5 Sneakers That CHANGED My Opinion Instantly
This video dives into five different sneakers that completely shifted my perspective, some for the better and some not so much. We'll be looking at the Jordan 40, On Cloudsurfer Max, Nike Ava Rover, Jordan 4 Rare Air, and the Who Decides War Jordan Flight Court.
The Jordan 40: A Premium Surprise
My initial thoughts on the Jordan 40 were that they were expensive and very minimal in design. Some people thought they looked like Adidas Fear of God knock-offs, while others considered them some of the best Jordans in years. I wasn't rushing to buy them, perhaps due to the price and the simple look. However, after getting them, I found them to be much better than I expected. The minimalist design, which I initially thought was too simple, turned out to be one of my favourite aspects. It's a clean and sophisticated look that works well both on and off the court. The "Classic" colourway is very wearable and versatile.
The premium feel starts with the box, giving a sense of luxury. The materials used are also top-notch, featuring soft leather and a very soft suede on the toe box. The reflective dotted laces are a cool touch, matching the material underneath. The reverse of the tongue has some nice text, and overall, the shoe feels premium.
Comfort was another unexpected positive. While it's a performance basketball shoe with tech like ZoomX and Zoom Air, it feels like Jordan Brand kept casual wearers in mind. Walking around in them feels great. However, sizing can be an issue; they run snug. I went half a size down and found them extremely tight, so I'd recommend going half a size up from your usual size.
As a flagship Jordan model, it includes many details referencing past Jordans, like the tongue inspired by the Jordan 5 and white cement aspects on the heel clip. Fans of Jordan sneakers will likely appreciate this one.
On Cloudsurfer Max: A Disappointing Max Cushion
Switching gears, the On Cloudsurfer Max was a shock in the opposite direction. I generally like On Running's design and loved the original Cloud Surfer for its comfort. The Cloud Surfer 2 didn't impress me much, but the hype around the Max model, promising more cushioning and softer foam, got me excited. They were marketed as their softest cushioning ever, perfect for recovery runs and casual wear.
Putting them on, I was surprised by how not good they felt, especially when compared to competitors like the Nike Vomero Plus, New Balance More V6, or Brooks Glycerin Max. Side-by-side, they feel like they belong in a different category. The midsole is firm, and the foam feels hard. The increased stack height seems to have done the shoe a disservice. Unlike the regular Cloud Surfer, where the smaller midsole holes compress for a softer feel, the Max version just has more of that firm foam.
I genuinely think these feel less comfortable than the regular Cloud Surfer. While softer doesn't always mean more comfortable, for a max cushioning shoe, I'm not sure why they didn't opt for a softer foam.
Nike Ava Rover: A Casual Gem
The Nike Ava Rover is a bit of a weird one, and the shoe itself is also quite unusual. My initial impression was liking the design but being skeptical about it being underwhelming. After trying them, I owe Nike an apology – these are great.
The concept is simple: a casual lifestyle sneaker using their flagship running shoe cushioning, full-length ReactX foam, similar to the Pegasus 41. The ReactX here feels a bit softer, perhaps less responsive, but it's soft, squishy, and comfortable, perfect for an everyday sneaker. It has a flatter outsole profile compared to running shoes, which some might prefer for casual wear.
The upper is where things get interesting, with a blend of a pixelated, wavy midsole and rubber elements. The nylon-like material feels surprisingly premium and lightweight. The tongue and ankle collar are well-padded and comfortable. A standout detail is the soft felt material lining the ankle cushioning and the reverse of the tongue, which feels great when you put your foot in.
For sizing, I recommend staying true to size, though they can be a bit snug around the toe. If you have wider feet, consider going half a size up. I initially thought these would be quickly forgotten, but they are definitely worth checking out for a casual, everyday sneaker.
Jordan 4 Rare Air: An Underrated Gem
The Jordan 4 Rare Air was another shoe I wasn't initially drawn to. I only decided to pick them up when I saw them sitting on shelves. What started as thinking they were skippable turned into believing they might be one of the best Jordan 4 releases this year. If not for the sheer number of other hyped sneakers dropping, these would likely have sold out.
The
