Our verdict

78
Decent!

The Nike Zoom Live 2 is a good shoe. At $100, it is packed with quality materials and up-to-date technologies. It is considered a great alternative to more expensive signature shoes with the same setup. The shoe is recommended for guards who are often on their forefoot during play. The Zoom unit provides good court feel and impact protection as the wearer drives for a score on the court.

Pros

  • Good impact protection
  • Provides good upper ventilation
  • Comfortable and durable upper
  • No break-in time needed
  • Reliable and durable
  • Thick padded ankle and collar
  • Great value for money
  • No dust pickup
  • Good for outdoor play

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Stiff midsole
  • Too thin shoelaces

Who should buy the Nike Zoom II

The Zoom Live 2 is another great budget model from Nike. It has the same setup as its predecessor the Nike Zoom Live 2017, only with a different upper design.

  • You are looking for a budget-friendly pair, that still has excellent midsole technologies that would support you.
  • You're a follower of Zoom and would want an upgraded upper version.

Nike Zoom Live 2 logo

Nike's midsole technology

The midsole of the Zoom Live 2 consists of a firm Phylon carrier and a Zoom unit at the forefoot. The Zoom unit is top-loaded, and it provides a good balance of comfort, impact absorption, and responsiveness. The full-length Phylon gives comfort, lightness, and court feel.

Nike Zoom Live 2 midsole zoom

Amazing outsole configuration of Nike Zoom Live II

Depending on the colorway, the outsole rubber of the Nike Zoom Live 2 can either be gum or solid rubber. It has a multidirectional traction pattern with deep grooves. These grooves resist dust and grip court floors well.

Nike Zoom Live 2 outsole

The shoe model minimizes wiping and frees wearers from worries about possible slipping. The pattern runs up to the sides, and it delivers better stopping power and grip, especially for side-to-side movements.

Nike Zoom Live 2 outsole bottom

Durable lockdown system

The Nike Zoom Live II's Flywire cables and a standard lace-up system keep the foot down. The Flywire technology provides lightweight and durable support.

Nike Zoom Live 2 shoelaces

Zoom Live's durable upper

The upper of the Zoom Live 2 is made of breathable mesh with fuse overlays. The shoe has a smooth fabric lining and a molded insole, and both provide a nice step-in comfort.

Nike Zoom Live 2 upper

The collar and tongue of the shoe have thick foam pads, and they give the ankle a comfortable and secure hug.

Nike Zoom Live 2 ankle

The simple minimalist style of Nike Zoom Live II

The Nike Zoom Live II is a low-top shoe that comes in five colorways. The shoe model has a simple design with Swoosh logos found on both the tongue, insole, and both sides of the shoe. 

Nike Zoom Live 2 forefoot

A “ZOOM LIVE” callout is diagonally printed on the tongue of the shoe.

Nike Zoom Live 2 collar