7 best Peak basketball shoes

Peak, or officially known as Peak Sport Products Co. Limited, is a leading Chinese sports brand. It goes by the trading name Peak Sport.

Mr. Xu Jingnan started the company in 1988, and the first Peak shoes were released in 1989. The company promotes “Peak” as an international brand that designs and manufactures accessories, apparel, and footwear for different sports. The “Peak” brand was established in 1991 and listed in September 2009 on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Peak’s headquarters is in Quanzhou, China. Their main office in North America, which opened in 2011, is in Los Angeles, California. Currently, Peak has over 600 employees, more than 6000 factory workers, and over 7000 exclusive and retail stores worldwide. The company’s mission is “To facilitate the development of global sports brand and to provide premium products and services for the betterment of human health.” Regarding the culture of the brand, the company took inspiration from the motto of the Olympics which is “Higher, Faster, Stronger.”

The Basketball Greats and their Peak Basketball Shoes

Like other basketball shoe brands, Peak has also signed NBA signature athletes throughout the years. Shane Battier was their first endorser, and he was followed by Jason Kidd in August 2008. The succeeding endorsers are Dwight Howard, Tony Parker, George Hill, Lou Williams, Anthony Morrow, Carl Landry, Miles Plumlee, Beno Udrih,  Kyle Singler, Chase Budinger, and Andrew Nicholson. Presented in the subsections below are the four active NBA stars who have signature Peak basketball shoes.

Dwight Howard

Atlanta-born center Dwight Howard is an 8x NBA All-Star, 5x All-NBA First Team, All-NBA Second Team, 2x All-NBA Third Team, 3x NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 4x NBA All-Defensive First Team, NBA All-Defensive Second Team, NBA All-Rookie First Team, NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, 5x NBA Rebounding Leader, and 2x NBA Blocks Leader.

He was the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He chose jersey number 12 because it is the reverse of his idol Kevin Garnett’s jersey number 21. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets on July 6, 2018. However, he ended up with a two-year eleven-million-dollar contract with the Washington Wizards, which he signed on July 12, 2018. The Wizards is Howard’s sixth NBA team in his 14-year basketball career.

After leaving Adidas in 2015, Howard met with the owner of Peak. He said he believes that the brand should be given an opportunity to grow and become a global brand. He joined the likes of Shane Battier, Tony Parker, and George Hill by signing a multi-year deal that includes stock options and revenue distribution elements that could go up to $31.5 million.

• DH1. In a launching event, Dwight Howard presented two versions of his first Peak basketball shoes and let his fans cast their votes. They voted through an online survey platform called Wenjuan. The first shoe is designed by the Peak Sports USA offices, the other by Peak’s design center in Beijing.

Inspired by the Phoenix, the first Peak shoes of Howard come with a Peak Surface upper. This  technology is basically just three layers of mesh. This bionic design provides flexibility and dynamic support. There is also leather in the upper for durability. The responsiveness of the Peak DH1 comes from the Cushion-3 embedded in its EVA midsole. The technology delivers optimal cushioning and longevity. To ensure stability, the signature shoe features at the midfoot Peak’s Tenacity unit, which is a high-density carbon fiber. The overall build of the shoe is meant not only for huge players like Dwight Howard but also for lighter hoopers like guards. These Peak shoes come in three colorways: black/red, red/orange, and white/red.

• DH2. The second Dwight Howard shoes from Peak are equipped with the same technologies as the DH1. They also have the Peak Surface Tech in their uppers, ensuring flexible and comfortable support. The midsole setup is composed of a Cushion-3 EVA carrier and a carbon Tenacity unit for stability. The forefoot comes with the company’s R-pad tech for impact absorption and comfort. The Peak DH2 is available in black/red, moonblue/red, red/white, and white/black.

• DH3. The third signature shoe of Dwight Howard is the first ever 3D-printed basketball shoe. The uppers of these high-top Peak basketball shoes are made of reinforced knit. For additional durability, the eyestay comes with a plastic wing. These Peak sports shoes for men come with a thick insole to ensure step-in comfort. The two support plates at the midfoot help provide torsional rigidity. Peak also equips this shoe with their latest cushioning technology–the P-Motive. Computed using an undisclosed formula, the brand claims that the durable, lightweight, and soft midsole has a rebounding difference of 45% from other cushioning materials. These Peak basketball shoes were first released overseas during Winter 2017.

