushion, grip pattern etc it’s like they change it just to change it without considering if they should change it.

[@berlingray8058]

They had to do it bc Adidas was gaining too much ground too fast (2015-mid 2017) When Virgil dropped in 2017 that’s when they gained their influence back

[@Sambam1981]

Yea seems like they care more about the Travis stuff and retros, but they don’t know it’s killing the company if you just focus on that. They don’t make any good basketball or running shoes anymore. Shoes that you can actually wear for running and basketball and not to just look good

[@pwang33ece]

The thing is, they're big enough to do both; drive collabs, trends and build amazing products others can't. They chose to focus on hype and cut everywhere else thinking they can just phone it in and still rake in the cash. I'm glad they're getting a rude awakening now.

[@artjoeylarena481]

@@jaimeh8246 real😢😢😢

[@micaelerykosoquila9575]

Nike’s MO for selling shoes 1. Sign all the biggest athletes 2. Make collabs 3. Rely on nostalgia

[@theinnocentturtle1236]

@@micaelerykosoquila9575 4. side with politics specially wokeism

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

I love when they re-release a dad shoe from 40 years ago in a _slightly_ different color combination and the sneakerheads slip and slide in a pool of their own jizz talking about how amazing, revolutionary, never before seen it is, and how it is a must cop, must bot, must Klarna purchase.

[@thepiratepenguin_]

@@theinnocentturtle1236 you like Jordan Peterson, your opinion isn’t valid.

[@theinnocentturtle1236]

@@thepiratepenguin_ Because maybe you're not smart enough to understand.

[@shuozhai3745]

collabs aren’t that good😅

[@itstoonbruh]

The problem is the 90’s kids grew up and realized that the product we’re getting now is trash. And don’t wanna pay double for a worst product

[@Shay416]

Legit.

[@rks5457]

Bought some vapormax/97's a few years back and moisture started building in the air bubbles then the right heel bubble popped within a month. Sent it back, got another and the right front bubble popped within a week lmao.

[@Healthy_Horseman]

100

[@itstoonbruh]

@@rks5457 and our OG shoes still perform

[@Soggy-Soy-Toy]

@@itstoonbruh I’d rather spend $600 on real leather shoes for (dress/work/leisure) than spend $100 every year for foam glued to fake leather

[@SavNJ]

Nike for close to a decade now has been phoning it in and relying on retros/remakes of what has worked in the past. Even down to the USA basketball collection now is just screen printed shirts, some shoes, and shorts. Back in the day they released everything from bags, to socks, to the actual jerseys players wore.

[@ryans7097]

Looks like they are only releasing swingman jerseys and shorts this time which is disappointing

[@jordanhall8739]

That’s true this year’s USA collection is terrible compared to what they released in 2012.

[@bzomeful]

Interestingly, I’ve heard that a lot of the times, it is very difficult to purchase athlete/player Olympic kits for any sport. The reason given is that being chosen to represent your country at the Olympics is such an honour that any uniforms/jersey designs worn are limited to the actual athletes that are going to be there.

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

​@@bzomeful Doesn't sound like Nike to miss an opportunity to monetize a happening.

[@TGFIFTY5]

@@jordanhall8739 I just got a Nike notification for team usa basketball and looked through the store and thought the same thing. It’s literally just a team usa shirt with ‘Paris’ on the sleeve in basic block font. Just no effort

[@bonzithefonzi]

Gotta respect the brutal honesty from you. Not many would share their critical opinions on a huge corporation like nike. Truly a sneakerhead og

[@thegameneededme5]

Agreed. Especially when he’s had products sent to him by Nike/JB before. Yet he still tells it like it is.

[@midispunishment]

It’s about time Nike got called out. Their shoes have been trash for years.

[@slidecontrol134]

I've been trying to for years but they've probably muted my twitter. Every prediction and jab became true.

[@hiratiomasterson4009]

Nike simply has too many MBAs who look at immediate ROI - that worked for a time, but when you over saturate a market with products that have been built down to a price rather than up to a standard, you leave yourself open to people eventually waking up to reality.

[@airtec87]

The reason why bball shoes were more popular then in the 80s and 90s is simply due to the fact that they could be worn off court casually. You cant do that today with todays plastic shoes, they look way too bball focused, and cheap.

[@heybrowhatup]

I agree. The designs got too sporty over the years and only look like a court shoe.

