Derrick Rose, commonly known as D Rose, is a professional basketball player who has had a successful career in the NBA. He has been an MVP, led the Chicago Bulls on deep playoff runs, and continued to play at a high level despite suffering many injuries. A key part of D Rose’s legacy off the court is his incredibly popular signature shoe line with Adidas. D Rose shoes stand out for their unique style and performance. With many different models available, one common question fans have is: what is the lightest D Rose shoe?
Finding the lightest D Rose shoe can be important for several reasons. Many basketball players prefer lighter shoes for the quickness and agility they provide on the court. Lighter shoes can help you move faster and jump higher with less weight holding you down. Fans and casual wearers also appreciate a lightweight feel that won’t weigh them down. Additionally, lighter materials like mesh and synthetic blends used in many modern basketball shoes provide increased breathability and ventilation.
When it comes to sheer weight, there are a few different D Rose shoes that stand out from the pack. Here is an overview of some of the lightest options across the evolution of D Rose’s signature line.
Early Models
The original Adidas D Rose 1.0 was released in 2008. This was Derrick Rose’s first signature shoe and featured Adidas performance technology like SprintFrame and GEOFIT. In terms of weight, the D Rose 1.0 came in right around 16 ounces. This provided a lightweight base with good court feel and transition. The D Rose 1.5 improved upon the initial model in 2010 by dropping weight down to around 15 ounces. It featured a SLIPLAST tongue and lightweight SPRINTWEB overlay. Then the D Rose 1.5 Low also decreased materials for an even lighter feel.
Transition to Lighter Models
In 2011, the D Rose 2.0 made strides in getting the signature line into more minimal territory by cutting weight to around 13 ounces. It was also the first D Rose shoe to feature Adidas’ popular SPRINTFRAME technology for stability during quick cuts and transitions on the court. The D Rose 2.5 built on this foundation in reducing weight down to approximately 12 ounces.
Then in 2012, the D Rose 3 took lightweight feel to the next level by decreasing weight dramatically to just 10.6 ounces. The synthetic upper, dynamic GEOFIT ankle support and SPRINT FRAME chassis allowed for this very light model without sacrificing performance. The D Rose 3.5 reduced weight even further to 10.2 ounces. It came right around the time Derrick Rose suffered a major ACL injury that sidelined him for over a year.
Post-Injury Models
When D Rose came back from injury in the 2013-14 season, Adidas looked to provide enhanced support while keeping his shoes lightweight. The D Rose 4 featured a woven upper and minimal SPRINTWEB overlay. This allowed the 4 to weigh just 13 ounces, only slightly heavier than the pre-injury models focused on pure speed. The D Rose 5 in 2015 got back down around 10 ounces with a new techfit upper and simplified prints.
Then the D Rose 6 took lightweight feel back to the extreme by dropping weight all the way down to just 9.5 ounces. This super minimal model featured a flexible mesh upper with targeted support. The innovative miCoachsmart cushioning adjusted to court conditions for a perfectly tuned ride. An inner sleeve construction also enhanced the feet-hugging fit.
Latest Models
In recent years, D Rose models have gotten both lighter and stronger by utilizing advanced materials. The D Rose 7 Primeknit from 2016 shed even more weight by incorporating Adidas Primeknit into the breathable upper. This model hit just 9 ounces flat. The D Rose 8 in 2017 featured forged fiber along with Primeknit to achieve a remarkable 8.5 ounces while providing durability and structure.
The D Rose 9 got weight back under 9 ounces at 8.8 by maximizing Bounce cushioning along with Forgefiber. Then the D Rose 10 in 2019 optimized lightweight support through an updated traction pattern and Geofit construction in the ankle. It hit 8.5 ounces again.
Lightest D Rose Shoe
Based on this overview of models across Derrick Rose’s signature line, the lightest D Rose shoe released so far is the D Rose 7 Primeknit. Dropping weight down to just 9 ounces flat, this shoe provides the ultimate in speed and lightweight feel. The innovative Primeknit upper eliminates unnecessary layers for a sock-like fit. An inner bootie construction enhances the foot’s lockdown. Full length Boost cushioning ensures energy return and long-term comfort.
For players looking for the lightest D Rose shoe, the D Rose 7 Primeknit is the top choice. The woven upper and slimmed down design make it an ideal shoe for quick cuts and sudden changes of direction on the court. It also delivers that featherlight feel casual wearers love.
Other Top Lightweight Contenders
While the D Rose 7 Primeknit takes the top spot, several other D Rose models deserve mention as contenders for the lightest build:
| Shoe | Weight |
|---|---|
| D Rose 8 | 8.5 oz |
| D Rose 6 | 9.5 oz |
| D Rose 3 | 10.6 oz |
The D Rose 8 with ForgedFiber is an exceptionally lightweight model at just 8.5 ounces. The D Rose 6 and 3 also dropped weight into the 9-10 ounce range by creatively integrating minimal materials. All of these models are great choices for players looking for that ultra light D Rose build.
Weight Over Time
Looking at the progression of D Rose shoes over time, you can see a clear trajectory toward lighter and lighter models:
The original D Rose 1.0 was a respectable 16 ounces back in 2008. But each successive model has made strides in cutting weight through new materials and stripped down uppers. This culminated in the featherlight D Rose 7 Primeknit hitting just 9 ounces flat. The commitment to lightweight innovation is a hallmark of Derrick Rose’s signature line.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lightest D Rose shoe released so far is the D Rose 7 Primeknit. With an incredibly minimal Primeknit upper and streamlined design, it dropped weight down to just 9 ounces. This makes it the top choice for players looking for speed and agility on the basketball court. The D Rose 8 and D Rose 6 also stand out for achieving sub 9 ounce weights. Overall, D Rose shoes have consistently pushed the envelope in lightweight performance and style. As one of the game’s most explosive players, Derrick Rose’s shoes appropriately reflect his quickness and athleticism through cutting-edge lightweight builds. For ballers looking for the lightest in-game feel, D Rose signature models like the 7 Primeknit deliver.