SOMETHING LIKE A VENOMENON…
Just like the all-time great rapper I paraphrased, Kobe is considered one of the all-time greatest basketball players. With a history of greatness in his Nike line, how does the sixth version of his signature shoe stack up? Let’s see if we get snake-bit…
First impressions are everything, and the snake-scale box was a nice touch.
I wasn’t even real sure, when I picked up the box, that there were even shoes in it. For those who have bought and worn the last two versions of Kobe’s signature shoe, we all know about the weight, or lack thereof. If you have never tried them on, much less purchased a pair of Kobe’s, you will be shocked at the lack of weight involved. For the record, I skipped out on last year’s version after one pair, and I gave those to my brother. It was a good shoe, although there were some serious durability issues with the side-panel materials. So for reference, I put these up against my Zoom Kobe IV Carpe Diem’s which I still wear after two years, and besides the Lunar Foam, are still holding up great.
Where the Zoom Kobe V’s never made me feel comfortable with the thin materials, the VI feel more substantial straight away. Made of a three layer upper construction consisting of inner mesh in the form of a full-length bootie, middle layer of Flywire, and an outer layer of mesh topped by Polyurethane-based snake scales, the shoe feels thin but strong. I will be honest, when I first saw the shoe, I thought there was no way I could wear snake scales on a b-ball shoe – just too much. But you can give Nike credit, they know how to market “out there” and sooner rather than later I knew it would be on my feet. The scales are a PU overlay, and although I can see them shedding as the shoe gets older, after a week and a half of playing they are still attached in whole.
Continue to Page 2 for a look at the Zoom Kobe VI’s “mold to your feet” insoles…
Great in-depth review as always, Bryan! I still need these.
Btw, I also think the heel counter on this shoe was beautifully implemented too. My favorite aspect of the design from the jump…
Really, no problem with heel slip. I can crank down my laces an my heel slides right up and out just walking let alone playing. I think this is due to the insole being so high in the back. I love these shoes. But the heel slippage is a MAJOR flaw which I hope they fix with the Kobe 7s.
Great job with the review, Bryan! Keep em coming!
Nice pics as well.
I’m still waiting to pick up a pair.
@Jr_Lyon : Did you try to break in the insole ? You may try the runners loop technique lacing or at least get another insole from other Nike shoes. Hope this help
Great review, loving all the details.
Seriously, Lyon, and since I had read all of the other posts on NT about the same thing, I was looking (or feeling) for it more than anything. I wore the no-show, Nike foot-specific dri-fit socks, one pair, no bracing, and laced moderately tight I had no problems.
Nene, these are definitely too little shoe for you, but I appreciate the comments. Your opinion is very valued to me.
Storm, you defintiely should grab a pair. I just have to decide on my second color – OC or Duke.
I figured as much
, in the Nike family, it’s pretty much Air Max, or Shox for me.
^ Man, for some reason, my feet cringe when I hear or read “Shox.” hahaha
Great review, Duke.
Definitely out of my budget for balling shoes, but I still can’t help myself from reading and staying educated ’bout performance kicks.
Hey Duke, which shoes between the Kobe VIs and Adizero Rose’s did you like better? I’m a PG who slashes and cuts a lot and I’m 5’8 170. Which one would you recommend?
tough to call K2. If you are looking for step-in comfort and padding, the Kobe. I think, however, the Rose is a new style of performance. Personally, I would pick the Rose if I could only get one, but either is a good choice. I do believe the Rose will be more durable in the long run. And by durable, I mean it will hold the performance properties ingrained in it for a longer time. I can see the Kobe breaking down quicker.
thanks for the advice! I think I’m gonna hold out until the 1.5s come out and grab those.
hey duke, do you think the outsole would be okay for outdoor play? or would it wear down to easily
Jamal, that outsole on the Del Sol is supposed to be XDR, which is the outdoor sole, but the Concords are regualr rubber. I am not aware of any other color coming in the XDR outsole yet. It is a tougher rubber than last years, but the treads are very shallow, so I don’t see them lasting long at all.
@Duke, really? maybe its my eyes but i have the Del Sols, and the outsole looks the same as the concords. They’re not thicker in anyway.
Jamal, that was the SUPPOSED to be part. I am not sure because I skipped the Del Sol’s, but another website said in their review they were, so I went with it.
Duke, Ahh i see. Well thanks anyway. And do you happen to know the other website? If you don’t its alright but just wondering.
I hate to say it but *Solecollector*
is the kobe VI good for flat footed people? Opinions?
does the insole peel?
Great review man.. You’re one of my inspirations. I’m also a sports blogger here in the Philippines. Like you, I also love doing shoe reviews.
Keep up the good work. You’re an inspiration! 