PERFORMANCE REVIEW /// CONVERSE THE PLAYER DL MID

 

What's good fam?

Today we kick off a new segment where I showcase a basketball shoe, run it in the court, and make a review of its looks, and more importantly its performance. I hope this becomes a regular thing... I'll do my best to dish you a review at least once a month.

Anyhow, for our maiden run I've chosen the CONVERSE THE PLAYER DL MID. Very appropriate for the pilot post given that Converse was a pioneer in the game of basketball, and footwear in general.

Just so you guys know how we did this: I wore a DS pair to an actual full-court skirmish. Played my usual game, broke it down and made an objective assessment of the shoe's on-feet feel and performance.

So let's get things started.

THE SHOE

FIRST OFF: The box and the code.

THE PLAYER DL MID: One of Converse' Basketball Performace shoe for 2011.

Solid all leather upper, Rubber sole integrated with a herringbone pattern bottom for traction. Very straight forward basketball shoe.

Entire package includes:  

CONVERSE THE PLAYER DL MID,  

BOX,  

TISSUE.  

No extra laces.

ON-COURT/ON-FEET LOOK

I apologize for the lack of documentation since no one was available to take photos of the full-court game. 

Anyway, on with the performance assessment:

PERFORMANCE

The very first thing I noticed was how light it was. Looking at the photos you would assume that it's got some weight to it, but surprisingly it's very light! It's may not be a 10 oz. shoe, but it sure won't compromise your quick feet especially if you play in the backcourt. I play 1-guard and I'm very comfortable playing at the back, so based on how it weighs, I'd definitely rock this. When the game calls for it, I also felt how this shoe can be useful in the post/paint.

It's got very good ankle support... I'm very satisfied with how it held my ankles comfortably.

Breath ability/foot ventilation was a small concern for me though. The sturdy, solid all-leather upper had little perforations and caused minor heat build-up within the shoe.

THE PLAYER DL MID gave no problems when cutting and slashing into the interior. Like I said, the lightness of the shoe coupled with the supportive collar for ankle stability made it possible for me to cut inside without drag nor discomfort.

The traction was okay. Though it got some grip on a rubberized court, I think it will perform better on a blacktop, pure outdoor playground.

The toe box, initially, was a tad bit tough especially when the toe is fully folded when sprinting. The toe box for me didn't have enough flex points. But once the leather softened up and broken in, it no longer became an issue.

Shoe condition after skirmish. Still in very solid shape!

The Collar. Peep the dope bright-colored sockliner!

THE PLAYER DL MID.

Rear elevation.

Side elevation.

 

Aesthetically, I think THE PLAYER DL MID is a killer. Wore it to the CONVERSE EASTWOOD GRAND OPENING that night. It may not be a shoe that's QS nor hypebeast bait, but it broke a few necks.

OFF-COURT/ON-FEET LOOK. Nice, yeah?

IN CONCLUSION

CONVERSE THE PLAYER DL MID is a shoe that is versatile, tough, and could handle any style of game any player might possess. It's called THE PLAYER for a reason; it's made for each and every player: whether he makes a living posting up the competition in the paint, or blows pass rivals in transition for fun.

It looks like a stealth bomber. It looks like a tank. It gives off that throwback vibe reminiscent of the velvety smooth cool cats that played in them Harlem playgrounds in the 80s, but it still exudes a no-nonsense, take no prisoners on-feet attitude that remind you of west-coast streetballers. No one would ever question this shoe aesthetically. If you do - you got issues, son.

There's a plethora of basketball-based performance footwear in the market right now; faster, lighter, and chock-full of technology. But THE PLAYER DL MID can go to battle with the best of them - anytime, anywhere. It performs well and gets the job done - but most importantly it makes a statement: that you are THE PLAYER, and you are not to be messed with.

This shoe simply gets better with every battle. I would definitely rock this again, on and off the court.

CONVERSE THE PLAYER DL MID retails for Php 3,690.00. Not bad for a shoe that brings the pain to the competition!

Available in Converse boutiques and quality department stores nationwide.

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Photo credits to JD.

Shot entirely at the Alabang Hills Clubhouse.