[Sole Spotlight – 8.24.12] –
The And1 Empire 2.0 Mids (performance)
Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls
Mabuhay, AND Juans! Sole
Spotlight for the month of August features the follow up to the groundbreaking
Empire Mid line of AND1 – the Empire 2.0.
Coincidentally, this shoe gets featured on a review on the
month named after a Roman emperor (Augustus Caesar), so please pardon the pun -
BUILD YOUR EMPIRE indeed. Posted below
some images for everybody’s reference.
Lace 'em up.
This yet-to-be-released
shoe model was part of the care package I received last July courtesy of AND1
US (s/o to Rob Purvy, Becky Cheng, and AJ Vander Woude) and should hopefully
reach local shores within late 2012 or early 2013.
What I love most about using this pair for malling/chilling out is that
its vibrant blue and yellow highlights (reminiscent of the Golden State
Warriors team colors) are definitely a head-turner, plus it’s lighter than its
predecessor. Speaking of its predecessor, check out some comparison images below.
The Empire 2.0 Mid (right) features a sleeker design,
but incorporates the same sole as the original.
The Empire 2.0 Mid features a different cut than the 1st Empire Mid.
It sports a low-top profile instead.
Chillin' like a G.
On the court, I’m very pleased with the way it hugged my feet despite having a low-cut profile. I’m going out on a limb here, but this shoe just barged right into my top 5 kicks that I’ve ever hooped in, and I’ve hooped in a lot of AND1 pairs already. There’s something about the combination of perfect fit, low-cut profile, right weight, on-court grip, and L2G tech that makes this shoe a must-cop.
High socks, anyone?
Similar to the AND1 Guardian Mid that I’ve featured in last July’s Sole Spotlight, the Empire 2.0 also features a “stitch-less, no-sew construction for comfort” plus “asymmetrical toe increases support.” It also has “mesh panels (that) reduce weight and increase ventilation,” much like the previously released Empire Mids, and the full-length airbag that helps reduce impact. Add L2G tech, and you’re good to go.
More
pictures of the shoe below. The Empire
2.0 Mid is good for players looking for a shoe that is lightweight, responds
well to sudden cuts and shifts in direction without sacrificing support, and
maximum support for high-impact landings.
The outsole - featuring L2G technology.
It has the same sole as the original Empire Mid
(varsity red/white colorway, pictured below).
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