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We’re going to examine the Nike GT Cut Academy today, the less expensive sibling of the GT Cut 3, to see if it can compete on the court without going over budget. I wonder if this is one of those cases where the younger brother advances up to be greater than the older brother. It’s not often that the smaller brother in the world of basketball shoes takes center stage over the more well-known sibling.
| Overall Score: 8.8/10 |
Nike GT Cut Academy Traction:
The shoe’s outsole features the same alternating herringbone thread pattern as the original GT Cut 3. Instead of reusing the GT Cut 3’s mold, Nike invested money to make a new mold for the GT Cut Academy. That’s really a surprising thing to do, specially from Nike.
Both shoes offer exceptional traction despite the GT Cut Academy’s cost-cutting measures, with the GT Cut Academy possibly leading the pack in terms of adaptability to various court conditions. For players who want steady traction without going over budget, the GT Cut Academy is outstanding because it outperforms its more expensive counterpart on a variety of surfaces.
Personal preference is the main distinction between the GT Cut 3 and the GT Cut Academy. For those looking for unrivaled performance without having to pay the premium price, The GT Cut Academy makes a strong case. The GT Cut Academy is a little more resilient than the GT Cut 3, even though it is still classified as an indoor shoe thanks to its solid rubber outsole that provides consistent performance all around. Though not particularly astronomical, the differences do exist the two models: finer thread patterns, a unique compound, and an overall construction that points to a longer lifespan of the GT Cut Academy.
Nike GT Cut Academy Cushion:
Usually a takedown model is aimed at reusing expensive components from the expensive shoe onto the cheaper one to save costs. Nike could easily have taken the outsole and midsole from the GT Cut 3 and just changed the ZoomX and put in some cushon and just call it a day.
But that’s not the case with the GT Cut Academy. This is completely a new construction. This also has Zoom Air which the expensive GT Cut 3 doesn’t. Which did flabbergast all the people when the specs were announced.
However, the way Zoom Air is implemented in the GT Cut Academy—with its bottom loading, rectangular Zoom stick, and bar positioned middle and not parallel to your strike zone—is pretty dumb. You know where the ball of your foot is, and for most people who play sports, that’s where their strike or impact zones are, over in the sole and the metatarsal area. Particularly in a lateral sport where you have to move both laterally and linearly, like basketball. So what will this Zoom Air do eaxctly?
Anyway, the GT Cut Academy has a dual density foam configuration, with basic Phylon being a long-lasting, lightweight material. There is another layer of foam inside the foam that is not known to the outside world. In spite of these reservations, the GT Cut Academy is remarkably comfortable to wear—especially considering its under $100 price range.
The ZoomX used in the GT Cut 3 is a better foam, more resilient and absorbent, and more of an energy return system. But given the price, GT Cut Academy is a good option because Nike has been using the same foam for a long time.
Nike GT Cut Academy Material:
This is where the changes really start to happen on the Nike GT Cut Academy. A variety of materials were used in the initial GT Cut 3. Textiles, fuses, microfiber, and similar materials. It’s pretty basic, this one. Anything and everything is synthetic. The material at the toe is heat-welded. The eyestays and heel of your shoe are covered in synthetic leather.
Everything else is merely a simple textile construction. It’s really nothing exceptional, and I believe that’s what makes it so wonderful. And the insole is just ordinary. It’s kind of glued in there, so I can’t really take it out without ruining them or anything. However, they are detachable, and light blue OrthoLite insoles.
So, just a cheap insole. Before playing in them, I would advise taking out the insole and replacing it with any other insole you might want if you feel like you need something extra—for example, more cushioning or extra torsion support. Other than that, you should be fine if you leave them just as they are.
Nike GT Cut Academy Support:
Due to its fitting and locking in system, the shoe provides a pretty secured feel when laced up. That too not being uncomfortable at the same time. The shoes actually feel great on the feet. Comfortable material is used inside. And the design is pretty dynamic as well.
For people with specially wider feet may find it tight though, in the toe area. But if you have wide feet, you probably face this with almost every shoe with basic configuration, right? So it’s not a thing to actually complain about. But I had to write whatever I discovered during the testing.
Apart from that, the overall support system of the Nike GT Cut Academy is pretty solid. And for this price tag, I would definitely say that these shoes are very tough to beat.
Nike GT Cut Academy Fit:
In terms of fit, they do indeed fit true to size. Therefore, you should order exactly what you usually wear. Regarding sizing, the GT Cut Academy and GT Cut 3 are identical, with the GT Cut Academy fitting significantly more snugly than the GT Cut 3. I could wear the GT Cut 3 even though they are half a size smaller. but not the GT Cut Academy. It’s something you would really like in a one-on-one fit. It is my opinion that the Nike GT Cut Academy will fit more people universally. Like, more people will fit into this better.
Nike GT Cut Academy Verdict:
The Nike GT Cut Academy features excellent traction, with a very surprisingly different and newly designed outsole from the main GT Cut 3. The Material is pretty basic, but that’s because the price is low as well. The cushioning is great and the fit is one to one. So overall, The Nike GT Cut Academy is a highly recommended option from us.
This shoe is genuinely devoid of frills and gimmicks. Nothing exists that you don’t require. It’s got all the features you could want in a basketball sneaker without the extravagance. So once more, this is it if you’re one of those players who just needs something dependable in terms of performance.
