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Best of Hes Kicks: A Few of Our Fave Hes Kicks Reviews

Jun 26, 2023

Nike Spark Flyknit: One Cool-Looking Shoe
“It’s just an interesting, very fun-looking pair of sneakers,” says Hesse in a recent YouTube review. “I think one of the things that makes this shoe very unique is the dual-density foam on here with a plate in the middle, and also there’s two layers of Flyknit on the upper.”

Hesse says the first day he wore these shoes out and about, he got plenty of compliments. “I like the loose layered look to the shoe,” he explains. “When you have a Flyknit upper on a shoe, it seems almost generic in this day and age. The Nike Spark Flyknit takes that and fine-tunes it to make it very unique.” 

The Spark Flyknits have no visible Nike Swoosh on the side panels or the tongue. Instead, small Swooshes get incorporated throughout. “It’s nice that it’s more subdued,” he says of the minimal Nike branding. 

Hesse also enjoys the dual-density foam midsole. “The top layer of the foam is firmer, and the bottom around the heel is softer,” he says, adding that the sculptural elements on the midsole create visual appeal. 

“They’re a sleek, interesting-looking pair of sneakers,” he notes. 


On the Staying Power of the Air Max 270
Originally released in 2018, the Nike Air Max 270s have had some serious staying power. “Some of us thought this was just another Nike Air model to release,” Hesse said in a video this spring. “These have had so much shine in the last five years or so. It’s uncanny.”

Hesse takes us through the features of the regular 270 — no Flyknit, no React. “This was actually the first pair of Air Max sneakers released not for performance but for lifestyle,” he explains. Still, he adds, it hits the gym community and the lifestyle market. 

The shoes are functional, wearable and a perfect sweet spot. “It’s fun to see such a crazy cult following of this shoe.”


On the Focus of the Hoka Transport Shoe
“This model caught my eye on Hibbett | City Gear’s website,” Hesse says on his Hes Kicks channel. “Fun fact: Hibbett sent me my first pair of Hokas years ago, and since then I’ve probably tried at least 10 different models, so it all started from Hibbett.”

While Hesse says he’d prefer a wider shoe, the images of the Hoka Transport sneaker really sold him. “Hokas are really comfortable, but it’s nice to see the sleeker side of the brand.” 

The Transport is more of a trail-commuter-lifestyle shoe, he continues, “and it’s a really nice model for everyday wear.” 

A durable Cordura upper offers abrasion resistance, with the ability to withstand a lot more wear and tear than regular knit sneakers. “I like the quick-toggle laces just to slip on the shoe,” Hesse adds, noting that if he doesn't like that feature, the Hokas also come with regular laces. The Vibram outsole has a tread and rubber material that’s a bit firmer for a stable feel, and the cloud-like midsole is soft and squishy under the heel, a bit different than other Hokas. 

“It’s a really nice model and a really great pair of sneakers,” he concludes.

On the Decline of the Dunk Hype
While they’ve been around since the mid ’80s, Nike Dunks definitely go through periodic resurgences of popularity. Its latest boom began around 2020. As of May 2023, Hesse notes, we’re seeing colorways drop and very little hype around them.

As a longtime Nike Dunk fan, he adds, “It's dope that I can get some of these colorways now.” With the 2020 revival, prices went through the roof and unless you hopped right on it, you’d miss a drop. “Now you can actually find Dunks.” 

Hes Kicks reviews a Dunk with a unique nylon upper finish with leather only on the Swoosh and heel counter. “It’s a very wearable pair that’s readily available,” he says.

As to the overall sneaker market, “I don’t like it when there’s so much hype around something where I can’t get it.” 

The boom and bust has happened, he explains. “That’s just the state of the sneaker market. I feel like the next wave of Dunks will hit when my kid enters high school.”

Check out all of Hes Kicks content on YouTube and his socials, and be sure to download the Hibbett | City Gear app and keep an out for more hyped sneakers in our launch calendar.

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