Nike PG1 Performance Review

Is Paul George's first signature model, the Nike PG1, a worthy on-court performer?

Nike PG1 Performance Review
Image via Nike
Nike PG1 Performance Review

Paul George’s journey to a signature sneaker may not have been an easy one, but it was finally realized this season, making him the fourth active NBA player on Nike’s roster with a model of his own. Talks were underway regarding George getting his own line in 2016, but his untimely injury not only jeopardized the project’s timeline, but it’s very existence.

George’s line now occupies the spot in Nike’s lineup once claimed at different times by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as the “budget model.” It’s not necessarily a glamorous title; if history has taught us anything about Nike’s hoops shoes, you don’t always get what you pay for. Sometimes you get less, but sometimes you get far more. The early and most affordable models in the aforementioned lines have been some of the best-performing ones in Nike’s recent history, despite their entry-level pricing. This bodes well for the introduction of the PG1, as sometimes a bare bones approach is more effective when it comes to playability.

Since his late-2015 return to the court, George has steadily returned to the form he lost in his injury and proven himself worthy of a signature model as the Pacers fight for a playoff spot. His future as a Pacer, however, is uncertain. George’s contract was heavily rumored to be moved at the 2017 trade deadline, and speculation remains that he will be suiting up for a new team following his impending free agency.

That means that by the time the Nike PG2 drops next year it may be launching in purple and yellow. But before we get ahead of ourselves though, it’s time find out if the first model in the series carries on the tradition of fantastic affordable signature models from Nike.

Hover over the dots for a breakdown of how the Nike PG1 performs on-court.

Nike PG1 - Fit

Nike PG1 - Ankle Support

Nike PG1 - Cushioning

Nike PG1 - Traction

The PG1 isn’t perfect, but Nike deserves any success that comes with Paul George’s first signature model because the shoe is that good. It’s a great aesthetic design, is releasing in attractive colorways, and—most importantly—performs on a level that far exceeds its relatively low price tag. For $110, it’s hard to go wrong. Its cushioning and stability are top-notch, making it my favorite Nike of the season at any price.