[@kingjulien9525]

I remember those days... The same sneaker was worn from school, to the court, to party. 😷🤣😂.

[@rantsofedub]

Yes and no.. I mean running shoes are super techy too but managed to thrive in the fashion space with collabs with fashion brands.

[@airtec87]

@@rantsofedub depends on what running shoes you are speaking of, a lot of those "running" shoes are actually considered lifestyle and are seperate from that companies true running line, in example the 99x series from New Balance.

[@misanthropist3]

True, they don't use real leather or quality materials anymore.

[@jakej722]

Nike annoys me. Their artificial scarcity strategy with the Kobe line has never made me want to chase them down for some crazy aftermarket price- it just makes me look at other brands because I find it to be a cheap marketing ploy.

[@rantsofedub]

It's been years since I've walked into a Nike store and actually spot something I want to buy. It's a complete waste of time browsing their shoe shelves because anything remotely interesting is not there.

[@IblewuponyourfaceIII]

Cause they sell all the good stuff to resellers & backdooring with the employees. By the time the average or even the up to date consumer walks in, all you have are the undesirables 😂 Literally the Nike story in Manhattan is a joke. We’re talking about 5th avenue & they barely have anything worth buying it’s crazy. I remember some KZbinr talked about that Nike story was backdooring & selling above retail to resellers so they can sell it for even more to morons to buy.

[@WhatevrNevrmnd]

I have over 10 years (2006 -2017) of working Foot locker and Nike retail and I could see the quality in all products drastically drop while prices are going up. Their whole "technology" push is BS... They don't even embroider the swoosh on their clothing anymore. So tell me...if my heat pressed Nike Swoosh falls off my $200 Tech fleece...is it even worth it? They're trying to rely on nostalgia and retros, meanwhile Adidas is at least taking creative chances. New Balance is kicking their ass in lifestyle and companies like Hoka, Asics etc are on their necks for running. It's over Johnny!

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

A $200 tech fleece is never worth it, embroidered logo or not. It's a bunch of plastic that cost them pennies on the dollar to produce.

[@WhatevrNevrmnd]

@@Mister_Phafanapolis true…. But at least let me have a logo that’ll outlive the life of the garment. They’re doing the same with MLB jerseys. Nothing premium about that thin ass material.

So True! I totally agree, that embroidery thing is outrageous!

[@coreywharton6494]

Facts just bought some running gear from their site and the swoosh fell off like a week later. I had to press it back on!

[@RayLindberg-y9v]

couldn't agree more, I have Nike apparel from 2008-2012 still going strong, with embroidery and the like, and the stuff bought within last 5 years is complete trash. Shame what they did to the ACG line.

[@DevinPosey20]

Nike sucks because there a greedy ass company that has been nothing but reselling the same shoe but in worse quality and hasn’t really been making good colorway outside of a few collabs

[@mingchi1855]

And all the good ones are super expensive and limited quantity and bought out by resellers who jack up the price even more.

[@airtec87]

U think the quality is bad today you should have seen retros from 2004-15. They realllllly didnt give two shi. back then. The only time retros were good as or close to OGs was 1994 - 2001. Starting with the first run of Jordan 1 highs, all the way to the bred 11s that retroed for the first time.

[@12Messenger]

Don't give your money to them. I haven't since the KD 14s. I mean I bought some compression pants and shorts since but shoes, no. We're rewarding them for not giving their all.

[@airtec87]

@@12Messenger the last modern nike bball shoe i bought brand new retail was the lebron 7s.

[@futureguy]

Similar things happen to a lot of large companies. Once they become large enough, they lose the motivations and initiatives to innovate since they already have large market shares. And typically the CEOs are not domain experts but good at "management". They care about stock prices, making more moneys, etc. much more than pleasing customers.

[@nesto42]

This is why I appreciate your channel. It goes beyond fit looks, material conversations and close ups. Your channel is for people like me who love the culture as much as the product. OG talk. Keep doing what you do, man. I am thankful for you and your girl.

[@C-Thunder]

Add on to this, never ever change Chris!

[@arvincabugnason6728]

Nike is leaning towards more on, "f*ck boy" design trends rather than actual tech and durability for their shoes. They had become an expensive try hard sports shoes

[@natek8424]

Nike’s reputation is built upon being at the cutting edge of performance. Anything that strays away from that history and culture is a disappointment to the consumer!

