The Outsider: Nike Zoom Crusader XD

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

There are few things better than a basketball shoe that caters to your sensibilities. With Nike, one of the best setups for success in their shoes is Zoom Air in the forefoot and their Phylon midsole foam base -- it's always a pleasant experience. The unfortunate thing, though, is that sometimes you may want to play outside, and the outsole rubber isn't always made strong enough to keep the shoe lasting long. Fortunately, Nike has added a twist to a new model to compensate.

The Nike Zoom Crusader XD, a model that pays homage to the Zoom Kobe, Lunargamer, and Hyperdunk series, is a sneaker that can run ball on the hardwood, but caters especially the outside. Given its XD designation, the Zoom Crusader uses XDR rubber, Nike's Xtra Durable Rubber compound that stands up especially well on concrete. The rubber is tuned harder than most basketball shoe rubber outsole, making running and cutting less injurious to the outsole.

Engineering plays a big part in the Zoom Crusader as well. Most ballers play on their toes and forefeet, making Air cushioning in the heel a non-necessity; but putting Zoom in the forefoot, which is visible on the bottom of the Zoom Crusader XD, makes the shoe more responsive in the right place for the right times.

The Nike Zoom Crusader XD is slated for a China-only release, but for more future information, stay tuned to Sneaker Report for more details.

[Sneaker Files]

RELATED: The 10 Best Nike Zoom Air Basketball Shoes

RELATED: FIRST GLANCE: Nike Zoom Hyperrev