One thing’s for sure about the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6—they don’t waste time making an impression. The moment we stepped on the court, it was obvious: these feel quicker, lighter, and just more dialed-in than their predecessors. Adidas clearly leaned into speed and agility with this version—but without giving up the stability and support that serious hoopers need. And that bold, modern design? It screams “let’s go.”
Performance-driven design
Right out of the box, the D.O.N. Issue 6 looks faster—and feels it too. The sleeker build and lightweight materials immediately give off that streamlined, no-nonsense vibe. They’re a bit stiff at first, which isn’t unusual, but after a couple of games, the upper starts to break in and flex naturally with your foot. That’s when you really start feeling the freedom.
And don’t let the enclosed upper fool you—it breathes better than you’d expect. Even in the middle of an intense pickup game under a hot summer sun, overheating wasn’t an issue. The ventilation does its job, keeping things cool and comfortable when it matters most.
Outstanding traction on any court
Traction? Absolutely dialed in. The outsole pattern is clearly crafted with quick cuts and sudden stops in mind—it grips like a dream, whether you’re on a pristine indoor floor or something a bit dusty. Every pivot, every shift in direction feels sharp and secure.
You can tell this was designed for explosive guards like Donovan Mitchell. That rubber compound gives you that satisfying bite right away—no break-in needed. Just a heads-up, though: the softer rubber might not hold up as well on outdoor courts, so if durability’s your priority, you’ll want to keep them indoors.
Lockdown fit and secure feel
Let’s talk lockdown. This shoe knows how to hug your foot in all the right ways. The internal bootie paired with the reinforced upper structure keeps everything locked down, even when you’re pushing full speed or throwing down sudden changes of direction.
We laced them all the way up—yes, including the top eyelet—and didn’t notice any heel slippage or wobbly landings. It’s that kind of fit where your foot feels like part of the shoe, not just sitting inside it. Perfect for guards who need that sharp, controlled explosiveness.
Light, firm cushioning
Adidas went with their Lightstrike Pro midsole here, and it delivers a firm, responsive ride. This isn’t your cloud-soft cushioning setup—it’s more low-profile, more snappy. You feel connected to the court, which is ideal if you play with a lot of burst and rely on quick takeoffs or changes in pace.
If you’re used to plush landings, you might notice the firmer feel at first. But for players who want that reactive, pop-off-the-floor energy? It’s right on the money.
Final verdict
If you’re a guard who plays fast and precise, the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 hits all the right notes. Lightweight, breathable, responsive, and secure—it’s built for movement, built for control.
Sure, the outsole might not be the best for long hours on outdoor courts, but performance-wise, it’s up there with the best. It’s the kind of shoe that fits your game from day one and only gets better the more you play in it.
So if your game is all about sharp cuts, high energy, and leaving defenders behind—you’ll feel right at home in these.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent traction on clean and slightly dusty courts | Softer rubber may wear faster outdoors |
| Lightweight and breathable upper | Initial stiffness requires brief break-in period |
| Secure lockdown with internal bootie and reinforced upper | Cushioning may feel firm for fans of plush midsoles |
| Ideal for quick guards and explosive movements | |
| Sleek, modern design with performance-driven aesthetics |
Hoka Clifton 10
