As someone who lives and breathes basketball, I’ve always been fascinated when legendary trainers put their name behind performance gear. So when I heard that NBA trainer Chris Brickley teamed up with Puma Hoops once again for a third sneaker collaboration, I knew I had to get my hands on a pair.
Known for his Empire State-inspired touch and relentless training style, Brickley’s influence carries weight in the basketball community.
This time, the collaboration is built on the Puma Alpro Nitro 2 platform, but with a fresh, premium twist. The result is what many are calling “NBA Trainer Chris Brickley’s new hoop shoe,” officially named the Alpro Nitro 2 Empire Legacy.
After logging hours of practice and pickup games in these, I’m ready to share my full experience — what I loved, what fell short, and why this might just be my favorite Puma basketball shoe to date.
First Impressions and Unboxing
The first thing that struck me about this shoe was the presentation. Unlike my previous Alpro Nitro 2 pairs, this special edition arrived in an exclusive box. When I opened it, the inside proudly displayed “1948” — the year Puma was founded — alongside a vivid image of the Empire State Building, a nod to Brickley’s view from his New York apartment.
It’s not just packaging; it’s storytelling. Right from the start, this shoe felt like more than just another colorway. It felt like a piece of heritage, crafted with intention.
Design & Heritage Details
What sets NBA Trainer Chris Brickley’s new hoop shoe apart are the countless Easter eggs woven into the design. Underneath the translucent outsole, you’ll find graphics representing Brickley’s personal landmarks in New York City — the Summit 2019 building where he runs his workouts, nods to the Mecca of basketball, and even Clyde Frazier references as Puma’s first signature athlete.
On the tongue, motivational phrases like “Keep Going” and “Keep Growing” echo Brickley’s training ethos. These subtle touches transform the shoe from mere performance footwear into something personal and aspirational.
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Traction: Gripping the Court
Performance starts with traction, and I can confidently say this is where the shoe excels. The diamond-pattern outsole on NBA Trainer Chris Brickley’s new hoop shoe gripped every court I played on — from pristine hardwood to slightly dusty surfaces.
On clean courts, the grip felt aggressive and reliable, letting me cut, stop, and accelerate without hesitation. Only on extremely dusty courts did I notice a slight drop-off, but even then, a quick wipe restored the bite.
What impressed me most was the consistency. No matter which way my foot moved — lateral slides, hard stops, or quick pivots — the traction performed the same every time. For a guard or wing who thrives on multidirectional movement, that’s invaluable.
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Cushioning: Balanced Nitro Foam
Underfoot, NBA Trainer Chris Brickley’s new hoop shoe features a dual-density Nitro foam setup. The inner layer, called Nitro SQD, delivers a soft, responsive ride, while the outer layer cages and stabilizes it. This combo results in a cushion that feels plush but never sloppy.
On court, the ride felt smooth and stable. I could feel the impact protection on landings but also enjoyed a responsive push-off when sprinting or jumping. Compared to the original Alpro Nitro 2, this setup feels slightly more refined, offering the best of comfort and control.
For players who want a blend of cushioning and court feel — not an overly bouncy or overly stiff setup — this strikes the perfect balance.
Support & Stability: A Premium Upgrade
One of my biggest complaints with the original Alpro Nitro 2 was the Power Tape in the upper. It tapered too much at the toe, creating uncomfortable pressure on my feet. Thankfully, NBA Trainer Chris Brickley’s new hoop shoe solves this problem.
Instead of relying on Power Tape, the upper uses premium leather and suede overlays for natural support. It feels like a second skin, molding to my foot without hotspots. The suede lining inside adds a touch of luxury and comfort that’s rare in performance shoes.
Additionally, the outsole wraps up around the midsole on the lateral side for extra containment. Combined with Puma’s ProPlate spring plate underfoot, I felt locked in and supported during hard cuts and explosive moves.
