No doubt that Jordan Brand and Luka Doncic had imagined a better scenario for the promotion of their latest little gem, the Luka 2. It appeared at the feet of the Slovenian leader a few games before the end of the regular season which marked the start of the holidays for his Dallas team , exempt from the playoffs.
Like last year, Quai 54 was therefore the perfect opportunity to officially launch the release of Luka Doncic’s second signature shoe with a colorway dedicated to the 20th anniversary of what has become the biggest tournament in the world sponsored by Jordan. Brand.
A Luka 2 with ecological fiber
The “Jumpman” brand has kept the style of the Luka 1, with its singularities, such as the Formula 23 foam, the TPU reinforcements on the sides or the design of the outsole, while perfecting the whole. The emphasis is on the quality of the support and the firmness of its cushioning. Enough to satisfy the profiles of the moment, similar to the characteristics of the Slovenian,
After launching the Luka 1 “Next Nature”, the Luka 2 will also have its ecological dimension according to the will of the player since the pair is made from recycled materials up to 20% of its weight.
On all levels, the Luka 2 takes a step further in its quest to stick to the image, the spirit and the game of Luka Doncic.
GENERAL COMFORT
General comfort is good. The shoe fits the right size and the foot slips on easily, with an additional pull tab on the tongue, similar in style and composition to the tongue of the Luka 1.
The first sensation that emerges is the quality of the support and the presence of this “cage” enveloping the upper which tightens at each level of the laces. It is advisable to use all the eyelets to ensure the best support, especially on the top of the foot.
As expected, the full-length Formula 23 foam blend matched with Cushlon 3.0 makes the cushioning quite firm. We are on a pair that wants to offer stability and support by combining it with speed, enough to meet the qualities and profile of a Luka Doncic, a little heavier than his fellow leaders and who therefore needs respondent on the first support and the creation of space.
Rating: 8/10
CUSHIONED
Jordan Brand had designed a foam specially for the Luka 1, called Formula 23. It is therefore found on this second version, present over the entire length and matched with a Cushlon 3.0 foam and an IsoPlate plate.
The cushioning return is therefore distinguished from competing models by its rigidity and firmness. The feeling is not negative, however, with a little more flexibility in the heel, and offers effective energy return and a well-assured rebound, no doubt as Luka Doncic appreciates them. No particular sensation of additional comfort in the front of the foot.
Rating: 8.5/10
TRACTION
The rubber outsole is also similar to that of the Luka 1 and the result too: very good. There is a real sensation of sticking to the ground and of being able to solicit all the supports. Like on the Jordan Why Not. 6, the outsole goes up quite high on the front of the foot to promote support on the toes. Same thing with the heel. The shoe is also flexible enough at the toes to accompany the movement well.
The lateral supports are not particularly reinforced at the level of the sole, but no less than on the Luka 1 which already provided good feedback on this point.
Rating: 8.5/10
SUPPORT AND STABILITY
It’s the little extra of this Luka 2 which really put the package on the support with a lacing device which highlights the “cage” enveloping the upper. Support is optimal from the front of the foot to the collar, without compressing or suffocating the foot. The feeling is therefore really positive.
The quality of the support also contributes to the good stability of the foot. The firmness of the sole may also play a little, but we have a real feeling of insurance on many supports, in particular towards the front.
Rating: 9/10
FINISH AND LIFETIME
The “Q54” version of the Luka 2 features a mesh upper completed with white leather stripes. The composition of these bands will vary according to the colors. The “FlyWire” cables have disappeared but we find the lateral TPU reinforcements which this time start from the sole and extend over the upper, an element that is supposed to complete the good support of the foot.
The inscription on the band crossing the heel may also change depending on the model. The color “Q54” brings out the 03 on the left shoe and the 23 on the right in reference to the twenty years of Quai 54. Other colors have the motto of the Slovenian in Latin: “non desistas non exieris” (“N’ don’t give up, don’t give up”). The player logo appears on the tongue, the “Jumpman” on the pull tab, midsole and under the outsole.
As the series “Next Nature” had suggested on the Luka 1, the Jordan Luka 2 also has an ecological dimension since it is composed of 20% of its weight of recycled materials. This is also a will of the player, eager to have the most positive impact possible on this level.
The durability seems very good at first glance, with a consistent outsole and the firmness of its midsole which should last longer. No frills on the upper that could cause early wear. We start with a reliable resistance level model.
Rating: 9/10
VERDICT
Jordan Brand is taking another step in the right direction with the Luka 2, a unique model that focuses on speed and responsiveness while guaranteeing a support capable of satisfying the beefier templates.
But above all, the Luka 2 is a model made to measure for Luka Doncic. With liveliness in the creation of space but the need for reactive feedback and a solid framework. It will now be up to the captain of the Slovenian selection first during the World Cup and then to the superstar of the Mavericks in the NBA to make this model shine for as long as possible.
Rating: 17.2/20
Shoe weight (size 45): 373 grams
Price: from 140 euros on Basket4ballers
Grading scale
- – less than 10/20: not recommended
- – between 10 and 15: faults that can stop some but qualities that will charm others
- – above 15: pair approved and recommended!
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