ClutchFit Drive Low - Elite 24

UA has slowly been upping their shoe game in the Philippines to compete with basketball household names like Nike and Adidas. Signing a high profile All Star in Steph Curry has definitely stamped their full arrival in the basketball shoe game. Opening stores in BGC and SM Megamall adds to the Baltimore based manufacturer's presence here in the Philippines.

One of the signature shoes from UA released in 2014 was the ClutchFit Drive Low which was showcased during the Elite 24 on the blacktop court of Brooklyn in August. The Elite 24 game featured the top 24 high school preps suiting up for a pick up game in front of basketball fans, college coaches and scouts all brandished in their UA gear from head to toe. Unfortunately for us the ClutchFit Drive Low was never released in the Philippines. Only the Steph Curry endorsed high tops made it our local UA stores and other retail outlets (Titan, Planet Sports and Toby's). Fortunately for me, I have a hook up who was able to grab a pair and ship it to Manila for this review. Let's get it on.

Cushioning - Micro G

UA used the Micro G cushioning technology on the ClutchFit Drive Low. Micro G, like the Lunarlon on the Kobe line, provides a low to the ground profile for that quick change in pace and direction. However, I will give Micro G the slight upper hand because it is firmer and doesn't bottom out over time. There is a bounce in UA's cushioning system that it makes it effortless to land and rebound (responsiveness). And it looks like Under Armour did not sacrifice anything over their cushioning technology as it is still slim and extremely light.

Traction - Herringbone Pattern

One of the best features I love about UA basketball shoes (particularly the Anatomix Spawn Low and the ClutchFit Drive Low) is their traction. The grip on a wooden court is excellent. The well spaced multi directional herringbone pattern of the sole make for those sudden stops or when you want to do that quick cross over. And I say "well spaced" because the sole doesn't accumulate dirt and is easy to clean. Traction on outdoor courts (and I mean the cement courts in our barangay) is no different with the grip indoors. 

Support - Heel Clip 

I've been using low tops since the Kobe IV and have favored the recent UA low tops as well. There is definitely less support in using low tops but this pair still provides plenty of support in all other areas. UA added the heel clip counter to provide that extra support. A flat base and low to the ground Micro G also helps provide that stability. However, the Micro G insole doesn't have that molded arch which might not be the best for flatfooted players. A very small outrigger on the lateral side of the forefoot provides some additional support when cutting. The material used on the upper also provides added stability to show as is snugs your foot in place. One downside of the CFD Low is the lock down of the heel clip. I felt that it does not provide that lock down similar to what the Kobe 8 provides. 

Upper - ClutchFit

That material that I referred to earlier is UA's newest upper technology, the ClucthFit, which was laid around the shoe. ClutchFit is a light material that is supposed to act as a second skin which wraps around your foot for that perfect fit. And I can say that it is as advertised. I initially thought that this will be like the Kobe 7 where the upper is really hard and hurt my foot when cutting or stopping. ClutchFit was definitely nothing like that -- it molded to my foot and flexed when needed. 

Final Word

For most people the UA CFD runs true to size but that is not the case for me. I normally wear a US 9.5 on the Kobe line and when paired with the Elite Socks they fit perfectly. So I got the US 9.5 of the CFD-L and there was some space in the toe box even if I use thicker than usual socks. The extra space is a welcome though due to the lack of the shoe's ventilation. I will definitely get a US 9 when the next colorway is released this month (January 2015).

As I mentioned, my initial concern was the lack of ventilation due to the use of ClutchFit technology on the upper. This material doesn't have any mesh or perforation for the feet to breathe. The only area where your feet can take in some air is the tongue which is made of mesh. In the Philippines where it is hot and humid it is a definite cause for concern. I've used my ClutchFit Drive Low on may occasions, in different courts (indoor and outdoor) and in different Manila weather (hot and humid, extremely hot and humid as well as a little cold) but I've never experienced any blistering of chaffing on my feet. The mesh tongue is more than enough to provide your feet some needed air to last a full game.

My other knock on the CluthcFit Drive Low is the heel to toe transition. The Anatomix Spawn Low is noticeably better in this area. The ClutchFit Drive Low doesn't propel you forward and a little more effort is needed in making those fastbreak dash.  

The ClucthFit Drive Low is on my usual rotation as it provides traction, cushion and comfort. The high top version is most likely the same with the added support on the ankles. Hands down this is one of the best performance shoes for 2014.