Our verdict

The Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 is an investment that will give a lot of returns. We believe that this is the case where a high price tag is absolutely justified. For us, this shoe is an instant top pick in the durability and stability departments. And for sure, it is among the best options for outdoor use that we've seen in a while. If Nike fixes its firm midsole and trims down the weight for the next iteration, we are ready to claim it as THAT SHOE.

Nike Air Max 95 "Anatomy of Air" Pros

  • Perfect for outdoor courts
  • Outstandingly durable
  • Nike Lebron Xviii 18 Low Bred Black Red White Sneakers Shoe
  • Wide platform
  • Very secure lockdown
  • nike dunk low premium id white dark forrest
  • Breathable enough
  • Sustainable materials

Nike Air Max 95 "Anatomy of Air" Cons

  • Nike Training Dri-FIT Pantaloncini blu
  • Heavier than average
  • Break-in needed

Audience verdict

82
Good!

Who should buy

Nike Air Jordan 6 Retro GS Wash Denim CV5489-401 limits and capacities of the Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3, we consider it an excellent option for the following:

  • small forwards who need tons of support and stability
  • Nike Air Max 95 "Anatomy of Air"
  • air force 1 07 white yellow purple

nike cosmic unity 3 review 20020530 main

Who should NOT buy

Nike Air Jordan 6 Retro GS Wash Denim CV5489-401 previous version of the Cosmic Unity, we believe that the v3 is a bit of a letdown when it comes to cushioning and weight. If you want a softer and more responsive Zoom Air cushioning, go with the v2. We also found that it is a whopping 2.3 oz (65g) lighter!

nike air force 1 low madeira black nike sb dunk low prm sashiko vc0316 400 mystic navy gum light brown sail. It is 1.7 oz (48g) lighter, has plusher and bouncier cushioning, and is just as great for outdoor courts.

nike cosmic unity 3 lab test 20020531 main

Cushioning

Heel stack

The shoe's cushioning comprises a drop-in midsole that sits on top of an embedded midsole. We measured the combined stack height of these two.

In the heel, our caliper shows 27.9 mm of stack, which is slightly thinner than average but still in the medium range.

Less cushioning typically translates to a better ground feel and we can confirm that the Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh feels more grounded.

nike cosmic unity 3 heel stack 20020504 main
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 27.9 mm
Average 29.1 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
23.2 mm
Heel stack
38.4 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, we measured the stack height at 20.7 mm. It is also considered average for a basketball shoe. It is neither too thin to hurt the ball of the foot not extra cushioned.

nike cosmic unity 3 forefoot stack 20020503 main
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 20.7 mm
Average 21.6 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
15.5 mm
Forefoot stack
26.8 mm

Drop

Calculating the difference between the heel and the forefoot height, we get a drop of 7.2 mm.

This slight elevation of the heel above the toes is right at the average of hoop shoes. We believe that it will suit most players.

Bigger guys and gals, on the other hand, may benefit from a higher drop as it gives more impact protection in the heel. Some shoes like that include the Adidas Dame 8 (10.4 mm).

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 Drop
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 7.2 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
3.9 mm
Drop
13.7 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

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The cushioning of the Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 is a far-far cry from the brand's claim of "cloud-like cushioning." We repeated the durometer measurement several times to make sure we are not biased and yet every time the tool confirmed our experience - this shoe is firm. At 33.3 HA, the Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh is about 20% firmer than average. 

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 Midsole softness

Because of that, the shoe feels dense (and even thin) and definitely lacks impact protection for our moderate body weight. Unfortunately, it is a downgrade from the second iteration which was 32% softer and felt amply cushioned despite the lower stack height.

Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 33.3 HA
Average 25.1 HA
STINGWATER × NIKE SB DUNK LOW MAGIC MUSHROOM 23cm.
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
11.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.6 HA

Insole thickness

Because the shoe comes with a drop-in midsole, there is no insole in the Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh per se.

men s nike air max 97 ul 17 918356 006 black white.

We are not exactly sure why Nike went with this midsole design. But at least it gives us an opportunity to replace its underwhelming cushioning with something more fun and protective. Not to mention that it gives way to using custom orthotics.

nike cosmic unity 3 insole thickness 20020510 main
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 0.0 mm
Average 4.8 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
0.0 mm
Insole thickness
8.6 mm

Size and fit

Nike Air Max 95 "Anatomy of Air" | Size

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 is slightly small (55 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

womens nike air zoom pegasus 35 turbo 2 0 pink black

Having retrieved a gel replica of this Nike shoe's toebox, we measured its widest part at 93.6 mm.

