( 5 reviews )
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Posted: 01-06-2008
If you're reading this, you're probably like me. You need to get a pair of high end v-ball shoes, and can't figure out which to get because the previous two reviews here don't tell you squat, and are basically worthless in helping you make a decision. Cons: 1) First, let me say that this is not the ideal shoe and anybody who says so needs glasses. Set the price aside, and there are some pretty noticeable design flaws. The first being that the arch in the middle of the shoe is not where it should be. It is supposed to be near your arch towards the middle for balance, and not as close to your heel as the Sensei 2 has. 2) Second, the sole of the shoe needs a breaking point, where it will bend as you lean forward with your toes. This is a pretty big no no in my opinion. Nearly every court shoe, from Tennis to Basketball has this. This in turn gives that stiff feeling, almost a flat skater shoe type feel. It seems to limit range of motion in your foot, in turn will probably reduce your vertical slightly. It might have been done for other purposes such as traction or what not, but I personally prefer shoes with a breaking point in the front end of the sole. 3) Not much ventiliation. The con associated with Pro #2 (see below) is that is uses thicker material, and less breathable material in tradeoff for durability. The shoe seems to use some type of synthetic material, which isn't terrible, but the shoe would benefit from having some areas where heat can escape more rapidly. 4) The last negative I would like to mention is that it feels tight in the in-step, and is only for people with narrow feet. It's a close fit, so you will not be able to get orthotics/inserts in comfortably if you have a high instep or even semi-wide feet. Pros: With that being said, here are the positives: 1) The bottom of the sole is gives a good grip on the hardwood floor. It has multidirection patterns on the bottom to move well in all directions. They even used colored rubber and everything to match the shoe...albeit, you are paying for that extra cosmetic look in the price. 2) The durability of the shoe was the main reason for the Sensei 2. If you tear up your shoes from the inside out, this might be a reason to get this. The construction of the entire shoe is very sturdy and rigid. The material they used is a lot thicker and less flexible. 3) Looks: It looks like an expensive shoe, that's enough for most people to buy it. The design is a lot more noticeable than other v-ball shoes in general. Would be nice if there were other colors and what not. Neither Pro nor Con: ?) This shoe is supposed to have jumping plate technology? And also a cushion to increase jumping efficiency. If it is in there, I couldn't notice it. I don't consider it a positive, because I think the weight of the shoe offsets what little gain you might have. Final thoughts: Again, I'm not going to factor the cost of this shoe. But after testing out several, I ended up buying a 75$ pair, because I saw no improvement whatsoever with the design of this shoe. Note that I am super picky, and also have no problem paying for better quality and performance. If you have narrow feet, and tend to tear through your shoes from hard useage, then by all means give it a shot. But, if value is your main concern, you are not missing much by spending less money on something in the mid-range.