[@binswap]

I’m glad you’re using your platform to bring awareness to this problem Nike has had for a long time

[@samaantree]

My biggest issue with Nike is that all their innovative “cool” designs come at an exorbitant cost especially the clothing, if I want to spend £300 on some casual trousers (pants) I would buy from Dolce Gabbana. All the cool things you can produce are supposed to be done to keep you ahead of your competition not rob customers of their money. Those book 1’s look boring as hell.

[@elusana]

d&g is worse

[@andyscoming4919]

@@elusana that’s what I’m saying 😂 so many better things you can spend $300 on than D&G or some Gucci/LV lol

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

Dolce Gabbana is a deep cut. Rappers can't pronounce it and therefore don't put it in their songs.

[@cassandraclark5499]

I hate them ugly 💩’s

[@TituzzzD]

I watched for some reason a lot of those "Nikes Downfall" videos. And this is the first one, that actually explains the problem: dumping down because of margins. Thank you.

[@gerichorico7836]

This is spot on! Nike has been hiring designers handcuffed by budget and profit margins. The quality and innovation is gone. I have had to return two Invincibles running shoes cuz the glue won’t hold up just after 4 months. Everything today feel like the $64.99-$74.99 shoe lines of the 90’s and early 2000’s, but priced at $150-$200! It’s ridiculous how they would release a lot of these shoes today!

[@veryfewrealleft1405]

Book 1 & All Nike Basketball Right now is uninspired & completely unimaginative. We talked about this in comments or typed about it one day. Chris Nike is the biggest reseller with the biggest profit margin.

[@deejaay]

replying to @veryfewrealleft1405 "Book 1 & All Nike Basketball Right now is uninspired & completely unimaginative. " We talked about this in comments or typed about it one day. Chris Nike is the biggest reseller with the biggest profit margin." Also, with Nike they're over killing it with these "inspiration" designs, collabs and releasing limited quantities only to find the shoe reselling 300% above retail. I'm like fuck it, I'll just get Reps (Kobes), Li-Ning and Anta......

[@static1217]

Book 1's are clean. But to each their own.

[@veryfewrealleft1405]

@@static1217 They’re very clean. Just very familiar.

[@WalkingWallet]

​@static1217 it's a basic shoe bruh

[@Dmac4Ever]

@@WalkingWalletI like how it looks basic it just doesn’t play as well, but the Giannis 5’s and some of the other ones just aren’t very imaginative or as technically impressive for sure so I kinda agree with both statements tbh

[@xlixity]

The QUALITY. It's all gone. How many times has Chris said that the quality is trash compared to what they offered during a retro's original run?

[@airtec87]

quality isnt good but they have improved slightly compared to before when Gentry Humprey was calling the shots at Jordan Brand.

[@xlixity]

@@airtec87 It's still very inferior to what we had before. Until you hold an original run in hand, you don't realize just how hard Nike gyp us on quality to price ratio. And I'm not even including quality control in the picture. We pay too much for too little. I love Jays and 90s Nike but at this point we're paying for shape and model alone.

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

@@xlixity Sneakerheads are too dumb to branch out from the logo. There are other companies that make shoes very similar in style to an Air Force/Jordan/Dunk (all the same silhouette) or Killshots, etc. but stupidheads buy brands and not individually the best products available on the market. They're nincompoops.

[@BoondockGore]

Supreme badly influenced a lot of performance brands. They saw what they COULD sell you

[@miroslavbuchar2559]

@@airtec87 still almost any Adidas shoe will have a better quality than a Nike shoe for the same price

[@morgan8514]

I’ve been seeing it at the gym too. That people are going away from Nike for workout clothes and running shoes to brands that specialize more in those areas.

[@vonald]

mentioned straight facts. I would love a pt.2 where you give your opinion on them pushing towards to hype instead of innovation. SNKRS app/Resellers have completely taken the fun of out being a sneakerhead for me.

[@Fab5Hill33]

FACTS DON'T HAVE FEELINGS 💪💪💪

[@deejaay]

Nostalgia when I saw the Eastbay page with Penny

[@juventus6245]

Big respect to this channel to call it out. Nike been doing this for maybe a decade. I’m looking to other sneaker brands to shatter Nike in this industry.

