The Adidas Rose 773 II – Black Lotus Performance Reviews

The Adidas Rose 773 II

Introduction

A quick look back at the 2012-2013 NBA season and it would not be a stretch to call it a lost season for both Adidas and Derrick Rose. Rose missed the season rehabilitating his injured knee while the 3.0/3.5 did not have the impact that the previous Rose models have had. Pushing forward to next season, Adidas gives Rose fans a follow up to 773, originally introduced for the 2012 Olympic Games last Summer. Based off the 3.5 and the recently released Crazyquick, the design is a direct transition to the next Rose model – the 4.0. Representing the hometown of Derrick Rose is the subject of this Performance Review – the Adidas Rose 773 II.

A new summer tradition, the 773 II bridges the gap between the Rose 3.0 and 4.0. The features include the following:

Synthetic leather upper with seamlessly bonded Sprintweb for light weight support and durability
Cushioning provided by EVA midsole
Non-marking rubber outsole with segments for excellent court feel
Padded collar with synthetic leather for added support
Adidas miCoach compatible

Aesthetics and Styling

The Rose 3.0/3.5 took the line in different direction after bold designs for the 1.0/1.5 & 2.0/2.5. As the 773 II is tied to the 3.0/3.5 it is no surprise that the upper looks like a more stable version of the 3.5 Synthetic leather is used for a more full body while the collar has a bit more padding and support. The biggest changes from the 3.5 are the lack of a Sprintframe chassis, a first for a Rose model. Also, the foundation is crafted directly from the newly revamped Puremotion, first introduced with the Crazyquick. The initial run of 773 II releases fittingly features a couple of Chicago Bulls inspired color schemes as well as team friendly colors. The choice for this Performance Review represents Simeon Career Academy where Rose spent his High School years.

Inclusion of the new Puremotion based sole differentiates this Rose model from the 3.5

There are no surprises looking at a side shot of the 773 II. The crossing spiral pattern engulfing the upper is taken straight from the 3.5, while the segmented sole stems from the adiPure Crazyquick. Synthetic leather covers the toe box as well as the Rose patched collar. To begin our look, we flip the shoe to reveal a familiar outsole. Almost a direct translation of the Crazyquick sole, the 773 II is broken up into segments from the forefoot to the mid foot. The most prominent changes are observed down the center – where the curving vertical groove is filled in; and at the heel where the three stripe logo streams up the heel. A herringbone pattern runs throughout the segments and on the heel for traction. Adidas miCoach compatibility is marked at the mid foot where the cavity is branded. Fully supporting the outsole is an EVA midsole. The midsole follows the outsole segments on each side, with the heel having extra support with added thickness.

A synthetic leather and Sprintweb based upper makes up the construction of the 773 II. At the toe box, the smooth leather is littered with perforation holes. The transition to the Sprintweb sides starts at the forefoot with a shiny plastic strip extending from the third eyelet. On the medial side, the spiral design is done in a brushed synthetic material with small perforation holes in the diamonds created by the spiral pattern. A slight change is observed on the base side where the diamond openings have a nylon base. The upper is complete with a small “SPRINT WEB” branding towards the lateral forefoot.

The familiar three stripe logo sits on a stitched leather covering. Designed with a carbon fiber pattern, the heel counter replaces the Sprintframe chassis from the 3.0/3.5. Above the heel counter is the Achilles support. Here, the Sprintweb based upper comes together as the stitching crosses up and around the counter. Next is the collar which rises steep to a curve. The outside of the collar has the synthetic leather for support with the lateral side marked with the D Rose logo. Padding is thick on the inside, while the lining is a textured synthetic.

Stock oval laces run through 8 eyelets. The upper eyelets come to a point for a more form fitting feel, while the top 2 eyelets are punctured through the collar. A mesh tongue sits underneath the laces with a lace holder in the center. The top patch is made of a brushed synthetic with perforations and an Adidas logo for branding. More padding is visible on top with the lining coming through. To finish off the 773 II is a high quality PU insole – standard for all Rose models. This insole is lined just as the collar is complete with the final D Rose logo printed on the heel.

Comfort and Fit

The tight and form fitting Sprintweb based sides need a generous loosening of the laces before the foot can pass through. Once laced up, the 773 II brings a tight, true to size fit with most of the lace pressure felt on the sides and up the collar. The contoured design of the foundation combines with the form fitting Sprintweb for a very close fit around the mid to forefoot. As the forefoot is reached, the shoe opens up at the toe box where it has a flat feel. There is slight wiggle room here, but width wise, it may not be the most ideal for wide footed players. Crowding is not a big issue, but the shoe is contoured, which may cause some issues when in motion. Moving to the rear, the collar and tongue provide comfortable ankle support. Support and protection are not gripping, allowing the padding to soften the blow from the front back to the Achilles. Heel lock down, despite the lack of the Sprintframe chassis, is very good. Just like the collar, it is not the tightest but the heel does seem to be locked in place. For cushioning, the contoured foundation is on the stiff side. The PU insole provides the only barrier of comfort while the segments along the side keep the shoe from being extremely stiff by adding a sense of flexibility. Arch support is outstanding because of the contours and fit of the Sprintweb. The foot has excellent support and can benefit those with flat feet. Offering a tight & close fit with a responsive base, the 773 II is ready to burn up the hardwood.

