The MKBHD X Atoms M251 Sneaker Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

In the fast-paced world of tech and fashion collaborations, it’s not uncommon to see YouTubers venturing into the world of sneakers. One such collaboration that has garnered significant attention is the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker. Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD, partnered with Atoms to create a unique and stylish sneaker. But does it live up to the hype and its price tag of $189? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dissect every aspect of the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker, from its history and design to its comfort and functionality. So, let’s dive in!

A Brief History of MKBHD

Before we delve into the sneaker itself, let’s take a moment to appreciate Marques Brownlee’s journey. MKBHD, a popular YouTuber, initially began his online presence as a tutorial creator in 2009. Over time, he transitioned into tech reviews, capturing the attention of tech enthusiasts worldwide. His big breakthrough came in 2013 when he published a viral video that reached a million views in a single day. By 2014, MKBHD was featured on prominent sites like The Verge, Huffington Post, Time Magazine, and NBC News.

A pivotal moment in his career occurred in December 2015 when he interviewed the legendary Kobe Bryant, delving into Kobe’s tech interests and his newly designed shoe. MKBHD’s popularity continued to soar, culminating in the Shorty Awards Creator of the Decade award in 2018. In 2019, his channel experienced further growth and diversification with the introduction of additional channels like Retro Tech, Waveform, and The Studio. Fast forward to today, Marques boasts a staggering 17 million subscribers and an impressive 3.5 billion views on his content.

The Birth of the MKBHD X Atoms M251 Sneaker

Now that we have a glimpse into MKBHD’s illustrious journey, let’s shift our focus to the star of the show – the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker. This collaboration between Marques Brownlee and Atoms represents a partnership rooted in innovation, creativity, functionality, and quality. The limited-edition sneaker, bearing the M251 style, pays homage to MKBHD’s inaugural YouTube video, which lasted precisely two minutes and 51 seconds.

Here’s a quick rundown of the key details about the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker:

Attribute	Description
Style	M251
Weight	13.3 ounces
Retail Price	$189
Manufacturing Origin	South Korea

The Quest for Comfort and Style

When Marques Brownlee embarked on this sneaker collaboration, he had specific goals in mind. He aimed to create a lightweight sneaker akin to the Adidas NMDs, with a silhouette reminiscent of the iconic Jordan Ones. Comfort was paramount for him, given his activities that involved extended periods of standing, walking, and crouching. Moreover, he wanted the sneaker to offer all-day comfort, making it suitable for various tiring activities. Importantly, he envisioned the MKBHD X Atoms M251 as a versatile “Four Season” shoe, engineered to withstand the elements.

Light as a Feather

One of the standout features of the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker is its weight. Weighing in at just 13.3 ounces, it’s remarkably lightweight, especially for a high-top sneaker. This lightweight design aligns with Marques’s goal of creating a comfortable and easy-to-wear shoe.

Silhouette and Style

In terms of style, the M251 draws inspiration from the Jordan Ones, delivering a sleek and trendy look. It’s clear that MKBHD aimed to create a shoe that not only performs well but also turns heads on the streets.

The Comfort Factor

Now, let’s dig deeper into the comfort aspect. Comfort is where the rubber meets the road for many sneaker enthusiasts. The comfort of the MKBHD X Atoms M251 primarily hinges on its outsole and midsole.

The Soft Outsole

The outsole of the M251 is crafted from a unique material known as thermoplastic vulcanized (TPV). TPV is similar to TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) – a common material used in sneaker outsoles. TPV offers several advantages, including better grip in wet conditions due to its porous nature and a softer feel due to its lower density.

However, there’s a caveat. TPV tends to wear out faster than other materials, mainly because of its lower density. Furthermore, TPV isn’t particularly oil-resistant, as foreign substances can get trapped in its porous structure. The MKBHD X Atoms M251’s outsole has an additional quirk – it’s only three millimeters thick, which is on the thinner side for sneakers. Most sneakers feature outsoles ranging from five to six millimeters or even thicker. The thinness of the outsole raises concerns about its longevity.

The Plush Midsole

Moving on to the midsole, it plays a pivotal role in determining the sneaker’s comfort. The M251’s midsole boasts a softness level of 10 Shore A, making it exceptionally plush. To put this into perspective, most foam used in sneakers falls within the 20 to 40 Shore A range. One of the few sneakers with a midsole as soft as the M251 is the Yeezy Knit Runner, which some users found almost too soft.

However, the softness of the midsole comes with a trade-off. Softer materials tend to wear out faster, which could be a concern for sneaker enthusiasts, especially considering the M251’s price point of $189.

Four Season Shoe or Not?

Marques Brownlee envisioned the MKBHD X Atoms M251 as a “Four Season” shoe, capable of withstanding different weather conditions. But does it live up to this ambitious goal? Let’s examine the sneaker’s design and materials.

The Upper Material

For a sneaker to be suitable for all four seasons, one would typically expect it to feature leather in its upper construction. Leather is known for its durability and suitability for various weather conditions. However, when we scrutinize the M251’s upper, we find something unexpected.

