Nike Kobe AD 2018 review

Who should buy the Nike Kobe AD 2018

The Nike Kobe AD 2018 might benefit you if:

• You are looking for a basketball shoe stylish enough to rock it off the court.
• A ballgame companion with ample cushioning for heel strikers is what you are after.
• A sneaker suitable for outdoor and indoor court surfaces is what you prefer. 

Profile of the Nike Kobe AD 2018

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.

Performance

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 airier 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.

Fit

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.

Material

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.

Style

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.

Special Colorways of the Nike Kobe AD 2018

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.