Verdict from 7.3 hours of research from the internet

89
Great!
177 users: 4.4 / 5
12 experts: 83 / 100

4 reasons to buy

  • A lot of reviewers enjoy playing in the 2018 version of the Kobe AD.
  • Some players think that these Nike basketball shoes are supportive.
  • Many wearers say that the cushioning system is really responsive.
  • Many are happy with how these Nike basketball shoes look; they think that they can definitely rock the Kobe AD off the court.

2 reasons not to buy

  • A good number of wearers complain that the traction needs a long time to break in.
  • A handful of players think that the materials that compose these Kobe Bryant shoes need a little improvement.

Bottom line

Just like the Nike KD 11 and the PG3, The 2018 version of the Nike Kobe AD is definitely a shoe that many sneakerheads are excited about. What we know is that the Kobe AD 2018 needs some time to break in, especially its traction. But  because the comfort and support that the Kobe AD gives are at least decent, these Nike basketball shoes still delivers on the court.

Tip: see the best basketball shoes.

Expert reviews:

The Nike Kobe AD returns in 2018 still with a low-profile silhouette. It features a traction pattern that resembles and feels like the one on the Kobe 10. For cushioning, it has Zoom at the heel. This unit ensures a stable and responsive ride.

Cushion. The cushioning setup of the Nike Kobe AD 2018 is composed of phylon and a large Zoom Air unit at the heel. This cushioning setup is similar to some Kyrie models. The phylon that it uses is the injected type, which is said to be lighter and a lot more airy than the compression molded one. This phylon-and-Zoom setup in the Kobe AD delivers comfort and responsiveness, especially to those who use their heels often.

Traction. The outsole material and the traction pattern on it are pretty much similar to the ones on the Kobe 10. This setup offers multidirectional grip on both indoor and outdoor courts, though exclusive indoor use is much more recommended.

Length and Width. To be safe, new buyers are advised to go with their usual Nike sizes if they wish to cop the Kobe AD 2018. Some reviewers warn that the shoe may need some time to adjust to the contours of the foot.

Lockdown. Three support elements are incorporated in the design of these Kobe Bryant basketball shoes. First, the outsole is made flat to provide stability without ever needing a shank. Second, the heel has both internal and external counters. The internal one is thinner than the other. Finally, the midsole is soft enough to roll up during motion so that it acts like an outrigger that keeps the foot supported.

The shoe is made entirely of mesh. This breathable material is topped on some parts with a synthetic suede-like overlay, giving the shoe its streamlined appearance. The lightweight mesh at the forefoot is purposefully left exposed to ensure breathability.

Like many Kobe shoes, the Kobe AD of 2018 is a low-profile offering from Nike. As such, it can easily be worn off the court. The shoe has a large Swoosh in full display on the rear lateral side. The medial side has a zoomed in Sheath logo. The left heel area also has the Sheath while the right has the word ‘KOBE’ on it. The pull tab on the tongue also prominently displays the Sheath.

The Nike Kobe AD 2018 has been spotted in a few striking colorways:

  • Black/Multicolor
  • Black/Purple ‘Lakers’

Nike Kobe AD 2018 The Legacy Continues

The Kobe AD 2018 debuted in a colorway that Nike dubbed ‘The Legacy Continues.’ This rendition is said to be the company’s tribute to athletes like Kobe Bryant who puts winning over anything else when they are on the court. This version has an upper that features a combination of gray and blue. Its laces are bright orange and the outsole and lace loops are yellow.

Size and fit

True to size based on 102 user votes
Small (0%)
True to size (96%)
Large (3%)
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Fit
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How Kobe AD 2018 compares

This shoe: 89
All shoes average: 85
34 99
This shoe: £150
All shoes average: £140
£50 £510
This shoe: 314g
All shoes average: 393g
256g 812g
Author
Dimitrije Curcic
Dimitrije Curcic

Dimitrije Curcic has been playing basketball for over 22 years. Like Manu Ginobili, he’s a left-hander whose moves led him to a better career-shooting percentage than the Argentine himself. After playing professionally for 10 years, Dimitrije moved to coaching for two seasons before he became a basketball statistician for StatScore, and FanSided contributor for the San Antonio Spurs. Dimitrije loves to tell hoop stories through numbers and graphics and has been featured on Fansided, FiveThirtyEight, Eurohoops, and TalkBasket among the others.

dimitrije@runrepeat.com