Jordan Super.Fly 2 Performance Review

Traction – The traction is great… period. Not really much to go over at this point. There is some additional information in their Performance Teasers (Pt. 1 & Pt. 2) but really, the traction is phenomenal.

Cushion – Just like the Air Jordan XX8, it’s amazing. It does take a little getting used to because it protrudes out slightly but it only takes a few minutes until you feel perfectly normal.
The score was dropped by a ½ point based on the fact that there is no cushion in place in the heel, however, after giving it much thought… I find these to be more comfortable than the XX8’s. I prefer this sort of soft/ bouncy Phylon they used. I think it feels better when coming down from landings or while in motion. Some may disagree but that’s my take on it.

Materials – The materials are pretty much the same as the Air Jordan XX8 but without the shroud. I personally loved the shroud but I hold nothing against these for being sort of a naked version of the XX8. Overall, the materials are light and durable and that is where the XX8’s shroud fell a bit short… the toe was just a bit too weak for rigorous on-court play. These will hold up well no matter if you hoop inside or outside and that is something a lot of hoopers will enjoy.

Fit – They fit true to size and lockdown is great. The Dynamic Fit system is awesome and really wraps around your foot and holds it into place. The Air Jordan XX8 had the same basic structure but these take the Dynamic Fit to another level since they are attached within the shoe and onto the strobel board… this brings your foot into the shoe and keeps it there. Heel lockdown isn’t a problem at all. I was able to lace them up all the way and just before the last eyelet without compromising the fit at all which is great if you like a little extra range of motion.

Ventilation – Pretty much on par with the XX8 when it was zipped down. The body of the shoe doesn’t breathe at all but the tongue does so that’s a plus.

Support – Most of your support comes from the awesome fit but the Flight Plate adds a bit of support as well since it acts like the shoes base and torsional shank plate. The only area that is truly flexible on the Flight Plate is located at the forefoot… and that’s right where you need it.

Overall – Would I choose the XX8 over the Super.Fly 2? If I had an unlimited budget, I’d go with the XX8 because I love zippers so damn much but performance wise… they are nearly identical minus a few things here and there. The XX8 has a decoupled heel and forefoot and that is their one attribute that has kept them at the #1 spot on my personal list of top performance models for 2013, however, the Super.Fly 2 is so good that you could go either way and most people would never know the difference.