The New Balance KAWHI III Dominates on the Court

Kawhi Leonard's third signature New Balance basketball shoe earns high grades for its performance.

On Future's classic 2015 album DS2, the antihero rapper mocked a prevailing narrative in music at the time by scoffing, "I thought it was a drought." Future's not-safe-for-work message can be analogized to the current state of performance basketball shoes.

In an era when many brands lean heavily on retro models, New Balance is producing new hits not that dissimilar from Future's prodigious music catalog (my analogy, not theirs). In the last six months, New Balance has released the TWO WXY v3, Fresh Foam BB, and now Kawhi Leonard's third signature shoe - the KAWHI III.

Earlier this week, the KAWHI III launched in the 'Alpha Predator' for $160 on the New Balance website. The Los Angeles Clippers forward worked with the New Balance design team to create a shoe that was responsive, explosive, and lightweight. 

What came out of the brand’s state-of-the-art Sports Research Lab was better than anyone expected. Below is our performance review of the KAWHI III.

Size & Fit

Side view of New Balance KAWHI III / New Balance

Sizing has never been a concern with New Balance basketball shoes. Athletes can go true to size without having to worry about fit. With shoes that fit correctly, the user can enjoy the support and lockdown offered by the KAWHI III.

One of the most noticeable aspects of this shoe is the materials. The minimalist upper features a lightweight knit construction with a half-bootie that connects directly to the tongue. The heel uses the same method with a molded component that gives a more natural sensation.

Without sacrificing quality materials, the KAWHI III is lighter than the TWO WXY v3 and the Fresh Foam BB.  Now that we have the basics covered let's dive into the real fun parts of the shoe.

Grade - A

Cushion

A detailed look at the New Balance KAWHI III insoles / New Balance

The KAWHI III features a full-length dual-density FuelCell midsole. It's similar to the TWO WXY v3 but different in some key areas. For example, the TWO WXY v3 includes the fan-favorite ABZORB pillars at the heel and forefoot (in layperson's terms, it's squishier). 

In comparison, The KAWHI III is more responsive. The FuelCell cushioning system is combined with Energy Arc, which pairs a sport-specific carbon fiber plate geometry with strategic midsole voids designed to increase stored energy to deliver a higher energy return. 

New Balance has utilized this technology before with the FuelCell Super Comp Trainer and Coco Gauff’s signature, the CocoCG1. The Kawhi III is the first New Balance basketball shoe to incorporate the Energy Arc technology.

Personally, I loved the setup. It felt like I was playing downhill in every game without my lower body getting tired. The Fresh Foam BB provides a more cushioned and stable ride, but the KAWHI III makes you feel like a different animal on the court.

Grade - A

Traction

A detailed look at the New Balance KAWHI III outsole / New Balance

There is no correlation between squeaking and traction. Like its namesake, the KAWHI III doesn't make a noise but lets its performance do the talking. Gyrafalcon talons inspired the outsole traction, which continues the aggressive style of the shoe.

Luckily, the innovative traction system works exceptionally well on the court. Yes, better than the Fresh Foam BB's traction, which I raved about earlier this month. 

I threw everything I could at these shoes to see if and when they would slip; stepbacks, curls, accelerating, decelerating. The KAWHI III never faulted. Everything worked as it was designed in New Balance's lab.

Grade - A+

Final Thoughts

It's only fitting the KAWHI III launched in the 'Alpha Predator' colorway. The concept stems from Leonard's dominance on the court, similar to the apex predator who sits at the top of the food chain, allowing him to attack without fear of anyone getting in his way.

The lightweight, supportive shoes make you feel like playing the passing lanes for a steal or chasing down an opponent for a block. For $160, athletes are getting arguably the best performance basketball shoes on the market now.

Consumers cannot go wrong with any of New Balance's performance basketball shoes. The Fresh Foam BB is a luxurious ride, the TWO WXY v3 is sleek and exciting, and the KAWHI III is a performance beast. So much heat from one brand in six months is unreal, especially when I thought it was a drought.