(October 2005) - T-MAC fans, take a deep breath, exhale. You can relax now, because laces are back. The laces less HUG system was an innovative idea. For a site that features the ever out of the box Artist Series, KG must applaud the ground-breaking attempt that went into the T-MAC IV. But it's safe to say our disappointment with the IV stops at the IV. The adidas T-MAC V is a different kind of beast with a whole new direction.

      Gone is the ratcheting HUG system. In its place are laces and a cushioned strap to act as a shroud. Wrapping of the strap has an Asian inspiration – mainly from the traditional Japanese samurai/ninja footwear, clothing and swords. Think the video games Shinobi and Ninja Gaiden, think Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai and you have a glimpse into the birth of the V. For the longest time, Tracy McGrady played the quiet assassin of the league in Toronto and Orlando. His droopy eyes may lull the defender to sleep and make the less-wary think he’s not trying hard during the game. His style may be smooth and subtle, but when McGrady attacks, it is quick and lethal. Just ask Shawn Bradley during last year's playoffs. Need we say more?

      Working in tandem with the strap is a Velcro strap as part of the tongue to secure the laces. The wrap comes under and there's the strap for lock down and support. If the Asian theme inspired the design, the performance side of the story started with this whole idea of having a bucket Recaro racing seat for the foot. The strap comes over the foot the way it does like a seatbelt. The shoes do take some time to put on due to the strap and the Velcro but this lock down combination theoretically allows the shoes to fit very snug and secure for maximum protection and fit on the court – something we could not say about the T-MAC IV.

      The designer, Kyle Pulli, who also designed the Garnett I, II, T-Mac 3.5,T-Mac 4, and the Superstar Ultra wanted to incorporate the basketball court into the shoe by making the chassis out of bent wood. The wood panel windows at the rear and bottom of the sole are made of real maple wood veneer that resembles the hardwood courts. Outside of styling, it is hard to justify the use of wood on this shoe. For one, how does wood outperform Carbon Fiber - a lighter, stronger material often used in high end Nike performance products? Quite frankly, it doesn't. But that hasn't stopped car manufacturers from adding expensive wood trims to luxury cars. It would be nice to have an option of carbon fiber, aluminum or wood trim to go with our T-MAC’s the same way you can choose your interior for your car. But hey, we'll save that for another discussion.

      This is actually the first time Tracy McGrady's signature line that the word T-MAC appeared on the shoe itself. The Adidas markings on the shoe are very inconspicuous, only on the tongue and a very small logo on the heel. The branding of Tracy McGrady is what stands out, from his logo on the side of the shoe, to the number 1 on the front plastic strap and on the back, even to his signature on the insole itself. It is quite easy to see that the showcase of the T-Mac 5 is all about T-Mac and less about the 3 stripes.

      One last word about design and looks: this shoe is unique and unlike anything else you can buy in the marketplace today. The closest thing to the T-MAC 5 is the Nike GP Glove and the Air Jordan VIII but even those are quite different. The design is simplistic and subtle but will definitely turn heads on the court – especially in the upcoming suede black colorway coming this Christmas.

      How do they perform? Here are some comments: After securing my feet in these shoes, they excelled in comfort and performance. They are low profile and have a good court feel. They felt like the Nike Flightposite II except with more cushioning. The shoes were surprisingly well cushioned and were very responsive. The outsole has a multi-directional herringbone tread. The design is excellent for traction. Even when the bottom of the shoes started getting dirty the traction was still quite good. I had no problem running and stopping on a dime. The shoe didn't slide at all. For ankle support the laces lace up fairly high and there is extra cushioning for the ankles. The inside of the shoe is a half-bootie design. One gripe about the fit is the heel, at times the open loop would scrape against the back of my ankle. However, I was wearing ankle socks. The shoe is best worn with quarter-length high socks or higher.

      The first couple of times I played with the shoes my pinky toes started to blister a little after several games. I have normal width feet and Adidas shoes tend to have wider toe boxes. Wearing thicker socks would help. After about the fifth wearing the shoes were broken in. Typically if I tie shoes too tight I get shin splints, but even tying these shoes as tight as possible I had no problems. The shoes kept my feet secure. I didn't have any problems with ankle support. The shroud strap is well padded, however, it did not actually make a difference in securing my foot. With or without it strapped, the shoe felt the same. Therefore, the strap is for cosmetic purposes rather than the true Recaro seat belt lock down fit originally intended. Overall, this is one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn that has great performance to go. - John Lee

      GUYS GO OUT AND GRAB A PAIR OF T-MACS!!! PERHAPS ONE OF THE GREATEST BASKETBALL SHOES EVER MADE!!! IF JORDANS ARE THE FERRARI OF FOOTWEAR. T-MACS ARE CERTAINLY THE LAMBOS.GREAT GREAT SHOE MAKING.IF YOU GUYS GET A CHANCE GO OUT AND EITHER BUY OR JUST STUDY THE SHOE AT THE STORE. THE JORDAN XX,THE VIC3 AND THE T-MAC ARE SHOES DESIGNED BY REAL SHOE MAKERS, AMAZING WORKS OF ART. LOOKS LIKE THE GAME MAY JUST BE GETTING GOOD AGAIN. ADIDAS AND NIKE ARE REALLY PICKING UP THE SLACK FOR ALL THE OTHERS OUT THERE THAT HAVE BEEN PUTTING OUT GREAT LACES WITH LEATHER FRAMES. IM STILL CURIOUS HOWEVER TO SEE THE MELO, THE KOBE,AND THE WADE. BUT AS OF NOW THE XX AND THE T-MAC ARE RUNNING IT. - Dallas Strokes (Footwear Designer)

     Dallas, is dead on right about the T-Macs. I picked up a pair yesterday, but wanted to give them some run to give the full report. I mentioned that the XX's were the creame of the shoe game several months ago... Now JB has company. Like Dallas said the XX's & the TMAC V's are the truth. The T-Macs & the LBJ's were already on my wish list but to appreciate, you have to see them in person. not to mention the fit. 1. FIRST IMPRESSION - When I 1st saw them I feel in love with the overall form; they are totally unique, and I get the feeling that i'm looking at a luxury sports coupe (M3). 2. THE FIT - Trying them on they feel better than any shoe in recent memory ( the 2K5's are close) since the Air Max Uptempos (95). The fit was snug, but didn't pinch anywhere. The ride height felt good. Unlike the Garnetts' which were too high. The materials are high quality, and nothing was overdone. 3. ON COURT - So today I took them for a test drive, and they turned alot of heads. The support was excellent. I had good ankle protection due to the high quarters and the ride was on the medial side so your less likely for an ankle roll. They gave me enough spring for a put back dunk which I caught out of the air(though it rimmed out, as I was surprised to be up so high) The traction was there also. The only neg comment I have is the outsole strap which wraps over the fore foot. I could feel it when I bent my shoes, but didn't seem to notice it as I was ballin' 4. FINAL THOUGHTS - This shoe is the truth. If your looking for something unlike any other hoops shoe, and you already have the J XX's this is your shoe. This is the best TMAC since the 2, and If it's not for U there is no denying that this is a designers shoe. - Tony Hendrix