Summary
We spent 6.7 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what basketball players think:
8 reasons to buy
- The materials in the Nike Zoom Ascention provide lightness and comfort to the foot.
- Wearers who are often on their forefoot love the placement of the Zoom unit in the shoe.
- Several users claim that the traction works great even on dusty courts.
- The thickness of the rubber outsole gives wearers the confidence to play in it outdoors.
- The mesh upper does not need break-in time, say most buyers.
- According to a good number of testers, the herringbone traction pattern has a good court grip.
- The midsole setup gives wearers great court feel and responsiveness.
- A few notice that the tinsel stitching on the sides of the Zoom Ascention makes the shoe durable.
4 reasons not to buy
- The mesh upper of the Nike Zoom Ascention feels cheap, say a few buyers.
- A couple of wearers claim that the ankle collar gives them blisters.
- A handful of users do not like the setup of the lacing system. The Jordan 33rd signature basketball shoe, though highly-innovative, has received the same comment.
- A few buyers say the basketball shoe from the Swoosh runs narrow.
Bottom line
The Nike Zoom Ascention is just a regular shoe. It’s used more casually or for running rather than for basketball. The shoe is recommended for outdoor activities because of its thick outsole rubber. However, a lot are disappointed with how the shoelaces are set. Wearers question the durability of the strings that anchor the laces. There are better shoes that you can cop by paying just $10 to $15 more.
For more, check our guide to the best basketball shoes
Facts
Rankings
Reviews from around the internet
Expert reviews:
- 71/100 by The Sole Brothers
- 66/100 by WearTesters
- 89/100 by Fresh Pair PH
- 66/100 by Bryan Hinkle
- 74/100 by penueljoshbarrina
- 74/100 by WearTesters
- 71/100 by TheSoleBros
User reviews:
SportsShoes, Zappos and 21 other shops don't have user reviews
Video reviews and unboxing
The Zoom Ascention is another budget model for basketball from Nike. It was released in early 2016 at $90. The outsole has an aggressive herringbone traction pattern with deep grooves for stabilized moves on court. These Nike shoes can be taken outdoor due to its thick rubber. The midsole is a combination of Phylon and Zoom. This setup results in a great court feel and minimal impact protection. The upper has a half-bootie construction and is made of mesh with foam underlays. It is a comfortable setup with no break-in time needed. The stitches on the side panels are aesthetically appealing and provides durability to the upper.
Cushion. The Nike Zoom Ascention features a full-length Phylon and a Zoom unit. Phylon is a lightweight foam carrier that provides a comfortable ride. The Zoom unit is strategically placed at the forefoot to give wearers bounce and low-to-the-ground feel.
Traction. Traction is considered as the most important aspect of a basketball shoe. They say it brings credibility and fame to the shoe. The Nike Zoom Ascention has a full-length herringbone traction. It is favored by most basketball athletes because of its capability to grip indoor and outdoor floors well. The grooves of the pattern are designed to be thick and deep to support the multidirectional footwork of the wearer.
Length and Width. Several reviewers claim that the Nike Zoom Ascention runs narrow. They recommend that new buyers with normal feet go up half a size. Since sizes are difficult to assess, new buyers are still advised to fit the shoe in the nearest shoe store before making the purchase.
Lockdown. The Zoom Ascention utilizes a unique lacing system. Instead of eyelets, a single cord on both sides is used to anchor the laces. It helps speed up lacing. Because of this setup, it is also easier to adjust the tightness of the shoelaces. The heel area has enough padding and an internal heel cup to prevent extra side-to-side movements.
The upper of the Nike Zoom Ascention is a combination of foam underlays and mesh. Mesh provides the lightness and continuous airflow that keep the foot dry. The foam underlays provide comfort and build to the shoe.
The Nike Zoom Ascention is a low-top shoe with a half-bootie construction. The tinsel stitches on the side panels of the shoe locks the foot down with style. A small “ZOOM ASCENTION” callout is found on the tongue. The Swoosh logos are seen on the outsole and both sides of the shoe.
The Nike Zoom Ascention comes in numerous colorways. Some colorways are available stateside and some are available only in Asian regions. Listed are the common colorways of the Nike Zoom Ascention:
- White colorway with black accents
- Black colorway with white accents
- Black pair with white and orange accents
- Black pair with white and green accents and a gold Swoosh
- Blue colorway with white accents
- White and omega blue colorway
