New Balance Kawhi 2 Performance Review From Inside Out - Biggest Pros / Cons
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Real foot doctor reviews the New Balance Kawhi 2 with performance reviews, teardown and durability tests.
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Time Stamps:
00:00 Video Intro
00:14 Uppers of the New Balance Kawhi 2
02:02 Upper Durability Test
02:22 Midsole Teardown of the New Balance Kawhi 2
03:38 Jump Height Test
03:53 Outsole of the New Balance Kawhi 2
04:49 Outsole Durability Test and Durometer
05:34 Fit of the New Balance Kawhi 2
06:22 Playability and Best Positions for the New Balance Kawhi 2
06:40 Shuttle test
As a foot doctor I look at basketball shoes and basketball sneaker technology a bit differently as I focus more on what foot types benefit from these shoes as well as the tennis shoe's functional attributes on the tennis and basketball court
Some of the main areas we cover in this basketball shoe playtest, teardown and performance review are:
- The weight, durability, fit and playability
- What are the features of the insole, midsole, and outsole
- New Balance basketball shoe technology explained
Part of the 2022 Basketball shoe review series
DISCLOSURE: I often review or link to products I regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible we use referral links, which means if you click one of the links in this video or description and make a purchase I may receive a small commission or other compensation.
Many of my links to products/gear are links to those products on Amazon. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites
Disclaimer : This is not medical advice, nor can I give you medical advice. Everything here including videos and comment responses is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any health issue or condition. Nothing here should be construed to form a doctor patient relationship.
Пікірлер: 160
Nike KD 14 Performance Review: kzread.info/dash/bejne/pp2VyZuLdLbMecY.html
@mitsuralli21
2 жыл бұрын
Doctor Zach, I purchased your info sheet (great breakdown) and I just had one question. What shoe in your opinion is better suited for someone recovering from Lateral impingement syndrome? According to my podiatrist, major key will finding a sneaker that can achieve max heel cup lockdown. Fyi, I do use custom orthotics and I have a wide foot wide a medium arch. Apologies if is too much of an ask.
@rdsx041027
2 жыл бұрын
Great review, thanks for these in-depth breakdowns on performance shoes. Curious, my ankles are a concern when playing and ideally I'd love to play without a brace if possible. Between the KD14 and the KL2 which provides the best support for ankle protection or if they're close enough. Thanks!
Wow. I never knew shoe review videos like this existed... I am blown away and highly impressed with how thorough all of this testing and info given is...👏 Love allll the jump shots, the cutting open of the shoe, and attention to all parts of the shoe and foot! Again, wow! Top to bottom, heel to toe!
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Wow, thank you!
I've had these shoes for 3 weeks (received 2 weeks before release) and I can say that I'm delighted with the performance the shoes offer on the pitch, excellent courtfeel, good stability and good size for a wide foot (49eu/14us at Nike). For the negative points I would say that there are few, the first that I could notice was the appearance of blisters on the little toes, the arch of the foot and everywhere where the foot is in contact with the shoe, sometimes bloody, secondly I'm disappointed with the cushioning, it's my first pair of NB (I play in Nike Air Zoom BB Nxt) and I find it non-existent, which is important for me suffering from periostitis and who is needed cushioning as a PF of 2 meters who likes to dunk, thirdly it would be the fact that the shoe is almost unbendable, this one is as stiff as the Harden 5 for me. A small defect on the pair also would be the fact that the pair never squealed, no noise was made even by rubbing the pair firmly on the floor which at first bothered me then I got used to it .To conclude, it is an excellent pair in the together which with a shock-absorbing sole could be in the top 5 of current pairs, I use it every day during 3 hour sessions plus during matches. I apologize for my English, I am French
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome description
@diegosalgado7501
2 жыл бұрын
Probably made in Indonesia for 30 cents sold in the US for $160.