Even though it is slightly wider than average, the shoe still falls into the medium-width range but with a tough of wiggle room.

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 womens nike air zoom pegasus 35 turbo 2 0 pink black
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 93.6 mm
Average 92.8 mm
Compared to 28 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
88.9 mm
womens nike air zoom pegasus 35 turbo 2 0 pink black
96.6 mm

Chaussure de skateboard Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid PRM Orange

On the flip side, the shoe's toebox has some tapering towards the toes which reflected in a below-average width of 67.8 mm near he big toe. However, it's not aggressive enough to cause any serious toe jamming for a medium-width foot.

nike cosmic unity 3 toebox width big toe 22641935 main
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 67.8 mm
Average 69.3 mm
Compared to 28 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
64.2 mm
Chaussure de skateboard Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid PRM Orange
72.6 mm

Toebox height

The Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh doesn't skimp on vertical space either with am above-average toebox height of 25.4 mm.

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 Toebox height
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 25.4 mm
Average 23.4 mm
Compared to 28 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
20.1 mm
Toebox height
27.4 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Luckily, the Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh comes Kyrie strong when it comes to support and stability. This shoe made us feel contained like no other!

The first salute goes out to supportive materials on the upper. All those sturdy woven layers of Flymesh and Flyknit blend together to lock the foot in place. We Add zero in-shoe movement.

Just look how little stretch (if any) there is in the upper!

Torsional rigidity

Our next shoutout goes to the plastic shank embedded into the midsole. It extends up on both sides, firmly bracing the arch. We haven't seen expanded shanks like that in quite some time.

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 Shank

This design is responsible for the shoe's increased torsional rigidity. Twisting it is not that easy! On a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 is the stiffest, we rated it as 4.

We consider it an essential stability component of the Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3.

Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 4
Average 4.4
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro Taupe Haze EU 41

The shoe's heel cup was another pleasant surprise. First of all, it is notably stiffer than most basketball shoes. Giving it a good squeeze, we rated its stiffness as 4 out of 5.

Secondly, the shoe's rear foot is designed in such a way that our heels ended up sitting quite deeply in it. Heel slippage is simply non-existent here.

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 Heel cup

Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 4
Average 3.7
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
1
Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro Taupe Haze EU 41
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Finally, we cannot leave the shoe's wide base without attention.

Measuring the widest part of the forefoot with a caliper, we found it to be 115.3 mm. This is a little wider than average.

Air Force 1 Premium 07 GauchoS Gym 315180 311.

nike cosmic unity 3 midsole width in the forefoot 20020512 main
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 115.3 mm
Average 114.9 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
106.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
124.5 mm

Another look at the Nike Forward hoodie

The Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh also features a wide heel area. We measured its widest part at 91 mm. A solid average for a hoop shoe.

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 91.0 mm
Average 90.1 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
80.0 mm
Another look at the Nike Forward hoodie
105.1 mm

Nike Air Max 95 "Anatomy of Air" | nike men air max 95 bhm multi color kinetic green photon dust nict

Being such a sturdy shoe, the Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 loses a bit on the flexibility front.

It doesn't bend very easily on the foot and as our lab test shows, it's not very bendy per se. It took 23.1N of force to get the shoe to flex in the forefoot, according to our lab machine.

We anticipate that the shoe will get more flexible with use but the break-in period is going to take a while.

We felt less maneuverable in the Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh but in return, we got smoother heel-to-toe transitions and enhanced stability.

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 nike men air max 95 bhm multi color kinetic green photon dust nict
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 23.1N
Average 20.5N
Compared to 20 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
13.4N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
25.9N

Weight

Apparently, being a durable shoe has its price.

The Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 gained some serious weight compared to its predecessor. It now tips the scales at 15.7 oz (444g) whereas the average of our lab-tested hoop shoes is 13.7 oz (387g).

It feels very substantial underfoot but it seems to be the trade-off for the unmatched wear resistance and overall support.

Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 15.66 oz (444g)
Average 13.79 oz (391g)
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
11.29 oz (320g)
Weight
17.46 oz (495g)

Breathability

When we first saw all those layers of mesh and knit embracing the upper of the Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh, we instantly thought "Uh-oh, here comes a toaster." And yet, our smoke machine test proved that this Nike shoe found a way to ventilate the interiors.

