Shoe Name: And1 Triangle Mid
Scoring:
Fit: 10/10- The basic lacing system works very nicely with the shoe. The mesh layers ensure that those with wide feet could fit comfortably into the shoe. The TPU triangle insert offers a supportive midfoot fit.
Ankle Support: 7/10- Though the mesh upper is reinforced with a synthetic leather triangle, the shoe still flexes very easily around the ankle. Those looking for bulletproof support or coverage would be better suited with something else.
Cushioning: 7/10- The forefoot and heel EVA offers durable cushioning. Most guards would find the EVA to be sufficient, but bigger ballplayers might need something a bit beefier.
Traction: 9/10-The traction has performed admirably on all indoor surfaces so far. I’m just a tad worried about outdoor durability for those who rock these in the parks.
Total: 33/40
Ranking: B
If you’re a history nerd like me, you know triangles have played an iconic role in history. The shape is seen on the dollar bill, is very important in Christianity, and was a Masonic symbol. In mathematics, it is the simplest polygon—three sides and three angles—and is anchored around basic function. This fall, And1 released the Triangle Mid based on the popular shape.
Like the Pythagorean Theorem (shouts to Mr. Acker), the Triangle has all the necessary elements to solve your problems—on the court that is. The upper is composed of a full-length, multi-layered mesh shell that provides surprisingly good durability. As a long time sufferer of Athlete’s Foot, these offer incredibly ill ventilation that keep my feet dry long after cooking my opponents. To add support, synthetic leather overlays (all cleverly shaped like a certain three-sided shape) were added. The TPU-Triangle support wing offers a nice level of mid-foot support when the shoe is fully tightened because it is integrated into the lacing system. Even with the added help, hefty ballers or dudes with bad ankles will not find these overly flavorious. The mesh upper flexes very easily near the ankle, negating consistent follow through. Bright spots include the simplistic speed lacing system and a densely padded tongue that doesn’t cause pain over the instep.
Below the foot, the shoe employs a sockliner that is just too thin, word to Keira Knightley—sure, her accent is hot but too skinny ain’t a good look. The Triangle’s sockliner is just too thin to ensure comfortable cushion for beefy ballplayers. Forefoot and heel cushioning is provided thanks to a CMEVA midsole. In short, CMEVA does not offer much deluxe comfort, but it’s durable and consistent like Hammond’s bank shot. If you are a fan of a more firm ride underfoot, surely you’ll enjoy rocking these just as much as Bob and I dig pancakes. The beveled heel piece ensures the rear will remain stable whether you’re playing D or taking your latest victim to the butter. On-court traction is stellar thanks to a pattern comprised completely of triangles. I play on slippery and clean floors alike, and the shoe has performed admirably.
Early into my sophomore year of high school, I received a C on a “Shape Equations” test. Most of my errors were stupid, but I continued to put in work, and by the end of the year was getting an A. And1 has all the ingredients to make a perfect shoe: A symbolic design, mesh for ventilation and durable cushioning. For run-n-shoot guards looking for a light, unrestrictive option, these are certainly for you. Unfortunately, the Triangle Mid isn’t versatile enough to encompass those that need plenty of ankle support or a plush ride underfoot. The shoe wasn’t good enough to be the formula per se, but it appears to be a pivotal part in future product development as the brand continues to push minimalism. In the past few years they’ve made large strides with technology implementation and bold designs. I expect And1 to be getting straight As soon!
Feel Free to ask any questions/comment
November 3rd, 2007 at 11:38 pm
BILLY HOYLE says:
Son! Good review!
3 things:
* You should mention they’re ONLY $65. (and available at Zappos.com since stores barely carry And1 anymore)
* Keira was smoking hot as a teenage soccer player in that Beckham movie…(no R Kelly)
* the sentence above the outsole shot is mis-worded….edit that joint!
Otherwise, good writing and I had the same feelings on this shoe. Nearly great, but also pretty flawed in the cushioning dept.
Also — tell Bob he did a good job giving you this gig!
- Nick
November 4th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
yes, yes . . . i love pancakes! haha, just made a big cinnamon one this morning, then dropped 22 on 9 for 10 shooting (4 for 4 from three) in our Pelham Fritz 38 and over League in Harlem! ooh-wee!
yo jeremy–welcome to the squad. it’s been a long time coming and you earned with all the devoted letters to the magazine over the years.
peace peace,
bob
November 4th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Jeremy Ripley says:
Yo!
Nick, really appreciate the praise-I mean you are THAT DUDE when it comes to awesome performance reviews. Looking foward to the site and that MELO review!
haha…the R.Kelly like had me rolling. Personally, I like her best as sultry royalty in the Pirates movies…
Bob, I was in my W.W.B.D. mode this morning (what would bob do) and went with some pancakes with some applesauce topping and some butter-flavored syrup. Great shooting too! I’ve been in the gym everyday this week slowly getting my legs back.
To Bounce Readers: As Nick stated, And1’s generally aren’t carried in chain stores for whatever reason. Zappos.com, Shoes.com, Shoemall.com, and And1.com all have the Triangle in most sizes. I think Zappos and Shoes.com have free shipping.
I actually purchased my pair at Famous Footwear for $60.00
Peace.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:10 am
Andy Schremp says:
ayo jerm congrats on the bounce blog title. And yeah if you got a famouse footwear any where in your area code make sure you hurry there right quick to pick up a pair of the triangles. Me and Jeremy went there and jerm was basically offered a job there on the spot ( he doesnt have a job cept for working for his dad ) and he denied it ( straight up laid the hammer down on em ) so now hes gonna work at a retirment home … jeremy are the triangles good for that too ?
- White thunda ( andy schremp ) aka dawn-ta-dusk
November 6th, 2007 at 12:09 am
you-know-bout-me says:
I live in madison wisconsin and its nice to see a home boy on the page along wiht all yall NY natives (no offence). Way to go Jeremy.
Anyway I used to get bounce at barnes and nobles but now they dont carry it anymore id rather buy it in person than get a subscription does anyone know any franchise stores that still carry the mag?
November 6th, 2007 at 12:31 am
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
you-know-bout-me–
the only place to purchase our mags right now is on our online store. subscriptions are the best way to ensure you get us every time out. thanks for your past support and we hope that it continues.
peace,
bob
November 6th, 2007 at 10:00 am
Jeremy Ripley says:
You-Know Bout-Me-
Thanks for the support! I actually had the same problem with Barnes&Noble. The Westside Madison Barnes&Noble carried issues 4-7 I believe. It seemed as if they only ordered about 10-15 copies because they usually only had 5 copies displayed at a time. I would typically buy 1 or 2 issues for a friend (shoulda bought 3! some of my older issues are pretty tattered, cuz I reread through them so many times…haha) I’ve always wondered they stopped carrying them.
But yeah, subscribing is definitely your most viable option for acquiring the new issue. I’ve recieved three issues over the past few months all in clear plastic packaging. I think it’s only $10 right Bob?
Peace.
December 26th, 2007 at 6:21 am
bob wheat says:
I bought same item from ShoeMall store on Couponalbum.com & saved 15% by using code SAVE15..!!
March 3rd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Snake says:
Great review, I’m about to cop a pair of these