@niklegenkifontrojorkraricd3211
2 жыл бұрын
Heureux que tu sois français , j’ai une question à te poser et si la réponse est positive, je les achètes . Est ce que la semelle extérieure est solide et donc durable pour minimum 8 mois en extérieur, car j’ai compris dans cette vidéo qu’elle était très bonne pour l’extérieur mais je n’ai pas tout compris sur la durabilité
@bryanstephani3684
2 жыл бұрын
@@niklegenkifontrojorkraricd3211 salut , yes la semelle est l'une des plus durable que j'ai vu , je pourrais pas garantir sur 8 mois sur du goudron mais la chaussure est solide globalement , la semelle dépasse a peine et les motifs sont quasi inexistant donc ne vont pas s'arracher comme de la lebron19 etc , je recommande fortement meme si j'ai jamais jouer avec les miennes en exterieur ! je te conseille d'essayer !
@niklegenkifontrojorkraricd3211
2 жыл бұрын
@@bryanstephani3684 merci beaucoup pour ta réponse ! Ça tombe bien que tu cites la LeBron 19 car j’ai récemment terminé la mienne en 3 mois 😂 . Je vais acheter la paire , elle a l’air parfaite ça fait longtemps que je recherche une paire comme ça car de nos jours elles sont peux durables en extérieur
Been waiting for this one🔥gotta choose between these and the hardens
Watching From New Zealand.I watched majority of your reviews to help me choose the right basketball shoes.I recommended your channel to all my friends here in NZ.Great Job.
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Glad they helped!
For a big guy who needs to be quick, these are better than harden vol.6?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
I liked them more but the midsole is stiffer so take that for what you will
@puppybeagle1024
Жыл бұрын
i swear by asics for my sports shoes. they really make shoes better than the mainstream brands, and were recommended by my doctor. i dont play bball but for tennis, my gel resolution 8s are leaps and bounds above any nikes or adidas. i think asics has basketball shoes, maybe u can give em a shot!
Just got them and wore for the first time the other night for a league game. Feel really stable, ankle feels locked down, and traction was in point. Not many cons other than not as plush like you said as kd 14s. But I feel like it provides responsiveness and don't sink into the shoes like others I've wore. Are these your top hoop shoes of the year so far?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
I wouldn’t say #1 but they’re up there
@hopsmax2827
Жыл бұрын
@@FootDoctorZach are these good for tennis? what are your top basketball shoes that are still great for outdoor use?
I'm not much of a Kawhi fan so these werent really on my radar. after seeing this review I have to say they sound like my kind of shoe. thanks for a great review.
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped 👍
I've never seen a shoe analyzed this in-depth! I am floored.. Great stuff.
Is this shoe good for flat feet? I need a shoe with a low arch but have a lot of cushion
Love these shoes. Love this review. If they change the gold heel piece into something else it would be great.
@Bliu2th
2 жыл бұрын
It's just because of the colorway, different color ways will have a different heel counter. I also can't wait to grab a different pair myself!
@michaelp9061
2 жыл бұрын
@@Bliu2th d love that
Just got the Oreo version in the NB store I work at an I have been debating pulling the trigger your the only you tuber I know who’s goes this in depth thanks a lot great work you got a new sub 🙏🏼
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help!
The Omn1s low has been my favourite, the comfort continues to be the best for me, and the sizing is perfect. The TWO WXY are ok, I feel like they are narrower for some reason, so NB seems inconsistent with their sizing. These new Kawhi though, look like a solid update, at least against the TWO WXY, until he TWO WXY 2 come out. Thanks for the review.
@teachingwealth425
2 жыл бұрын
Did you go half size down on Omn1s or TTS?
Looking forward to getting my hands on a pair of these. The 1s were stiff but weirdly satisfying to break in.
I'm excited for the kd 15 tear down
Can you do the Reebok Shaqnosis? Puma RS Dreamer low and 2 (high top)
How tf do you only have 38K subscribers
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Haha only been at it alittle over a year- takes time.
Great video! Confirms that I'll buy *if* these ever drop in the UK
Yes, that’s the one thing I like about the kawhis..they are versatile shoes..somewhere in the middle
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Yup something for everyone
Hooped in these last night at my gym. 5 on 5 pick up basketball for about 2 hours. I’m 5’8 160 lbs so I obviously play either the 1 or 2 spot lol. Played ball in high school and a little in college. These have such an “under the radar” type feel when you lace them up but my goodness do they perform so well when the game picks up speed. Afterwards I switched to the Curry Flow 9 and my feet actually started cramping in those. No issues with the Kawhi’s though. I think the Curry’s just need more time to break in. Also, incredible videos Zach! The amount of knowledge you bring to the table when you talk about performance shoes is fantastic. Love the scientific approach to each review. Compared to other shoe reviewers on this platform, your knowledge is much more in-depth and scientifically based and that’s really refreshing.
