When the Nike Book 1 dropped in 2023 with a $140 price tag, it made a quiet but confident entrance. Performance reviewers mostly stamped it in the «very good» lane—WearTesters gave it a solid 8 out of 10. That tells you what kind of shoe you’re dealing with: not packed with flashy tech, but reliable, well-built, and ready to go. Think substance over sizzle.
Traction, surfaces, and how the rubber behaves as you play
Let’s talk traction—the part of the shoe that can literally win or lose you games. Out on the court, the Book 1 sticks. It’s got that full-length herringbone setup that’s been around forever for a reason. Indoors or outdoors, it grips the hardwood or blacktop with real confidence—no slips, no skids, just crisp stops and cuts, even if you’re flying. The wild part? It actually grips harder the more you move, as the rubber warms up. That sticky-once-warm effect is something fast guards and shifty wings will appreciate.
Still, not all rubber is created equal. A few folks who tested the translucent outsoles found they collect dust more easily and lose some of that grip magic, especially on crusty old gym floors. Solid rubber tends to be the safer bet if you hoop on less-than-pristine courts. And if you’re outdoors a lot? Go solid, bring a towel, and thank yourself later.
Lab tests back all that up too. The outsole scores high across the board and holds up decently outside. Is it an outdoor tank? Not quite. But it won’t fall apart after a few rough sessions either—as long as you don’t grind blacktop every day with just one pair.
Midsole feel
The cushioning setup is simple, but not in a bad way. You’ve got Cushlon 2.0 across the midsole and a big Zoom Air unit tucked into the heel. So yeah, it’s soft and springy in the back, keeping your landings smooth and your legs fresh. Up front, things are lower to the ground—more court feel, less bounce.
For most positions, that mix works. It’s comfy, responsive, and stable when you’re pushing off, changing directions, or sliding laterally. Some hoopers do wish there was a Zoom unit in the forefoot for a little extra spring in their step. But overall, once the foam breaks in, people say it’s a comfy ride.
Performance data confirms what your feet already feel: the heel’s got noticeable bounce, the forefoot leans more grounded. That combo makes the Book 1 a strong fit for guards and wings who live on quick stops, shifts, and jukes. If you’re a big who’s constantly skying for rebounds in traffic, though, you might find yourself craving a bit more pop up front.
Fit and sizing
Fit is where things get personal. The Book 1 runs snug and a bit short, so if you’ve got wide feet—or just like some breathing room—most people say go up half a size. If you’ve got narrow or average feet and like that glove-like feel, true-to-size can still work. It really depends on how you like your shoes to fit.
Now, the comfort story changes with time. The first few runs might feel stiff or tight, but stick with it. Once the padding molds to your foot, the comfort level shoots way up. The collar and tongue are plush—like, genuinely soft—so your ankle feels secure without getting strangled. Once everything settles in, the lockdown improves big-time. Lateral cuts, pivots, hard plants—you stay locked and loaded.
Just a heads-up: in at least one version with a translucent sole, traction struggles made lockdown feel less secure. That’s another reason to lean toward solid rubber if you play on dusty courts.
Materials and durability
Now here’s where the Book 1 flexes a little. The build just feels premium—more like an old-school performance shoe than today’s superlight mesh sneakers. Suede, leather overlays, sturdy padding… it’s a throwback, but in a good way. It feels built to last, both on the court and off it.
Players love how it holds up under pressure—and how good it looks doing it. For the price, it really punches above its weight. No corners cut, no cheap-feeling spots. You pick it up and think, “Yeah, this feels like something.”
The downside? Breathability. The upper doesn’t let a ton of air in, especially up front. So if you’re hooping hard for long stretches, expect some heat buildup. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting—especially in the summer. Wear breathable socks or rotate pairs if your feet start cooking. As for the outsole, it’s durable enough for outdoor runs if you’re realistic. Don’t expect forever, but it’ll hang in there.
Mass, movement, style, and day-to-day value
On paper, it’s not the lightest shoe in the room. But on foot? It moves smooth. Transition is clean, stability is locked in, and the upper keeps you centered without feeling stiff or overbuilt.
Then there’s the style. That part’s subjective, but the Book 1 gets a lot of love for how it looks. Clean colorways, thoughtful details—like heel tabs designed to look like book pages turning—it’s got character without trying too hard. People rock it casually all the time. That crossover appeal—court and street—is a big part of its charm. Play in it, or throw it on with jeans. Either way, it works.
Who should buy Nike Book 1 and who not
If you’re after great traction, solid heel support, and a locked-in ankle once it breaks in, you’ll probably vibe with the Book 1. It’s built for movement, rhythm, and confidence.
If your game depends on explosive toe-offs or you’re a big constantly jumping in traffic, the lack of forefoot Zoom might feel limiting. And if you hate hot feet or tight fits? Consider sizing up or trying a pair with lighter materials. For dusty gyms, solid rubber is almost a must. Translucent outsoles can still work, but be ready for extra wiping and maintenance.
Final veredict
At the end of the day, Nike cooked up a legit first signature for Book. It takes a minute to break in, sure, but once you’re there, it rewards you with comfort, control, and a premium feel that’s rare at this price point. The traction gets grippier the more you play, the materials hold up, and the design feels personal—like something made with actual care.
Could it use better breathability? Definitely. And we wouldn’t say no to some forefoot bounce and a few more colorways either. But for a shoe that can handle your daily runs and look clean off the court, the Book 1 starts the series off strong.
| ✅ Pros | ✖️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent traction on clean and dusty courts, both indoors and outdoors | Poor ventilation, especially in the toe box |
| Solid heel cushioning with Zoom Air and Cushlon 2.0 | No Zoom unit in the forefoot, which limits bounce during toe-offs |
| Premium materials (leather, suede) that feel and look high-quality | Fit runs narrow and slightly short; not ideal for wide feet without sizing up |
| Strong lockdown and stability after break-in | Takes time to fully break in and feel comfortable |
| Versatile style: works well on-court and looks good casually | Translucent outsole versions need more upkeep on dusty floors |
| Decent durability, even for moderate outdoor use | Not ultra-lightweight, though they don’t feel heavy in motion |
| Good ankle support thanks to plush collar and tongue padding | Forefoot prioritizes court feel over soft, bouncy comfort |
Converse Run Star Hike
