Faithful to the post for more than ten years, Peak Sports has managed to make a place for itself in the very competitive market of shoes dedicated to the practice of basketball. Tony Parker was the first big catch of the Chinese equipment manufacturer at the end of 2012, when the French point guard had left Nike to invite the Chinese equipment manufacturer to the table of the big boys.
Then came Dwight Howard, who also had his signature shoe, and then a very successful collection of three signature models for Lou Williams. The brand is now in a trough after betting on Andrew Wiggins, who recently benefited from his second custom pair, the AW II.
Models to discover
To stay in the game, Peak Sports can rely on its “Peak Flash” collection which remains a quality model, with this Peak Flash 5 which is undoubtedly the most accomplished of the range. The composition of the upper has been revised. Lower, it is also better ventilated compared to the Peak Flash 3 and 4, while maintaining good foot support.
The DNA of the series at the sole level has been preserved. With its mixture of “P-Ultralight”, “P-Soon” and “Taichi” foam, the midsole is a model of its kind in terms of comfort and cushioning quality. The grip offered by the outsole is also one of the assets of this “Flash 5” which deserves to be recognized at its true value.
GENERAL COMFORT
The pair fits without any problem. We quickly notice the rounded foam “V” to represent the number 5 on the tongue. The cut is low, the ankle is free to move but the foot is correctly supported. The pair is clearly intended for striking profiles, disconcerting supports, close to the ground.
The overall comfort is excellent, and the quality of the midsole is no stranger to this. We will also note the welcome addition of beautiful vents on the upper to correct a recurring defect on the two previous models.
Rating: 9/10
CUSHIONING
Peak has always done the job on its “Flash” range in terms of cushioning with very well-designed midsoles, and this is still the case on this “Flash 5”. The equipment manufacturer has once again gone all out with three different foams this time: the “P-Ultralight” foam, “P-Soon” foam for responsiveness at the front and “Taichi” foam at the back for comfort.
The result is truly amazing with the addition of the “P-Soon” foam which compensates well for the “soft” side of the “Taichi” foam, offering an almost perfect compromise between cushioning and rebound, with overall comfort that is truly there.
Rating: 9/10
TRACTION
The “Flash 5” is designed to be very dynamic and has a classic rubber outsole with multidirectional and circular herringbone patterns in places, particularly under the base of the big toe to accentuate this feeling of momentum while maintaining perfect grip.
The outsole cutout has also been widened enough on the outer parts to support the most pronounced lateral supports. The forward supports, on the tiptoes, are also perfectly executed. The pair grips very well, with a rendering that will be much better on exclusive indoor use.
Rating: 9/10
MAINTENANCE AND STABILITY
The base of the ankle is free of any support, corresponding to the profiles for which this Flash 5 seems intended. The heel and the middle of the foot are on the other hand correctly supported, and this is the bare minimum. The upper does not offer any special device to complete the support.
Stability is quite good, accentuated by the generous contours of the outsole.
Rating: 8/10
FINISHES AND LIFESPAN
The upper is dressed in a layer of synthetic materials and is distinguished above all by its good ventilation at the upper level, giving it a little “Air Jordan 36” side which had innovated with a “Leno” weave.
The heel stands out for its part with the presence of a holographic panel on which we can read “Flash” or “5” depending on the orientation. It is also accompanied by a thin pull tab. For the rest of the finishes, we are on classic, like the “Peak” logo present on the tongue and the front of the foot, or the inscriptions of the different foams making up the midsole.
The Chinese brand has, however, gone all out on the colors, with six colors already available on the official Peak Sports France website, and a new version ” Cherry Blossom » appeared this week on the side of Basket4Ballers.
Regarding the lifespan, the upper seems to be robust enough to withstand the test of time, especially on the exterior parts. However, outdoor use will tend to “burn out” the outer sole more quickly.
Rating: 8/10
PEAK FLASH 5 VERDICT
Peak had already demonstrated in the past its ability to produce good basketball shoes. Here is further proof, the “Peak Flash 5” ticking all the boxes to please dynamic player profiles while also ensuring comfort, with this subtle blend of foams which is also a real success.
Everyone will have their own opinion on the classic side of the design and the ornaments. As for the “technical” level, however, the “Peak Flash 5” has everything of a real “steal”. It is perhaps not a coincidence that the king of “steal” Jose Alvarado, aka “GTA”, signed to Peak for a year and a half, has benefited from a colorway in his name.
Note : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shoe weight (size 45): 385 grams
Price : available at 130 euros on Basket4Ballers
Grading Scale
- – less ⭐⭐: not recommended
- – between ⭐⭐ and ⭐⭐⭐: flaws that may put some people off but qualities that will charm others
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐: approved and recommended pair
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: exceptional pair!
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Jordan Brand : Tatum 1 – Tatum 2 – Air Jordan 38 – Luka 2 – Air Jordan 37 – Why Not .6 – Zion 3
Adidas : Trae 3 – Harden Vol. 8
Peak : Peak AW1 – Flash 3
Puma : MB.03 – Rise Nitro – All-Pro Nitro – Scoot Zeros – Stewie 3
New Balance : TWO WXY V4
Under Armour : Curry 11
Layup : Revo II – Revo
B.Ease : Suspended Low