[@Sandy_Papito]

Nice editing and transitions on the video 👏 I really like the red patent leather on these

[@usedblazers]

Wow the AF25. I had like 4 pairs of those. What a time.

[@MrRashad8869]

Such a great shoe. The color ways were so good combined with comfort

[@vikramreddy6001]

picked up an AF25 colorway on eBay a few years ago that I got at the outlets when I was 7, to this day one of my favorite sneakers

[@emwebb10]

Had a pair, would love if they retro these

[@jp86jp]

had never seen them before today, but now I think they're gorgeous

[@sidvicious647]

Still got a pair in Storage NEVER WORN ! Was a helluva shoe !

[@rellswrld]

Nike needs to go ahead and hire you as a consultant. Never understood why they don’t tap into the real world in this way.

[@jesussinaloa9300]

The channel would loose credibility if he was hired by a sneaker brand. He got to get partnerships outside of shoes but still related like shoe cleaning utensils that are applicable to any shoe brand

[@rellswrld]

@@jesussinaloa9300 fam if he gets a Nike deal he should put his channel on ice or work on other things. That would be a huge deal for him and his future

[@nickalbenga9750]

I actually used to bring up this channel all the time during meetings at Nike/Jordan. Not to consult, but as a barometer of authenticity in the community.

[@SpiritualSeeker12x12]

Old news they won't do it, especially if they are firing those who have great minds like 😤🤦🏾‍♂️Chris and those who care about the brand they love

[@nikchris69]

You can’t be serious.

[@kristia627]

I have now gained much love for this channel. I love the straight forward reviews and this video about Nike is absolutely dead on. Much respect!! Your knowledge and passion is what Nike needs. Love your channel!! Keep sharing your wisdom!

[@cuthomas4664]

I'm a hobby runner, don't understand much about basketball shoes; but I think you are the best in shoes review in general. Keep going!

[@BcTwistedSound]

This is why I love this channel- the truth. Nikes gotta stop this “hunger marketing” and “shrinkflation” before losing it all, people care and are tired of not able to get the best ( or at a ridiculous price) yet settled for the worse.

[@tylerdurden6335]

1000%

[@taivo2520]

The greed got them good! I have relative who is working in Nike’s Manufacturers in Vietnam…She told me every shoes from Nike, especially her department is responsible for “Premium Line”, a final already for sale and labor costs. Total is around $20 - $30 to make. This is “Premium Line”, I don’t know how low the cost of “Budget Line” will go…

[@MilkInTheBowl]

@@taivo2520 that’s the production cost though. The majority of clothing companies money goes into marketing and also in Nike’s case; player acquisition. The markup is still crazy I agree. I’m just pointing out that the cost of production for shoes and clothing is always the cheapest part. Marketing is where the real expense lies and of course R&D isn’t cheap either even though they seem to be phoning that in lately.

[@taivo2520]

@@MilkInTheBowl I know, but with $20-$30 cost and the materials are not hard to source like they were back then, why Nike lower the quality of their products like what we’re having nowadays? Greed is the best answer.

[@ahmadlittle-hannibal7153]

WearTesters stay with the archives on deck. This is Nike Nostalgia that early 00s to the mid 00s was so creative for Nike. Shaped me into my steez till this day

[@ll1ll1ll1ll1ll]

Damn. I thought I was the only one who remembered the AF25. Godlike shoe. 2006 was the same year we got the Jordan 21, the LeBron 4, and the Kobe 1. And the next couple years would bring the Jordan 22 & 23, the LeBron 5 & 6, the Kobe 2, and the Soldier 1. Nike was absolutely cooking in the 2000s, to a level they've never cooked since.

[@kirbyaugustine761]

Sign of the times. Most of these corporations today have made the decision of choosing profits over people. Simple corporate greed.

[@AyjayAlleyway]

Nike’s net profit margin is unchanged for over 20 years. Stop talking out of your @zz.

[@michaelroos2803]

White cement 3 for me. This was one of my favorite videos you've posted in a long time, and I know it won't get the views like a Jordan retro review, but you're insight and knowledge are why I've been a fan of your content for the last 15 years.

[@Chris-zn1qg]

You're so right! Also the thing you said in another video, that all Nike's tend to force the big toes in an unnatural direction really makes me mad. Apart from the Sabrina 1's i can't wear any Nike hoop shoe because of that. It feels so uncomfortable.

