Verdict from 1 expert and 57 user reviews
12 reasons to buy
- The Zoom technology at the forefoot of the Nike Zoom Live 2 must have worked as intended because most wearers claim they can feel the impact protection upon landing.
- The upper of the shoe provides good ventilation according to several users. They say their feet are dry the entire time they have the shoe on.
- Many purchasers leave comments that the Nike Zoom Live 2 is the best alternative to expensive signature shoes with the same setup.
- A good number of users claim that these budget basketball shoes from Nike are true to size.
- The comfortable upper makes a lot of wearers happy.
- A great number of testers agree that these Nike performance shoes for basketball do not need some break-in time.
- Some reviewers claim that while the shoe only has the basic components, it is still reliable and durable.
- The ankle collar and the tongue have thick foam padding, which provides a good amount of comfort and support to the foot.
- A large number of buyers are happy that the Nike Zoom Live 2 is affordable.
- These affordable basketball sneakers do not attract dust at all according to plenty of reviewers.
- A handful of testers claim that these low-top basketball shoes perform fine outdoors.
- Some buyers mention that the textile upper is so durable it barely shows signs of use.
3 reasons not to buy
- These Nike shoes are not for wearers with wide feet.
- A handful of users mention that the Phylon midsole is stiff.
- A few reviewers dislike the thin shoelaces of the Nike Zoom Live 2. They say it is hard to untie when double tied.
Bottom line
Overall, the Nike Zoom Live 2 is a promising 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.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Good to know
The Zoom Live 2 is another budget model from the Swoosh. It has the same setup as its predecessor the Nike Zoom Live 2017, only with a different upper design. Despite its $100 price tag, Nike packs it with Zoom technology at the forefoot and full-length Phylon midsole. The setup favors guards who are always on their forefoot during play. The outsole is covered with circular patterns to provide a good grip on any surface. The existence of the deep grooves eliminates dust and the squeaking sound most basketball sneakers have. Quick and aggressive footwork requires a lightweight shoe with a low-to-the-ground feel such as the Nike Zoom Live 2.
Wearers who want shoes other than the Zoom Live 2 can check affordable shoe options such as Clyde Court Disrupt from Puma Hoops, third Nike Paul George shoe, and Klay Thompson’s 4th Anta basketball shoe.
Cushion. 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 to provide a good balance of comfort, impact absorption, and responsiveness. The full-length Phylon gives comfort, lightness, and court feel.
Traction. 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. The shoe model aims to minimize wiping and to free wearers from worries about possible slipping. The pattern runs up to the sides of the shoe for better stopping power and grip, especially for side-to-side movements.
Length and Width. Nike manufactures basketball sneakers in the standard lengths and widths. This holds true for the Zoom Live 2; wearers with normal feet can go true to size. Wearers with wider feet are advised to fit the shoe before purchasing.
Lockdown. The Nike Zoom Live II has Flywire cables and a standard lace-up system to keep the foot down. The Flywire technology uses nylon or Vectran installed on the shoe in the same way as the wires that support suspension bridges, providing lightweight and durable support.
The upper of the Zoom Live 2 is made of breathable mesh with fuse overlays for durability. The shoe has smooth fabric lining and a molded insole for a nice step-in comfort. The collar and tongue of the shoe has thick foam pads, giving the ankle a comfortable and secure hug.
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. A “ZOOM LIVE” callout is diagonally printed on the tongue of the shoe.
The Zoom Live 2 may be a budget model, but these low-top basketball shoes from Nike are available in attractive colorways.
- Black/Anthracite/Gum Light Brown/Reflect Silver
- Black/White
- Cool Gray/Reflective Silver/Pure Platinum/Gum
- Laser Blue/White
- Red/Black
- White/Reflective Silver/Pure Platinum/Gum
- White/White
- White/White/Translucent
How Zoom Live 2 compares
