Getting My Hands on Them
So, I’d been eyeing a new pair of kicks for a while, something solid for casual wear but also good enough if I decided to hit the court now and then. The Lebron 13s caught my eye, specifically the black colorway. Always liked black shoes, they just go with everything, right? Didn’t want anything too flashy. Found a pair online, decent price, so I pulled the trigger. Waiting for packages is always a bit tedious, but it showed up eventually.
Unboxing and First Look
Got the box, standard Nike affair. Opened it up. There they were. Really black. Like, properly black. The material felt kinda different, a mix of stuff. Those hexagonal pod things on the side, the Hyperposite bits, definitely looked unique, maybe a bit weird at first glance compared to simpler shoes. Picked them up. They had some weight to them, not bricks, but you could feel they were substantial. Lacing them up, the fit felt snug, maybe a little tight across the midfoot initially. Walked around the house a bit. Felt okay, needed breaking in for sure.
Wearing Them Around
Started wearing them out casually. Took a few days for them to feel really comfortable. That initial stiffness eased up. They felt supportive underfoot, definitely stable. The cushioning, those Zoom units, you could feel them, but it wasn’t super bouncy like some other shoes I’ve had. More like a firm, responsive feel. They looked pretty good with jeans or shorts, that simple black worked well. Didn’t get too many comments, which was fine by me, wasn’t trying to show off.
Hitting the Court
Okay, the real test. Took them to the local court for some pickup games. This is where you really find out about basketball shoes.
- Traction: Pretty good, actually. The sole pattern gripped the floor well, didn’t slide around much on cuts or quick stops. Even on a slightly dusty court, it held up okay.
- Support: This was solid. The Hyperposite wings and the lacing system really locked my foot down. Felt secure making moves, ankle support was decent for a mid-top.
- Cushioning: Like I said, firm but responsive. Landings felt absorbed, didn’t feel harsh on the knees. Maybe not the softest ride, but effective for playing.
- Weight: Yeah, you notice the weight a bit more when you’re running up and down the court compared to just walking. Not a dealbreaker, but they aren’t the lightest shoes out there.
Played in them a few times over the next few weeks. They performed consistently. The fit molded a bit better to my foot with more wear. Those side pods didn’t really feel weird or get in the way during play, just part of the shoe’s structure.
How They Held Up
After a good few months of mixed casual wear and occasional basketball, they started showing some age, as expected. The black color hid dirt well, which was a plus. Scuffs? Yeah, got a few, especially on those Hyperposite parts, but nothing major peeled or cracked off. The sole durability was decent, the traction pattern wore down a bit in high-wear areas but still gripped okay. The cushioning felt about the same, didn’t bottom out. Laces held up, eyelets were fine. Overall, pretty sturdy construction.
Final Thoughts
So, the black Lebron 13s. They were a solid shoe for me. Looked good in that simple black, versatile enough for street and court. Took a bit to break in, felt a little heavy for pure performance maybe, but the support and traction were definitely there when I needed them on the court. They held up reasonably well over time too. Not the most amazing shoe I’ve ever owned, but definitely reliable. Did the job, no major complaints from my end. Just a dependable, sturdy sneaker in a classic color.
