Asics Snapdown 2 Brings Back Comfort
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By Jessica Pilla Asics Snapdown 2 Brings Back Comfort Review Facts
The Asics Snap-down 2 is the second model in the brand’s newer line of wrestling shoes. With no midsole unit, it features a flat barefoot construction with a padded footbed and a full-length rubber outsole. Asics’ trademarked Serradial Traction Pods line the edges of the forefoot and heel to ensure secure and flexible traction.
It’s high-top upper, made from mesh and synthetic leather, offers a snug, form-fitting wear that completely eliminates the risk of accidental removal. Added safety comes in the form of an Integrated Lace Garage, which allows the wearer to tuck the laces away. Although it’s sold in men’s sizes, all listings and reviews have labeled this model a unisex shoe. If female wrestlers can find their appropriate size, they can definitely use it as well for their matches.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
-Appealing design
-Unisex sizes
-Very lightweight
-Highly Durable
-Comfortable fit
Cons
-Limited size range
-Narrower than average
Outsole
Outsole
According to multiple listings and reviews, the Asics Snapdown 2 relies on a basic rubber compound to create its full-length outsole. Product photographs show that it wraps up over the back, parts of the sides, and a bit over the toe area to further protect the rest of the shoe.
The brand's specialized Serradial Traction Pods are placed around the edges of the forefoot and heel, specifically designed to provide wrestlers with an enhanced grip during their matches. Both deep and shallow flex grooves are also added to the outsole to ensure the right amount of flexibility.
The brand's specialized Serradial Traction Pods are placed around the edges of the forefoot and heel, specifically designed to provide wrestlers with an enhanced grip during their matches. Both deep and shallow flex grooves are also added to the outsole to ensure the right amount of flexibility.
Midsole
Midsole
To make it easier and more efficient to wear during wrestling matches, the Snapdown 2 does not feature a designated midsole unit. As a result, the wearer feels balanced and close to the ground, allowing them complete control over their movements while they practice and perform.
It does, however, come with a full-length padded footbed to cushion the foot and lessen the impact that it would feel throughout the day. There's no online indication of how responsive this feature is, but considering this shoe's intended use most reviewers don't seem to mind.
It does, however, come with a full-length padded footbed to cushion the foot and lessen the impact that it would feel throughout the day. There's no online indication of how responsive this feature is, but considering this shoe's intended use most reviewers don't seem to mind.
Upper
Upper
Asics uses synthetic leather and breathable mesh to construct the Snapdown 2's upper. While thick stitched-on overlays provide structure and support, especially around the midfoot and all along the shoe's lower portion, most of its mesh upper is exposed and works with the lining to ensure unrestricted breathability towards the areas where it's needed most.
While its high-rise collar and extra padding already work together to keep the foot in place, this shoe also features flattened laces and the brand's Integrated Lace Garage technology. Not only can they stay locked in all day, but buyers can also ensure that their laces won't become a tripping hazard during their matches.
While its high-rise collar and extra padding already work together to keep the foot in place, this shoe also features flattened laces and the brand's Integrated Lace Garage technology. Not only can they stay locked in all day, but buyers can also ensure that their laces won't become a tripping hazard during their matches.
Weight
Weight
Its Zappos listing has the Snapdown 2's average weight listed at 9 oz., which makes it about average for women and on the lighter side for men. Because it's meant for athletics, it obviously has to have some mass to it if it's going to keep the wearer stable and supported.
Yet buyers are extremely impressed by how lightweight it feels and that they never feel heavy or cumbersome while wearing this model during their matches. It also means that they could easily wear it as an everyday shoe, although doing so too often might affect its overall durability.
Yet buyers are extremely impressed by how lightweight it feels and that they never feel heavy or cumbersome while wearing this model during their matches. It also means that they could easily wear it as an everyday shoe, although doing so too often might affect its overall durability.
Breathability
Breathability
Any shoe that's designed for athletic purposes has to come with a decent amount of breathability in order to keep the wearer comfortable and prevent possible foot odor. The Snapdown 2 is able to achieve this thanks to both the mesh of its upper and its mesh internal lining.
It's most exposed along the top of the forefoot and at the sides, where hotspots tend to occur most often, along with some fabric across the back of the heel. The end result is a wear that can keep the buyer cool and comfortable in while they're in the middle of an intense match.
It's most exposed along the top of the forefoot and at the sides, where hotspots tend to occur most often, along with some fabric across the back of the heel. The end result is a wear that can keep the buyer cool and comfortable in while they're in the middle of an intense match.
