2012 has been a tremendous year for basketball performance releases.  Basketball shoes have been around forever, and technological advancements each year has not seen a growth this big in quiet a long time.  Nike and Adidas always come strong with their front line performers and signature player models.  Under Armour continues to try and chip away at the competition with quality performers, slowly expanding their marketing efforts.  As the drapery falls on 2012, we countdown the top 9 performers of the Summer/Fall starting with numbers 9-6.  As a note, our list is based purely on performance according to our evaluations.

Before we begin, the following performers just missed the cut:  Adidas adiPower Howard 3, Nike Lebron X, Jordan Super.Fly, Adidas Crazy Cool, Under Armour Micro G® Charge BB

Under Armour Spine Bionic

9 – Under Armour Spine Bionic
Our list begins with an Under Armour performer that takes a running/training based model and translates it to the basketball court.  The Spine Bionic offers comfort from Micro G® based cushioning with a very light weight upper.  This shoe makes our list because of the comfort, light weight performance, and most of all, versatility for all positions/play styles.

Nike Hyperdunk (2012)

8 – Nike Hyperdunk (2012)
The shoe that started a revolution came revamped for 2012.  Exposed Flywire cables and a Lunalron cushioning set up brought a new direction for the Hyperdunk.  Just like our number 9 shoe, the Hyperdunk is just so versatile not to make any top performers list.  Debuted during the Summer Olympic Games, this shoe excels in comfort, light weight performance, and responsiveness.  The Hyperdunk will always come high on our recommendations for an everyday, reliable basketball performer.

Nike Hyperfuse (2012)

7 – Nike Hyperfuse (2012)
Number 7 marks back to back Nike performers.  Just like the Hyperdunk, the Hyperfuse introduced a new way for Nike to cut weight in a shoe – with a layered based upper.  The 2012 version of the Hyperfuse brings the line back to the original.  Zoom based cushioning and a tight fit bring aggressive play on the court.  And just like the Hyperdunk, versatility is an aspect that is strong with this performer.

Adidas Crazy Shadow

6 – Adidas Crazy Shadow/adiZero™ Ghost 2.0
Two team Adidas performers land just outside the top 5.  The Crazy Shadow and adiZero™ Ghost 2.0 have the same base (outsole/midsole) with a similar, almost perfect fitting upper.  Court feel and responsiveness are two attributes that characterize both well, and the major difference between the two simply observed in how the uppers feel on the foot.  In other words, you can not go wrong with either shoe.  Adidas Basketball has come out strong in the past few years so it will be interesting to see how they shape up for the Spring of 2013.

Adidas adiZero™ Ghost 2.0

Four solid performers from three different companies start off our top 9 list.  As you can tell, the competition this year is fierce and making a ranking list may not appropriately reflect how great this season has been.  Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are in a dog fight with respect to performance, which is a big plus for the consumer.  Let us know what you think of our list so far in our comments section!!!  What does the top 5 hold?  Be on the look out as we complete our Top 9 of the Summer/Fall next week!!!

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