adidas AE 1 Low: Better Than The AE1, One Of The Best Basketball Shoes Of 2024

The adidas AE 1 is Anthony Edwards’ first signature shoe with the brand, and easily one of the best basketball shoes of the year, one of the best first signature shoes that has ever been released, not to mention one of the best adidas basketball shoes overall. Now adidas has released a low-top, slightly updated version of the original AE 1.

Normally, when a brand releases a low-top version of a basketball shoe, they usually just drop the top and call it a day. But adidas went the extra mile with this shoe, which warrants updating our previous performance review of this shoe. So, let’s get into it:

UPDATE: The Adidas AE 1 Low also made it onto our list of the most comfortable basketball shoes of the year, our list of the best low top basketball shoes, and our list of the basketball shoes with the best traction.

adidas AE 1 Low Tech Specs:

adidas AE 1 Low Traction

The traction of the AE 1 Low is one aspect of the shoe that has seen no changes, which is a good thing as traction in the original AE 1 was elite. The AE 1 Low boasts the same no-nonsense traction setup that works so well indoors. What we have is a translucent rubber outsole, with an aggressive, full length, and full-width herringbone traction pattern. The rubber adidas used is super grippy and it bites the court like no one’s business.

It does need some time to break in and tends to pick up a little dust, but nothing major. Once you’ve put in an hour or so with the shoe, and wipe the sole with some regularity, you should have zero issues. It also isn’t a good option for outdoor use, but, as long as you reserve the AE 1 Low for indoor hooping, you will have top-tier grip underfoot.

adidas AE 1 Low Cushion

Here we see the first major change in the AE 1 Low from the original AE 1. The first version featured a thin, full-length slab of Boost underfoot. It was light, springy, and offered some compression, but because it was such a thin portion of Boost, and because of its implementation, it was more reactive than previous iterations and offered excellent court feel.

This new version switches things up a bit and features (what seems to be) a Lightstrike midsole with two units of Lightboost one in the forefoot and one in the heel. This setup feels just as good, if not better than the original. Much like good Zoom Air, you can feel the softer Boost portions of the midsole as you move on court, making the AE 1 Low feel slightly more comfortable and plush.

Also, exposed Boost can tend to rip, and Lightboost (seen in the brand new adidas Ultraboost 5) is even softer than your typical Boost. Kudos to adidas for nailing the implementation of this new setup and only leaving a small portion of the Boost visible in the heel of the shoe. Having the Boost pucks caged also helps to add reactiveness and stability to the shoe, so again, kudos.

adidas AE 1 Low Materials

The materials on the AE 1 Low are exactly the same as in the Mid version, however, how they have been implemented has changed slightly, and, though these are minor changes, the upgrade they provide to the experience on court is major. First, one complaint some people had regarding the AE 1 was the weight of the shoe. Weight isn’t really a performance feature, but it is a preference.

As this new version is a low-top, there is less material all around to add weight, therefore the shoe is significantly lighter. So, if the weight of the AE 1 was a concern for you, that concern is no more.

Second, and more importantly, one not-so-great aspect of the original AE 1 was the lace loops in the forefoot of the shoe. They were bulky, fixed, and added nothing in terms of lockdown, and, for some foot shapes, they were uncomfortable and made it harder to get the shoe on. Well, adidas has completely done away with this portion of the shoe, making it that much more comfortable, adjustable, and light.

adidas AE 1 Low Support

All the support features in the AE 1 Low are exactly the same, and as in the first model, support is certainly a highlight of this shoe. For starters, we have a very wide base with tons of contact area with the court and a very stable cushioning system. Then there’s that TPU wrap that does a wonderful job of providing lateral containment.

The adidas AE 1 Low is also equipped with the brand’s X Frame spring plate and with an internal and external heel counter. The X-shaped torsional plate is practically full-length and adds a good amount of torsional rigidity and a nice springy feeling underfoot. The heel counters do a great job of keeping your heel in place and one minor change in the Low version is that they are better sculpted and padded. Lockdown in the heel was already great, so in this version it’s just a little bit better.

adidas AE 1 Low Fit

The OG AE 1 fit true to size, if anything it fit slightly big, and this has changed in the Low version. If anything the low version fits slightly small. Perhaps adidas has changed the last in this version but, our recommendation is to go true to size, keeping in mind that these offer a closer 1-to-1 fit. If you are worried that this might be an issue, try them on in-store to find the size that works for you best.

adidas AE 1 Low Overall

To keep things short and sweet, the adidas AE 1 Mid is an excellent shoe (one of the best of the year in fact) and the AE 1 Low is slightly better in almost every way.

adidas should get their flowers for not just lazily cutting the top off the original and calling it good.

Although the AE 1 Low looks similar to the originals, this is a very different basketball shoe and a better one at that. Not only is it better, it’s cheaper. The first AE 1 retailed for $120, which was already a very reasonable price for such a high-performing signature model, and the low version will run you a mere $110.

One can only hope that Nike and Jordan Brand are taking notes. If they aren’t, hopefully, consumers will recognize the good work adidas is doing and make the switch.