Nike Zoom Kobe IV

Lowrider

Faster lighter quicker.Just when you think Kobe's signature shoe cant push boundaries any further,the designers throw in another wrinkle that challenges consumers to really get out of their comfort zone and try something new.From the Zoom Kobe 1 and it's wide forefoot base and outrigger to the Zoom Kobe 2 and it's unique Free/Considered construction to the minimal sock-like construction and unsurpassed court feel of the Zoom Kobe 3.While the Hyperdunk was not a true signature shoe for Kobe,his influence is still felt with the obsession with cutting weight off the shoe.The Zoom Kobe 4 takes everything learned with the previous shoes and combines it all into one package...with yet another wrinkle...Low tops.While low tops certainly are not anything new to me or signature shoes,it wasn't surprising to see Kobe go in that direction.It was surprising to see the line go in that direction. Once again with Kobe it is a love/hate relationship,most people either love or hate low tops.The Zoom Kobe 4 continues the use of lunar foam and Flywire to keep the shoe light.Lets see if the shoe is so simple a caveman would get it or make you to take out a policy for ankle insurance.

figure1
note the padding on the collar and tpu heel counter

Having learned lessons from the Hyperdunk,once again we get a ridiculously light Kobe signature shoe.The shoe does away with the additional material and cuts the shoe into a low top.A one piece dynamic fit sleeve hugs your foot for a snug fit all around.Nike Flywire reduces weight without sacrificing the shoe's structural integrity.A large tpu heel counter adds support and when coupled with the plush padding around the collar really locks down the wearer's heel and provides excellent support which is crucial for a low top.The tongue is well padded as well to add to the support by providing a snug fit all around the wearer's foot.No problems with moisture management due to the mesh in the dynamic fit sleeve to provide airflow throughout the foot.

figure2
another look at the heel counter and medial side of the shoe

With the Hyperdunk one of my gripes was with the bounciness of the lunar foam and the durability of the material.The Zoom Kobe 4 did seem to feel a bit more responsive compared to the lunar foam used in the Hyperdunk.However there still was an issue with the durability of the lunar foam.After 10 wears on court as well as 5 wears to the gym and a couple of shifts at work,I felt the lunar foam starting to bottom out after about 40 hours of wear.While I do like the shock absorption of the Lunarlite foam,I slightly prefer the responsiveness and lower profile of Zoom air.Zoom air in the heel coupled with a phylon midsole provides great impact protection.

figure3
a look at the outsole and the excellent herringbone traction

One major improvement from the Hyperdunk to the Kobe 4 was traction.The traction on the Kobe 4 is top notch and I had no problems with any slippage.The grooves in the herringbone pattern are nice and deep with plenty of surface area for the shoe to really dig in.What is quickly becoming a requirement on a Kobe signature shoe,a forefoot outrigger provides lateral support when cutting and change of direction.A carbon fiber midfoot shank provides lightweight midfoot support.Being a low top ankle support is virtually nonexistent,however the overall support of the shoe is excellent.

figure4

The Zoom Kobe 4 will challenge most people to get over their fears/preconceived notions of wearing a low top.It certainly improves on whatever shortcomings the Hyperdunk had and continues to evolve the line.I am curious to see if the line continues the use of the low top cut in future models.As long as the shoes continue to provide the excellent overall support the Kobe 4's have then there shouldn't be any problems.

Comfort and Fit-4.5/5
Cushioning-3.5/5
Ankle Support-0/5
Traction-4.5/5
Overall-4/5

I loved the support of the shoe.From the dynamic fit sleeve through the fit of the collar and tongue that provides excellent fit which is necessary for a low top.Traction was excellent and one of the real highlights of the shoe.The cushioning was probably the only letdown.While not terrible,I guess I expected more after the Hyperdunk.The lunar foam did feel a bit more responsive but I think zoom air would have been a better choice for the forefoot.Overall the shoe is a great choice for active guards and forwards.The lack of ankle support may turn off some front court players who do most of their work in the paint.But for those who like to slash or are active and need a lightweight,supportive shoe that allows for maximum range of motion then look no further and get ready to hand out some of those ankle insurance cards.

Nike Garnett 3

Live Wire

I remember when I first saw the Nike Garnett 3 the first thing that grabs you is the vivid blue gradient mesh that just grabs you and radiates the energy that seemingly bleeds out of Kevin Garnett.Turning the shoe over to the outsole is an atomic atom again representing the energy that emanates from one of the all time passionate players of all time.Lets see if the shoe performs like it's nuclear powered or just a wet match.

figure1
The height from the top of the ankle where support is needed and how it slopes down to allow flexibility

The combination of mesh and leather on the upper provides excellent breathability and support where needed.I wrecked my first couple of pairs using it as an outdoor summer hoops shoe.There is plenty of soft foam in the collar that allows a secure fit around the ankle.Surprisingly for a shoe designed for a frontcourt player,the shoe is cut relatively lower than most other shoes designed for frontcourt players.Ankle support suffers very little due to the cut of the shoe being cut higher where needed while not sacrificing flexibility.

figure2
the beautiful gradient mesh adds to the depth of the shoe

Cushioning is provided by Tuned air in the heel and zoom air in the forefoot.The concept behind Tuned Air was to use polyurethane hemispheres within the air bag to add extra support where needed without sacrificing the weight or cushioning of the shoe.The hemispheres can have different densities allowing for more or less support depending on placement.The shoe provided excellent impact protection and had no problems when pounding on the court.Zoom Air in the forefoot allowed excellent court feel and bounce back when changing directions.

figure3
note the placement of the leather on the lateral side to protect the wearer when moving laterally.

The Garnett 3 features a carbon fiber midfoot shank that provides excellent midfoot stability and support.As I previously stated the upper is a combination of mesh and leather.The exact placement of the leather on the shoe further adds to the support elements of the shoe by running down the lateral and medial sides of the shoe allowing one to add tremendous pressure when cutting laterally without the fear of coming out of the shoe despite the amount of mesh used in the upper.

figure4
note the "OBF" in the center of the atom as well as the excellent herringbone traction.

Traction on hardwood is excellent.Plenty of surface area in the forefoot for the shoe to grab onto the court surface.Surprisingly the rubber compound used is durable as well having been used on outdoor blacktop surfaces.The atomic atom on the outsole features the "OBF" in the center of the atom."OBF" stands for Official Block Family,a group of people who have been with Garnett through thick and thin.

Overall the shoe is excellent.It is disappointing that this was the last of KG's shoes with Nike.Solid shoe all the way around in terms of fit,comfort,cushioning and traction.

Comfort and Fit-4/5
Cushioning-4/5
Ankle Support-3.5/5
Traction-4/5
Overall-4/5

One of my all time favorite shoes to play in.Not because it excelled in one area but because all the way around it was solid.We have seen shoes that do certain things better but overall this one covers all of the bases.Much like the player who once wore the shoe,while KG certainly does everything well,when all of those skills are combined into one package it truly excels.