Adidas Dame 5: A Comprehensive Review

The Adidas Dame 5 is the latest in a line of signature shoes for Damian Lillard, the renowned NBA player. As spring 2019's front-runner for top basketball shoes, the Dame 5 offers an impressive list of features, making it a worthwhile investment for basketball enthusiasts and athletes alike. This comprehensive review will explore all aspects of the Dame 5, from its design and performance to its fit and durability.

Performance: Traction

The traction of the Dame 5 is one of its standout features. Like many of Adidas' basketball shoes, the Dame 5 employs a herringbone traction pattern, extending from the heel to the toe. This pattern is characterized by thick lines that are widely spaced. This design makes it difficult for dust to accumulate on the outsole, ensuring optimum performance even on less-maintained courts.

The Dame 5's traction performs exceptionally well regardless of court conditions. However, it is noteworthy that the shoes might feel a bit slippery during initial use. This is not a cause for concern as the traction improves significantly after a few uses.

Performance: Cushion

The Dame 5 features Bounce cushioning which is thicker compared to previous models. This provides excellent impact protection without compromising on stability or court feel. The enhancement in the cushioning system makes the Dame 5 ideal for athletes who prioritize comfort and impact protection.

Design: Material

The Dame 5 comes in two material options: mesh and leather. Both versions perform exceptionally well, although the mesh version is slightly lighter. Despite the difference in materials, both versions provide a consistent and satisfying on-court performance.

Mesh Version

The mesh versions come with a synthetic nubuck/suede rear panel. This material feels more like felt and might seem a bit cheap to some users. However, this does not affect the shoe's performance.

Leather Version

The leather version of the Dame 5 features synthetic leather that maintains consistency throughout the shoe. Although the leather does not have a premium feel to it, it performs like genuine leather, which is the main objective.

Fit and Comfort

The Dame 5 runs slightly long at the toe with a bit of volume above the toe as well. This makes it a suitable option for wide footers. Regular or narrow footers might consider going half a size down for a better fit.

The key to the Dame 5's comfort lies in its lockdown feature. Despite the slight length at the toe, the lockdown system ensures a secure and comfortable fit. The interior is lined with cushioning that allows you to tighten the shoes without discomfort.

Support and Stability

The Dame 5 offers remarkable support and stability. The lockdown, as mentioned earlier, is impressive. You also sit inside the midsole a bit. There is a TPU panel on the lateral side for additional lateral coverage, providing solid torsional support. The midsole and outsole offer excellent stability, making the Dame 5 a great choice for players who prioritize foot stability.

User Reviews

Positive Feedback

Many users appreciate the Dame 5 for its comfort, especially for outdoor play. They praise its durability, even under harsh conditions. The traction is also highly regarded, although some users mention the need for some wiping on sandy courts. The extra space in the front is seen as a plus for breathability.

Critical Feedback

Some users express disappointment, particularly when comparing the Dame 5 to its predecessor, the Dame 4. They find the materials of the Dame 5 to feel cheap, and the traction inferior to the Dame 4. However, they acknowledge its solid ankle support.

Durability

According to user reviews, the Dame 5 stands up well to outdoor use. Its strong and durable outsole withstands rough conditions and maintains a solid performance over time.

Width and Size

The Dame 5 offers a comfortable fit for both standard and wide-footers. However, some users suggest going half a size down to get the best fit, as the shoes run a bit long.

Final Verdict

In summary, the Adidas Dame 5 is a strong contender for the best basketball shoes of 2019. From excellent traction and superior cushioning to impressive support and stability, the shoe delivers on all fronts. Despite some minor criticisms about the materials, the overall performance and comfort of the Dame 5 make it a worthwhile investment for any basketball enthusiast or athlete.