Nike Zoom Kobe 1 review
*Retroactive Review
Fit: 9/10
Cushioning: 9/10
Traction: 10/10
Support: 10/10
Materials 9/10
Aesthetic: A straples evolution of the Nike Huarache 2k5 that is made for getting buckets.
Originally released around 2005/2006 the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 (technically the nike Zoom Kobe 3 (the Nike air huarache 2k4 & 2k5 were technically his signature shoes, but life happens and we all adjust) was a well built stable Performer built for Kobe Bryant, his appreciators and anyone else that liked to get buckets, Win on the court and play aggressive.
Fit: 9/10: the fit on the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 was good. I think the fit on the Nike Zoom Huarache 2k5 was better, but these weren/t bad. The well padded leather upper was comfortable and thick which added to the shoes longevity and durability. The ankle padding was good in terms of support and coverage without restricting mobility. There was minimal front to back movement and only a little side to side movement within the shoe. Just be sure to go true to size.
Cushioning: 9/10: A large volume heel Zoom unit, phylon midsole with a nike free inspired forefoot, a forefoot 1st metatarsel based zoom unit and a TPU carbon fiber coated midfoot/heel wrap and shank plate. Again an evolution of what was indruced earlier in the Zoom Huarache 2k4 & 2k5. I think the 2k5 was a perfect sneaker (for me at least guards & forwards would agree), but the Zk1 is a little beefier or substantial. The thickness of the tooling and added carbon fiber supports made your feet work a little more thank the 2k5 when it came to the free inspired flex grooves, flexability and natural movement of the foot, but Bean put on more weight/muscle during the previous offsean and needed a sturdier upgrade for the responsibilities of that season. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog/2006/. The cushioning is still responsive and does it’s job to prevent injuries and dispersing impact forces. Larger and heavier Guards and forwards can appreciate it.
Traction: 10/10: the traction on the ZK1 did not leave much to be desired. With targeted Herringbone placed horizontally at the forefoot and heel that didn’t hinder front to back movements but kept you in control laterally. Movements like cross overs, defensive slides, slashes, drives, jump stops and ofcourse pull up jumpers were all taken into consideration and unhindered by the design of the outsole. The targeted diamond pattern, flex grooves and flared out segmented heel didn’t hurt either. Great on clean indoor courts and the rubber is thick and durable enough for outdoors if necessary.
Support: 10/10: The fit, thickness of the foam backed leather upper and additional supports found in the heel and tooling helped to keep the foot upright and stable without too much unecessary movement within the shoe. this helped to minimize the potential of injuries like plantar fasciatis, ankle sprains, inversions and breaks/fractures for overuse, landings and other impacts forces (don’t overtrain lol.). Although a little heavier, injuries were not a concern while playing in the Zoom Kobe 1.
Materials 9/10: Thick Geniune foam backed Leather & Nubuck/Suede that will last you the season indoors and out. A breathable foam Mesh Ankle area with achilles notch for range of motion and additional leather peices covering the malleoi or protrotruding anke bones for addited support/comfort. durability is not an issue on these and the lining is breathable enough to prevent blisters and other issues. Cotton tube/crew socks that reach above the collar are recommended.
Overall the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 is a beefier strapless evolution of what already worked so well in the Zoom Huarache 2k4 & 2k5. Buy the original (if you can find them in good shape online, at an auction or memorabillia retailer) for your collection or grab a pair of the protro which features a feel length Zoom air unit and shorther carbon fiber plate https://www.nike.com/launch/t/kobe-1-protro-work-blue-and-metallic-gold.
No comments:
Post a Comment