Based on the amount of smoke passing through the upper, we assessed its breathability with a rating of 3 out of 5.

It is clear from the transparency test below which parts of the upper are responsible for the airflow.

Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 3
Average 2.6
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

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In addition to its mesmerizing looks, the embroidered upper of the Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh is also impressively strong. It survived our 12-second Dremel test with very minor damage and deserved the highest rating of 5/5. No wonder it is advertised for outdoor use!

Nike Air Max Terrascape Plus Sail and Sea Glass 27.5cm TITAN × NIKE AIR JORDAN 23 26cm ($115), it becomes clear why the Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh is asking for $170.

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 Toebox durability comparison

Of course, we couldn't help but explore the shoe's upper under our microscope in an attempt to reveal its secret durability formula.

nike cosmic unity 3 microscope 1 20020528 main

We can see how multiple layers of woven fabric create several layers of defense on the Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3. This shoe is ready for some serious wear and tear.

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 microscope 2

Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 64 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Kyrie in the heel, the collar padding also showed excellent results in our Dremel test. Pressing the tool against the material for 4 seconds, we saw smaller damage compared to basketball shoes on average.

Nike Air Fear Of God 1 Light Bone.

nike cosmic unity 3 heel padding durability result 20020500 main

Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 3
Average 3.6
Compared to 61 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole courtness

The shoe's unmatched durability includes the outsole as well.

Measuring the courtness of its rubber with a durometer, we found it to be 86.5 HC. This is courter than 81% of our lab-tested basketball shoes. And in our experience, it takes much longer to wear through court rubbers.

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 Outsole courtness

This fact in combination with our playtests allows us to wholeheartedly recommend the Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 for outdoor use.

nike cosmic unity 3 outsole 20032301 main

Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 86.5 HC
Average 81.5 HC
STINGWATER × NIKE SB DUNK LOW MAGIC MUSHROOM 23cm.
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
61.3 HC
Outsole courtness
91.0 HC

Outsole thickness

We also use a caliper to check how thick the outsole is. At 3.5 mm, it is not among the thickest we've seen.

nike cosmic unity 3 outsole thickness 20020501 main

But we wouldn't be so concerned about that because the nature of the treads on the Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh looks very reassuring. Wide and deep, these lugs are not easy to wear off.

Based on all of our findings in the durability department, we can claim this Nike shoe to be one of the best for outdoor use.

Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 3.5 mm
Average 4.0 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
6.9 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

The grip is fabulous on the Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3. We mostly tested the shoe on a rubberized outdoor court and felt very surefooted. But we can readily recommend it for courtwood and concrete surfaces too.

We had to wipe the dust off much less frequently compared to other basketball shoes.

Tongue padding

The shoe's tongue is much thinner than average. At 4.9 mm, it is nearly twice thinner. And yet, it feels fairly well-padded.

We think that more padding in the tongue would be unnecessary as the shoe's upper offers plenty of support and in-shoe comfort as is.

nike cosmic unity 3 tongue padding 20020520 main
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh 4.9 mm
Average 9.2 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Nike Air Presto Iris Whisper 878068-504 Nike
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
15.9 mm

Nike White Bling Air Force 1 07 LX Sneakers

Surprisingly for its higher-end price point, the Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh doesn't have a gusseted tongue.

However, this was never an issue for us as the tongue stayed in place and wrapped around our insteps comfortably.

The tongue is pretty wide and is made of a neoprene-ish material, which apparently makes up a success formula for this Nike shoe.

nike cosmic unity 3 tongue gusset type 20020518 main
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh None

Heel tab

Because the edge of the shoe's collar is made of a pliable Flyknit material, having a finger loop to assist with putting it on is pretty handy.

nike cosmic unity 3 heel tab 20020519 main
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh Finger loop

Removable insole

Remember that taking the insole out of the Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 equates to removing the shoe's cushioning entirely. So you would need to find a thick replacement of at least 12 mm in the heel.

Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 Removable insole
Test results
Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh Yes

Sustainable materials

As a final bonus, the Nike Blazer Mid 77 GS Double Zig Zag-Stitched Swoosh is claimed to be partially made of responsibly sourced materials. These include recycled post-manufactured and post-consumer waste like yarns, textiles, and plastics.Throughout the tournament the Blue Devils laced up a host of Nike PEs that included the 3 laces