A contoured sole and tight Sprintweb upper brings good support all around the foot

Performance

Great court feel, a grip around the foot, and a stiff base are what stands out in a static position on the court. The shoe feels like it is ready to push hard. For heel to toe transitions, the segmented sole and leather toe box work great. All of the segments mean plenty of free flex for the foundation. What compliments the flexible sole is the toe box. Because of the high placement of the throat line, the toes are able to flex fully, giving the player more control and a free feel. The heel area does not have any segments and acts more to stabilize heel strikes. And for weight, the shoe does play light. It has good weight balance which is evident with the somewhat free feel of the shoe. Performance for the 773 II is fit for the active player who likes to be explosive. With the Puremotion based sole, the shoe is all about feel and movement. The flexibility of the sole allows the player to push the shoe in all directions, front to back, side to side with a very consistent feel. One aspect that quicker players will notice is the design of the collar. Although it is a high cut shoe, the collar acts more to bring comfort than restrict movement. Most of the hold around the foot is from the Sprintweb based sides. The non-restrictive collar is perfect for those who constantly change directions and like to weave through traffic on the court. For jumps, the Puremotion sole again comes into play. Since the cushioning is on the stiff side, the responsiveness of the shoe is very good. The high quality PU insole is the only real barrier of comfort. With this, the control and court feel the player has can lead to aggressive jumps. The segments of the sole allow the player to pin point where to take off from. Jumps do not have a boost up, but when the player launches off the hardwood, the control felt is excellent. Landings, because of the stiff cushioning, might be a bit harsh, especially in the heat of action. Staying true to the Rose series, the 773 II plays explosive with great court feel, speed, and responsiveness.

Stability performance is excellent in a light weight context. Starting with ankle support, the 773 II focuses more on comfort than tight protection. The collar does come up high enough to provide an expansive wrap. However, the last eyelet is placed under the upper patch, allowing for some movement on top. This results in the padding giving more comfort than gripping hard around the ankles. Moving on, the fit of the Sprintweb quarter panels forms the basis of stability. The sides of the shoe collapse around the foot for a tight grip. With the contours of the sole, the foot is held in place with very little movement. The player can feel the upper holding tight in motion when pushing hard. Lateral slides, quick spins, and deep bends do not have the feeling where the upper is failing, as it brings an aggressive hold. All in all, the fit of the Sprintweb is the highlight of stability. One major change from the Rose 3.5 which affects stability for the 773 II is the lack of the Sprintframe chassis. Without it, the 773 II does not have the bullet proof feel from top to bottom and feels much more free & open.

Taking the new Puremotion design from the Crazyquick, traction is about control and balance. The segments and contoured design give the player a sense of complete control on the court. Since the design is based on segments, traction is more about feel than sticky grip. Especially moving laterally, the wave traction pattern on the pods can be felt working when pressed hard. Traction shines best when the player is in motion using the pods to feel the court and get in and out of movements quickly. Players who like to be nimble will find this set up ideal. As for ventilation, the shoe does hold up well. For the most part the upper is completely covered. Small perforations on the toe box and medial side, as well as openings on the lateral may not look effective, but in the heat of action they do a sufficient job. The player can play in comfort as hot air does have an outlet to vent.

Conclusion

Year in and year out, sneaker companies bank on their star athletes to drive their brands. Out of all the basketball companies on the market, no athlete (aside from Michael Jordan) is more important to their division than Derrick Rose is to Adidas Basketball. The 773 II is an interesting meld of the Rose 3.5 and the Crazyquick – two of the highest performing basketball sneakers on the market. Performance, however, is similar to the 3.5 in a more agile, light weight, and free sense. The addition of the Puremotion style outsole combined the lack of the Sprintframe chassis are what separate the performance from the 3.5. Great court feel, responsiveness, and fluid play are the highlights of performance for the 773 II. And as with the first 773 the most important aspect the shoe brings is versatility for various playing styles and positions. Those who have not took the leap with the 3.5 and are looking for a more than worthy follow up to the 3.0/3.5 would not be disappointed with the latest Rose summer shoe. Released early last month, the Rose 773 II is available in at the Official Adidas Online Store in various colors.

This shoe is comparable to:

Adidas adiPure Crazyquick
Adidas Rose 3.5
Adidas Rose 3.0