Comfort
Comfort
Those who can find their correct fit say that the Snapdown 2 provides them with very comfortable wear. It's designed to fit snug and securely against the foot, aided by its mid-cut collar and the Integrated Lacing Garage, in order to prevent over-flexing and other risks of injury.
While it has not designated midsole unit, it still includes a padded foam footbed for some much-needed cushioning. And its upper's construction allows it to be equal parts supportive and breathable. While many buyers are impressed that this is a unisex model, it also means that not everyone will get their ideal fit and that some sizes will be left out altogether.
Furthermore, reviewers claim that this model fits extremely narrow, which is necessary for wrestling shoes but also excludes those with wider feet.
While it has not designated midsole unit, it still includes a padded foam footbed for some much-needed cushioning. And its upper's construction allows it to be equal parts supportive and breathable. While many buyers are impressed that this is a unisex model, it also means that not everyone will get their ideal fit and that some sizes will be left out altogether.
Furthermore, reviewers claim that this model fits extremely narrow, which is necessary for wrestling shoes but also excludes those with wider feet.
Style
Style
The Snapdown 2 is designed to look like not only its predecessor but almost all other wrestling shoes on the market. Its narrow construction allows it to be form-fitting against the foot, and the padded mid-rise collar works with the lacing system to keep the foot in place. The lack of a designated midsole also eliminates bulk to give it a simpler and lighter appearance.
Since it's intended to be a unisex model, it's sold primarily in neutral colors to appeal to both men and women. There are some more colorful options available, however, such as a cedar green and black version or black and silver with a hot pink sole.
Since it's intended to be a unisex model, it's sold primarily in neutral colors to appeal to both men and women. There are some more colorful options available, however, such as a cedar green and black version or black and silver with a hot pink sole.
Durability
Durability
Multiple reviewers have praised the Snapdown 2 for its surprising levels of durability. Since its meant to be used consistently for both practice sessions and full-on matches, this model has to be able to maintain its overall condition for a long time. Its synthetic leather overlays are stitched in tightly to ensure that the shoe keeps its shape, and a special strip wraps entirely around the bottom to prevent fraying where it's most likely to happen.
The rubber outsole runs the full-length of the shoe, even curling up over a few key areas, to further prevent possible damage. Buyers seem especially impressed with not only how well the stitching stays intact but also how well the mesh holds up over time.
The rubber outsole runs the full-length of the shoe, even curling up over a few key areas, to further prevent possible damage. Buyers seem especially impressed with not only how well the stitching stays intact but also how well the mesh holds up over time.
Protection
Protection
The Snapdown 2 is able to protect the wearer against all of the common hazards that they would encounter while wrestling. Its full-length outsole safeguards the rest of the shoe from potential underfoot damage, while its Serradial Traction Pods provide a safe and secure grip that's imperative during matches.
Its upper fits tightly around the foot to prevent accidental removal, and it's aided by the high collar and lacing system. Integrated Lace Garage technology is also included to ensure that trips and falls are less likely to happen. And its breathable wear prevents foot odor and eliminates the risk of possible infections.
Its upper fits tightly around the foot to prevent accidental removal, and it's aided by the high collar and lacing system. Integrated Lace Garage technology is also included to ensure that trips and falls are less likely to happen. And its breathable wear prevents foot odor and eliminates the risk of possible infections.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness
Reviews don't seem to talk about how responsive the Snapdown 2 may or may not be. Since it doesn't have a designated midsole unit, it lacks the shock absorption and energy transfer that this feature would provide during runs and workouts. It does come with a full-length padded footbed, which could lessen some impact felt throughout the day.
However, there are no listings or reviews that go into this feature's overall responsiveness.
However, there are no listings or reviews that go into this feature's overall responsiveness.
Support
Support
The Snapdown 2's overall build clearly shows how supportive its wear is. Although it has no set midsole unit, it still features a full-length padded footbed that cushions the underfoot and takes on some of the impact. The top of the foot, on the other hand, is given a snug and form-fitting wear that not only keeps it locked into place but also prevents over-flexing. The high-top collar is also heavily padded for an incredible amount of ankle support.
Terrain
Terrain
Obviously, the Snapdown 2 was designed to be most efficient while in the middle of the ring. Not only does its outsole ensure secure and stable traction, even while pulling off challenging maneuvers, but its snug fit and Integrated Lacing Garage also ensure that potential accidents are far less likely to occur. And breathable mesh that makes up its upper and lining provides a highly breathable wear that keeps the buyer comfortable throughout their matches. There is, however, no clear indication of how well it performs outdoors or as an everyday shoe.
