First off, the design of these shoes is sleek and aggressive, just like Giannis on the court. The black and university red colorway with platinum accents gives them a premium look that stands out during games.

The flexibility from the grooved outsole is no joke—I felt noticeably more agile making quick Euro steps and lateral cuts during pickup games. The softer midsole foam compared to the previous model is a win for sprinters; it’s like running on clouds when pushing transition plays.

But here’s the catch: while the breathable mesh upper kept my feet cool, the synthetic midfoot strap felt oddly rigid during break-in. One reviewer mentioned their son had to remove them mid-game due to discomfort, and I get it—the fit can be unforgiving if you have wider feet. Took me two weeks of wear to fully adjust.

The oversized heel pull loop is a small but genius touch for quick on/off between quarters. Still, I’d recommend trying these in-store first if possible—they shine for performance but demand some patience in the comfort department.