Streets Is Watchin
The Adidas KB8 was originally released in 1997.It was the first shoe to feature Kobe Bryant's name.It featured Feet You Wear technology which is designed to mimic the wearer's foot to promote responsiveness and feel like a natural extension of the foot.The shoe was retroed in 2005 and renamed the Adidas Crazy 8 since Kobe was no longer under contract with Adidas.
figure1Visible is the outsole that features Feet You Wear technology
When you first put on the shoe,you'll notice how it provides a low profile feel despite the clunky looking outsole/midsole.Feet You Wear technology is designed to mimic the natural curvature of the foot.I enjoyed the overall feel of the shoe during active game play.It felt like the shoe was working with my foot rather than my foot working against it.Support is excellent with Feet You Wear tech promoting stability coupled with Torsion System which provides midfoot and arch support while allowing the forefoot and heel to move freely.
figure2
Visible are the straps that "X" on the heel which add support
While stability on the shoe is at a premium actual ankle support is average.While the shoe features extremely comfortable padding inside the collar but lacks very much support.To aid the heel counter there are 2 straps that are the top 2 lace holes.when the laces are tightened the straps which are in a "X" formation (as seen in figure2) which tighten adding support to the heel and Achilles.While the shoe was great for providing a great feeling shoe I did experience some movement in the shoe.Cushioning is provided by adiPrene in the heel and forefoot.While I didn't feel any discomfort playing on a hardwood floor I did feel some soreness when playing on tiled floor.Traction was another issue.I'm thinking due to the lack of surface area on the outsole due to the Feet You Wear tech that traction suffers.With excellent herringbone traction on the forefoot and heel,the shoe is missing surface area contact in the midfoot area.I found myself constantly wiping my shoes down even on the hardwood floor.I was basically ice skating on the dirty tile although I would say that would be one of the more extreme tests.
figure3
Note the natural curve of the bottom of the shoe to simulate the natural shape of the foot.
figure4
It was great in 1997 and decent by today's standards.While some aspects are excellent it falls short in other areas.Adidas did improve the KB series as it progressed but being the first one isn't always the best.
Comfort and Fit-4/5
Cushioning-3/5
Ankle Support-3/5
Traction-2.5/5
Overall-3.5/5
The shoe mirrors Kobe's development perfectly.While spectacular at times he had rough spots and you could see he had some ways to go before being something special.Traction was a major issue for me as well as cushioning.The cushioning seemed to bottom out after a while.Ankle support could have been better but the stability of the shoe was excellent.Overall a decent performer especially at the price point it's at now.Also a must have for Kobe fans with this being his first shoe to have his name on it.
figure2Visible are the straps that "X" on the heel which add support
While stability on the shoe is at a premium actual ankle support is average.While the shoe features extremely comfortable padding inside the collar but lacks very much support.To aid the heel counter there are 2 straps that are the top 2 lace holes.when the laces are tightened the straps which are in a "X" formation (as seen in figure2) which tighten adding support to the heel and Achilles.While the shoe was great for providing a great feeling shoe I did experience some movement in the shoe.Cushioning is provided by adiPrene in the heel and forefoot.While I didn't feel any discomfort playing on a hardwood floor I did feel some soreness when playing on tiled floor.Traction was another issue.I'm thinking due to the lack of surface area on the outsole due to the Feet You Wear tech that traction suffers.With excellent herringbone traction on the forefoot and heel,the shoe is missing surface area contact in the midfoot area.I found myself constantly wiping my shoes down even on the hardwood floor.I was basically ice skating on the dirty tile although I would say that would be one of the more extreme tests.
figure3Note the natural curve of the bottom of the shoe to simulate the natural shape of the foot.
figure4The shoe has beautiful lines and is a joy to look at
It was great in 1997 and decent by today's standards.While some aspects are excellent it falls short in other areas.Adidas did improve the KB series as it progressed but being the first one isn't always the best.
Comfort and Fit-4/5
Cushioning-3/5
Ankle Support-3/5
Traction-2.5/5
Overall-3.5/5
The shoe mirrors Kobe's development perfectly.While spectacular at times he had rough spots and you could see he had some ways to go before being something special.Traction was a major issue for me as well as cushioning.The cushioning seemed to bottom out after a while.Ankle support could have been better but the stability of the shoe was excellent.Overall a decent performer especially at the price point it's at now.Also a must have for Kobe fans with this being his first shoe to have his name on it.
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