The release of a new signature line is always an event, and it was celebrated as such by Andrew Wiggins on the occasion of the promotion of its very first signature shoe in collaboration with Peak a little over a year ago: the AW 1.
Even if the model was of good quality, Peak wanted to further assert the identity of Andrew Wiggins on its second pair. This AW 2 is therefore lower, lighter and close to the aggressive playing profile that made the Warriors winger successful in the NBA.
The AW 2 has still retained some elements of its big sister in terms of design, with the same zipper matched with a holographic strip, a double wall junction at the tongue, but has also dared to change, the most visible being this large shiny TPU reinforcement on the heel, on which the player's logo stands out. Innovation is also required in terms of the composition of the sole, with “P-Ultralight” foam at the top and “Taichi” at the bottom, all separated by a “Foothold +” carbon plate.
So many elements that deserve some attention on this AW 2. The time for the test has come!
GENERAL COMFORT
The shoe is easy to put on due to its fairly wide and flexible collar. First positive point, we immediately notice the quality of the materials, on the upper, the suede part on the collar, the tongue and even the laces. First negative point, however, is that you quickly feel a rather light support at the heel and top of the foot.
The pair seems much lighter than the AW 1 and the model more inclined to match dynamic profiles. In terms of comfort, the effort made on the sole offers a very good result, as Peak knows how to offer with its mixture of foams and a soft side which does not alter the quality of the rebound.
Rating: 8.5/10
CUSHIONED
Peak has always paid particular attention to the composition of its soles. This season, the Chinese equipment manufacturer has innovated by opting for a mix of genres. Like the Peak Flash 5, the AW 2 therefore has several foams to make up its midsole.
There is a first layer of “P-Ultralight” foam over the entire length for the dynamic aspect, resting on a second layer of “Taichi” foam, also over the entire length, for comfort. The new thing is that the whole thing is separated by a “Foothold +” carbon plate also appearing along the entire length, to maintain a certain rigidity.
The result is quite good, with very positive feedback on the front of the foot in terms of rebound. The quality of the cushioning is well ensured by the “Taichi” foam, the advantages of which we know.
Rating: 8.5/10
TRACTION
Peak has also revised the contours of its sole to offer more guarantees on lateral support. The model was designed to achieve explosive tiptoe starts.
The rubber outsole also does a job with attention to detail, such as the multi-directional herringbone ribs placed under the forefoot to best support any type of support. The result is a pair that grips well to the ground and offers a certain security when performing any type of support.
Rating: 9/10
SUPPORT AND STABILITY
The very low cut of the upper makes support non-existent at the top of the foot. The heel is not very well maintained either, and this is undoubtedly the downside of the pair, although it is intended for explosive profiles.
For a lightweight pair, the stability is pretty good. Usually, equipment manufacturers place a small carbon plate to complete the stability of the shoe. Here, Peak has put one over the entire length with the desired effect, guaranteeing correct stability for a model of this style.
Rating: 8.5/10
FINISHES AND LIFESPAN
We feel that Peak continues to seek to assert a true identity for the AW line. The AW 1 looked too much like the Lou Williams 3, but some distinctive signs of Andrew Wiggins' first signature shoe are still present, such as the inside of the collar, subtly padded at the level of the Achilles tendon, the zipper covered with a holographic strip, or even a double wall on the top of the shoe.
The cut has, however, been revised. Lower, thinner, it has more of the characteristics of a pair intended for a “slasher” profile, which perfectly matches the style of Andrew Wiggins. The new finishes in terms of design then bring all its uniqueness to this AW 2, with first of all this imposing shiny TPU reinforcement at the base of the heel, on which the player's logo stands out, which acts more as a gadget than anything else. thing.
The tongue also catches the eye with the number 22 and the player's signature a little further down. Shiny surfaces accompany the midsole. The Peak Logo appears, as often, on the forefoot.
Nothing negative to report about the lifespan. The outsole seems quite durable at first glance, and the upper quite sturdy.
Rating: 8/10
PEAK AW 2 VERDICT
Peak created a stir by offering Andrew Wiggins his very first signature shoe last year. The Warriors winger had benefited from a complete model, more focused on comfort and stability.
For this second version, the Chinese equipment manufacturer has changed its approach by offering a pair that is lighter, lower, thinner, and therefore more suited to dynamic profiles.
In summary, the AW collection continues to seek itself, particularly in the way of standing out from the competition. Everyone will have their own opinion on the touches added to the design such as this large TPU reinforcement on the heel. At the technical level in any case, the AW 2 has very good characteristics, with, as with the Flash Peak 5, a great result between comfort and explosiveness thanks to the composition of its sole.
It will also be up to Andrew Wiggins to give him the best possible exposure during the upcoming season, which comes through good performances with the Warriors.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Weight of the shoe (size 45): 390 grams
Price : available at 140 euros on Peak France
Grading scale
- – minus ⭐⭐: not recommended
- – between ⭐⭐ and ⭐⭐⭐: faults which may stop some but qualities which will charm others
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐: approved and recommended pair
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: exceptional pair!
The latest Basketball USA tests
Nike : GT CUT 3 – LeBron 21 – LeBron 20 – Nike KD 17 – Air Zoom GT Jump 2 – Zoom Freak 5 – Air Zoom GT Hustle 2 – Ja 1 – PG 6
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 – Flash 5
Puma : MB.03 – Rise Nitro – All-Pro Nitro – Scoot Zeros – Stewie 3
New Balance : TWO WXY V4
Under Armor : Curry 11
Layup : Revo II – Revo
B.Ease : Suspended Low