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Materials: The Best of Both Worlds
This shoe blends modern performance tech with Puma’s heritage craftsmanship. The premium leather upper, suede interior, and subtle nods to classic Puma silhouettes (like the Suede and Clyde) give the shoe a high-end feel.
Despite the luxury materials, the shoe still breathes decently well — though I’ll admit the tongue, made from premium suede, runs warmer than I’d prefer. It’s extremely comfortable, but if you play in hot gyms, expect less airflow in that area.
This attention to material quality makes NBA Trainer Chris Brickley’s new hoop shoe stand out. It’s rare to find a basketball sneaker that feels this premium without sacrificing performance.
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Fit & Sizing
I went true to size, and it worked perfectly for me. The shoe offers a snug, one-to-one fit without crushing my toes. For wide-footers, I’d recommend trying them on in person if possible, as the premium materials may stretch slightly but still hug the foot closely.
Lockdown was excellent out of the box, requiring minimal break-in. After two runs, the leather softened even more, creating a glove-like fit.
Aesthetic Touches: Volt Laces and Signature Details
Beyond performance, the shoe’s visual details are just plain fun. Mine came with optional Volt laces for a pop of color. And at the heel fin, Chris Brickley’s signature is split — “Chris” on one side, “Brickley” on the other — a final personal stamp on the design.
These small touches might not affect performance, but they make the shoe feel special, like you’re wearing a piece of someone’s story.
Performance Recap: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Outstanding multidirectional traction
- Balanced, stable Nitro foam cushioning
- Premium leather and suede upper with natural support
- Excellent lockdown and fit
- Thoughtful design details honoring Brickley and Puma heritage
Cons
- Suede tongue limits breathability
- Slightly heavier feel than synthetic-only uppers
- Limited availability in this colorway
Who This Shoe Is For
After extensive testing, I’d recommend NBA Trainer Chris Brickley’s new hoop shoe to players who value a premium feel without compromising on-court performance. Guards, wings, and even bigs who move a lot laterally will appreciate the traction and stability.
If you’re used to ultra-light synthetic models, the extra weight might take some adjustment, but the support and comfort more than make up for it.
Availability of it
As of now, this specific Empire Legacy colorway should be available at major retailers like Foot Locker and Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as Puma.com. Supplies may be limited, so if you’re interested, act quickly.
Final Thoughts: NBA Trainer Chris Brickley’s New Hoop Shoe Review
Having played in multiple Puma basketball shoes over the years, I can confidently say this is the brand’s best effort since the original Alpro. NBA Trainer Chris Brickley’s new hoop shoe combines top-tier performance, heritage design, and personal storytelling into one cohesive package.
It’s rare to find a shoe that feels this premium yet still excels on court. Despite minor drawbacks like breathability, the positives far outweigh the negatives. This is the kind of shoe I’ll keep in rotation for a long time, both for its performance and for what it represents.
If you’re a serious hooper who appreciates both style and substance, or a collector who values meaningful collaborations, this sneaker deserves a spot on your radar.
Jason Cole is a passionate sneaker writer and basketball shoe reviewer with years of experience in the world of athletic footwear. Combining deep product knowledge with a genuine love for the game, Jason delivers in-depth reviews and insights that help players choose the right performance sneakers for their style and needs. His articles break down every detail — from traction and cushioning to support and fit — making them a trusted resource for both casual hoopers and serious athletes.
Over the years, Jason has tested and analyzed hundreds of basketball shoes from top brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Puma, and Under Armour. His hands-on approach and honest feedback make his reviews stand out for their accuracy and authenticity. Whether it’s the latest signature model or a hidden gem on the court, Jason’s expertise helps readers find the perfect pair to elevate their performance.
When he’s not writing or testing sneakers, Jason follows the latest trends in basketball culture, exploring how innovation, style, and performance come together in modern sportswear. His goal is simple — to guide every reader toward the ideal basketball shoe that blends comfort, technology, and court-ready confidence.
