The Nike Zoom Kobe VI
Is a Low-Cut Zoom
Kobe Bryant's first sneaker deal was with sportswear giant adidas, and he launched his association with the brand with the 1996 release of the adidas EQT Elevation. That shoe was followed up by the launch of his very first signature shoe, the adidas Kobe Bryant KB8. Two more releases of the KB8s came next. They were followed by the release of the adidas THE KOBE, space boot-style kicks released in 2000. Bryant reportedly wasn't happy with the KOBE II version of the shoe, and he ended up without a sneaker deal at all until he signed up with Nike to launch the Nike Zoom Air Huaraches 2K4. In 2005, Kobe and Nike launched the first of his own Zoom line with Nike called the Nike Air Zoom Kobe 1. Several lines followed.
What types of materials have been used in the Nike Zoom Kobe VI sneakers?
The design of these snakeskin inspired Kobe sneakers were designed to mimic the black mamba snake that inspired Kobe's "Black Mamba" moniker, and many of the materials that have been used to build the shoe follow that theme.
- The reason that these shoes are sometimes referred to as Islands upper sneakers is that the uppers have polyurethane islands that look like a snakeskin. Those islands grow larger or smaller in size depending on how the shoe moves and they help protect the shoe from abrasions while increasing its durability.
- The shoe is encased with a cast urethane outer shell that's threaded through with three layers of Flywire technology that helps give the shoe a snug, adaptable fit along with plenty of support and an enhanced level of breathability. The polyurethane gives the shoe an extra layer of durability while helping make it more breathable.
- There is an injected TPU heel counter that has a lightweight design that provides plenty of support to the back of the foot by comfortably cupping the heel.
- There's a sculpted dual-density sock liner made with memory foam that creates a snug fit around the foot, locking it into a soft, comfortable pocket that feels comfortable as the player moves around the court.
How much traction do the Nike Zoom Kobe VI sneakers have?
Basketball shoes need to have plenty of traction, and these on-court basketball shoes have it. The shoes come with a Black Mamba-themed pattern on the solid rubber outsole mixed with a modified herringbone pattern located at the cross-section. This results in a shoe that grips the court really well, making it easy for the player to move back and forth easily as the shoe helps stop slippage. The shoe also has outsole flex grooves that flex easily with the foot. Some players note that the outsole seems to grip the court even better the older the shoe gets. The outsole simply needs to be wiped down if it becomes dusty and slippery.
What types of colorways are available with the Nike Zoom Kobe VI sneakers?
These shoes were released in a variety of different colorways:
- The Nike Kobe Black History Month sneakers are black and gold shoes that celebrate Black History Month. The shoes come with a black upper, while the heel counter, swoosh, heel outsole, and a "BHM" logo located on the heel-counter window are decked out in rich gold color. There are ridges on the upper that represent traditional African facial and body markings that are used to signify strength and courage.
- The Nike Zoom Kobe VI All-Star is a gorgeous shoe featuring a fade-finish black and red upper. It has a white swoosh on the side that contrasts nicely with the white outsole. The external heel cap is black and has a metallic finish on it that gives the shoe a dash of elegance.
What type of cushioning does the Nike Zoom Kobe VI sneaker have?
These Black Mamba sneakers have been built with a cushioning setup nearly identical to the one used in the Nike Zoom Kobe 5. This shoe comes with a Phylon midsole that's been paired with Zoom air units that have been placed in the heel and the forefoot of the shoe. Phylon is a material made of compressed EVA foam pallets that are heated and cooled to form a mold that adapts itself to the contour of the foot. The material is then used on outer soles, midsoles or innersoles. It's lightweight, making the Zoom Kobe VI seem lighter in spite of all of its parts. It also provides extra shock absorption, so when it's paired with the Zoom air units, you get a shoe that molds really well to the foot while providing plenty of cushioning and protection from impact.
Nike Zoom Kobe VI vs. Nike Zoom Kobe V
| Nike Zoom Kobe VI | Nike Zoom Kobe V | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction | Snakeskin/modified herringbone | herringbone |
| Closures | Laces | Laces |
| Available Colors | multiple | multiple |
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