Nike Precision 7 Performance Review

The Nike Precision 7 is currently Nike’s cheapest basketball shoe and an improvement, in my opinion, on last year’s version, which was a solid budget basketball shoe. The Precision 7 features several small updates that do just enough to make it slightly better than its predecessor.

That being said, it’s still a very basic performance basketball shoe, so don’t expect any bells and whistles, but, especially considering that this shoe retails for just $80, it’s a solid hoop shoe. Let’s jump in and see what has changed in this model and how it performed on court.

Nike Precision 7 Tech Specs

Nike Precision 7 Traction

Traction on the Precision 6 was solid so it was interesting to see Nike decided to change the setup of the 7. The Precision 7 features 3 different shades of solid rubber on the outsole, which is etched with a craggy herringbone-adjacent traction pattern. The rubber is sticky enough and that traction pattern offers nice multidirectional coverage. Indoors, this setup worked very well. It’s grippy and effective, and it may not be elite, but it definitely gets the job done.

As a bonus, there’s a good amount of space between the lines of the traction, which means that, on dustier indoor courts, performance remains consistent.

Another positive aspect of this setup is that both the rubber of the outsole and the traction pattern itself offer pretty decent outdoor durability. The Precision 6’s outsole also featured a rather resilient rubber compound, but certain portions of the traction pattern, specifically the nubs on the medial side of the shoe, weren’t as tough.

The Precision 7 should hold up very well outdoors, as far as traction goes, and, in general, traction is solid.

Nike Precision 7 Cushion

The cushioning of the Precision 7, similar to the previous model, was as good as you can expect from a budget foam-cushioned shoe from Nike. I will say that I feel like the full-length slab of Renew foam feels slightly thicker and cushier underfoot than in the 6, but very slightly. The cushioning in this shoe is better if you go into the whole experience with zero expectations. It’s a lightweight minimal setup that is slightly bouncy, and slightly cushioned, but as basic as it gets.

Bigger, heavier players won’t enjoy this setup too much, especially if we’re talking about outdoor play, but smaller shiftier players might get a kick out of how zippy the Precision 7 feels on court.

Nike Precision 7 Materials

I didn’t love the material build of the Precision 6, and I feel like this is the feature of the 7 that has improved the most. Materials are still cheap and synthetic, but this shoe feels much more substantial in hand, and the way it is constructed boosts the shoe’s containment by leaps and bounds. The textile build of the 6 was too flimsy to keep my foot consistently on the footbed as I stopped and cut on court. I had no such issues in the 7. The textile is much more robust, and Nike has placed fuse overlays along the high-wear areas.

This, along with the portions of the midsole that wrap around the sides of the shoe, was just enough to keep my foot securely in place on more explosive moves.

The Precision 7 also features a synthetic leather portion in the heel, a well-padded tongue, and all in all, a more unique and carefully designed look (in my opinion). This is absolutely subjective, but, If I had both the Precision 7 and 6 in hand, and I didn’t know their retail price, I would bet that the 7 was more expensive than the 6.

Nike Precision 7 Support

The support is basic but effective. The shoe’s forefoot is wide and comes equipped with a substantial outrigger, which provides a stable base. The shoe is equipped with a thick, top-loaded, TPU torsional plate, an ok heel counter which is different than the one in the EasyOn version of the shoe if you were wondering, and what the Renew midsole lacks in comfort it makes up in stability. All this, combined with the improved lockdown makes the Precision 7 feel very secure on court which adds to the zippy sensation of the shoe.

Because you have solid traction, effective lockdown, and reliable support features all mixed into a low-profile lightweight package, the Precision 7 lets you feel unrestricted and light on your toes while playing.

Nike Precision 7 Fit

The Nike Precision 7 fits true to size so go with whatever size you usually use with Nike and you should have zero issues. The textile upper requires zero break-in time, but, as you play in the shoe, it will loosen slightly.

Nike Precision 7 Overall

Basic but good. The Precision 7 is as simple as it gets as far as basketball shoes go, but it offers very dependable on-court performance. Traction is very good and, unlike most modern hoop shoes, will hold up well outdoors. The cushion isn’t amazing but it’s not terrible, and it’s better than what we had in last year’s model. Materials and lockdown are also improved in this latest Precision model, making it a much more secure feeling shoe. And, the shoe retails for just $80.

Would it be nice to see Zoom Air (or a similar higher end cushion) in a budget basketball shoe? Yes. Would it be nice to have a budget basketball shoe suitable for bigger hoopers? Yes. Do I expect anything better from Nike at this price point? No.

I’d say that, if you’re a lighter guard and you need a second pair of inexpensive shoes to beat up in practices or outdoors, this might be one of the best options available right now. As far as budget options go in general, I would also say that the Precision 7 is a very good option. Just keep in mind that the Precision 7 is as plain and unadorned as a basketball shoe can get.

Let us know your opinion on the Nike Precision 7 on YouTube or in the comments section.