Casual hooper, Guard, 5'9" 195lbs, Wide feet = Book 1 was my favorite shoe last year. Felt loyal to the line, but saw the atrocious reviews for the launch molded upper Colorways of the Book 2. Saw the Spiridon on sale for $100, and figured I'd give them a shot.
After 3 indoor sessions and 2 outdoor sessions - Book 2 8.5/10 vs Book 1 9/10. Lots of good, improvements are welcome, it just doesn't feel like an "evolution" of the Book 1. I play like Jalen Brunson, and with that style they're working well for me.
Fit - the most controversial part of the shoe: Full sized up to 13, normally size 12 in most,12.5 in Nikes. Even full size up, it's got just the right amount space at the front, so anyone going TTS most be in hell. Toebox width is solid, top of shoe was a little snug but they broke in. my wide feet are comfy, though I'm getting some cramping in my left foot, which is odd since it's my less wide foot. Def half size up if you have normal width feet, and full size if wide, you'll be fine. Mesh feels comfy, I don't feel the eyelets in my ankle like others have complained about. These feel way better than the molded upper.
Traction - one of my biggest surprises after hearing reviews, they've been great for me, feel very sticky both indoors and out. Time will tell durability, but the rubber outsole on Spiridon feels pretty solid and I haven't had significant wear. Switching between these and the AE2's, these have way better traction, the AE's got me sliding everywhere. The clip flange is VERY noticable, I feel very steady in these, no ankle issues so far like in Book 1.
Cushion - Lot of court feel, but cushion is solid, about average for a guard shoe. The switch of Air Zoom unit to the front took away the landing heel cushion I liked as someone who rebounds/jumps a lot, but these feel easier to drive in. Not as plush as the Book 1's, but it's more preference vs a negative. I already see a lot of creasing in the midsole though, but I am heavier.
Upper/Weight - Mesh feels good, though I don't think they'll be as breathable, the meshing is cosmetic, it's still enclosed panels. These definitely feel heavier than Book 1, one of the biggest drawbacks, but I also was a size down in Book 1 so to be expected. Not enough to cause major issues, but noticeable.
Overall: I travel and play a good amount, so I wanted a vacation sneaker that doesn't scream basketball, and by that critieria, I'm pretty happy(esp for $100). Biggest negatives are the confusing sizing and the weight. At least for the mesh colorways, this shoe's been getting too much hate compared to the atrocities of the GT Cut 4.