New Balance Kawhi 2

At a listed 14 oz, the Kawhi 2 is lighter than 23 of the other 66 performance shoes in our database and heavier than 38 (5 other models list the same weight). The average across all 67 performance shoes is 13.8 oz, so it runs 0.2 oz heavier than average. For reference, the lightest is the Anta KT 9 (12.4 oz) and the heaviest is the Nike GT Hustle 3 (15.8 oz).

Its 8 mm heel-to-toe drop is the most common figure in this group — 54 of 67 performance shoes list 8 mm. Drops across the group only run from 7 to 10 mm, so drop is a smaller differentiator than weight or cut height.

It is one of 40 mid-cut models among the 67 performance shoes we track, and it sits in the mid price band (set from manufacturer MSRP), which 43 other models share.

Like 53 other performance shoes, it is rated for indoor courts; 13 in the group carry an outdoor rating.

Cushioning is listed as FuelCell, which puts it in our FuelCell (2 shoes in the database) cushioning hub; no other shoe in the database lists exactly the same setup.

Going by its spec profile, we classify the Kawhi 2 for small forwards with an all-around game. You can compare it against every shoe we file for that role in Best Basketball Shoes for Small Forwards.

The mid cut is the middle ground between ankle coverage and freedom of movement — the most common choice in the database.

It is rated for indoor courts. If most of your games are on asphalt or concrete, the closest outdoor-rated performance shoes on spec are the Nike LeBron Witness 9 and Air Jordan 1 Mid. The fit is listed as wide, one of only 4 performance shoes with that listing.