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, very kind 👍 yeah my feet cramped in the flows for about 2 days when I got them- the Kawhi’s are a bit more forgiving- alittle better support so they’ll accept your foot quicker
Great review very well explained, details, not too many youtubres talk about that, very important !!!, definetly i will get a pair, cannot wait for the PEAK Taichi P Pop Up they are FIRE !!!
Cannot wait for the review of Either Peak Taichi Flash 4.0 from PEAK or AG 3 PRO from 361, those are 🔥💯
I purchased this shoe because of this video. Was looking for a shoe for outdoor courts. Very pleasantly surprised when they arrived. I was Leary of the reports that they were small or tight. I’m 6’4, 195 lbs & wear 13-14 (not wide). I got 14’s and they fit perfectly. The were snug around the arch but loosening the laces fixed that. My toes had plenty of room, better than some Nike. Wasn’t super excited for the Gray Mist colorway however out of the box, they caught my eye. The real test will be tomorrow when I break them in.
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Hope they work well for you
Will probably return the harden vol 6 for these.
Hey Dr.Zach I’m planning on buying a hoop shoe so can you recommend me one. I prefer traction and durability for my hoop shoe. Thanks ❤️❤️
I agreed, the grip is amazing on out door game, I only buy new balance basketball shoes for outdoor games now
Great video as always
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
I recently purchased a pair to be delivered in October. Out of curiosity which would you prefer: the kawhi 2 or the kd15? And why?
How can you compare these kicks to the Harden Vol. 6? Which of these are good for a flat footed basketball player that plays both indoor and outdoor (concrete)? Thanks!
Great content as always Doc. The 1st versions worked out for me so more of the same or better is always welcomed for sure. I’ll definitely be picking these up in the near future for sure. Thanks for the vid.
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped 👍
How are we supposed to digest your spreadsheet? I was hoping for a ranking or overall score system to see what’s the best at quick glance
Are these good for floorball?
@Foot Doctor Zach ... man I would like to see comparison of the volleyball shoes: Nike Zoom Hyperace 2, Asics sky elite FF 2, Mizuno Wave Momentum 2 and maybe Adidas Crazyflight
I love ur content bruh. Can u do a New Balance OMNIS ? Thank You 💯👌🏻
Hi can you recommend me which is better the PG 6 or Kawhi 2?
awesome shoes except not as wide as the other new balance basketball shoes, which makes them not as good for preventing ankle sprains. kawhi 1 and both of the 2 ways are better for ankle protection. I sprained mine in the kawhi 2's. still a 9 out of 10 for me
Good job! Thanks Doc
My Son is Turning 7 years old this month. He is about 4 feet 5 inches tall with a 3.5 size shoe. He has a flat and wife foot with over pronation on his left side of his foot. He plays basketball 4-5 times a week. Sometimes complains of knee pain on his left leg and heel pain on both feet. He is going to physical therapy however im looking at the harden vol 6 or these kawahis for him. Do you have any suggestions for a goof basketball shoe for him? He also has some balancing issues. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
@FootDoctorZach
Жыл бұрын
That needs an exam to make any recommendations
Hey Zach! do you think these would be good for jump roping shoes as well? I don’t have any issues with my feet, but also don’t wanna create any by using the wrong gear 😂
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
I suppose they would be but I’m not an expert in that sport
how is it vs zoom gp turbo which is excellent for tennis and also great for hoopin? most comfortable shoes to date.
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Apples and oranges really
How do you rate the cushion comparing it to the kd14?
I love these, u hit 🎯 in this review. Love mine and I love the color. I casually rock tho. No hoopin
Thank you for the review! I was definitely wondering how well they fit wide footers. I really liked how NB offered a wide version on the OMN1S. I wonder if it's actually a supply chain issue or if the wide models simply don't sell well enough.
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah you could be right
Great review doctor. Which do you think would be a better shoe for pickleball, the Kawhi 2 or the Two Wxy? Thank you
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Either- but these are more durable so I’d go with these
@evanc1974
2 жыл бұрын
@@FootDoctorZach thank you as always!
