Detailed assessment of Peak TP9 IV

Peak TP9 4th edition is a transformation of Peak Basketball when it comes to a product on a par with other famous brands. The following are their detailed reviews, considered as a continuation of these review I wrote it first.

I. Design, Material

Instead of the slightly lumpy upper part of the previous 3 versions with thick synthetic leather, TP9 4 is much cleaner with fuse material and mesh fabric. The shoe collar is also shortened, becoming a true low shoe.

The midsole is made from an unnamed Peak foam but comes with the familiar Gradient Dual on the nose and heels. The sole is still familiar herringbone with the inner rubber in the nose revealing the R-Pad at the heel.

Evaluate:

• Correct size but need to try first due to the setting of the Peak size
• Good hugging, lock down
• The lining around the heel is quite smooth

The size I usually go in Nike and adidas is US 10.5 or 44.5 but at Peak, size 44 is the most reasonable (US 11 of Peak). The distance between size 44 and 45 of the Peak is a bit too much, so I choose to go 44 even though it’s a bit tight. The feeling when going in is a very neat fit and not redundant. The speed lacing system is also extremely convenient every time it goes in.

Inside the ankle of TP IV is a thick and firm synthetic leather and also a belt to help hug the ankle more. On a side note, I always reverse the direction of the shoelace at the top (from outside to inside to inside out) because it is more secure in my opinion. Some of you may find that TP IV is a bit loose on the ankle, you can try this, but its heels are tight on the leg so lockdown is not a problem.

The fabric inside is still very luxurious and soft, with an extremely thick PU pad for high comfort. The only minus point is probably the slightly thin tongue, no extra padding.

III. Adhesion

Evaluate:

• Good grip when the yard is clean
• Slightly slipped in the dust field
• The outdoor ability is much better than the signature lines from Nike / adidas

Although the white rubber part in TP IV is to be covered (or painted?), There are times when the outer ring grip is somewhat better. However, the only time I got slippery when testing was on a dusty wooden yard. With most of the pitch in Vietnam, you will certainly not have many problems. The sole layer does not need to be break-in, I took it directly to Ho Xuan Huong yard to try step back without any delay.

Among current basketball shoe companies, Peak is probably only inferior to Anta in soles durability. The rubber on his pair just wears very lightly after 3 or 4 outdoor practice sessions. If you regularly play on rough ground like Phu Tho yard, PKKQ yard, TP IV can withstand up to half a year or more.

Read more about How to choose outdoor basketball shoes here.

IV. Buffer / Cushioning

Evaluate:

• The nose is thin, sensitive, has a slight bounce, a bit stiff.
• Smooth, firm heels.
• Pretty average damping
• Transition is good, quite smooth

Dual Gradient technology means TP9 IV offers 5 different types of foam materials. In which, two types of foam attached to the toe will be stronger, bouncing than the frame. The two types of foam on the heels will be soft, absorbing force better.

Sense of reality, the Peak TP9 IV brings a sense of speed, much more sensitive than the old Peaks of Jason Kidd period. I haven’t had a chance to try the old TP9 series yet so it can’t be compared, but the combination of thin upper and hugging with this buffer will bring a better experience.

In general, the buffer of Peak TP IV is very ok in the price range. The nose is neat, dancing and has a very light bounce while the heels are quite smooth thanks to the S-pad just below the heel and the PU shoe insole.

V. Support

Evaluate:

• Wide, flat base
• Very good fit, upper sure

TP IV’s support is great for a low top shoe. From a good fit as mentioned above to the solid midsole layer, the outsole design is very stable, difficult to flip. The upper exterior is also reinforced with fuse to prevent your foot from slipping off the base during horizontal braking.

Even Peak is equipped with two fixed soles under the sole. This is also the first time Peak has used the name Tenacity Unit instead of Foothold.

The only time I was flipped in TP IV was when I stepped on a pebble, but the outrigger part of the shoe is still pretty good.

BECAUSE. Conclusion – Peak TP9 IV

Pros:

• The best fit in the Peak Basketball series as of 2018
• Soft and responsive cushioning.
• Good price
• The insole durability is quite good

Cons:

• Shoe collar is a bit loose if lacing like at first

Especially suitable for those who fight outside, like speed, but TP IV is still enough to support all positions.

I still maintain that the Peak TP9 IV is one of the best shoes Peak Basketball has ever made. Even the V version after that has not really passed. Currently you can buy genuine TP9 IV goods for less than 2 million. Contact: KicksGeeks

Another option is the TP9 IV Plus with a smoother and more hugging body: