Our verdict

nike gray KD 13 EP 'Bred' nike gray KD 9 Elite Aunt Pearl, but its affordable price tag comes full of advantages! This nike gray pair features a tough upper and extra eyelets at the top that offer a customised fit. We enjoyed the containment and lockdown feel of this shoe in every step, as our cuts were propelled by its Zoom Air unit on the forefoot. Even though we could fly up and down the court thanks to its lightweight structure, this shoe's materials are not the most durable out there. If you're looking for a pair of hoopers that stay by your side for a longer time, investing in a more expensive model might be worth it!

nike gray voor dames Pros

  • Extra eyelets that offer a customised fit
  • nike gray Sportswear Air Erkek Sarı Eşofman Altı
  • nike gray Kyrie S1 Hybrid Blue GoldAJ5165-902
  • nike gray zoom kobe vii 7 supreme yotd available for pre order
  • Great grip on clean courts
  • nike gray Therma-FIT ADV Tech Pack Engineered Crew
  • bone nike gray sportswear h86 futura washed aba curva vermelho
  • Affordable

nike gray voor dames Cons

  • nike gray SB 55
  • Lacks breathability
  • first look undercover x nike gray sfb mountain

Audience verdict

87
Great!
  • Top 22% most popular basketball shoes

Who should buy

Don't let the G.T. Cut Academy stay forever on your wish list if you're looking for:

  • A nike gray shoe that offers customised lockdown and containment.
  • An affordable pair from a well-known brand that features its technologies (Zoom Air).
  • A padded and light hooper ready for quick cuts and harsh rebounds.

nike gray g t cut academy outdoor 01 21828451 main

Who should NOT buy

Forget about this shoe if you're looking for a hoop partner that will play with you for a long time. If that's your case, we believe you should check the durable Precision 7, Nouvelles boites nike gray SB nike gray roshe run jacquard premium available nikeid!

The G.T. Cut Academy is definitely not a breathable model! Trust us, if you hoop in the summer with these kicks... your feet are gonna need a break from all the sweating. If you want your toes to enjoy a nice breeze, leave it to the UA Curry 10 or Curry 11! Just take into account that newer signature pairs tend to be more expensive.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet_pieces

Cushioning

Heel stack

This nike gray pair's heel stack is slightly higher than average.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Heel stack_1

At 31.6 mm, our calliper and our feet agreed this shoe is really comfortable. We also felt its cushioning was safe enough for us to blindly and aggressively go for rebounds, which is something we really appreciated as it goes hand in hand with our playstyle!

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 31.6 mm
Average 29.2 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
23.2 mm
Heel stack
38.4 mm

Forefoot stack

nike gray Canyon herresandal Grey.

nike gray g t cut academy forefoot stack 1 21828408 main

At 23.5 mm, this nike gray pair felt nice and safe in our landings during our wear tests. Its cushioning and technologies helped us with its comfort and energy return to move quickly, jump, or create an opening with our footwork.

nike gray g t cut academy outdoor 010 21828460 main

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 23.5 mm
Average 21.7 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
15.5 mm
Forefoot stack
26.8 mm

Drop

With a standard drop of 8.1 mm, we didn't have to get used to the G.T. Cut Academy or readapt our stride. It felt natural and comfortable on foot, which made us enjoy our playtests even more!

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Drop_1

In order to measure and analyse a shoe completely, here in EdiconnectShops we cut it in half. This also lets us see everything it's hiding, from the cushioning to the padding.

In this case, the G.T. Cut Academy features a bottom-loaded Air Zoom Unit that felt pretty springy, offering us great energy return for quick moves. We found it super helpful for cuts and steps, as it gave us some bounce back every time we pressed this technology against the court.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet_outdoor_011

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 8.1 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
4.0 mm
Drop
13.7 mm

Midsole softness

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

This shoe features a double-foam midsole that felt incredibly comfortable during our games.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Midsole softness_1

First, we measured the red foam (in this colorway), which is closer to the foot; and our durometer returned 19.6 HA. This score is way lower than average, which means it felt really soft underfoot. This elevated our comfort levels, and we loved every bit of it.

nike gray g t cut academy midsole softness 2 21828413 main

Then, we analysed the white foam (also in this colorway), which is closer to the ground. Our durometer now showed a harder result of 26.5 HA. This adds some durability and stability to the ride.

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 19.6 HA
Average 24.7 HA
nike gray Free Run 3 Charm Yellow.
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
11.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.6 HA

Insole thickness

At 4.4 mm, our calliper confirmed this shoe's insole is average and simple.

nike gray g t cut academy insole thickness 1 21828417 main

There's nothing special here, so let's move on!

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 4.4 mm
Average 4.8 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Insole thickness
8.6 mm

Size and fit

Size

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet is half size small (94 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how sporco this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

If you normally get a standard D medium width in your athletic shoes, then the The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet should fit just right!

We felt no dead space or tightness ourselves and the shoe's gel mould confirmed our on-foot experience.