How is the cushion compared to the omn1s? I like the feel of those shoes except the cushion was not nearly enough for me.
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
These are pretty solid so not very plush
Can you play competitive tennis in these given it's so hard to find a pair of CG1s?
@FootDoctorZach
Жыл бұрын
I did and liked them
In your opinion. Which one that you prefer between these and puma mb.01
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Close- probably these
Hey Zach. I have a straight, flat, wide feet and I need a shoe that's comfortable. I recently bought the Jordan 36's but they were very narrow and after every game my feet would get covered with blisters and what not. Do you have any suggestion?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
I actually made a video on that - hope it helps! kzread.info/dash/bejne/qaV-qauSYdCfocY.html
Im down to try these if they go on sale. Im an outdoor hooper C/PF so i need durable shoes.
Thinking about these, when I tried on there was some decent pressure on my Tailor's bunion. Do you think the hour break in will change that much?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Maybe a little
Good stuff, thanks doc
PEAK FLASH 2 OR FLASH 3 PLEASE, THE BEST CUSHIONING 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I got me pair , ready for more color ways .
You should review some foot print insoles.
does this guy buy 2 pairs 1 for test 1 for cutting up or does he test them after cutting them up and gluing them back?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Test first then cut - 1 shoe
What other current basketball shoes have very good ankle support?
@FootDoctorZach
Жыл бұрын
Check out my ultimate basketball shoe guide
Which traction do u think is better? The mb.01 or kawhi 2
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Kawhi 2
Is this okay to play outdoors?
Hello Zach I enjoy your type of videos. For this video I’m curious about possibly buying these and would like a recommendation if you would grace me with your care. Right now I have a pair of omn1s, curry8’s and puma all pro’s. I like them all but I’d like to get as close to perfect as possible if I’m being picky. I’m 6ft, 187lbs, regular foot (no conditions), athletic (fast n jump high), play from 1-4 position wise (all-around player). I like a well balanced shoe (durable, traction, fit, cushion, stability). For specifics I’d like to have a fit like the curry8 (mobile/hug/seamless) but more supportive (don’t wanna get injured). And a little more beefy cushion that is responsive and plush (plush can be fixed with some insoles tho). I also like a bit of luxury (not cheap materials/good design) and comfort (well padded shoe/breathable). Not all of this is necessary except for the cushion to add on.
@raveriv8981
2 жыл бұрын
I doubt these are good for your size...I'm like the same size ...6 ft 1 .200...and I don't enjoy fuel cell cushion, It actually is quite brutal...I'm not as fast as I used to be, but these are not really for guards...or necessarily for jumpers..they don't do what zoom does and I don't feel much shock absorbing..I don't have the 2s, but I have the twowxy and the kawhi 1..I can't play in either of them, the cushion is hard to feel
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Like I said in the video - these aren’t plush at all so you may want to look elsewhere
Hey Doc! I'm 6' 220...slashing/finisher quick twitch style sf/sg style of play. My feet both front and back hurt after a long session. What are a couple of options for the best shock absorbing shoe with decent lateral stability? Thx man recent sub !
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
I actually made a video on that - hope it helps! kzread.info/dash/bejne/qaV-qauSYdCfocY.html
Huge new balance fan and got these the first hour of release and these are way better then the first pair of Kawhis
@austinstanley1687
2 жыл бұрын
Forgot to mention I play in the two wxys a lot and have switched to the Kawhis 2 but I feel like me personally I’m waiting for the new two wxys
@raveriv8981
2 жыл бұрын
@@austinstanley1687 they wouldn't be two ways...the two ways were the next version of the omnis..they'd be called something with 3 in the them I'm pretty sure
@austinstanley1687
2 жыл бұрын
@@raveriv8981 damn I totally didn’t think about that 😂 I own a lot of new balance shoes tho. Omn1s, Kawhi, Kawhi 2, two wxy, lav v2. Those are just my sport shoes tho. I got like another 5 just lifestyle and everyday shoes.
If I wore the kd14s size 12.5 can I wear these in a 13 safely?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
I can’t give personal sizing advice without seeing your foot unfortunately - I found these to run true to size across the board
I've wore this shoes for 3 weeks. They're really stable in my ankle but they have been a pain in the palm of my foot. It hurts when I play with intensity!
