adidas Pro Model 2G

If you played middle school, high school or college basketball during the early 2000’s then you’ve probably seen the Adidas Pro Model 2G at some point. The 2003 2G was an updated version of the Adidas mainstay that shares its name, the Pro Model. The visual similarities between the OG Pro Model and the 2G seem obvious at first – both share: a mid cut, shell toe box, simple perforations along the quarter and a standard lacing system. What separates the 2G from it’s predecessor are the updates in cushioning and support. Firstly, the 2G’s are extremely padded and secure compared to the OGs; the fit and feel of the 2G’s are just inherently better. The rubber outsole of the OGs differ greatly in terms of cushioning when the shoes are squared up next to the 2G’s EVA foam midsole. They’re more responsiveness which in turn makes the retooled Pro Model a great hoops option… for 2003.

Relativity speaking the Adidas Pro Model G2 can’t hang with modern hoops shoes for a few reasons. For one, the G2’s fully patent leather uppers and sparsely placed ventilation holes DO NOT BREATH (trust me, they’re like wearing patent toaster ovens on your feet). Fully patent shoes were all the rage back in the day – see DaDa’s CDubz, the Adidas T-Mac III and the patent leather Air Jordan 1 Mid pack to drive home this thematic point. There’s nothing special under the midsole’s hood, just standard foam cushioning which doesn’t hold a candle to BOOST or Bounce technologies from Adidas. The G2 appropriately timestamps a very particular era of basketball shoes; technology was evolving, times were changing and brands like Adidas were looking to compete with Nike and break their chokehold on the basketball shoe market. Did you own a pair of Adidas Pro Model G2’s back in the day? Would you cop a retro if they dropped again? Tell us in the comments section below and on the ‘gram. Peace!