Wade Shadow 5 V2
Way of Wade’s Shadow 5 V2 is a very well-ventilated basketball shoe and is specifically designed to excel outdoors.
Release Date: 2024
Price: $120
The Way of Wade Shadow 5 V2 is one of the brand’s most budget-friendly models, but, in usual Way of Wade fashion, it’s still filled to the brim with performance features. The Shadow 5 is designed to handle outdoor play with ease, and the V2 version of the shoe has been modified to be tremendously well-ventilated to keep your feet as cool as possible during the summer months.
As impressive as the Way of Wade Shadow 5 V2 is on paper, it does have several issues that may make or break the shoe for some people. So, let’s jump into the review and go over the positives and negatives of the Shadow 5 V2.
UPDATE: The Wade of Wade Shadow 5 V2 made it onto our list of the best outdoor basketball shoes of the year and our list of the best and lightest basketball shoes.
Wade Shadow 5 V2 Performance Review
Wade Shadow 5 V2 Traction
The Way of Wade Shadow 5 V2 features a distinctive traction pattern with 2 main patterns placed in strategic areas of the shoe. The rubber with which the sole is constructed is tough and grippy, and it requires some break-in time to really bite indoor surfaces well. On outdoor courts, on the other hand, they perform very well right out of the box. On dusty courts, the shoe does pick up some dust but it’s manageable with regular wiping. The traction in conjunction with the shoe’s weight, ventilation, and the shoe’s all-around reactiveness make it feel speedy and agile on court.
There is really nothing to complain about in terms of traction. It’s not an elite setup, but all around it works very well, and the ability of the Shadow 5 to handle indoor and outdoor play with no issues is a big plus.
Wade Shadow 5 V2 Cushion
The cushioning setup of the Shadow 5 V2 is not a standout feature, but it is reactive, fluid, and above average, especially when we compare it to basketball shoes in the same price range. The shoe features 2 layers of cushioning. First off, we have a thin full-length Boom insole. This provides some step-in comfort but is not a game changer. In fact, I personally would have preferred a more traditional insole. The insole has no textile liner on top, so it stuck to my socks every time I put the shoe on, which was annoying.
Once you have the shoe on, the insole doesn’t do much in terms of cushioning, but all around, the Shadow 5 V2 provides a nice blend of compression and responsiveness on court. Under that Boom insole we have a midsole of Cloud Foam Plus. The setup is bouncy and comfortable, but, especially considering that this shoe is designed for outdoor play, it might have benefited from a slightly plusher cushioning setup.
Wade Shadow 5 V2 Materials
This is the most surprising and best feature on the Way of Wade Shadow 5 V2. The upper is built with Way of Wade’s Cool Shell technology, and it actually does what it claims it does. This build/material setup is super thin and lightweight. It’s slightly disconcerting when you start playing in these because it almost feels like someone is blowing a fan on your feet. Then, as far as lockdown goes, these materials also do a fantastic job. They require no break-in time and they do a great job of keeping your foot securely in place.
Some fuse and vinyl reinforcements in high-wear areas also boost containment, and there’s a soft TPU piece on the lateral side of the shoe that acts as a sidewall for lateral containment.
The only issue I had was with the heel padding. The first time playing in the Shadow 5 V2 it irritated my heel and gave me a small blister, but I only had that problem on the first day of testing.
Wade Shadow 5 V2 Support
Support is another standout feature in the Shadow 5 V2. As I have mentioned, the build works very well in terms of overall containment. The shoe is also equipped with 4 lace cables that loop under your foot and, when the laces are tightened, help to draw your foot down into the footbed. The Shadow 5 also features a sturdy heel cup and a robust TPU midfoot shank plate. The way this plate is implemented is very reminiscent of the Eclipse Plate on the Jordan 36 and provides all the torsional rigidity you will need on court.
The shoe also features a wide base, and the cushioning setup is very stable underfoot. All in all, the Shadow is a very nimble and secure feeling shoe and will keep up with any move you want to throw at them on the court.
Wade Shadow 5 V2 Fit
The Shadow 5 V2 fits true to size, so go with whatever size you usually use. It’s a snug 1 to 1 fit, so keep that in mind if you’ve had issues in the past, but this is the best style of fit as far as performance goes.
Wade Shadow 5 V2 Overall
The Way of Wade Shadow 5 V2 is a solid all-around performance basketball shoe, especially considering that it retails for just $120. The traction is trustworthy and will hold up very well outdoors, the cushioning provides a well-balanced and fluid ride on court, the support features will keep you locked in and reactive on court, and the material setup is elite. This is the most well-ventilated shoe I’ve ever tested. On top of that, Way of Wade was able to keep these materials super lightweight without sacrificing lockdown in any way.
I would have appreciated a more plush cushioning setup, especially considering this is an outdoor-orientated basketball shoe, and I don’t love the Boom insole. But, the insole is removable and replaceable, and the Shadow 5 does provide just enough impact protection to keep your legs relatively fresh even when playing on the blacktop.
