Nike LeBron Witness 8 basketball shoes review

Описание: What's good!

As always, it's Daumantas from the Baller squad. Today, we're doing a performance review on LeBron's 8th budget signature model - Nike LeBron Witness 8.

Will the LeBron Witness 8 stay atop Nike's budget segment? There's only one way to find out.

Let's get it!

MATERIALS

Much like the recent iterations from the Witness line, the latest silhouette offers a minimal upper construction featuring dual-layer mesh and cushioned textile that wraps around the center zone.

A mid-top framework packs a generous amount of padding around the ankle area, ensuring above-average comfort level and more effective ankle/heel lockdown.

In addition, the synthetic leather elements on the sides provide additional containment and durability to the upper, while the extremely flexible toe box allows for a free range of motion.

CUSHION

With the arrival of the eighth model, the Witness line remains Nike's only signature line to use the Air Max cushioning system.

Despite the shorter Air Max unit, compared to last year's model, the heel section packs the exact same amount of shock absorption and comfort, which is one of the best in this price range and should satisfy bigger or more athletic players.

The cushion setup is tuned for comfort/responsiveness rather than bounce, yet the forefoot's curvature creates a smooth heel-to-toe transition. When moving on the forefoot, the midsole shape keeps the foot angled forward for a faster first-step launch. In addition, the very tip of the midsole goes really low to the ground, offering plenty of court feel.

TRACTION

Although the herringbone didn't make the return on the LeBron Witness 8, the tread design is not far behind in terms of performance.

On indoor courts, the multi-directional line pattern offers reasonably reliable contact with the court and effective stopping power. In the heel section, the tread features micro cutouts that allow it to better adapt to the surface and improve overall bite.

The LeBron Witness 8 tends to collect dust when playing on poorly maintained courts, thus the structure of the sole makes it easy to remove dust for consistent performance.

Thanks to the relatively durable rubber compound, this one is an outdoor outdoor-friendly option.

FIT

The updated design with no plastic pieces and a smaller Air Max unit, made the LeBron Witness 8 the lightest model in the line. Also, due to softer materials, the on-foot experience is something you would get from a more expensive shoe.

The classic lacing system connects both layers of the upper, which allows for a closer and more contained fit. Reminiscent of the Kyrie 3, the textile wraparound piece, along with a plush tongue and nicely padded ankle area create a comfortable step-in experience.

When it comes to sizing, staying true to size is what we recommend for most. However, wide footers should go half a size up with these.

SUPPORT

If your play style involves elite footwork that forces defenders to use the map on the court, the Nike LeBron Witness 8 might not be the best choice for you. However, if you're more of a linear player or spend most of the time in the post, support should not disappoint.

While the upper is more comfort-focused, most of the support and containment comes from the midsole. There's a small TPU shank placed in the middle, which helps maintain a stable platform and avoid side-to-side bending.

In addition, the first two lace lines are connected with the straps, which go straight to the midsole. This allows you to adjust the amount of containment in the forefoot zone - the more you crank the laces, the better lock-down you get. Simple.

VERDICT

Apart from the updated design, the technical features of the Nike Witness 8 have not changed too much compared to last year's model. This means that Lebron Witness remains one of the best value for money, especially once they hit a discount.

With improved comfort and wear experience that is on par with more expensive shoes and reliable performance in other categories, the Nike LeBron Witness 8 makes it a great option for those looking to save a dime.

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