Alright folks, been getting questions about these Brandblack kicks lately, so figured I’d actually grab a pair and put ‘em through the wringer. Wanted to see if they lived up to the hype or if it was all just smoke and mirrors.
The Hunt Begins
First step was actually finding these things. Went straight to my local spots. Nothing. Checked online – not exactly overflowing with options either. Finally snagged the ‘Jet’ model, the ones everyone seemed to buzz about. Paid way more than I usually do for sneakers, honestly made me hesitate. Big box lands on my doorstep a week later. Hype level: medium.
Cracking The Box
Tore into the packaging. Gotta say, they looked slick. Clean design, nothing too crazy. Materials felt… different. Not like your usual plasticky Nikes or rough Adidas. More like a premium kinda fabric, soft but sturdy? Lifted one up – surprised how light it was.
First Steps & Comfort
Slipped ‘em on right there in the kitchen. Snug fit right out the gate, especially in the midfoot. Not pinching, just secure. Walked around the house, bounced a little. Cushioning was definitely there – not super squishy, more like a firm bounce-back. Felt springy walking to the mailbox. Comfort score off the bat? Pretty solid.
Putting Them To Work
Didn’t want just gym time. I wore these bad boys everywhere for two whole weeks:
- Walking the dog: Long walks, short sprints after squirrels (him, not me usually). Held up fine.
- Errands galore: Grocery store, post office, coffee runs. Feet didn’t feel dead afterwards.
- Light workouts: Some bodyweight stuff, a bit of cycling. Traction was decent on smooth surfaces.
- Just chillin’: Honestly, they look pretty fly with jeans. Got a couple compliments.
The Real Test – Durability Doubts
After week two, I started looking closer. That unique upper fabric? Definitely starting to show little signs of wear. Scuffed against a low step once, left a mark more noticeable than it would on thicker leather. The outsole looked fine tread-wise, but where the sole meets the upper at the toe? Hmm. Tiny bit of glue separation peeking through after just moderate use. Not falling apart, but made me raise an eyebrow for the price. Started wondering about longevity.
Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?
Here’s the real tea after beating them up:
- Look & Feel: Top notch. Unique, stylish, comfy right away.
- Performance (Casual): Great for walking, everyday stuff. Cushioning holds up.
- But That Price & Durability… This is the hang-up. Paying premium bucks, you expect premium toughness. Seeing minor scuffs and glue issues after just a few weeks? Not confidence-inspiring.
Honest take? If you got cash to burn and want some exclusive, head-turning, comfy kicks for light duty and looking good? Yeah, maybe splurge. They are sweet while they’re fresh. But if you’re rough on shoes, expect them to be daily beaters for years, or are watching your wallet? Probably not the best bang for your buck. They feel like a premium treat, not a built-like-a-tank investment. Loved wearing them, but not sure they’d survive my usual year-long sneaker gauntlet without looking ragged. Kinda bummed about that part.
