Jordan 16.5 Performance Review
Posted by George Kiel III | Nov 6, 2009 We have only been through two full weeks of Kicks On Court, yet, we are already starting to see the constants that the respective players will be wearing for the year. On the Jordan Brand side, we have spotted the majority of them, including newcomer Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen, DJ Augustin and Michael Finley, sporting the Air Jordan 16.5.
With that said, we were inspired to see what this remix of the Air Jordan XVI and the Air Jordan XVII was all about. Therefore, we put the Air Jordan 16.5 through our rigorous performance tests. Click here to see why the majority of the Jordan Brand members are currently sporting this sneaker. |
Air Jordan 16.5 Performance Review
Strengths: Seeing that the Air Jordan 16.5 is a remix of the Air Jordan XVI and the Air Jordan XVII, we first dug into the sneaker archives to find out what characteristics this shoe had in comparison with its predecessors. With that said, we found a number of similarities and differences between the two. The rubber sole that aided the Air Jordan XVI’s stability is also incorporated in this Air Jordan 16.5. This particular aspect allows the wearer to make sharp, quick cuts without the foot sliding in a different direction. The multidimensional herringbone pattern instilled into the rubber sole allows this shoe to own unmatched stability from the forefoot to the heel. Besides stability, the Air Jordan 16.5 also possesses an extreme amount of breathability. Although the predominance of the upper is leather, its ballistic mesh sections allow air to circulate throughout the interior of the shoe. Therefore, the Air Jordan 16.5 is packed with the best of both worlds: extreme stability that keeps your foot from sliding, while also allowing your foot to feel free inside the sneaker.
Weaknesses: The Air Jordan 16.5 is definitely a great sneaker for the indoor game; however, the cannot be said in regards to the streetball game. Its traction attributes are more suitable for the indoor game. The Air Jordan 16.5’s outsole does not contain as many ridges, indentions and pods as previous outdoor-ready sneakers we have tested. With that said, the durability of this sneaker remains to be seen. While it is perfect for indoor and even lifestyle, its durability seems to lean towards a short-term basketball life.
Overall, the Air Jordan 16.5 is a very comfortable, stylish sneaker that is ideal for a player that wants to feel at ease on the court. It best characteristics which include stability and breathability outshine undoubtedly outshine its flaws. With that said, this should be a definite pickup for a player who longs for comfort and style in the same package. Available now at your local Jordan retailers.
Nov 17, 2009 at 11:53 pm
nice kick.com what is the release date of air Jordan 16.5 in Australia?
Nov 17, 2009 at 11:43 pm
i hope this shoes will be available in Australia soon……………………
Nov 9, 2009 at 9:40 pm
WEAK Review. You guys are better than this and could have provided a more in depth review!
Nov 9, 2009 at 9:54 am
I dont ball so the performance review wouldnt matter to me these sneakers are hot i saw these back when the house of hoops in hyattsville opened at this sneaker store in the cut fell in love with the white and blue colorway
Nov 9, 2009 at 9:04 am
these shoes look good
Nov 8, 2009 at 1:59 pm
This is a really good shoe. While it’s pushing it to say that it would stand up totally in a fashion/style sense the feel and fit are amazing. The black/white/blue (or red) combo does look good with jeans, but overall this line is going to look best with summertime gear.
The overall look & feel could have easily seen this one taking it’s place in the line as the “AJ2010″ It’s that good, if it weren’t an obvious mash-up.
Nice work, JB.
Nov 7, 2009 at 10:40 pm
um ok
Nov 7, 2009 at 12:59 pm
In my opinion, the AJ XXII are the most comfortable J’s I’ve ever owned and the performance is tops.
Nov 7, 2009 at 11:33 am
these are so nice ia already got the black red 16 cw, these pass the melo 5.5s as the best jordan .5 ever
Nov 6, 2009 at 11:50 pm
these are the business! Go-head Ms. T.!
Nov 6, 2009 at 9:26 pm
im gonna prolly get every color way thr is
Nov 6, 2009 at 9:21 pm
16.5 is legendary for sure
Nov 6, 2009 at 7:37 pm
absolutely dope ass sneaker. lovin the DWade PE too
Nov 6, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Ok
I meant 24 calm down bro my bad sry I offended you
Nov 6, 2009 at 7:26 pm
These are pretty hot. This is off topic but who knows were to get dunks online.?.
Nov 6, 2009 at 6:47 pm
They look good. People get too hung up on details. Point is its a basketball shoe. Its not gunna fall apart on the first wear so I don’t get what the point of these are. Jordan use to ball in those crappy lookin adidas and converse so the whole “performance score” seems crazy to me
Nov 6, 2009 at 6:47 pm
wait wait…. did “soulie17″ just say there were exsisting “AJ25’s”!!!! WOw, idiot!
Nov 6, 2009 at 6:23 pm
your score report is all wrong these shoes get 100%%
best shoes i ever played ball in in my wholelife ive played ball in ever jordan and nike ever because i am a coach i recomend this to any b-ball player greatest ball shoe ever
Nov 6, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I like these better than the AJ25’s.