October 2007
A cheap-chic shoe scores points
FULL-COURT TEST Most of our team said the Starbury II is fine for the street but not as good as their favorite basketball shoes.
With some basketball shoes costing $200 a pair, Stephon Marbury stepped in last year to stop the insanity. Marbury, a point
guard for the New York Knicks, teamed with Steve & Barry's clothing chain to create the Starbury One basketball shoe for $14.98.
It has been replaced by the Starbury II, at the same price.
The One, which Marbury wore last season, earned decent marks in our earlier tests. To test the Starbury II, we asked nine players from a men's summer basketball league to wear it for two weeks during games and practices and compare it with their current favorite basketball shoe. We also tested the II for flexibility and breathability, and hired an outside lab to assess its cushioning.
Although six of the nine players said they would not buy the Starbury II for basketball--they said it provided less comfort, stability, or impact absorption than their favorite shoe--our measurements showed that its heel cushioning is very good, its forefoot cushioning is good, and that it's very breathable and fairly flexible.
CR's take. Not a slam dunk, but not an air ball either. The Starbury II would be a fine casual, everyday shoe, and the price is terrific. Other Starbury clothes and shoes are also available for less than $15 at Steve & Barry's stores. For locations, go to www.steveandbarrys.com.
The One, which Marbury wore last season, earned decent marks in our earlier tests. To test the Starbury II, we asked nine players from a men's summer basketball league to wear it for two weeks during games and practices and compare it with their current favorite basketball shoe. We also tested the II for flexibility and breathability, and hired an outside lab to assess its cushioning.
Although six of the nine players said they would not buy the Starbury II for basketball--they said it provided less comfort, stability, or impact absorption than their favorite shoe--our measurements showed that its heel cushioning is very good, its forefoot cushioning is good, and that it's very breathable and fairly flexible.
CR's take. Not a slam dunk, but not an air ball either. The Starbury II would be a fine casual, everyday shoe, and the price is terrific. Other Starbury clothes and shoes are also available for less than $15 at Steve & Barry's stores. For locations, go to www.steveandbarrys.com.
