Free Kobe
Kobe Bryant's signature shoe that was built for the challenges of the playoffs.The shoe's design was inspired by killer whales.And their ability to teach the pod how to hunt.Is it truly the vaunted killer whale? Or just shark bait?
Kobe Bryant. Mention that name in any conversation and one of two things will happen.Love or hate. Another word should be associated with the man.Evolution. Kobe has been in the NBA for 10 years now going on 11 and every year it gets better like fine wine.From slam dunk champ to youngest all star to all NBA teams,all NBA defense teams to three championships in a row.After Shaq was traded the Lakers were now Kobe's team.After 2 years we have been treated by some of the most spectacular displays of offense in league history.In the 2006-2007 season he strung together 4 straight 50 point games and finished the year with 10 50 point games.And what was he wearing during those scoring binges?Take a look
figure1Built for strength and endurance the lines of the Zoom Kobe 2 St provide an excellent platform for court assassins
This year Nike did a number of thing different with Kobe's second signature shoe with the company.Not only is the tech on the shoe revolutionary but different designs for different game situations were introduced.The Zoom Kobe 2 nicknamed the "ultimate" was the first shoe introduced which is described as Kobe's every game shoe.Next came the Zoom Kobe 2 ST which was meant for the physicality of the playoffs and finally the Zoom Kobe 2 Lite which releases later on this year.But for now we will focus on the Zoom Kobe 2 ST's. The design was inspired by killer whales hence the nickname "orcas".Apparently Kobe has a fascination with killer whales where orcas actually teach their young how to hunt and kill for the pod.Apparently he sees himself and his young teammates as a pack of orcas where he literally teaches his teammates how to win.The shoe features the revolutionary use of Nike free technology and Nike considered tech.The shoe also features max heel and forefoot Zoom Air which keeps your foot literally millimeters from the ground for maximum court responsiveness.
figure2notice the lines and how they mirror the patterns of killer whales
The shoe also features two lock down straps for the ankle and forefoot for a lock down feel.Unfortunately during play I experienced some sliding back and forth in the shoe despite the ankle and forefoot straps.I feel that problem may possibly be resolved by moving down from a size 10 to a 9.5 as for whatever reason the Zoom Kobe ST's seem to run a tad bigger than the ultimates.
figure3note the segmented outsole for maximum flexibility and traction as well as a visible carbon fiber midfoot shank
08/13/06The outsole features Nike Free technology which allows the foot to make heel toe transitions naturally.Midfoot support is provided by a carbon fiber midfoot shank which guides the foot through it's natural motion.Traction on a normal indoor court was excellent allowing for quick cuts and excellent court feel when making footsteps on drives to the basket.
figure4
view of the heel and forefoot straps
figure4view of the heel and forefoot straps
The max volume heel and forefoot zoom air is encased in the footbed that is placed on top of a phylon footbed with a dynamic fit Lycra/spandex sleeve for a seamless fit.Which is all stitched directly to the upper of the shoe eliminating the midsole and putting the player's foot just above the outsole for maximum court responsiveness.
Overall the shoe is a solid on court performer with some sizing issues.Fortunately it does not have the same issues as the ultimates but presents it's own set of challenges due to the construction of the shoe.People with feet that are a bit on the narrow side will find their foot sliding around a bit inside the shoe.I feel that the shoe might have been possible without the forefoot strap but then again it simply be the Zoom Kobe 2 ultimate.
Comfort and Fit-3.5/5
Cushioning-4.5/5
Ankle Support-3.5/5
Traction-4.5/5
Overall-4/5
If comfort and fit scores were separated the comfort score would be higher but unfortunately due to the sliding issues the shoe loses points.The ankle strap doesn't really do much compared to the strap used on the ultimates mainly due to the difference in materials used for the uppers.But all that being said the overall performance of the shoe is still excellent and would be highly recommended as long as you try them on first to determine your true size in the shoe.
Overall the shoe is a solid on court performer with some sizing issues.Fortunately it does not have the same issues as the ultimates but presents it's own set of challenges due to the construction of the shoe.People with feet that are a bit on the narrow side will find their foot sliding around a bit inside the shoe.I feel that the shoe might have been possible without the forefoot strap but then again it simply be the Zoom Kobe 2 ultimate.
Comfort and Fit-3.5/5
Cushioning-4.5/5
Ankle Support-3.5/5
Traction-4.5/5
Overall-4/5
If comfort and fit scores were separated the comfort score would be higher but unfortunately due to the sliding issues the shoe loses points.The ankle strap doesn't really do much compared to the strap used on the ultimates mainly due to the difference in materials used for the uppers.But all that being said the overall performance of the shoe is still excellent and would be highly recommended as long as you try them on first to determine your true size in the shoe.
Update:
I was able to exchange my original size 10 for a 9.5 and it made a world of difference.My foot didn't move side to side as much and it felt like the midfoot strap actually made a difference.So with all that being said here goes my revised scores-
Comfort and Fit-4.5/5
Cushioning-4.5/5
Ankle Support-4/5
Traction-4.5/5
Overall-4.5/5
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