[@qchang09]

Thank you for the shout out for the Nike Air Command Force. I bought those in '91 and they are still my favorite shoe in terms of quality materials, more than any Jordan model

[@peterookotai6965]

Grails for real ones (not sneaker posers)

[@darwinmoresco7724]

That is why I purchase Nike shoes when it is in the outlet shelves not to purchase on its original price or srp.

[@lionelgrisbane]

Yep. Almost never purchased Nike anymore but I recently got Lebron 21 because it was $80 instead of $200. They’re worth $80.

[@nikchris69]

This is why I purchase new balance and adidas.

[@Kowsan824]

Great video, love this and had to comment on it. This is great Chris said this and he is the 🐐

[@City-iD]

Nike executives need to watch this video and take it seriously! Everything that was said in here is 100% spot on truth. Big up Chris.👍

[@WHITEPERSUAS1ON]

Maybe its just me getting older but I dont really care about sneakers like I used to. I bought at least a new hoop shoe every year but havent really even wanted to anymore. Idk if its the price or more competition or what. Harden 7 and 8s have been the only thing I've found interesting lately

[@yeshuarc]

What do you think about the AE1s? Those are the only basketball shoes besides Kobes that have been hyped crazy

[@johncarolina4950]

@@yeshuarcI disliked it at first but I've come around. I'm getting the low model that comes out this month. The only thing I dislike now is the weight.

[@tonygonzales8139]

06’ Nike battleground was so great and there was so much parody in the game back then Reebok had AI and the above the rim shoes, Adidas had a great line up of players T-Mac, KG, Duncan, Billups eventually DRose, Converse had DWade, and Nike/Jordan the pinnacle of greatness! I noticed when the countdown packs the shoes seemed to look cheap and were flimsy AF then The 09’ Space Jam came out then I knew Jordan were expensive Payless shoes

[@TomLawrence-xl1dw]

This is such a good video!! Love the history lesson and deep dive in to the old tech.

[@fascination_streetwear]

Awsome video! I totally want to find me some 25s now. And your thoughtful answer to the question of the day: correct. A+++

[@isaiahfernandez4162]

Wow Chris you really cooked on Nike in this video. Great editorial video: your passion as a sneakerhead and your encyclopedic knowledge shines through here. Props!

[@dustymetzgar3006]

It'll stop when we get over the FOMO and stop buying. But it ain't going to happen in the year that Jordan turns 40.

[@jcolley82]

2025 is gonna be nuts with all the Retros coming out

[@Thatboygtmike]

It’s happening hopefully. Slowly but surely imo.

[@FiqNSneaks]

I was doing a video on my views of this but yours makes me so happy that I might go back and do my video over again😂. I called the book 1 trash before they were broken down. Reminded me of weak version of anything amare stoudimire wore. I'm glad you used that excuse.

[@giorgosapo4508]

Chris I remember those days like it was yesterday, everyone was hyped about this Second Coming project and even the Soundtrack by Juelz Santana was amazing. I remember having the Premium All Leather version of these bad boys. We used to be buying all the Sole Collector magazines, getting anxious with every release not only on the Signature lines which were innovative with designers like Eric Avar , Tinker Hatfield, Ken Link and D'Wayne Edwards but the Team shoe lines like the Hyperdunk back in 2008 were pushing the boundaries as well with tech like Lunar foam and the OG Flywire. We all miss those days , we lost our passion and interest!

[@brauprx]

This is the kind of videos that only Weartesters gives us, spitting facts and talking straight. I used to love Nike Basketball products, specially in that timeframe from the 90s and early 2000's. Just as you said Chris, all first signature shoes back in the day were packed with tech, the Flight Fives, the Shox VC, the Zoom Generation, The Zoom Kobe 1, and the "team" models were elite as well: Air Max Uptempos, both Zoom Huaraches, Shox BB, and the list goes on. I guess the KD I was the first when they got cheap and from that point we got bad performers with almost no tech, like the Kyrie 1, the Zoom Freak 1 (I'll give the PG 1 a pass because at least those had a regular size oval Zoom unit and a few colorways had decent materials). Nowadays with this trend of making shoes ready to go right from the box (for consumers only) and with lighter (but flimpsier) materials, they justify their cheap approach not giving us quality products, supposedly inspired by the greatest players. Chinese brands grew from copycats to innovative amazingly, and most of the times (with some exceptions like the WoW main line or the JB) those are at least at the same price with better tech and materials. Just as you said, Nike has turned into a retro (almost knock-off of themselves) brand with no innovation at all. For the QoTD: Sadly I sold my AJ3 black cements from 2018 because of a need of money to pay meds, but If I have to choose one cement only, it would be the white cement 3s. I really enjoy a lot these videos man, thank you!

