In this edition of The Locker Room Legends' Performance Review, we take a look at Converse' flagship basketball shoe, THE DEFCON MID.
Converse Basketball is on a huge comeback as of late. It started earlier this year when The Star showcased a couple new models at the World Basketball Festival... They never looked back. Along with the Pro Leather 2K11s (the modern Dr. Js), the DEFCON is their best to date. Aesthetically on point, and technically at par with the best in its class.
The Defcon consists of a perforated patent leather toe box and tongue, held together by a mesh construction. All of this is incorporated to make a very solid booty via a flat lock stitch. Then the entire shoe is held by a One-Piece Vamp wrapping the shoe, starting from the midsole... All the way to the upper - a technology completely unique to the Defcon. Another significant feature is its locking/lacing system, because the interlocking web runs the entire foam cage upper, providing solid foot lockdown.
The One-Piece Vamp is sort of a Foam Cage that protects the player, as well as provide efficiency to his game. Like what I said, its a solid one piece material that runs from the midsole to the midfoot, and then to the ankle. The ankle (and a good part of the upper) is integrated with Converse' very own CONtain Fit Technology. CONtain Fit Technology forms a lightweight brace around the foot and helps provide breathable structural support and cushioning. CONtain Fit contours the foot and transfers all physical force directly to the traction system and CBT unit for increased on-court maneuverability.
The same One-Piece Vamp helps transfer energy and bounce to the CBT (Converse Balls Technology) sole unit to provide the player with the extra hop and bounce, literally. The heel is cradled in a carbon fiber frame to provide security and stability. The outsole is treaded very well to provided much needed traction, especially for faster players.
As much as I would like to go in-depth with the review, similar to The Player DL Mid I did from a while back (see PERFORMANCE REVIEW /// CONVERSE THE PLAYER DL MID), I was not able to use the Defcon on an actual pick-up game, though I've made basic maneuvers in them.
From the very little that I did, it's interesting to note that the Defcon is surprisingly light! Weighing roughly 14 oz., the Defcon provides maximum ride, comfort and protection without the unnecessary bulk and weight! The CONtain Fit Technology is also very effective in providing ankle support and stability. Traction is absolutely on point... Coupled with the bounce of the CBT unit, any guard or any player that relies on his quickness would instantly feel the response and would be benefit on a quicker first step.
The only problem that I had with the Defcon was with it's heel lock. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad! It provided enough security, but it was barely noticeable. Regardless, the web locking lace system was enough to hold my feet down.
Check out some of the images I took. I will give a more in-depth review once I get these bad boys on the court!
But so far, it's a really good shoe! Everything that you could possibly want is in it. It's got style, it's lightweight, it's got a really good cushioning system, traction is excellent... There is no reason why you wouldn't want it! The Defcon Mids come in several colorways, but the Gunmetal is the best in my opinion (word to ROBOCOP)! Check out your nearest Converse outlet and department store kiosks and cop yourself a pair or two! The CONVERSE DEFCON MID retails for Php 5,750.00.
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The box.
Contents: Converse Defcon Mids. Comes with hang tags. No extra laces.
The Carbon Fiber Heel Cup. Looks really nice!
The One-Piece Foam Vamp. From the midsole, all the way to the ankle.
The Inner Booty cradled by the Foam Cage.
I am surprised by how aesthetically strong this is. You can't go wrong in these... On or off the court.
See what I mean?
The patent leather creases pretty quick. But that is expected.
Side elevation.
The CBT (Converse Balls Technology) Unit.
Carbon Fiber Chassis.
The CBT unit explained. And it can't get any simpler than that!
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S/O to Converse Ph for the love!
