The Nike Court Royale 2 is one that we’ve set our eyes on for a while and this week we were finally able to review its features. This sneaker is part of Nike’s “Court” series that also include the Legacy, Vision and Borough models.These are all retro inspired sneakers that retail under $75, all great options if you are looking for a classic look and you do not want to break the bank. Nike came up with these by saving on the materials and technology used all while compensating with stylish, clean looks. The Nike Court Royale 2 in particular is very reminiscent of the Nike Blazer Mid ‘77 , having a similar silhouette and overall look. It is available in both a mid and a low top version like most retro sneakers are.
How They Fit
The Nike Court Royale 2 are very comfortable as you put them on with little to to need to break them in. They fit true to size but they run a bit narrow in the box, something that those with wider feet may want to keep in mind. Getting a half size bigger is usually the best way to go in this case. If you want to check out what size you need you can do so with our Nike shoes size chart.
Upper
The upper of the Nike Court Royale 2 features a very simple design with an oversized Swoosh logo and subtle double stitching throughout. The material used in a soft synthetic leather that is made of at least 20% recycled materials, this model being part of Nike’s Move To Zero campaign. It is a material that feels nice to the touch and it molds nicely to your feet. It is actually pretty durable if you do not abuse these much. The pair we got on our hands was the mid top so it features plenty of padding in the heel area. This, combined with a lightly padded tongue and an EVA insert make it so these feel very comfortable as you put them on. There are no perforations in the synthetic leather and since we tested these for our Nike Court Royale 2 review in October we did not have any issues with the air flow. They actually kept my feet at a comfortable temperature, I can strongly recommend wearing these in the cold season.
Sole Unit
The sole unit is the same we’ve seen at many classic sneakers with a stitched cupsole midsole. The only cushioning you get is coming from the EVA insert which makes these feel comfortable as you put them on. But if you stand up for long hours your feet will surely start hurting. The cupsole design makes it so the shoe provides good stability and the rubber is very solid which adds durability. The outsole herringbone pattern is pretty basic but just enough for what this shoe was made for.
Are Nike Court Royale 2 Basketball Shoes?
While their design is inspired from the basketball shoes from the late 70’s these are not made for basketball in particular. However, given their roots they are quite versatile. These are great shoes for those that like to engage occasionally in various athletic activities, including basketball. For this reason they are an excellent shoe for kids and teens to wear at school.
Are Nike Court Royale 2 Good for Lifting?
Because of their low profile cupsole midsole they provide good stability and close to ground feel. This makes them a good choice for weightlifting. However, you have to keep in mind that given the synthetic upper such activities (like almost any other athletic activities) will wear them out pretty quick.
Bottom Line
The Nike Court Royale 2 is a nice addition to the brand budget sneaker line. As I did this review I found them to be great everyday casual sneakers. Their clean, simple look makes it easy to wear them with many outfits. They are a great alternative to the more expensive Nike Blazer Mid 77. They are quite versatile, being great for occasional play on the basketball court or for lifting weights in the gym. They are an excellent all around shoe for those on a budget.
