After the initial promise shown in the Reebok Zig Slash, the follow-up Wall Season 2: ZigEncore proved a disappointing review. This season, John Wall was busy rehabbing an injury before jumping from Reebok over to adidas, never getting the chance to put the Wall Season 3: ZigEscape to the NBA test. Did Reebok finally find the right formula for this line before Wall’s departure? Only a review can tell.

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I was one of the first people I know who played in a pair of Zig Slashes, although I didn’t review them. The shoe sold well so my review would have made no difference, and it is still seen on courts in my area. I thought the shoe was cut too high, the midsole was too blocky on lateral moves, and the traction was iffy on dirty courts. When I saw pics of the ZigEncore, immediately I noticed the lower cut, increased herringbone traction, and the ZigNano midsole found on the running series which, in concept, should lead to better court feel and transition – and it did. However, fit in the forefoot was narrow and cushioning overall was non-existent in the forefoot. Also, no effect on performance, but the design was overdone, there were too many layers and materials, and the colorways were in serious need of a new box of Crayola’s.

Now we come to the third shoe in the formerly Wall-led series – the ZigEscape. Could have thought that name over a bit. Is he escaping defenders, a bad team, a bad shoe contract? I know some who say all three. But I am nothing if not equal opportunity and I will be as non-biased as possible, at least until they are on feet. So was JW right to get out from under the Vector? Let’s push the pause for now…