Applying our calliper to the widest part of the mould resulted in a standard reading of 92.7 mm.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Toebox width - widest part
Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 92.7 mm
Average 92.6 mm
Compared to 20 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
88.9 mm
Toebox width - widest part
96.6 mm

nike gray Air Max 96 II XX 870166-001

The mould also revealed the shoe's rounded and non-restricting toebox shape. Measuring its width near the big toe returned an above-average reading of 72.5 mm - lots of wiggle room to accommodate all five toes beautifully.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet nike gray Air Max 96 II XX 870166-001
Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 72.5 mm
Average 69.4 mm
Compared to 20 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
64.2 mm
nike gray Air Max 96 II XX 870166-001
72.6 mm

Toebox height

This nike gray shoe also provides ample vertical space to prevent excessive pressure on top of the toes. Its toebox height of 24.9 mm lowers the risk of developing black official or any other painful toe conditions.

nike gray g t cut academy toebox height 22641942 main
Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 24.9 mm
Average 23.4 mm
Compared to 20 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
21.1 mm
Toebox height
26.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

If we take into account our vast experience in shoes, we can't say the G.T. Cut Academy is the most stable model we've ever reviewed. But we can say its containment and lockdown feel are both fantastic, and our wear tests proved it!

As you can see in the video, our ankles didn't get to play much from side to side. The upper of this nike gray stopped any excessive movements, keeping our joints safe.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet_outdoor_06

nike gray voor dames | Torsional rigidity

The G.T. Cut Academy has a well-structured upper, and our torsional rigidity test verified it!

Our thumbs struggled a lot, yet they couldn't get this model to bend at their will! That's why we've given it a solid 5/5 on our torsional rigidity test.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet_outdoor_09

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 5
Average 4.4
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Once we put our hands on the heel counter, we knew it had followed the same path as the rest of this Nike's structure.

Not even the laterals were that forgiving this time, and the Achilles area... pretty much felt like a wall! Even though this meant the shoe would require some break-in, it also translated into great support and containment. Our heel stayed right where it should, which made us feel safe and confident during our games.

nike gray g t cut academy outdoor 017 21828468 main

Honestly, that's pretty much all we need to hoop!

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 5
Average 3.7
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

The midsole width in the forefoot of this pair is average, at 115.1 mm according to our calliper.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Midsole width in the forefoot_1

Even though this is nothing crazy, we found this shoe pretty stable when we landed. Why? Well, because of the protuberance this shoe's sole has on the outer side! It helped us regain balance when we landed after a rough hit mid-air in the rebound.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet_outdoor_013

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 115.1 mm
Average 115.0 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
106.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
124.5 mm

Midsole width - heel

At 88.2 mm, the G.T. Cut Academy's midsole width in the heel is slightly narrower than average.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Midsole width in the heel_1

Despite what our calliper says, we didn't feel unstable underfoot. So don't worry!

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 88.2 mm
Average 90.3 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
80.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
105.1 mm

nike gray air force 1 bespoke dan hwang

Even though this shoe feels comfortable and fast on foot, its transitions are definitely not the smoothest.

At 53.7N, it's a solid 26% stiffer than average, which means it's harder to bend it on the metatarsal area. It gave in little by little after the break-in period, yeah, but even after some games we can't say it rolled easily alongside our feet!

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 53.7N
Average 38.5N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
17.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
62.2N

Weight

During our wear tests, this pair felt pretty nimble on foot. When we ran up and down the court, we felt quite fast, and even though we need to partially thank the midsole for this, its low weight also played an important role here.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Weight_1

So when we took this nike gray to our lab and put it on the scale, we were really happy with the result. At 12.05 oz/342.0g, it's definitely on the lighter side of the basketball shoes.

This translated into quick footwork and extra comfort. Overall, playing in the G.T. Cut Academy was really nice. And it didn't make our legs too tired too soon!

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 12.06 oz (342g)
Average 13.79 oz (391g)
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
11.29 oz (320g)
Weight
17.46 oz (495g)

Breathability

Let us get straight to the point: this shoe felt hot.

That's what our feet said after our wear tests, and we could clearly see it when we took it to our lab. During our breathability test with the smoke machine, the G.T. Cut Academy didn't want the air to get away from it. To understand the difference better, just compare its performance with the Curry 10, nike gray wmns air max 1 ultra moire hot lava 3m women!

We checked the upper using our light just in case there were some hidden ventilation holes, but... nothing at all.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Breathability_3

Our microscope agreed after having a look at the knitted pattern of the upper. As it's tightly woven, there's no way our feet would breathe comfortably in that. Consequently, we've given this nike gray a 2/5 on our breathability test.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Breathability_4

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 2
Average 2.5
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Even though this shoe feels comfortable and fast on foot, its transitions are definitely not the smoothest.

At 53.7N, it's a solid 26% stiffer than average, which means it's harder to bend it on the metatarsal area. It gave in little by little after the break-in period, yeah, but even after some games we can't say it rolled easily alongside our feet!

Toebox durability

After its less-than-graceful performance on our breathability test, the G.T. Cut Academy was up for a harder battle. It was the moment to redeem itself and show us that the lack of ventilation of its toebox was because of its toughness!

Well, the tool attacked the knit and... messed it up. But it wasn't so bad, though. Also, if we look at the inner side of the shoe, right in the toebox, there's a wax top layer that protects the material.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Toebox durability_3

But we always put out Dremel in the very same spot. Why? Because in that way, we can compare the results of every shoe that gets the VIP pass to our lab!

nike gray g t cut academy toebox durability 2 21828400 main

Anyway, even though we've decided to give the The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet a 3/5 on our toebox durability test, which is not the highest grade, it sporcon't sound that bad if we compare it to the results of the nike gray Precision 6: a sad 1/5!

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 3
Average 3.7
Compared to 56 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Anyone would believe that the toebox and the heel of a shoe should get the same score on our durability tests, yet it sporcon't always match. And the G.T. Cut Academy is here to show you an example!

Even though our Dremel tried its best, the heel of this nike gray pair held on for dear life! The tool could barely scratch it, so we gave it a well-deserved 5/5 on our heel padding durability test.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Heel padding durability_3

We could barely see it! This result becomes all the more impressive if we compare it with the poor Reebok Answer DMX and its messy 1/5 on this same test. Look!

nike gray g t cut academy heel padding durability 2 21828403 main

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 5
Average 3.5
Compared to 53 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

When our durometer returned 90.0 HC, we couldn't help but nod. Now that's impressive!

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Outsole hardness_1

This means the outsole of the G.T. Cut Academy should be more durable than average. Even so, the score is not so high for it to lose traction. But hey, no spoilers! We'll talk about this soon enough, but in its corresponding section.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet_outdoor_07

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 90.0 HC
Average 81.9 HC
nike gray Free Run 3 Charm Yellow.
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
61.3 HC
Outsole hardness
91.0 HC

Outsole durability

nike gray Terminator Low Black Green!

We grabbed a tread gauge to measure the dent left by the tool. At 1.3 mm, it's slightly deeper than average, which means this shoe sporcon't have the most durable outsole out there.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Outsole durability_2

Still, it's not a bad result! The pattern is textured enough to protect the main base of the outsole, so don't worry, the G.T. Cut Academy won't leave your side in a couple of days.

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 1.3 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 44 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

nike gray voor dames | Outsole thickness

With a thickness of 4.2 mm, this shoe's outsole is just average.

nike gray g t cut academy outsole thickness 1 21828405 main

Nevertheless, as you might remember, our durometer returned a high result. Consequently, we don't believe this nike gray would need a thicker outsole, as the material is already pretty hard.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet_outdoor_015

Going for a bigger rubber piece would just add some undesirable extra weight to the G.T. Cut Academy!

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 4.2 mm
Average 4.0 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
6.9 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

When we played on clean courts, this pair offered us great traction.

nike gray g t cut academy outdoor 012 21828464 main

Its spiky herringbone pattern bit the floor confidently, but we can't really say it also did it constantly. Whenever the court was dirty or after playing for a bit, as the dust started to accumulate, we felt we were slipping way more.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet_outdoor_05

But by saying this, we obviously don't mean these are ice skates either! Its grip level was enough for us to feel confident whilst playing, and even though we needed to wipe them a couple of times throughout our matches, we can't say we're unhappy with the traction provided.

As long as you keep the outsoles clean, they'll bite. That sums it all up!

Reflective elements

The G.T. Cut Academy sporcon't feature any reflective elements according to our lab results.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Reflective elements_1

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy No

Tongue padding

A puffy tongue is all we needed as the final touch of this nike gray pair's containment.

nike gray g t cut academy tongue padding 1 21828430 main

And, as you can see, we got it! The best part is that the G.T. Cut Academy's tongue accumulates its padding right at the top, a key area, as that's where we'll be tying our laces.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet_outdoor_018

Overall, this shoe's interiors are pretty padded (just look at that heel collar!) and the upper material is not stretchy at all. This is a clear indicator of its snug fit, so don't expect it to give in a lot!

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy 11.0 mm
Average 9.4 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
15.9 mm

Tongue: gusset type

Despite its wonderful containment, what we definitely did not expect here was a gusseted tongue... yet we were surprised by one!

nike gray g t cut academy tongue gusset type 1 21828425 main

We were pretty happy with it, as the shoe itself is already pretty lightweight, which means this supportive extra feature wouldn't hurt. What's more, it improves the containment given by the multiple eyelets we saw at the top.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet_outdoor_014

We really appreciated this feature, as it gives every player the freedom to tie their laces their own way! You can try multiple lacing techniques thanks to this, so don't hesitate to have a look at our guide just in case you need some inspiration.

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy Both sides (full)

Heel tab

This hooper sporcon't have any kind of heel tab at the back.

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet_outdoor_04

Its tight structure and unforgiving materials made putting our foot in slightly harder in comparison with other models, but it wasn't challenging or anything!

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy None

Removable insole

Removable insoles are our thing, and the G.T. Cut Academy complied!

nike gray g t cut academy removable insole 1 21828431 main

As we stated before, this pair has a pretty standard insole. Nothing special, really. But don't you worry about a thing: you can just change it and use your own orthotics!

The nike gray II QS "Beach" Is the Most Retro Version Yet Removable insole_2

Test results
G.T. Cut Academy Yes