Four years already that Luka Doncic treats the NBA with Dallas. It will therefore have taken four years to see Jordan Brand draw a signature shoe for one of the new NBA superstars, who will occupy the top of the bill for a long time to come.
The release of the Luka 1 was an event, one more accomplishment in the rise of Luka Doncic. In the landscape of signature shoes too, this is a new turning point since the Jordan Luka should be a long-term one. It’s a safe bet that the Luka 1 is the first version of a long series.
Jordan Brand had already got their hands on the Jordan Zoom Separate, designed to facilitate Luka Doncic’s technical characteristics. We are on the continuity with this Luka 1, a Low model with a worked sole, which offers very good feedback in terms of support, comfort and support.
The Luka 1 also features its share of innovations starting with its “Formula 23” foam, a new “Isoplate” technology in the midsole, as well as embroidered “Flywire” cables to cover the upper. The outsole also returns an exceptional level of grip.
In terms of design and colors, it is the sobriety of the player that is highlighted. The “all-purpose” side of the shoe will please some and displease others. Other collaborations, such as the one that gave rise to the customized “Quai 54” model to honor its presence at the last edition of the streetball tournament, are expected.
With the Luka 1s on his feet, this is clearly one more advantage that Luka Doncic should not fail to exploit, as was the case last night on the occasion of Dallas’ first victory of the season, during which the leader has been in the oven and at the mill.
GENERAL COMFORT
The general comfort is rather pleasant. We are on a model that is not particularly difficult to put on, equipped with a zipper if necessary. The tongue is quite classic but is distinguished by quite original contours in the design. It offers good ventilation and is generously padded at the lacing.
The inside of the collar is also well padded and has a good effect in terms of support and comfort. Once put on, you feel a feeling of protection.
Rating: 8.5/10
CUSHIONED
Jordan Brand has concocted a brand new foam for the Luka 1, the “Formula 23” foam and its TPU inserts on the outer part of the sole, supposed to promote the practice of step-back and lateral support.
In practice, the feeling is similar to the cushlon foam present in the LeBron 20, rigid enough to guarantee the best energy return but also comfortable. The pair also features “Isoplate” technology, inspired by the “Flight Plate” of the Air Jordan 28, and the “Eclipse Plate” of the Air Jordan 34, to play on the flexibility of the midsole.
Rating: 8.5/10
TRACTION
The rubber band that partially covers the outsole ensures good grip on the ground. The model is rather made for playing indoors. It is in any case on this coating that the Luka 1 offers the best traction, with, as for the LeBron 20, a real feeling of being one with the ground on the liveliest supports.
Rating: 9/10
SUPPORT AND STABILITY
It’s hard to say if it’s the specific contribution of the Flywire cables to cover the upper that has this effect, the fact remains that the foot is very well maintained.
The stability is also very good, with this reinforcement on the external supports in reference to the confusing play of Luka 1 which makes its singularity, and that of the Luka 1.
Rating: 8/10
FINISH AND LIFETIME
Extravagant in his game, Luka Doncic seems rather discreet off the pitch, and it is perhaps this personality trait that Jordan Brand wanted to transcribe with his sober finishes, with FlyWire cables, a few logos bearing the effigy from the mark to the Jumpman and the leader of Dallas, and a motto in Latin, the same that appears on one of his tattoos: “non desistas non exieris” (“Don’t give up, don’t give yourself back”). Nothing extravagant, and that’s also what gives it its charm.
Nothing particularly negative to report in terms of lifespan, provided perhaps that you take good care of the collar when inserting the heel. At the level of the upper and the sole, we are on solid ground.
Rating: 9/10
VERDICT
Errare humanum est. The fact that Luka Doncic didn’t own a signature shoe was heresy. Jordan Brand corrected this error by offering an exceptional player a shoe made for him.
Jordan Brand had to rise to the occasion and therefore took up the challenge by responding as well as possible to the characteristics of its new muse, with a “dynamic” Low shoe, resistant to the most disconcerting supports, but also robust.
Note : 17.2/20
Shoe weight (size 41) : 370 grams
Price : from 110 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!
The latest Basketball USA tests
– Air Jordan XXXV – 18.6/20
– Zoom Freak 3 17.6/20
-PG 6 17.6/20
–LeBron 20 17.4/20
– Nike KD 15 17.4/20
– Nike LeBron 19 17.2/20
– Jordan Zion 1 – 17/20
– Air Zoom BB NXT – 17/20
– Nike LeBron 18 – 17/20
– Curry Flow 8 – 16.8/20
– Puma MB.01 – 16.8/20
– Layup REVO – 16.6/20
– Nike Kyrie 7 – 16.6/20
–Peak Flash 3 – 16.6/20
– Curry Flow 9 – 16.6/20
– Zoom Freak 2 – 16.2/20
– Peak Lou Williams 3 – 15.8/20
– Jordan Why Not? Zer0.4 – 15.6/20
– Crossover Culture Kayo LP2 – 15/20
– Peak Lou Williams 2 – 15/20
– Peak Lou Williams 1 – 14.6/20
