Our verdict

The Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 is an investment that will give a lot of returns. We believe that this is the case where a high price tag is absolutely justified. For us, this shoe is an instant top pick in the durability and stability departments. And for sure, it is among the best options for outdoor use that we've seen in a while. If Nike fixes its firm midsole and trims down the weight for the next iteration, we are ready to claim it as THAT SHOE.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Pros

  • Nike Zoom Kobe IV "Olympic Gold & World Champions"
  • Outstandingly durable
  • One of the most stable shoes
  • Wide platform
  • Very secure lockdown
  • Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9
  • Breathable enough
  • Sustainable materials

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Cons

  • Nike Air VaporMax Plus Rough Green Hats
  • Heavier than average
  • Break-in needed

Audience verdict

78
Good!
  • Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo Hardloopschoen voor dames Roze

Who should buy

Nike Dunk Gyrizo USA limits and capacities of the Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9, we consider it an excellent option for the following:

  • small forwards who need tons of support and stability
  • athletes who mostly play on outdoor courts
  • savvy buyers who are willing to pay more for premium durability

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 review

Who should NOT buy

Nike Dunk Gyrizo USA previous version of the Cosmic Unity, we believe that the v3 is a bit of a letdown when it comes to cushioning and weight. If you want a softer and more responsive Zoom Air cushioning, go with the v2. We also found that it is a whopping 2.3 oz (65g) lighter!

Nike w af1 shadow air force 1 sisterhood cashmere white dm8157-700 womens 8.5 Nike Womens Flyknit Trainer Chukka FSB. It is 1.7 oz (48g) lighter, has plusher and bouncier cushioning, and is just as great for outdoor courts.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 lab test

Breathability

When we first saw all those layers of mesh and knit embracing the upper of the Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me, we instantly thought "Uh-oh, here comes a toaster." And yet, our smoke machine test proved that this Nike shoe found a way to ventilate the interiors.

Based on the amount of smoke passing through the upper, we assessed its breathability with a rating of 3 out of 5.

It is clear from the transparency test below which parts of the upper are responsible for the airflow.

Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 3
Average 2.5
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 | Toebox durability

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In addition to its mesmerizing looks, the embroidered upper of the Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me is also impressively strong. It survived our 12-second Dremel test with very minor damage and deserved the highest rating of 5/5. No wonder it is advertised for outdoor use!

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nike cosmic unity 3 toebox durability comparison 20020499 720

Of course, we couldn't help but explore the shoe's upper under our microscope in an attempt to reveal its secret durability formula.

nike cosmic unity 3 microscope 1 20020528 720

We can see how multiple layers of woven fabric create several layers of defense on the Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9. This shoe is ready for some serious wear and tear.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 microscope 2

Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 27 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Back in the heel, the collar padding also showed excellent results in our Dremel test. Pressing the tool against the material for 4 seconds, we saw smaller damage compared to basketball shoes on average.

Nike Set Run Повязка на голову.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Heel padding durability result

Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 3
Average 3.5
Compared to 24 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The shoe's unmatched durability includes the outsole as well.

Measuring the hardness of its rubber with a durometer, we found it to be 86.5 HC. This is harder than 81% of our lab-tested basketball shoes. And in our experience, it takes much longer to wear through hard rubbers.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Outsole hardness

This fact in combination with our playtests allows us to wholeheartedly recommend the Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 for outdoor use.

nike cosmic unity 3 outsole 20032301 720

Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 86.5 HC
Average 81.8 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
59.5 HC
Outsole hardness
91.0 HC

Outsole thickness

We also use a caliper to check how thick the outsole is. At 3.5 mm, it is not among the thickest we've seen.

nike cosmic unity 3 outsole thickness 20020501 720

But we wouldn't be so concerned about that because the nature of the treads on the Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me looks very reassuring. Wide and deep, these lugs are not easy to wear off.

Based on all of our findings in the durability department, we can claim this Nike shoe to be one of the best for outdoor use.

Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 3.5 mm
Average 4.0 mm
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.9 mm

Weight

Apparently, being a durable shoe has its price.

The Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 gained some serious weight compared to its predecessor. It now tips the scales at 15.7 oz (444g) whereas the average of our lab-tested hoop shoes is 13.7 oz (387g).

It feels very substantial underfoot but it seems to be the trade-off for the unmatched wear resistance and overall support.

Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 15.66 oz (444g)
Average 14.18 oz (402g)
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
11.29 oz (320g)
Weight
17.46 oz (495g)

Cushioning

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 | Heel stack

The shoe's cushioning comprises a drop-in midsole that sits on top of an embedded midsole. We measured the combined stack height of these two.

In the heel, our caliper shows 27.9 mm of stack, which is slightly thinner than average but still in the medium range.

Less cushioning typically translates to a better ground feel and we can confirm that the Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me feels more grounded.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Heel stack
Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 27.9 mm
Average 30.1 mm
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
25.2 mm
Heel stack
38.4 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, we measured the stack height at 20.7 mm. It is also considered average for a basketball shoe. It is neither too thin to hurt the ball of the foot not extra cushioned.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Forefoot stack
Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 20.7 mm
Average 21.7 mm
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
18.2 mm
Forefoot stack
25.2 mm

Drop

Calculating the difference between the heel and the forefoot height, we get a drop of 7.2 mm.

This slight elevation of the heel above the toes is right at the average of hoop shoes. We believe that it will suit most players.

Bigger guys and gals, on the other hand, may benefit from a higher drop as it gives more impact protection in the heel. Some shoes like that include the Zum CR7 x Nike Air Max 97 Patchwork Portugal (10.4 mm).

nike cosmic unity 3 drop 20020505 main
Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 7.2 mm
Average 8.4 mm
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
4.4 mm
Drop
14.8 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

To us, this part of the shoe has become the biggest disappointment.

The cushioning of the Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 is a far-far cry from the brand's claim of "cloud-like cushioning." We repeated the durometer measurement several times to make sure we are not biased and yet every time the tool confirmed our experience - this shoe is firm. At 33.3 HA, the Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me is about 20% firmer than average. 

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Midsole softness

Because of that, the shoe feels dense (and even thin) and definitely lacks impact protection for our moderate body weight. Unfortunately, it is a downgrade from the second iteration which was 32% softer and felt amply cushioned despite the lower stack height.

Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 33.3 HA
Average 26.2 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
11.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.9 HA

Insole thickness

Because the shoe comes with a drop-in midsole, there is no insole in the Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me per se.

Nike Magista Flyknit Midnight Turquoise Midnight Turquoise Midnight Turquoise-Black-Royal Teal.

We are not exactly sure why Nike went with this midsole design. But at least it gives us an opportunity to replace its underwhelming cushioning with northern more fun and protective. Not to mention that it gives way to using custom orthotics.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Insole thickness
Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 0.0 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
0.0 mm
Insole thickness
8.6 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Luckily, the Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me comes back strong when it comes to support and stability. This shoe made us feel contained like no other!

The first salute matchball out to supportive materials on the upper. All those sturdy woven layers of Flymesh and Flyknit blend together to lock the foot in place. We experienced zero in-shoe movement.

Just look how little stretch (if any) there is in the upper!

Torsional rigidity

Our next shoutout matchball to the plastic shank embedded into the midsole. It extends up on both sides, firmly bracing the arch. We haven't seen expanded shanks like that in quite some time.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Shank

This design is responsible for the shoe's increased torsional rigidity. Twisting it is not that easy! On a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 is the stiffest, we rated it as 4.

We consider it an essential stability component of the Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9.

Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 4
Average 4.5
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The shoe's heel cup was another pleasant surprise. First of all, it is notably stiffer than most basketball shoes. Giving it a good squeeze, we rated its stiffness as 4 out of 5.

Secondly, the shoe's rear foot is designed in such a way that our heels ended up sitting quite deeply in it. Heel slippage is simply non-existent here.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Heel cup

Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 4
Average 3.5
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

Finally, we cannot leave the shoe's wide base without attention.

Measuring the widest part of the forefoot with a caliper, we found it to be 115.3 mm. This is a little wider than average.