Tony Parker

William Anthony Parker Jr., or more commonly known as Tony Parker, is a Belgium-born French basketball player who is currently a point guard of the Charlotte Hornets. He played for the Spurs for 17 seasons but according to reports, he felt less important after Dejounte Murray joined the team.  Parker then decided to move to the Hornets, which welcomed him with a two-year $10-million contract. Parker mentioned that he desires to be in the NBA for at least twenty years.

Prior to his NBA career, he played in a French amateur league for two seasons. In 1999, he signed with Paris Basket Racing. He was the 28th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, courtesy of the San Antonio Spurs. He is a 4x NBA Champion, 2007 NBA Finals MVP, 6x NBA All Star, 3x All-NBA Second Team, 2009 All-NBA Third Team, and 2002 NBA All-Rookie First Team. During his time with the French league, he had several awards that helped him get to the NBA Draft in 2001.

In 2013, Nike and Parker did not renew their agreement after negotiations on the Parker’s proposed academy failed. Parker then chose to sign with Peak. The initial contract was reported to be good for three years, amounting to $1.2 million. In mid 2016, it was reported that Parker and Peak extended their agreement for five years.

• TP 1. The TP 1 comes with the shock-absorbing Gradient Dual technology in the midsole. It keeps the leg muscles protected without sacrificing court feel. The outsole is a combination of solid and translucent outsole rubber. Most translucent outsole rubbers are reported to go slippery and/or attract a lot of dust. Well, not the TP 1 outsole rubber. It is designed to be thick and durable for outdoor hooping. The fuse upper is thick and durable. The upper has perforations at the forefoot and side panels for breathability. These Peak basketball shoes were released in black/white, white/black, black/orange/light blue, red/black, and white/blue/red.

• TP 2. The mid-top TP 2 comes with a full-length herringbone traction pattern for maximum floor control. The outsole rubber is soft and specifically designed for Tony Parker’s indoor use. Just like its predecessor, the TP 2 features the Gradient Dual technology for superb impact protection. The shoe has an outrigger and a TPU heel counter to ensure great support and lockdown. The TP2 comes in different colorways such as black, green/black, blue, and metallic gray.

• TP 3.  Released in March 2016, the mid-top TP 3 from Peak comes with the Coolfree technology in the upper. Just like mesh, the material keeps the foot cool and comfortable. The midsole boasts the Cushion-3 and Gradient Dual technologies. The Cushion-3 is made of three layers of foam–EVA, ESS, and TPU– for supreme comfort. The Gradient Dual is at the forefoot and heel. It is a rebounding module that effectively absorbs impact. The TP 3 was released in black/orange, black/white, imperial blue, rose, and silver/black colorways.

• TP 4. According to Peak Sports, the fourth generation Tony Parker shoes are built for quickness, speed, and agility. The shoe’s low-top structure is composed of three layers of  synthetic leather. Like the first Tony Parker shoes, the TP4’s outsole is made of a combination of solid and translucent rubber. While it grips court floors nicely, it’s said that it’s only for indoor use. The upper is composed of engineered mesh with fuse overlays. This setup provides durability and breathability. These Peak basketball shoes are available in black/white, red/navy, and black/white colorways.

• TP 5. The fifth Tony Parker shoes’ outsoles, which are made of both solid and translucent rubber, feature a modified tread pattern. This allows a firm grip on any surface. The responsiveness of the TP 5 comes from the Gradient Dual technology. It basically protects the knees and legs from stress and injury. The TP 5’s upper is upgraded, and it features a breathable, comfortable, and tightly woven twill textile. Fuse overlays are placed on high-wear areas, providing durability. The plastic overlay on the heel, and neoprene underlay inside the shoe provide the foot great lockdown and support.

• TP 6. The 2018 Tony Parker Shoes are released with a twist. Tony Parker used to opt for a mid-top or low-top silhouettes. The TP 6 is the first high-top in the series. The outsole is made of solid and translucent rubber with thick grooves for absolute court grip. The translucent rubber serves as a windows through which the midsole’s four-module Gradient Dual can be seen. The upper comes with a leather forefoot and the rest of the shoe is made of woven textile.

George Hill

George Jesse Hill Jr., or known in the NBA as George Hill, has been the starting point guard of the Cleveland Cavaliers since February 8, 2018. Prior to his professional career in the NBA, he played for the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Six feet and three inches tall with a wingspan of 6’9”, this NBA-ready athlete was the 26th overall pick in the 2008 Draft. He entered into a rookie contract with the San Antonio Spurs.