[@BobbyObado]

I love this video so much, I wouldn't know where to begin. If I could pick any video for a totally brand new sneakerhead to watch in this age, it would be this one. Thank you Chris for what you continually do.

[@xXGoDSoN4Xx]

Very well done vid Chris…well done 👏👏👏

[@brianmitchell2773]

💯 facts. That deep dive had me locked in the whole time. Great video.

[@D_KimRaiders]

Chris and the Weartesters family is THE go to source for sneakerheads. 🙌🏼👍🏼💯

[@ananimizyouser1429]

I agree with you Wing. The tiered signatures and veering away from packs i.e. the All Star, Xmas are also why. As far as the tiers i remember when the signature hoops athlete had a great looking silhouette with tech for that playstyle. Now Nike does "price-point" marketing where you get cushioning in either the heel or forefoot but rarely both. In the 90's Nike was at its peak when they had to try to overtake Reebok. It seems like they dissolved the Alpha Project line and then coasted and they got too comfortable. Then they strip away the tech when they retro the beloved models. The cost cutting they do is costing them.

[@DanielJamesEgan]

I love going to thrift stores and getting sweet vintage-ish basketball shoes for like $8. The only problem comes when you actually try to ball with them and the entire sole comes unglued.

[@elroyskicks9127]

My older brother had these in grey suede way back in the day can barely find a picture of them on google thanks for reminding me about these.

[@sherronthejedi]

Air Force 25! So many kids in highschool had these 🔥🔥

[@veryfewrealleft1405]

Even the Air Jordan two had a take down model , with the python. Barkley 180 Olympics had on 4th great shoe.

[@MrRoda8143]

Great minds think alike! I wore mine too last 4th lol

[@veryfewrealleft1405]

@@MrRoda8143 💯 It’s crazy bro, how many people 40& up & under at Picnic “what are those , they’re 🔥” I’d love to see more 180s , I still have the not signature, but we know that the Air Force 2 before the Alpha Force was Chucks go to. I still have those with Liberty Bell 🔔 on rear panel/heel. I went with more comfortable of the two. I wish they’d pay some more attention to those, & the Pippin 2. I went to buy pair of Red/White Pippen 2s, lol they were like 500. Smh

[@klozher38]

I have over 20 of these 25's and have hyped them up since Kick's On Court Days so very cool to see the shoe being showcased. These are craze comfortable with the Max Heel unit and full length Zoom running atop the heel unit. Those kicks saved my legs

[@ferranrdgz2568]

amazing analysis as always

[@sunnyfallq]

Cannot agree more. The quality has dropped so much while the price tag continues to go up.

[@charleskiser2468]

The Air Force 25 Rasheed Wallace shoe he had many pairs I wish they'd bring them back

[@MrAbstractj]

The other problem is the nice shoes that you want to buy and wear are all cornered by the after market resellers that uses bots to gobble them up for resell. The regular consumers are pushed out of the market or aren’t willing to pay the markups.

[@rpardo23]

They need to hire you man! You know the shoes, tech and culture. I totally feel the same way. Cheap ass shoes dont sell we need quality over quantity!

[@TheDDA]

All Nike is is the most over priced REP company. They make knockoffs of OG shoes that never live up to shape, material or innovation. Overpriced plastic leather aint the stuff dreams are made of.

[@TheFlako323]

Couldn't agree with Chris more! I almost hate that I work at one of the retail stores and I have to try and sell Nike shoes to customers knowing that there's better options out there

[@Organic_Lindo]

Great video, I remember I bought the all black suede AF 25’s with the crocodile textured leather pattern on the back… complete head turners, I shelved high end shoes like Pradas to wear those to stunt because they were so stunning with great craftsmanship and more importantly, because they were incredibly comfortable. Wore them joints into the ground lol, would still wear them today because ALL THE MATERIALS HELD UP but they squeak and are pretty much biscuits at this point.

