In our first ever Unboxed Shoe Review series, we take a look at the latest signature shoe of former NBA MVP and Chicago Bull guard Derrick Rose – DRose 6.

Material & Design

DRose 6 ‘Home’ comes in grey/white synthetic mesh upper to achieve maximum durability while maintaining minimal weight. If you’ve come to love the Adidas Primeknits, you might have to wait until later in February 2016 for the DRose6 version of that upper.

The shoe also features a Boost sole for additional comfort and cushioning. “I feel like the comfort level with Boost helps for after the game. Your feet aren’t sore and you feel almost like you’ve got a house shoe on out there,” Rose tells on an interview.

One can see the six point star of Chicago’s flag at the base of the laces with six reflective lines at the heel. Inspired by the movie The Dark Knight, the DRose logo pops out at the back like Bat Signal on the dark Gotham sky. Also, the shoe’s diamond silhouette pattern and faceted eyelets reflect the marriage of the Windy City’s bold architecture and Rose’s rugged play.

Fit

Good news for the OC sneakerheads: the DRose 6 is true to size, and your feet will slide in perfectly to your newly copped pair. However, we do suggest that you break them in for a few hours before you play in it. This would help give the shoes a more comfortable and snugger fit by softening the upper that’s usually too stiff out of the box.

You can also lace them to get a high or mid cut shoe depending on your game. Going all the way gives extra ankle support; getting them up to the penultimate eyelet allows for more ankle movement. If you are experiencing heel slips, may we suggest you try lock lacing.

The only downside is the tongue that can be annoying during the first few minutes. It is wider and thicker than those of ordinary sneakers making the shoe a bit tighter than you would like, especially if you are wearing Adidas Speedwraps or double socks.

Traction

Excited to try the shoes in a game ASAP, we found ourselves playing on a hot Monday night in an old but famous dusty gym somewhere in the metro. The traction was tested on a wooden court littered with saw and cement dust.

While other players were having occasional slips, the DRose 6 proved that its grip is a tier above. It was easy to stop on a dime, do jab steps, and execute the occasional euro step – floater combination thanks to its herringbone traction pattern. Combined with the deep thread, the shoe gives more grip which will help you do that crucial move to get that win the game for your team.

Cushioning

In case you haven’t heard it yet: in cushioning, Adidas Boost Technology is king. We noticed the extra bounce on our feet when we ran and the soft landing after a hard rebound. You will love how the sole moves naturally with your feet side to side while doing crossovers or lateral defense. The sole tech also gives you an extra umph for quick bursts to the basket or for that second jump for another rebound attempt.

Simply put, it’s like playing on clouds with springs.

Take it from Derrick Rose himself: “This is the second shoe I’ve been able to wear with Boost and the comfort and energy you get back is crazy. I’m not going to wear another basketball shoe that doesn’t have Boost.”

Support

Once you put the shoes on, you’ll immediately feel the lockdown on your ankles care of the FITFRAME heel cage. This ankle lockdown is so comfortable you can do step back jumpers over and over again. For additional stability, Adidas included elastic straps that gives the shoe an adaptive fit for those nasty crossovers.

The sticky insole, with DRose’s signature, minimizes slippage and helps maximize the Boost sole. The Boost is also caged by the StableFrame in the mid sole for added stability and support.

If you think the shoe is too suffocating for your feet, again, you can lace them up to mid cut mode to free up your ankle for a more fluid motion – a treat for the guards. If you are a big man that likes to give punishment inside the paint, better lace them all the way up for that added ankle protection.

Overall

Comfort and performance: if you value these things in your shoe, then the DRose 6 is for you. Adidas made this shoe hard to resist with the Boost sole plus the surprisingly comfortable FITFRAME heel cage and great traction. There is no doubt that this will be your weapon of choice in your upcoming Christmas or alumni league.

We give this shoe a solid: 9/10.

‘Home’ is currently available on your local Adidas stockists for 8,495php while the ‘Away’ lands on the shelves come November 5. You can also design your own DRose6 on miadidas.com or order online through shop.adidas.com.ph.