Upon close examination using a macro lens, it becomes evident that the sneaker’s upper has an embossed finish and appears to be composed of synthetic materials with a plastic-like texture. Further investigation, including subjecting the material to a flame test, confirms that there’s no genuine leather used in the construction. This omission of leather may disappoint some, especially given the sneaker’s price tag.

Synthetic leather is a less expensive alternative to genuine leather, but its use in a $189 sneaker raises questions about the allocation of costs and materials. While synthetic leather is lighter than genuine leather, the choice to use it in the M251 doesn’t seem to align with the sneaker’s premium price point.

Four Season Ambiguity

Given the absence of genuine leather and the synthetic nature of the upper, it’s challenging to label the MKBHD X Atoms M251 as a true “Four Season” shoe. The design and materials lean more towards an office or summer shoe rather than one

that can withstand the rigors of winter or rainy seasons.

The Mystery of Copper-Infused Lining

One intriguing claim made about the M251 is the presence of anti-microbial copper threads embedded throughout the lining. The purpose of these copper threads is to prevent the shoe from developing unpleasant odors. However, does this claim hold water?

Upon close examination using a macro lens and various tests, including subjecting the lining to flame, there’s no discernible evidence of copper threads. While there might be a faint copper-like coloration in the tongue, it’s not substantial enough to validate the anti-microbial properties promoted by the brand.

The copper-infused lining, touted as a standout feature, raises questions about its efficacy and its impact on the overall shoe. If the copper content is minimal, its ability to combat odor might be negligible.

Cutting the Sneaker in Half: What Lies Inside?

Sometimes, to uncover the truth about a product, you need to go beyond surface assessments. In the case of the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker, we decided to cut it in half to reveal its inner workings.

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With that said, let’s unveil the secrets hidden inside the M251.

The Inside Story

Upon dissecting the sneaker, we gained insight into its inner structure. It’s important to acknowledge that the sneaker’s comfort is undoubtedly a result of its midsole and outsole.

Cut In Half Reveal

Here’s what we discovered inside the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker:

Component	Material
Insole	Standard foam
Midsole	Soft foam (Shore A 10)
Outsole	TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanized Elastomer)
Upper Material	Synthetic
Lining	Copper-infused, minimal evidence

The components of the M251 are consistent with our previous assessments. The soft midsole, TPV outsole, and synthetic upper align with the sneaker’s lightweight and comfortable design. However, the absence of genuine leather in the upper and the uncertainty surrounding the copper-infused lining remain notable points of discussion.

Is the MKBHD X Atoms M251 Worth the Price Tag?

After an in-depth exploration of the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker’s history, design, comfort, and functionality, we arrive at the critical question: Is it worth the $189 price tag?

The Comfort Quotient

First and foremost, it’s essential to acknowledge that the M251 delivers on its promise of comfort. The plush midsole and lightweight design make it a comfortable option for everyday wear, especially for individuals who spend long hours on their feet. If comfort is your primary concern, the M251 won’t disappoint.

Style and Aesthetics

From a style perspective, the M251 nails the trendy, high-top look, drawing inspiration from iconic sneaker designs like the Jordan Ones. It’s a sneaker that can easily elevate your fashion game and make a statement on the streets.

Value for Money?

However, when we evaluate the M251’s overall value for money, some concerns emerge. The absence of genuine leather in the upper and the decision to use synthetic materials, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the copper-infused lining, raise questions about the allocation of costs.

The use of synthetic leather, while lighter, might not justify the $189 price point for many consumers. Additionally, the TPV outsole’s potential durability issues, given its thinness and lower density, further add to the cost-value equation.

A Pricey Proposition

Ultimately, the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker appears to be priced at a premium that may not align with the materials used in its construction. While Marques Brownlee’s name and vision are undoubtedly part of the allure, the final product may not entirely justify the price tag.

Final Thoughts: A Stylish, But Pricey Proposition

In conclusion, the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker is a comfortable and stylish footwear option that bears the mark of Marques Brownlee’s vision and creativity. It excels in delivering comfort and style, making it a worthy addition to your sneaker collection.

However, it’s essential to weigh the price against the materials and features offered by the M251. The absence of genuine leather, the use of synthetic materials, and potential longevity concerns regarding the TPV outsole raise questions about the sneaker’s overall value.

If you’re a dedicated MKBHD fan or seek a comfortable and fashionable sneaker, the M251 might still find a place in your wardrobe. However, if you’re primarily focused on value for money and long-term durability, you may want to explore other options within a similar price range.

In the dynamic world of sneaker collaborations, the MKBHD X Atoms M251 stands as a testament to the fusion of tech and fashion. While it may not be the ideal “Four Season” shoe, it undoubtedly makes a statement in the realm of tech-inspired footwear.

Ultimately, the choice to invest in the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker rests on your priorities and preferences. It’s a stylish proposition with comfort at its core, but it comes at a price that might leave some sneaker enthusiasts contemplating their decision.

As with any fashion and tech fusion, opinions will vary, and individual tastes will dictate the final verdict. Whether you’re a sneaker aficionado or simply curious about the latest collaborations, the MKBHD X Atoms M251 sneaker undoubtedly sparks a conversation in the world of footwear.