[@jermainejackson2179]

Bro, you came at this with facts. This one of the few channels I follow for kicks. No hype just a genuine fan of the culture. Sidenote...I wish they retro them air force 25s

[@deemoney1054]

I give you your props!! You have been able to keep my attention for years!....others copy you to no avail..... especially the Instagram dorks...... you're the Champ!...... Thanks!

[@deejaay]

YES! Finally! Reason why I shifted from Nike to Li-Ning. Nike is ALL about fashion > tech. Whereas, Li-Ning other Chinese brands are capable of meshing the two together in such a way that you will get the best of both worlds.

[@itsyaboiboozy7046]

@@deejaay thank you for saying that man. China is just doing amazing with these shoes bruh.

[@truthnotfeelings]

I’m the same. Li-Ning got me indoor and outdoor and I’m thinking of buying a 3rd Performance, value, tech and durability

[@itsyaboiboozy7046]

@@WhyDoPeopleNeed2BeSoRude debatable but still expensive.

[@magic1kd]

I def can’t say enough about the Way of Wade brand.

[@EtiandroRosa]

Yeah Bro, I've been saying this also. LI-NING is gaining market for a while now (and other companies too). Nike better watch out 😅

[@shayp3kicks395]

Yo.. man wow I'm legit a Preacher.. and feel like I just heard the most beautiful Sneaker Sermon ever😁. It was informative, convincing but respectful at the same time. This was an amazing video.. much respect 🫡

[@Young1806]

Great content my guy!

[@veryfewrealleft1405]

Great time for this vid.

[@AddOnKicks]

Li-Ning: let's put at least some Boom in every offering over $100 and typically in more than one zone. Nike: people like these Zoom strobels too much, let's put them in LESS models each year and take them out of the series we introduced them in. 🤦‍♂️

[@naufalrifki3130]

If I look into Nike's best "budget" non-signature hoop shoe on sale in my country right now, it's the Nike Precision 7, which will set you back around 66 USD, while having no technologies whatsoever... No zoom, no air unit, nothing...

[@jonathanchin3396]

Great X-Men T-shirt, man! Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane, I fell in love with Jordans and Reebok Pumps in the early '90s, it really sounds like Nike is much more interested in coasting than innovating nowadays.

[@jeffhicks8428]

No offense buddy but "air" was nothing but another shoe industry gimmick that added absolutely zero to any shoe in terms of objective quantifiable empirical improvement over any other cushion technology like standard EVA or any of the other brands and their gimmicky technologies like say Asics gel. There is a reason it doesn't exist anymore. Because it was pure marketing and hype. None of those shoes had anything special about them aside from massive marketing budgets and buzzwords.

[@johnneyjohnson8607]

I also blame being too dependent on exclusivety. I haven't been able to buy a shoe I've wanted in a year.

[@elijahdelacruz3204]

You can also fastforward to 2003 and 2006, when Lebron’s and Kobe’s first signature shoes with Nike released. Both offered Nike’s best at the time. The Lebrons had quality leather and full length zoom plus a double stacked zoom unit in the heel if I’m not mistaken, and a carbon fiber shank. The Kobes also had quality leather, a zoom unit in the heel, and a zoom met bag in the forefoot, and a carbon fiber shank plate

[@lajon7460]

Love the way you broke down the facts in this video. ✊🏾🔥 really informative and interesting to listen to.

[@walker2101]

Not a shill for Nike or anything, but sometimes the consumer needs to look at themselves in the mirror. When Nike tried to be innovative & gave us the 720s and the Scorpion’s, everyone talked trash. When it comes to basketball shoes, the LeBron flagship model each year has EVERYTHING Nike has to offer tech-wise in them, and they go straight to outlets on the back wall. Maybe that has to do with people not rocking with LeBron the person more so than the shoe. Who know? But I see Nike doing an adequate job pushing technology in an ever changing sneaker industry. The entire basketball shoe market has changed and in this economy, everyone looks for more lifestyle type shoes that are versatile.

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

The 720s and Scorpions aren't innovation, they're casual shoes. Nike calls them running shoes, but they're not. Nike is actually doing fairly on the high end of performance running but that's not translating to other categories. Nike also tries to play supply and demand games with performance running which doesn't work with runners. They HATE it because they can't get the shoe they want when they want it. Many runners have fled to other brands like Asics, New Balance, and Puma because of Nike's strategies.

