Who should buy the Nike PG 2.5
This pair suits your preference if:
- You love a low-cut basketball shoe that provides supportive cushioning
- You want to have a pair that has enough comfort as this an upper that is made of mesh that ensures high levels of breathability
Profile of the Nike PG 2.5
The low-top PG 2.5 is a hybrid that features many elements from the PG2 and a few from the PG1. It has the PG2’s silhouette, overall structure, detailing, and technological makeup. It has the PG1’s signature strap, which is modified to further enhance the product. In a way, therefore, the PG 2.5 is offering the best of both worlds.
Performance
Cushion. The Nike PG 2.5 has an 11-mm-thick Zoom unit at the forefoot. This unit is not at all topped or lined underneath with foam; the wearer really steps on and is propelled by the actual Zoom unit. The heel has a cored-out foam at the heel to provide the necessary cushioning.
Traction. The 2.5 pretty much has the outsole setup of the Nike PG2. It has strategically placed pistoned zones that ensure flexibility. The part where the Zoom unit is situated is also made to protrude a bit to contain the thickened unit. It also has a special type of cymatic pattern that covers the full length of the outsole. These elements combine to provide multidirectional support.
Fit
Length and width. There are not too many details regarding the fit of the Nike PG 2.5. If at all possible, new buyers should try this shoe in local stores before making online purchases. If this is not feasible, then getting their true Nike sizes is probably the safest way to go.
Lockdown. Support is the domain where the Nike PG 2.5 differs significantly from the second Paul George shoes. The 2.5 ditches the dynamic wings and instead uses a midfoot strap, which is one of the defining features of the Nike PG1. Lead designer Tony Hardman says that it’s Paul George's idea to bring back the strap. The team made a few modifications, however.
“Instead of incorporating Flywire as we did on the original, we conceived a new strap for the PG 2.5 built from a new webbing," Hardman shares. Whatever material it is made of, this strap will surely help in ensuring a secure lockdown. The shoe also has a small TPU block embedded at the midfoot. This keeps the ride stable. This feature also protects the wearer from torsional twists.
Material
The Nike PG 2.5 pretty much uses the same materials as the PG2. Its upper is made of mesh that ensures high levels of breathability. The inner sleeve is generously padded to provide next-to-skin comfort.
Style
The Nike PG 2.5 is generally styled like the PG2s. It features a Swoosh on the rear lateral side of the midsole cage; it has another on the medial side panel. It also has Paul George’s actual signature embroidered on the underside of the tongue. Right below the heel pull tab of the left shoe is the PG logo; on the same spot on the right is Paul’s jersey number 13. The outsole has the PG logo in the heel area.
A major difference is the positioning of the PG logo on top of the tongue. On the Nike PG2, this element is centered and horizontally oriented to look like a bowtie. In PG 2.5, the logo is made smaller and is left aligned on the left shoe and right aligned on the right shoe. These logos are vertically oriented such that they look more like an hourglass.
Because of its low collar, these Paul George basketball shoes look great when paired with casual items such as jeans and short pants. Being performance items, they are always easy to pair with different types of activewear.
Special colorways of the Nike PG 2.5
The release of the Nike PG 2.5 is devoid of the fanfare that characterized the release of the PG2. It debuted in a Black/Pure Platinum-Anthracite colorway. This rendition has a predominantly black upper that sits on top of a white outsole. The detailings on the upper such as the Swoosh and PG logos are made pure platinum to make a sharp contrast against the dim color of the upper. The protruding part and the PG logo on the outsole are rendered in neon pink and orange.
PlayStation x Nike PG 2.5
Paul George’s off-court hobby is playing on his PlayStation. Nike collaborated with Sony PlayStation to create a colorway inspired by the 1995 model of the gaming console. The PlayStation x Nike PG 2.5 comes in a combination of white, royal blue, and wolf grey.