There is no known report about Hill signing a signature shoe contract with Peak; however, sneakerheads and Peak itself attribute the Monster line to George Hill.  

• Monster 3.2. The Monster 3.2 comes with a synthetic leather upper combined with a three-layer mesh. The setup delivers durability and breathability. Peak is known for their wear-resistant rubber outsoles. To prevent court slippage and injuries, the shoe comes with an arch support system. These lightweight Peak basketball shoes are available in two colorways: black/green/orange and yellow/navy.

• Monster GH3.  Just like other signature Peak basketball shoes, the GH3 comes with a Cushion-3 technology in the midsole. To prevent side-to-side movements, the heel counter has thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) embedded in it. The upper is made of durable synthetic leather.  The thick and solid outsole rubber comes with a modified traction pattern. The pattern is a combination of vertical lines and circles, resulting in a setup that delivers great control for multidirectional footwork. These Peak sports shoes for men are available in numerous colorways including the fan favorites grey/black and yellow/black.

Lou Williams

Lou Williams, or Louis Tyrone Williams, is currently a point and shooting guard for the Los Angeles Clippers. His professional basketball career in the NBA started when he became the 45th overall pick courtesy of the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2005 Draft. He was with the team from 2005 to 2012. Consecutively, he had signed with the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Houston Rockets. He achieved the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2015 and 2018.

In an effort to enlist more NBA players, Chinese brand Peak signed Lou Williams in 2015 when he was with the Los Angeles Lakers. By then, the legendary Laker Kobe Bryant has announced his retirement. This drew the attention of basketball fanatics and critics to Williams’s improving performance.

There isn’t a lot of information regarding the agreement between Williams and Peak. The same is true for the signature shoes the company released for the athlete. The following are some of the Peak basketball shoes for Lou Williams:

• Soaring 2.7.  These Peak basketball shoes for men feature the Cushion-3 and Foothold technologies in the midsole. Upon landing, the Cushion-3 absorbs impact in three stages while the Foothold provides stability. This cushioning setup protects wearers from injuries and stress in their legs and muscles. For a comfortable and breathable fit, the inner lining of the shoe is made of cotton. The upper is made of synthetic leather, which according to Peak is wear-resistant. The solid outsole rubber is designed for play indoors and outdoors. The medial side is covered with herringbone; the rest of the outsole features a pod-like pattern. Based on customer feedback, the sole has great traction on any surface and does not attract a lot of dust. The Soaring 2.7 is sold in black/red/grey, orange/yellow/grey, and silver colorways.

• Crazy6 Pack. After Lou Williams won the Sixth Man Award, a special edition Peak basketball shoe in his honor was released. It comes in a double box that features William’s image and jersey number 23 in purple. The shoe comes with a tee shirt, a pair of socks, his autographed image, and some special pins. These Peak shoes are predominantly silver that is accented with gray stars and purple detailings. The upper comes in a comfortable knit with a holographic material at the back. The tongue features a caricature of Lou Williams. The pull tab and heel counter has the “LW” and the “LOUWILLVILLE” callouts.

Peak Basketball Shoes Technologies

Chinese brand Peak has slowly risen to the top of the basketball shoe industry through their innovative technologies and materials. The brand is now one of the top athletic brands in China. With the endorsements of famous NBA basketball stars, the company is able to compete and stand out.

Below, the technologies for Peak basketball shoes are listed and briefly discussed. Some remind consumers of the famous technologies from Nike and German sports giant Adidas. It is important and interesting to note that the company calls their midsoles as insoles.

• 270° Dynamic Tongue. Peak designs tongues that wrap 270 degrees around the ankle. It provides support, comfort, and protection to the ankle.

• Coolfree. Coolfree is a material in the upper that works like mesh. It keeps the feet cool, minimizes the feeling of stuffiness, and maintains ventilation.

• Cushion-3. The Cushion-3 is an older midsole technology of Peak. It consists of three layers–EVA foam, ESS or Energy Storage System, and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plate. Impact absorption is achieved through a stage-by-stage process. Upon landing, the EVA and ESS compress to receive the force of impact. This compression is quickly reversed by the ESS material and the pressurized air, producing explosive energy returns.

• Easy Flex. Easy Flex is an outsole technology that provides flexibility for a better fit and comfort.

• Foothold. Placed in the midfoot, Foothold is a technology that provides arch support and saves the foot from stress.