[@walker2101]

@@Drew.Whitcomb when I mentioned the 720s and Scorpions with regards to innovation, I merely meant the design and size of the Air unit. Up until that point, Nike had been accused of being boring and stagnant in their designs. To your 2nd point: I 100% agree with you about the supply and demand games that Nike plays with their consumers. It’s ridiculous and in my opinion, is the #1 reason loyal customers are now venturing out to other brands that offer similarly priced items with better & more premium materials. I believe that this coupled with their seemingly unwillingness to seriously address the botting community has caused a significant mistrust among consumers leading them to buy reps/UAs. Loyal customers are asking Nike a very simple question: Why should we be loyal to you, if you won’t reward that loyalty with fair and transparent selling practices?

[@thundercat6963]

It's not just the tech the quality went downhill, everyone from my running group switched off of Nike running shoes. Their shoes fell apart so quickly compared to other brands. It was so bad my swish logo literally fell off my shoe mid run.

[@tommytarantula]

Great video! Please make more of these types of videos!!! Nightwing coming with the facts like only he can do!

[@bigjay2892]

Nice job Chris. Them AF25 were mad comfy. Had many pairs. Sad we don’t really get our money’s worth like we used to. Still love the swoosh, but would love to see them do better.

[@Sean-ex8ii]

Damn I forgot how much I like your videos bro, keep it up

[@wn5364]

Amazing video, shows the depth of your expertise 💯💯

[@GoodMenstruationAttitude]

totally agree about nike though. It's always "new" fabrics every season, and never ever can the buyer figure out "why" they want weird holes and raised textures on their bball shoes

[@styrojeff]

Man, you're so right. I really wanted a pair of those AF25s back in the day. And it's true that Nike is just a shadow of what they used to be back then, and just cashing in on our nostalgia... I hope they can turn it around sooner rather than later but until then, other than buying a pair or two in outlets at heavy discount, I'll be buying NB from now on

[@desireedurant20]

Nice Eastbay throwback facts page about the shoe.... It was a TRUE sneaker heads guide to know what he or she was buying 👍

[@Danny_Slater]

I had that white and red pair of the AF25s the materials were amazing, I didn’t enjoy playing in them at all though, because I was in the Kobe 2s at the time and they had a much easier feel on court!

[@kaorunootaku]

Chris being a hoop sneaker historian giving us lessons from the past

[@boomslapp]

I’m not a huge sneaker head but I did grow up in the 90’s really poor and would have to save up my birthday & Christmas money to buy my shoes (CB34, AF1, Pippens air max teardrops etc) and when they get rereleased and get a breakdown of the modified tech or get tech striped from the shoe really sucks for the kids to experience. Nike is really dropping the ball. Screwing over this new generation consumer and now corporate bullying shoe surgeon. All this is starting to inspire me to learn how to customize my own shoe so I feel I have value in them like I felt I got in the 90’s. Keep up the great work I always learn new things when I watch your content. Peace fam.

[@daviddillon62]

I had the 25s in black and white my junior year of high school playing basketball. I loved them so much. Lol

[@user-si9qx5ww8f]

Great content as always. Love your choice of shoes to do this type of video on. I really enjoyed it. I agree with you that this era is kind of a great period of Nike basketball footwear. I still remember the commercials of AF25 vividly. I loved it so much I watched all the different types of commercials. As I watch the commercials I fall in love with the sound track. Took a while to figure out the name of the soundtrack but it is a great memory and I’m still listening to it now. I did so much research about it and found out the soundtrack was originating from classical music. By the way the soundtrack name is the second coming. Back in the day I had the chance to play in AF 25. At the time my rotation was just AF25 or 2k4. Loved them so much. I still have a pair of AF25 now. In my memory, they are really well designed and built. So much dope color way. The white and gold pair had so much shine in them. And the all star or the USA themed pair had beautiful insoles print and so many stars on the outsole. The little details of this shoes were so well made. Loved the laces and the metal tips. Also loved the matching tracksuit featured in the commercials. I remember searching them all over the place. I’m still in my 20s but those days are some real golden times.

[@garthmckenzie3962]

“Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Chris ****’em up!!!” Fantastic piece of work here. 🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@titovino]

Bro! Your history about these shoes are crazy 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Heysir2323]

Thank you for articulating our thoughts 😂