What's good!
As always, it's Daumantas from the Baller squad. Today, we're doing a performance review of the latest model from Nike's most popular non-signature shoe line - Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut 2.
Does the second generation have what it takes to become another hit for the G.T. Cut series? There's only one way to find out.
Let's get it!
MATERIALS
The main framework of the G.T. Cut 2 utilizes a woven mesh material that combines TPU tubes and textile treading.
The upper is on the thinner side and has a pretty open structure, maintaining great flexibility from the get-go and active airflow while keeping things light at the top. In addition, the textile tread zones cover most impact-heavy areas to add extra rigidity and containment.
Unlike the front and mid sections of the upper, the heel area uses heavy-duty synthetic leather paneling, which also acts as an external heel counter. Right below that, we also have a TPU clip to ensure sturdy heel lockdown, while a generous amount of padding adds extra comfort and a more precise wrap-around sensation.
CUSHION
The Nike Air Zoom G.T. Cut series brought back to the market one of the major pieces that made the legendary Kobe shoe line so famous. Obviously, we're talking about a drop-in midsole.
On paper, the cushion setup didn't change much from the original model, as the second generation features a full-length Zoom Strobel combined with a React drop-in midsole and an additional Zoom Air unit integrated into the heel section.
However, once you hit the court, it's when you start feeling the difference. The drop-in midsole is quite thick, especially in the forefoot section, which makes you feel higher off the ground. The G.T. Cut 2 puts the main focus on providing maximum bounce, which can write off a few milliseconds of your first step and allow lift off the ground faster. So, if you prioritize cushion over court feel - this setup won't let you down.
TRACTION
The futuristic design of the G.T. Cut 2 doesn't abandon the outsole area, where Nike introduces its latest Smear Traction 1.0.
The outsole's unique design features a multi-directional, arrow-shaped pattern on the front and back, separated by a massive herringbone tread. Despite the herringbone's beefy look, the inside is hollow, which allows the tread to expand, creating a larger surface area. All this equals a solid bite and efficient stopping power on clean courts.
The semi-transparent rubber sections are pretty tacky and attract quite a bit of debris, so wiping will be a major part of your game once you hit a less maintained court. More so, much like other premium segment models, the G.T. Cut 2 isn't an outdoor-friendly option.
FIT
Although the G.T. Cut 2 is one of the heaviest low-profile silhouettes in the market, thanks to the heavily explosive cushioning, these definitely do not slow down the game.
The ultra-minimal and flexible upper materials nicely wrap around your foot without interrupting natural movements right from the start. Also, a thick inner foam padding in the back, together with a neoprene-like tongue, not only provides a comfortable step-in experience, but also creates a closer, more contained fit.
The slightly narrower silhouette of the Nike G.T. Cut 2 does not oblige you to choose a non-standard size. Therefore, players with a narrow or average foot should stay with their current size, while for wide footers, we recommend going half a size up.
SUPPORT
The Nike G.T. The Cut 2 focuses on the player's mobility, providing maximum range of motion, so stability is not the strongest aspect of the shoe.
Most of the stability comes from the shoe's platform, which features an integrated torsional plate and an external plastic heel clip, creating a really solid base. For this model, the TPU shank is moved towards the back, so the forefoot section remains flexible and nimble.
Lateral stability is something not for everyone's desire though. The TPU tubing coming from the woven mesh, as well as the rubber side walls of the drop-in midsole, does improve lateral containment by a bit. However, the main side containment comes from choosing the right size and properly locking down the laces. Still, the drop-in midsole will have a small side-to-side movement for mobility purposes. That being said, players with strong footwork might feel a bit unstable, but others won't notice at all.
OVERALL
While the second generation of the Nike Zoom GT Cut doesn't live up to the original version, it remains a very solid model in Nike's lineup and one of the bounciest low-cut shoes on the market.
It's a shoe designed for athletic powerhouse players who want to maintain their explosiveness and efficiency all game long.
Grab these shoes at basketball store www.baller.lt
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