• Gradient Dual. Gradient Dual is one of Peak’s gradient technology platforms. It is composed of the PEAK R-pad and the PEAK S-pad. This works like the Zoom technology of Nike. Each rebounding module has a different density level for proper pressure distribution.
• R-pad. The R-pad is the rebounding module at the forefoot. This is good for light and quick players with higher jumps. The material is 25% more elastic than conventional cushioning. After receiving impact, the R-pad compresses and then bounces back to shape, delivering high energy returns.
• S-pad. The S-pad is embedded in the heel. It provides more comfort and softens the impact upon landing. This module is meant for heavier athletes who need more impact protection.

• Gradient Shell. The Gradient Shell supports abrasion-prone areas of the upper.  

• I-Sole. The I-Sole is a special technology which allows wearers to replace their midsoles with a more personalized cushion.

• Multi-core. Made of rubber and plastic material, the Multi-core technology is a lightweight outsole with multiple hollow structures. It has optimal rebounding and buffering capacity.  

• P-Armor. The P-Armor technology enhances the durability of the upper, especially those areas that are prone to abrasion.

• P-Boom. The P-Boom technology is a catapult module that is made of EVA. It provides stability.

• P-Motive. P-Motive is a basic insole technology. It is basically a lightweight, soft, and comfortable foam that has Peak’s secret formula for durability. According to Peak, this insole has a rebounding ratio of over 45%.

• Peak Outdoor RB. The Peak Outdoor RB is a wear-resistant outsole rubber designed for outdoor play.

• Peak Revolve. Peak Revolve is a rotating round button that is located on the front sole. It supports the wearer’s quick changes in direction.

• Peak Surface Tech. The uppers of Peak basketball shoes are made durable by a bionic construction that makes use of special materials and processes. Such uppers provide dynamic support and keep the foot free from discomfort especially during aggressive multidirectional movements.

• P-Suit. For a better fit and more support, the P-Suit is applied on the upper and insole.

• Peak Sta. The Peak Sta works as an outrigger. The rubber on the front outsoles rise up to the side to provide stability during intense footwork.

• Tenacity Unit C (Carbon). The Tenacity Unit C is a carbon plate embedded at the midfoot to provide torsional stability.

• Tie up. A basic technology that makes use of Velcro tapes and laces, the Tie Up according to Peak “improve(s) wrapping of the shoes to bring a feeling of complete integration of the shoes and the feet.”

Shoe Cleaning Hacks for Peak Basketball Shoes

When cleaning basketball shoes, sneakerheads follow certain rules and methods meticulously. They usually put extra time and effort to complete the task, and even use special cleaning materials. What about those who do not have the luxury of time to sit down and follow such processes? Below are a few hacks from the Internet to get Peak shoes ready for the day.

• White midsoles attract dirt quite easily. After removing the excess dirt, stains commonly remain on the material. As a hack, a clean eraser can be used to help remove the ugly stain. Just rub the eraser against the stained area.

• To completely remove the remaining stain, apply toothpaste on the entire midsole. This helps the sole get a brand new and clean feel. Leave the toothpaste on for a few minutes. Using an old and clean toothbrush, gently brush the midsole. Wipe off excess toothpaste suds using dry tissue paper or clean cloth.

• The same goes with dirty shoelaces. Remove them from the shoes and place them in a small container. Fill it with water, add a small amount of toothpaste, and stir until the toothpaste is melted. Soak the shoelaces for a few minutes. Rinse them with water and dry.

• The rain should not stop you from wearing basketball sneakers with a suede upper. To protect the material, apply wax to it. The wax creates a coat that prevents the water from being absorbed. Use heat from a hair dryer to evenly distribute the wax coating.

• Leather looks great when it looks shiny and dirt-free. If a shiner is not available, the inside of a banana skin can help. Rub it on the leather and wipe the excess off with a clean cloth or dry tissue.

These tips are just for emergencies or when you lack the necessary resources. It is still recommended to use the time-tested cleaning methods on these Peak sports shoes for men.

Author

Dimitrije Curcic

Dimitrije Curcic has been playing basketball for over 22 years. Like Manu Ginobili, he’s a left-hander whose moves led him to a better career-shooting percentage than the Argentine himself. After playing professionally for 10 years, Dimitrije moved to coaching for two seasons before he became a basketball statistician for StatScore, and FanSided contributor for the San Antonio Spurs. Dimitrije loves to tell hoop stories through numbers and graphics and has been featured on Fansided, FiveThirtyEight, Eurohoops, and TalkBasket among the others.

dimitrije@runrepeat.com