Nike Kyrie 3 Performance Review

Find out if the Nike Kyrie 3 lives up to its expectations in this performance review.

Nike Kyrie 3
Image via Nike
Nike Kyrie 3

When potential customers eye the newest model of Kyrie Irving's signature line, they'll have to take into consideration something that wasn’t the case when the previous models dropped: a ring.

Irving’s profile has grown considerably in the last year-and-a-half. In that time he’s gone from an injury-marred NBA Finals loss and All-Star snub, to becoming NBA Champion and All-Star starter. And with that higher profile, and two popular signature models already under his belt, there’s now certain set of expectations for his line that haven’t previously existed.

Expectations can be a tricky thing. When Irving’s first shoe dropped, it was the most affordable signature model in Nike Basketball’s lineup and didn’t feature anything particularly breathtaking in terms of technology or design. Yet that no-frills approach resulted in one of the best playing sneakers of the year, period. But now, three shoes in, with a championship ring just added to his resume, Irving’s line has to live up to the great things we think it should have.

Hover over the dots for a breakdown on whether or not the Nike Kyrie 3 lives up to its newfound expectations.

Nike Kyrie 3 - Fit

Nike Kyrie 3 - Ankle Support

Nike Kyrie 3 - Cushioning

Nike Kyrie 3 - Traction

The Kyrie 3 is a solid shoe, but I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed. And this admittedly comes from the high expectations I had after liking the first two shoes so much. But from the design (I can’t unsee the bird’s nest pattern Nike covered footwear in during the 2008 Olympics when I look at the Kyrie 3’s forefoot band), to the cushioning, to the comfort, it’s just not what I’d hoped for. That doesn’t mean it won’t work for some players though. Think of it like a racecar with a stripped-out interior and no radio. It’s built for speed, not luxury. And if you’re a smaller guard whose game is based around being the fastest player you can possibly be, it could be the exact shoe you’re looking for. It's also a good value, ringing up at just $120, which is the same price as its predecessor. 

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