EQLZ EQUALIZER 247 NXT “In The Lab” Review — Worth it for Court Players?
By Kicksown — Launch: July 18th
Shop NowIntroduction
Finding a basketball shoe that balances traction, lockdown, and court feel without sacrificing style is still a challenge for many players. The EQLZ EQUALIZER 247 NXT from Kicksown arrives promising modern performance cues and eye-catching design. In this review I test whether it actually solves the common problems players face — inconsistent traction, sloppy lockdown, and bulky cushioning that kills responsiveness — and whether it’s a practical option for regular gym sessions and weekend leagues.
Specifications / Materials
| Brand | Kicksown (EQLZ EQUALIZER 247 NXT) |
| Release | July 18th |
| Type | Basketball shoes (mid/low profile) |
| Sizes | Full range from US Men 4.5 up to 14 (multiple unisex listings) |
| Upper | Engineered knit/mesh with synthetic overlays for structure |
| Midsole | Responsive foam (tuned for court feel and quick movements) |
| Outsole | Full rubber with multi-directional traction pattern |
Real-world experience — Pros & Cons
What I tested
- Multiple on-court sessions (pickup games and short practices)
- Dribble-drive work, quick cuts, and lateral shuffling
- Gym use for conditioning and short runs
Pros
- Traction: The rubber compound and pattern produced reliable grip on both clean indoor courts and slightly dusty gym floors. Multi-directional cuts felt secure during quick pivots.
- Lockdown: The lacing and reinforced eyestays provide secure midfoot hold — few heel slips even on hard cuts. The knit upper conforms well without feeling rigid.
- Court feel & responsiveness: The midsole foam is tuned toward responsiveness rather than plushness, which benefits guards and perimeter players needing quick bursts.
- Style and build quality: The “In The Lab” colorway and detailing look premium. Stitching and overlays held up well through testing with no early fraying.
- Size range: Wide size availability makes these accessible to many players, including smaller and larger sizes.
Cons
- Break-in period: The shoe requires a few sessions to soften up. Some users may find the first couple of outings a touch firm underfoot.
- Cushioning for big players: Heavier players looking for plush impact protection may find the midsole a bit firm for extended post play or heavy landing scenarios.
- Breathability: While the knit upper breathes sufficiently, warmer, high-intensity sessions can feel slightly hot compared with fully ventilated mesh designs.
- Outdoor longevity: The outsole compound is optimized for indoor courts; if you play outdoors frequently, expect faster wear compared to dedicated outdoor shoes.
After several weeks on-court the EQLZ delivers the kind of traction and lockdown you want for guard play, but expect a brief break-in and consider a different model if you need maximum cushioning for heavy post play.
Fit and sizing
I found the EQLZ EQUALIZER 247 NXT to run close to true to size with a slightly narrow to neutral last. If you have particularly wide feet, consider trying half a size up — the knit upper stretches, but a wider forefoot felt snug on first wear.
Quick comparison
To put the EQUALIZER 247 NXT in context, here are two common alternatives and how they stack up:
| What it competes with | How EQLZ compares |
| Nike Kyrie series (agility-focused guards) | Similar agility and traction. Kyrie models tend to offer quicker court feel and slightly more aggressive ankle support, while EQLZ gives a more balanced lockdown and cleaner, modern aesthetic at a competitive build quality. |
| Adidas D.O.N. / Dame lines (good traction and cushioning) | Adidas alternatives typically provide plusher foam options for impact protection. EQLZ favors responsiveness over plush cushioning, so it’s better for quick first steps than for players prioritizing maximum impact absorption. |
Durability
After multiple sessions the upper and outsole show normal wear patterns but no major breakdown. Indoor durability looks solid; outdoor players should expect more aggressive wear on the rubber if used frequently on concrete.
Who is this shoe best for?
- Guards and perimeter players who prioritize quick cuts and traction.
- Players who want a modern, clean-looking shoe that performs on indoor courts.
- Anyone looking for a well-constructed mid/low-profile performer with good lockdown and responsiveness.
- Not ideal for heavy post players or those who need maximal cushioning and impact protection session after session.
Final verdict
The EQLZ EQUALIZER 247 NXT is a strong offering from Kicksown for players who want dependable traction, secure lockdown, and a responsive court feel. It won’t replace highly cushioned signature models for big men, but for guards and versatile perimeter players it’s a smart pick — especially once broken in. Build quality and aesthetics are definite pluses.
Launch notes: The shoe releases July 18th, and my store is offering launch-day promotions — check the store for available discount codes and special offers before you buy.
Quick buying checklist
- Best for: guards/perimeter players who favor responsiveness.
- Fit tip: true to size for most; go up half if you have a wide forefoot.
- Play surface: optimized for indoor courts; outdoor use will wear the outsole faster.
- Special offers: look for launch discounts through the store.
If you want a shoe that emphasizes quickness, traction, and a modern look without sacrificing build quality, the EQLZ EQUALIZER 247 NXT is worth trying — especially at launch when store promos are available.