We just received the brand new Paul Rodriguez pro model from Nike SB. It is no secret that Nike make incredible shoes and are always at the forefront of developing new technology. Whether you are looking at their range of running footwear, basketball shoes or football boots they are constantly evolving and improving. Advancements in the technology or materials they use and develop are copied and later become the norm. Air bubble technology is a classic example of something introduced by Nike which has often been copied but never bettered. Nike SB have begun celebrating one of their greatest strengths which is being able to make shoes which are light years ahead when it comes to the technology at their fingertips. Who better than J B Smoove to break down how funny it is that skateboarders who embrace progression would then choose to ignore it when it comes to looking after two vital body parts…
This new Paul Rodriguez 9 Elite looks simple at first glance but it is loaded with technical features which we will take you through. Both the upper and the sole unit have a great deal of thought behind them and compliment each other. This isn’t a case of an existing silhouette getting a sole unit makeover. Have a better look…
Paul Rodriguez has spent ten years with Nike SB and things have moved forward significantly since his first shoe. Here is a run down of the design elements are which make up this super lightweight new pro model. His new shoe boasts the inclusion of Flywire cables around the side panels. These make sure that the shoe wraps snugly around your foot and add a flexible glove like fit which makes the shoe feel stable and secure. It eliminates the ankle roll factor some bulkier, more spacious shoes are susceptible to. Because your feet feel locked down, better movement is provided. Their toe, heel and lace zone are overlayed with suede to increase durability and give the shoe the required feel the grippiness of suede offers. These overlays are applied to an engineered jacquard textile upper which is incredibly breathable. Their seamless construction means they wear evenly and there are no isolated, stitched points of weakness. All of this sits on top of a brand new sole unit design…
Air cushioning has been applied to this new shoe like never before. Impact in the heel area is covered primarily by an Air-Sole unit which appears in the sockliner. It is standard practise for cushioning like this to be integrated into the midsole but there is more. Tricks like the kickflip over the handrail in this ad are a part of P-Rod’s schedule. Careful examination of the demands he puts on his feet when regular impact like this occurs left room for further work on the outsole. You will have noticed the honeycomb shapes which appear on the sole. These are four independent Zoom Air units placed at the necessary points for maximum cushioning. Because these units are all doing their job, impact is never deflected and absorbed elsewhere to the detriment of your foot, Zoom air is maximised in the heel. Translucent rubber makes up the surrounding outsole and makes the Zoom Air technology visible. Lay aside any preconceptions and try a pair of these on today. Your Vulcanised shoes won’t be offended and you may well be surprised at how good your foot feels. They are available now in Red or Black. Shop for Nike SB HERE