High Quality PDF file: Nike SB Project BA Weartested
Disregard the official numbers printed on his birth certificate, (1976, we’ll let you do the math), Brian Anderson is still putting pressure on the concrete streets like a fire hydrant. Whilst most skateboarders his age are sipping cocktails and enjoying their retirement, the Thrasher SOTY of 1999 shows no signs of slowing down; 2013 marked his success in starting his own skateboard company, 3D skateboards, and also designing his personal Nike SB pro model shoe, the Project BA.
Regardless if you see the Project BA as a pro-model or a collaboration, the influences of the fallen „Savier“ project are clearly visible. This model is just another heartbeat in the revival of running-sneaker inspired shoes right now, and also packages a trip down memory lane with its shoe-design. Whether that trip down memory lane was met with smiles or frowns can be read in the following review.
The Nike SB Project BA fits true to size.
Like nearly every modern model that has been released, overlapping materials or seams are non-existent. The Project BA features a suede one-piece toecap with runner-inspired stitching. Yet even with that feature, durability was not one of the strengths of the Project BA. After our 10h test, the suede already showed signs of significant tear. Another critical feature might be the perforations in the toe-area, but they didn’t cause any trouble during our test. The outsole on the sides wore off faster than expected too, while the sidewalls seemed to be withhold high durability status. However, the sole itself proved to be really durable, letting the advantages of its deep pattern shine.
When it came to cushioning, the Project BA showed very good results. Nike´s Lunarlon technology is implemented in the midsole, visible by its dark-grey color. The Lunarlon foam is spread all over the length of the foot, making sure your feet feel cozy and protected. Also, unlike many other models, the sole and cushioning in the heel area is rather thin, which increases boardfeel.
The Project BA is a runner/skate shoe hybrid; thus sporting a bulkier silhouette than common cupsole models. Even though it is a higher cut, ankle range of motion isn’t hindered in any way, and the support is excellent. The sidewalls seem to be nearly parallel until reaching the toe-area, where the Project BA ends in a nicely shaped toecap.
For a runner-inspired cupsole model, the Project BA delivers good boardfeel. The sole is thin enough to provide great boardfeel, and also features incisions that improve the flex of the sole. The overall stability of the sole itself is excellent. Flexibility and the deep pattern of the sole result in amazing grip that doesn’t decrease with wear.
Comfort is one of the main features of running shoes. With that said, it’s not surprising that the Project BA is extremely comfortable. Its shoe-in-shoe technology, which features a sock-like inner material with a fixed tongue and strap-like sidewalls, help improve stability quite a lot. Additionally, the construction of this model is surprisingly lightweight and packs a surprise with amazing breathability, which is quite rare when it comes to skate shoes. Perforations along the whole frontal area and big mesh-inserts in the midfoot area are the main contributing factors of that impeccable breathability. The low and wide silhouette of the Project BA keeps your foot safe and snug, and this great stability does not decrease with wear. However, the toe-area did lose a lot of its initial rigidity.
The Nike SB Project BA is a very comfortable, running inspired cupsole model that shines in terms of cushioning, stability and breathability, but has minor weaknesses when it comes to the durability of the upper material.
