{"id":917105,"date":"2019-12-11T10:56:55","date_gmt":"2019-12-11T15:56:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=917105"},"modified":"2020-01-04T21:52:23","modified_gmt":"2020-01-05T02:52:23","slug":"how-the-nike-kobe-line-technically-evolved-with-each-model","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/how-the-nike-kobe-line-technically-evolved-with-each-model\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Nike Kobe Line Technically Evolved with Each Model"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dominating the opposition defined Kobe Bryant<\/strong> over the course of his entire Hall of Fame career.<\/p>\n

Ruthlessly, he wanted every edge to be the absolute best. To this day, Kobe’s signature series by Nike Basketball strives to deliver A+ footwear that allows athletes to rule the court. Bryant’s signature kicks make use of Nike’s best technology to create some of the game’s most well-received performers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Let’s take a deep dive into the tech behind every Kobe signature shoe to date!<\/p>\n

Note: You’ll see Zoom Air and carbon fiber noted as key technologies regularly throughout the Kobe line – it’s important to remember that shoe technology doesn’t always have to be brand new, it’s\u00a0how the tech is used. Understanding that the design and execution of assets drive the Kobe line is fundamental.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Nike Zoom Kobe 1 (2005)<\/strong>
\nKey Tech:<\/strong> Zoom Air, Carbon Fiber
\nDesigner:<\/strong> Ken Link<\/h4>\n

Ken Link created a finely tuned workhorse for the ages with the Zoom Kobe 1 (ZK1). The upper provides ample protection while still allowing for ample ankle flexibility.<\/p>\n

Eyes instantly fixate on the Achilles\u00a0region where Link decided to place a hole that emphasized\u00a0freedom of movement.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 (photo by REUTERS\/Chris Pizzello)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dual Zoom Air units within the midsole tooling makes the ZK1 springy upon takeoff and landing, and the carbon fiber shanks on the heel and forefoot stabilized everything.<\/p>\n

As a complete package, the Zoom Kobe 1’s technology is perfectly balanced.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Nike Kobe 2 Ultimate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Zoom Kobe 2 Strong<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nike Zoom Kobe 2 (2006)<\/strong>
\nKey Tech:<\/strong> Zoom Air, Nike Free; multiple iterations
\nDesigner:<\/strong> Ken Link<\/h4>\n

The ZK2 is unlike any other shoe in Nike Basketball’s extensive catalog. Coinciding with the launch of the Swoosh’s (then) newest tech, Nike Free, the ZK2 strives for dynamic mobility by maximizing flexibility.<\/p>\n

Using Zoom Air alongside Nike Free cures the moral flaw of Free tech – its complete lack of springy cushioning.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe II Strong “Orca” (photo by Andrew D. Bernstein\/NBAE via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Kobe
Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe II Ultimate (photo by Lisa Blumenfeld\/Getty Images via Zimbio)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Three versions of the ZK2 exist Ultimate, Strength & Lite. Most think of the Ultimate version with its single strap setup when the ZK2 comes to mind, but the rugged Strength version packs two straps, is a beast on outdoor surfaces and is equally dope.<\/p>\n

Lastly, [the KD1-like] Lite version eliminates bulk and focuses on a speeder, sleeker, design. Pick your poison.<\/p>\n

Say you will about its looks, but the Zoom Kobe 2 was a tech juggernaut in ’06.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Nike Zoom Kobe 3 (2007)
\nKey Tech: Zoom Air
\nDesigner: Eric Avar<\/h4>\n

A beautiful shoe with minimal tech, Bryant’s third signature model focuses on lightness and support more than introducing anything new.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe III (photo by Lisa Blumenfeld\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

MVP caliber season, but nothing groundbreaking on the technology front.\u00a0One noteworthy feature stands out though, the ZK3’s TPU encased, breathable, upper.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Nike Zoom Kobe 4 (2008)<\/strong>
\nKey Tech: Zoom Air, Flywire, low-cut build<\/strong>
\nDesigner: Eric Avar<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s no secret that the Zoom Kobe 4 revolutionized the modern basketball shoe game. Low-cut shoes weren’t a widespread thing pre-Kobe 4, but Kobe wanted something dangerously low to aid in his pursuit of court supremacy.<\/p>\n

For years he floated the idea of a soccer-inspired shoe that would let him run, cut and jump without any inhibitors; so Eric Avar gave the man what he wanted.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe IV (Photo by Doug Benc\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2019 designing a low-cut hoops shoe is common practice.<\/p>\n

By now, you’ve noticed how every Kobe sig\u00a0[so far] uses Zoom Air and that’s because the tech straight-up performs. Pairing Zoom Air with the right supplemental technologies is where the Kobe magic happens. Zoom Air and Flywire together is a match made in heaven because they eliminate any and all unnecessary chunk.<\/p>\n

Ask any real hooper and they’ll probably tell you that the Kobe 4 is the best Kobe ever made. This is what a basketball shoe looks like when the tech is totally dialed-in.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Nike Zoom Kobe 5\u00a0 (2009)<\/strong>
\nKey Tech: Zoom Air, Flywire, vamp tongue, low-cut build<\/strong>
\nDesigner: Eric Avar<\/strong><\/p>\n

What happens when you make the Zoom Kobe 4 lighter? You get the Zoom Kobe 5. Everything great about the ZK4 returns on the 5, but the upper has been revamped with synthetics to decrease weight and improve fit.<\/p>\n

Superiority over the ZK4 is up for debate, but know that from a tech and performance perspective both are elite options.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe V (photo by Noah Graham\/NBAE via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe V “Chaos” (photo by Noah Graham\/NBAE via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Zoom Kobe 5 gets a slight edge in our book due to its superior tongue setup.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Nike Zoom Kobe 6\u00a0 (2010)<\/strong>
\nKey Tech: Zoom Air, Flywire, vamp tongue, low-cut build<\/strong>
\nDesigner: Eric Avar<\/strong><\/p>\n

Man, the Zoom Kobe 6 is a monster. If the Kobe 4 was a Pok\u00e9mon, then the Kobe 6 would be its final evolution.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe VI “All-Star”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Kobe Bryant in the Nike Zoom Kobe VI “Grinch”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Like the ZK5, the ZK6 continues the low-profile, Flywire supported, Zoom Air loaded makeup tradition but with improved lockdown via its improved heel clip.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n