Price
Price
Another surprising plus about the Snapdown 2 is that it's noticeably more affordable than many of Asics' other models. Across all online retailers, from Zappos and Dick's Sporting Goods to the brand's own website, it's listed for only $75. Not only is this a much more reasonable price, but it also proves to be an incredible bargain. This is especially obvious when considering its levels of durability and reasonably comfortable wear.
There are still several buyers who struggle with finding their correct shoe size, so trying it on ahead of time and understanding the retailer's return policy are still critical when making a purchase.
There are still several buyers who struggle with finding their correct shoe size, so trying it on ahead of time and understanding the retailer's return policy are still critical when making a purchase.
Traction
Traction
For what it's been designed for, the Snapdown 2 is able to provide the wearer with incredible traction. According to listings and reviews, its outsole's rubber compound seems to be simple instead of a specialized material that could enhance the wearer's grip. It does, however, come complete with Asics' specialized Serradial Traction Pods, which are specially designed for wrestling shoes.
These large pods are lined along the edges of the forefoot and heel for an even better grip on the flat surface below while performing difficult movements. There's no indication of how they perform on outdoor surfaces, so most likely it's best not to use them as an everyday shoe.
These large pods are lined along the edges of the forefoot and heel for an even better grip on the flat surface below while performing difficult movements. There's no indication of how they perform on outdoor surfaces, so most likely it's best not to use them as an everyday shoe.
Flexibility
Flexibility
The Snapdown 2 is designed to be reasonably flexible for easier movement during wrestling matches. Although it does feature aggressive stitched-on overlays made from synthetic leather, plenty of its mesh upper remains uncovered in order to enable less restricted bending and stretching. And the Serradial Traction Pods have multiple flex-grooves which aid in more natural movement.
In addition, the shoe's snug fit and mid-rise collar work to support the top of the foot and prevent possible over-flexing. However, the fact that it does fit narrower than average may have an impact on how pliable its wear is for certain buyers. In fact, this model may even take a bit of breaking in before it can really be used properly.
In addition, the shoe's snug fit and mid-rise collar work to support the top of the foot and prevent possible over-flexing. However, the fact that it does fit narrower than average may have an impact on how pliable its wear is for certain buyers. In fact, this model may even take a bit of breaking in before it can really be used properly.
Stability
Stability
While it has no corrective features, the Snapdown 2 is still able to provide the wearer with a great amount of needed stability for optimal performance and control during their matches. Its outsole's Serradial Traction Pods curl around the heel, sides, and front of the foot to provide secure traction when and where it's most needed.
The shoe's narrow, form-fitting design actively prevents accidental removal and in-shoe wobbling, as do its mid-rise padded collar and lacing system. Thick synthetic leather overlays, that are stitched on securely, also stabilize the foot and ensure that the shoe maintains its shape for longer.
The shoe's narrow, form-fitting design actively prevents accidental removal and in-shoe wobbling, as do its mid-rise padded collar and lacing system. Thick synthetic leather overlays, that are stitched on securely, also stabilize the foot and ensure that the shoe maintains its shape for longer.
Drop
Drop
Since it doesn't have a designated midsole unit, the Snapdown 2 does not feature a heel-to-toe drop height. Even its padded footbed has no drop height listed at any online retailers. But considering the fact that it's designed to be a wrestling shoe, this is actually ideal for all of its intended buyers. Wrestlers need their footwear to keep them flat and anchored to the ground, giving them a better sense of balance as they perform difficult maneuvers.
Key Features
Key Features
-Full-length rubber outsole
-Serradial Traction Pods
-Synthetic leather and mesh upper
-Integrated Lace Garage
-Unisex design and sizes
-Affordable $75 price tag
-Serradial Traction Pods
-Synthetic leather and mesh upper
-Integrated Lace Garage
-Unisex design and sizes
-Affordable $75 price tag
Bottom Line
Bottom Line
It's very easy to see why the Asics Snapdown 2 has been received so well by wrestlers of all levels. Not only does it keep them safe and secure as they move around and fight, but it also supports their foot completely to prevent possible injuries and accidents. It also provides lightweight breathability, flexible traction, and multiple color options that appeal to both men and women.
Although it's not entirely clear how well it can perform in everyday environments, this unisex shoe can definitely help most buyers while they're in the ring. Buyers should still be sure to try this model on ahead of time, however, as there are several reports that it fits much narrower than average.
Although it's not entirely clear how well it can perform in everyday environments, this unisex shoe can definitely help most buyers while they're in the ring. Buyers should still be sure to try this model on ahead of time, however, as there are several reports that it fits much narrower than average.
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