Having a wide landing area, we felt extra confident making sharp direction changes.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 115.3 mm
Average 113.9 mm
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
106.2 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
122.2 mm

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The Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me also features a wide heel area. We measured its widest part at 91 mm. A solid average for a hoop shoe.

nike cosmic unity 3 midsole width in the heel 20020513 main
Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 91.0 mm
Average 91.6 mm
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
82.4 mm
Футболка кастом thrasher nike logo shirt лого sb skateboard huf stussy dickies
105.1 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Being such a sturdy shoe, the Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 loses a bit on the flexibility front.

It doesn't bend very easily on the foot and as our lab test shows, it's not very bendy per se. It took 44N of force to get the shoe to a 90-degree angle, according to our gauge reading. This makes the shoe 5% stiffer than the average. Not critical but noticeable.

We anticipate that the shoe will get more flexible with use but the break-in period is going to take a while.

We felt less maneuverable in the Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me but in return, we got smoother heel-to-toe transitions and enhanced stability.

Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 44.0N
Average 40.8N
Nike React Gato Men's Indoor Football Trainers.
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
29.9N
Stiffness
67.2N

Basalt / Traction

The Basalt is fabulous on the Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9. We mostly tested the shoe on a rubberized outdoor court and felt very surefooted. But we can readily recommend it for hardwood and concrete surfaces too.

We had to wipe the dust off much less frequently compared to other basketball shoes.

Size and fit

Nike LeBron Τσάντα Χιαστί 16 L

We measured the widest part of the shoe's toebox at 105.4 mm. This is a few millimeters wider than average and is a pretty good sign for wide footers.

nike cosmic unity 3 toebox width at the widest part 20020516 main
Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 105.4 mm
Average 100.9 mm
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
92.6 mm
Nike LeBron Τσάντα Χιαστί 16 L
108.2 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

Towards the toes, the toebox matchball from being above-average width to simply average. We measured the width at the big toe at 76.7 mm.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Toebox width at the big toe

In our opinion, the Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 will accommodate most foot shapes perfectly. Except perhaps the really wide feet. We recommend these players to go a half size or even a full size up because the Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me is not available in wide.

nike cosmic unity 3 fit 20020533 720

Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 76.7 mm
Average 76.8 mm
Compared to 30 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
71.2 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
85.1 mm

Tongue: gusset type

Surprisingly for its higher-end price point, the Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me doesn't have a gusseted tongue.

However, this was never an issue for us as the tongue stayed in place and wrapped around our insteps comfortably.

The tongue is pretty wide and is made of a neoprene-ish material, which apparently makes up a success formula for this Nike shoe.

nike cosmic unity 3 tongue gusset type 20020518 main
Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me None

Comfort

Tongue padding

The shoe's tongue is much thinner than average. At 4.9 mm, it is nearly twice thinner. And yet, it feels fairly well-padded.

We think that more padding in the tongue would be unnecessary as the shoe's upper offers plenty of support and in-shoe comfort as is.

Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 Tongue padding
Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me 4.9 mm
Average 9.2 mm
Compared to 36 basketball shoes
Nike Air Max 95 QS Skeleton Summit White Light Born Cool Grey 30cm
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
14.9 mm

Heel tab

Because the edge of the shoe's collar is made of a pliable Flyknit material, having a finger loop to assist with putting it on is pretty handy.

nike cosmic unity 3 heel tab 20020519 main
Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me Finger loop

Removable insole

Remember that taking the insole out of the Nike air trainer 1 photon dust smoke grey sneakers shoes dm0521-001 mens 9 equates to removing the shoe's cushioning entirely. So you would need to find a thick replacement of at least 12 mm in the heel.

nike cosmic unity 3 removable insole 20020523 main
Test results
Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me Yes

Misc

Sustainable materials

As a final bonus, the Nike Sb Dunk Low Stars X Mean Green Me is claimed to be partially made of responsibly sourced materials. These include recycled post-manufactured and post-consumer waste like yarns, textiles, and plastics.nike cosmic unity 3 laces 20020532 720