@FootDoctorZach
Жыл бұрын
yep some people need orthotics with them
@franciscopedroso9176
Жыл бұрын
@@FootDoctorZach good idea!! Thx
Finally getting the views I see 👌🏼
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah things have increased significantly
i wish they let us custom these on there site i prefer a silver then that gold but love the look / wont buy cause of that gold smh head atleast give options next time
Mad man. This is awesome. I like how you cut it open 😏. I do that shite with computers and I get so much flack for that.
Love your videos man! What tennis shoe do you recommend for wide, flat, bunion feet?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
You can check out this video, I have time stamps for all categories just search for what you need in particular and a few shoes should match, you’ll get a decent list of shoes to try for your individual foot : kzread.info/dash/bejne/i2R6y9Z6oKfcdaQ.html
@lfaulknelfaulkne4533
2 жыл бұрын
@@FootDoctorZach Thanks Zach, you’re the best! I ordered the Asics Gel Resolution 8 (Wide) and I’m confident I’ll be happy with my choice. Thanks again. Looking forward to all the new videos to come.
Is the kawhi 2 good for black topped outdoor court?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
It’s discussed in the video, yes
Thanks for the review Zach! Question: Had a peroneal brevis rupture 14 months ago. I had the tenodesis completed. I really wish there was a sneaker line that stiffened (or used a harder compound) the lateral/dorsal side of the shoe to oppose any lateral roll. I have also tried custom orthotics but they are simply too hard for the plantar fascia release I had done. Is there anything I can add to the bottom of the sneaker on the lateral side to assist in opposing any lateral roll? I have looked high and low and it seems no sneaker manufactureer makes anything to address this built in to their shoes. It could also be used for medial roll for those in need I would think.
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
I don’t know of any shoes that do that aside from custom ortho shoes or custom braces unfortunately
always love your video,doc
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
I love your vids but I'm still trying to figure out what you always say on the last part. "respect your everun foam?" all I can think of is saucony's everun foam lol
@solesearching390
2 жыл бұрын
"rubber and foam"?
@brandondiaz9050
2 жыл бұрын
@@solesearching390 OHHHHHH now it makes more sense hahaha
How are these for people with flat feet?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Its broken down by arch height in the fit section
For you personally, Kahwi 2 or KT7?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Kawhi just for the durability , if I didn’t care about that then the Anta
best basketball shoes I've ever had.
Is it better than the first kawhis?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
I thought so
Any good insoles to recommend?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
In the description of the video
more trail shoe reviews please
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Gearing up for a whole running section on the channel
@cryout2Him
2 жыл бұрын
@@FootDoctorZach thanks. I appreciate your reviews a ton.
These are actually currently the shoes I’m going to buy in like a week and this has just truly affirmed it to me because I don’t play basketball but I play floor hockey which in terms of movements on ground is shockingly similar so they shoes being very stable and supportive will be awesome because that’s one issue I have in my current shoes which slide really bad
Is it real gold
Your hoopery is suspect, but a lot of cool tech analysis in your reviews.
Great content thanks. I have these shoes and unfortunately they are indeed too narrow for me made my feet ache alot. Jordan Zoom Separate for me next, hopefully a winner.
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Love the separates
The price is crazy for a pair of New Balance.. i mean.. they need to build some cred before they start asking that premium price. They look pretty vanilla.. . As always your review was on point...
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
I dunno NB usually has some of the better build quality that I’ve seen especially on hoop shoes - they don’t cheap out on durability with these from what I saw
@benn1s
2 жыл бұрын
@@FootDoctorZach Maybe... Shoes all cost $5 to make... im paying for the brand right :) And that one I feel still remind me of Seinfeld ..
Fast analysis, gotta get one then
What state are you based out of?
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
PA
I'm such a sneakerhead that every video I watch from you I feel like I'm watching an autopsy. Poor kicks.
These ain’t nothing but the Melos
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
Similar shape but traction completely different
THe Kawhi 2 can't be worse than the Kawhi 1. Those were like having wood planks on your feet, they were so stiff..
@FootDoctorZach
2 жыл бұрын
These are too until they break in
Nobody buys kawhis lol I need a discount