Verdict from 6 experts and 17 user reviews
4 reasons to buy
- Court feel: The shoe is "quite responsive and...low to the ground," leading hoopers to conclude that it is "definitely more for court feel."
- Support: Containment and stability are "freaking amazing." A player "didn't notice that [he] had no ankle braces on" because of how locked down he feels.
- Outdoor use: A player said that the sole is durable enough to last a long time, so the Kybrid S2 could be used outdoors.
- Stylish: Many wearers fall in love with the Kybrid S2. They say it's "sexy" and simply "beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!"
5 reasons not to buy
- Erratic traction: The grip isn't as good as the other Kyrie models. It's "really really inconsistent," especially on dusty courts.
- No forefoot cushion: Experts agree that another Zoom unit should have also been placed in the forefoot for better impact protection.
- Quality: The materials are "nothing too special." They could use "a little more breathability."
- Weight: At 12.9 oz (365 g), the shoe is definitely heavier than the Kyrie 7 (12 oz / 340 g) that was released barely two months after the Nike Kybrid S2.
- Narrow: Like other Kyries, the Kybrid S2 is on the "super snug side." Wide-footers may want to go at least half a size up.
Bottom line
While irresistibly attractive, the Nike Kybrid S2 still leaves so much to be desired performance-wise. It didn't help that the similarly priced Kyrie 7, which arguably has better specs, debuted only a few months after. Unlike the player that it's named after, the S2 simply doesn't have enough chops to keep the spotlight on it.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Nike Kybrid S2: Synergy of greats
The Nike Kybrid S2 is a combination of not two but three Kyrie Irving signature shoes: Kyrie 4, 5, and 6. This coming together of the strengths of the previous models is aimed to come up with the ultimate Kyrie sneaker. The Kybrid S2 particularly delivers the following:
Great support. Lockdown is a major strength of the Kybrid S2. The Flytrap lacing system and the heel counter work in synergy to deliver support.
Low-to-the-ground cushioning. The Zoom unit in the heel is comfortable. It is also very responsive, making it perfect for guards who are quick on their feet.
The Nike Kybrid S2 beyond the basketball court
Among the most notable features of the Kybrid S2 is its overall aesthetic appeal. The lower part of the shoe bears the jagged teeth aesthetics on the outsole. Like any Kyrie shoe, the Kybrid S2 is also released in a number of interesting colorways such as the following:
Best of. The "Best of" colorway combines the key aesthetics of three Kyrie Irving basketball shoes: Kyrie 4, 5, and 6. The result is a vibrant explosion of colors and graphics that make the shoe a real standout. This is also known as the "Pineapple" colorway, which of course references SpongeBob SquarePants.
What the USA. The Kybrid S2 honors the basketball teams that represented the United States. The shoe brings together graphics from the design patterns used on past national jerseys, resulting in a unique tie-dye pattern.
Rankings
Popularity
