The release of the latest in the “Flash” collection designed by Peak Sports is an opportunity to reaffirm that the models of the Chinese brand are very good. The Lou Williams line is proof of this, and the Lou Williams 3 its most successful version, with an effect of control and almost unparalleled comfort.
This Flash 3 is also in the category of models validated by BasketUSA. After having released a rather successful Flash 2, the Flash 3 also meets the standards of the moment, with more lightness but still as much comfort and good feedback in terms of support.
The design is clean, the sole is still as worked and also offers very good feedback. We may lose in terms of maintenance compared to the Flash 2, but the overall result is more than satisfactory. We can no longer say surprising, as the brand has now accustomed us to high-level models.
GENERAL COMFORT
You put on the pair very easily, especially with the help of the zipper and its “comfort” supplement that goes up to the top of the Achilles tendon. It is not a “gimmick”. The padding on the tongue allows the laces to be tightened quite tightly without feeling like a tourniquet at the ankle.
The first overall sensations are very good once the pair is on your feet. The sole provides appreciable comfort at all levels, on the forefoot, the lateral supports and the heel and the pair is very light, which is also a positive point.
Rating: 8.5/10
CUSHIONED
Peak has made a specialty in the work of its soles and this Flash 3 also ensures a good rendering. The midsole is the result of a mixture of “Super P Motive” (derived from EVA) and “TAICHI”, a mix between EVA and P4U, an intelligent polymer in the heel to offer a more reactive side.
Result of the races, we are on a “balanced” cushioning. The sole retains its comfortable side even if we do not find such an exceptional feeling as with the Lou Williams 3. At the same time, it is rigid enough to offer a good return of energy on lively supports.
Rating: 8.5/10
TRACTION
The non-slip sole does the job, gripping quite well over the entire length and whatever surface you play on.
The lateral supports are improved by a widening of the sole in key places. The return at the heel is also close to perfection. Then would come the supports on the front of the foot if we had to make a classification. Nothing to complain about overall.
Rating: 8.5/10
SUPPORT AND STABILITY
This is perhaps the weak point of this very light model which does not have a specific support to ensure better support. Above all, it was one of the strong points of the Lou Williams 3 and the Flash 2 had also been worked on in this direction, particularly in the midfoot.
On this Flash 3, there is no device of the same kind. The laces and their hooks are basic and the front of the foot is not really compressed, which can also be a good point depending on your preferences.
The stability is quite good, with in particular the widening of the outsole to accompany the lateral supports. Also note the presence of a carbon fiber insert in the middle of the foot, a device taken from running shoes supposed to improve stability
Rating: 8/10
FINISH AND LIFETIME
The Flash 3’s lightness advantage lies in the composition of the double-mesh upper, in monofilament on the outside, more robust on the inside. The silicone reinforcements at its base and around the laces are very useful to slow down wear and the ventilation is generous on the vamp and the tongue.
For the rest, the design is quite classic, except perhaps for the presence of two growths at the “lateral” level of the heel. The “Peak” logo can be seen on the tongue and via the brand’s triangle on the front of the foot. Peak, on the other hand, put the package on the colors as soon as it was released with six different versions in order to satisfy all tastes.
In terms of lifespan, the Flash 3 has all the assets to last over time. The outsole has not been neglected and the upper also seems able to resist over time.
Rating: 8/10
VERDICT
Rather oriented for players with small builds, explosives, the Flash 3 is in line with previous releases at Peak, namely a very good model, which meets all the standards of the moment. The test confirms the quality of the work of the Chinese firm, whose deficit is only felt in terms of image and aura, because on the technical level, it does not lack much to nibble on market share to its competitors.
The lack of support is its only “debatable” point, but it is undoubtedly a choice in the desire to produce the lightest possible pair. And from this point of view, the Flash 3 also succeeded. The model is light, the sole perfectly balanced and the overall rendering is very good.
Note : 16.6/20
Shoe weight (size 41) : 350 grams
Price : from 130 euros on peaksports.com
Grading scale
- – less than 10/20: not recommended
- – between 10 and 15: faults that can stop some but qualities that will charm others
- – above 15: pair approved and recommended!
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