Sneaker Review: D Rose 5 Boost

MANILA, Philippines – Derrick Rose’ comeback season did not start smoothly as what he envisioned it to be. But after an on and off start, the Chicago Bulls superstar playmaker is finally healthy.

Rose was back to his explosive ways leading into the season starting off with his Gold Medal stint with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup. Along with his league comeback is the launch of his new signature shoe, the D Rose 5 Boost, which is also hoping to make a comeback in the sneaker scene after his signature line also took a hit when he was sidelined due to injuries for almost two seasons.

Philstar.com was fortunate enough to be invited by adidas Philippines during the Titan Trial Run to check out the latest signature shoes of Rose. After two months of test run, here is a summary of the experience with the shoes that might help you consider this pair as one of your Christmas gifts to yourself.

Lockdown

The D Rose 5 has more room giving you an extra half inch space for your feet. So if you’re a size 9 in your previous basketball shoes, you have to go with 8.5 for the best lockdown but then again you can compensate that by putting on double socks.

Cushioning

The D Rose 5 is very light that can rival the other popular sneaker line of adidas –the crazy light series. 

Batang Gilas players were there during the Titan Trial Run and they found the shoes comfortable and with good ankle support.

“Malambot siya at magaan saka maganda ang support niya sa ankle. Siyempre pag bago ang sapatos, medyo matigas pa but that is expected pag bago ang shoes,” said Batang Gilas shooter Jollo Go.

Truth be told, based on my own experience, you need at least two to three good runs with the shoes to break it in. Then the discomfort at the toe box will go away.

Boost Technology

What makes the D Rose 5 stand out is its Pure Boost technology.

Even Batang Gilas guard Michael dela Cruz was amazed with the shoes.

“Yung ilalim ng D Rose 5, sobrang lambot so mas madali ka gumalaw saka tumalon,” Dela Cruz told Philstar.com.

Upon checking it myself, the D Rose 5 amazingly gave an extra boost that would keep you playing longer than what you were used to. As a casual weekend warrior player, the D Rose 5 gave me extra spring in my legs that kept me going until the tail end of the games.

You have to keep in mind that this is a Derrick Rose shoes. The former NBA MVP is known for his quick first step and explosive attacks to the basket, hence, adidas implemented the full length boost on this one. Unlike the crazy light boost, which only has the boost in its tiny heel unit, the whole D Rose 5 midsole is encapsulated by the new technology, which was further developed by German car maker BMW.

This is what separates this basketball shoe from the rest. adidas finally found a technology that can make a run with the other basketball performance shoes in the market.

Jehl Capanas, adidas Philippines asst. manager for field sales, said that the boost technology has been created by adidas 10 years ago. It is what they call as “compressed energy capsules”. They look like a styro foam but surprisingly sturdy and unbreakable.

Capanas explained that there are 2,500 energy capsules in that full length boost around D Rose midsole.

“Ten years ago, we wanted to get that energy return in our shoes. With the boost technology, you store energy in your legs in every effort you exert,” Capanas said.

So that energy return gives you the much needed boost towards the end of the game and help you fight leg cramps.

Traction

With D Rose 5 made for explosive players, expect the traction to be great especially when shifting from side to side. The herringbone pattern at the forefoot bottom of the shoes keep them glued on the floor and give you that squeaking noise that correlates with great traction.

Design

Performance-wise, the D Rose 5 is up there. But off the court, you can wear this at the risk of landing in Fashion Police. This has always been the bone of contention for the D Rose line. They were never made for off the court activities but a better styling could boost its sales.

D Rose had a hand in the round up of his signature shoe so his personal detailing is imprinted all over. The D Rose logo, which he personally co-designed with adidas, honors his family. And then there is his signature details below the EVA Fit Cage that tells D Rose’s story.  

There are different colorways that look better than this red and black in the photos.  Check out the Chicago Ice and Woven Blues which really look way better than the first colorways released in the D Rose 5 series. The shoes retail at Php7,995 and available at all adidas stores, Titan 22 and NBA Store Philippines.