Jordan CP3 VIII Performance Review

What’s up everybody! We’re back with another sneaker performance review this time featuring the new Jordan CP3 VIII. Chris Paul has been breaking ankles and throwing lobs in the NBA for years now and is regarded as one of the elite players in the game. But most of the time he gets overshadowed by his other big name counterparts like Kobe, Lebron and KD. Don’t let that fool you. You know what this guy can do on the court. The CP3 shoe line also goes down a similar path. Among the signature sneakers, the CP3 line has got to be the least hyped of them all. Again, don’t let this fool you. His shoe line has always been a solid performer on the court and this latest model shouldn’t be any different. Let’s get to it!

The design of the CP3 VIII doesn’t move too far from its previous models but just adds tweaks to the different areas to make it perform better. The upper is constructed with textile material combined with fuse and the new flight web technology for dynamic support. The black/red colorway we tested features a dominant black upper with hints of red on the laces and midsole. Light grey fills the logos and outsole to complete the design.

CUSHIONING

The CP3 VIII features zoom units on the forefoot and lunarlon on the heel while keeping that pod setup that’s been a staple in CP3 models. Right off the box I felt that zoom on the forefoot. It wasn’t too soft but it felt just right when you put some weight on it. On the court it was a really comfortable ride. I really liked the responsiveness of the zoom on the forefoot when I pushed off or made cuts. The lunarlon at the heel felt great as well, and combined with the zoom in the front, made for one smooth ride throughout my runs.

FIT

They fit true to size but you can go a half size up. The fuse overlays on the toe box makes it a little stiff so going a half size up felt better for me. The CP3 VIII uses an inner sleeve setup which gives you a sock-like feel that wraps around your foot well. It started off a little stiff for me because of the fuse material or maybe because I got so used to the woven material of the XX9. Just give it a few runs to break in and it only get better and fit like a glove. Dynamic flight web on the mid foot wraps around your foot well and keeps it locked in adding to that great fit overall. The TPU frame on the heel all the way to the fore foot adds stability and keeps your foot contained especially on those sudden stops, one of CP’s favorite moves. Great fitting shoe overall without restricting your movements.

BREATHABILITY

The CP3 VIII uses textile material on the upper with fuse overlays on the toe box, lace area and ankle collar. The fuse takes away most of the breathability but the mid foot area made with textile mesh acts as its main source for air flow. You also have the tongue area for added air flow. For me breathability was ok and I didn’t have any issues with hot spots throughout my runs. It may not be the most breathable out there but for me there were no issues.

TRACTION

The shoe uses multidirectional traction patterns which were made specifically for CP’s game to allow him to stop and change direction on a dime. You have mostly herringbone pattern throughout the outsole with a wavy part on the fore foot area and heel. The outer side uses horizontal herringbone for side movement and better traction on cuts. The traction on the inner side goes until the front part and side of your toe to give you that added grip on your crossovers. I didn’t have any problems with the traction and overall I felt they did a good job. I didn’t get any slipping or sliding in all my runs.

SUPPORT

One of the key highlights of the CP3 VIII is great support. You have flight web technology that really keeps your foot locked in. I really like how this wraps around your foot and keeps it secure. The TPU frame on the heel up to the forefoot adds stability for heel lockdown and protection on cuts and direction changes. You always want to feel safe and secure on lower cut shoes and the CP3 does the job well. Give it a few runs and you’ll get that optimal level of fit and feel.

Overall the CP3 VIII is a solid shoe and a great performer on court. CP3 has always been a quiet guy and lets his game do all the talking which speaks the same for this shoe. The CP3 line has pretty much stayed consistent over the past few years with a few tweaks to make it better each year. The CP3 VIII doesn’t get all the hype but all you have to do is try it on and see what you’re missing. The price tag of P6,995 for a signature shoe is also a steal in today’s prices so I suggest you don’t sleep on these.

You can get a pair of the Jordan CP3 VIII at your nearest Toby’s Sports stores for P6,995. You can also find them in other Nike retailers around the metro.