Kristian Ferrell
The Nike Kobe A.D. is the third edition of the Kobe A.D. line, continuing Kobe Bryant's signature shoe line after his retirement. The shoe has received mixed reviews, with some praising its traction, fit, and aesthetics, while others criticise its cushioning, narrow fit, and chafing issues. The shoe is also said to have a long break-in period and is priced higher than some comparable options. Overall, while the Kobe A.D. may not be a pinnacle-level product, it is considered a good basketball shoe by some.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traction | Good on clean courts, but may need wiping on dusty courts. |
| Cushioning | Firmer than normal, with impact protection and responsiveness. Not the most comfortable. |
| Fit | Narrow, but comfortable. |
| Support | Good lockdown, but some lateral slipping. |
| Durability | Questionable. |
| Breathability | Poor. |
| Price | $140-160, which some reviewers felt was too high. |
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What You'll Learn
The Kobe AD's traction and grip
The Nike Kobe AD is a basketball shoe that has received mixed reviews. Some users have praised the shoe's traction and grip, while others have been disappointed with its performance.
The traction of the Kobe AD is generally considered good, especially on clean courts. The soft rubber outsole provides decent traction even on dusty courts, although some wiping may be necessary. The traction pattern on the front of the shoe works well on both clean and dusty courts, but the traction on the heel struggles more on dusty surfaces. The flat parts of the outsole also hinder the overall traction, preventing the shoe from being considered top-tier.
The Kobe AD's grip has been described as "aggressive" by some users, providing a good grip on clean courts. However, the grip is not as effective on dusty or outdoor courts, with the outsole picking up dust and requiring frequent wiping to maintain traction. The Kobe AD NXT FF model addresses this issue with a scale pattern that allows dust to fall through, improving durability and traction on dirty courts.
The break-in period for the Kobe AD can be rather long and painful, with the materials feeling stiff and uncomfortable at first. The mesh material, in particular, has been criticised for its cheap look and feel, although it does break in within a few hours of use. The cushioning has also received mixed reviews, with some finding it too stiff and lacking in impact protection, while others appreciate the blend of impact protection and responsiveness.
Overall, while the Kobe AD offers good traction and grip on clean courts, it may require more maintenance and struggle more on dusty or outdoor surfaces. The break-in period and comfort of the shoe have also been points of contention among users.
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Cushioning and comfort
The Nike Kobe AD is a lightweight shoe with a mix of Phylon and Lunarlon cushioning. The cushioning is firmer than previous models, which some reviewers suggest makes for a faster and more stable ride. However, others have criticised the lack of impact protection and responsiveness, with one reviewer claiming that the cushioning "destroyed [their] arches".
The shoe has a long break-in period, with some reviewers noting that the materials are stiff and uncomfortable at first. One reviewer suggests that the use of a separate tongue with some padding would have helped to alleviate the discomfort.
The Kobe AD has been described as narrow, with one reviewer saying that their feet were "squished". However, another reviewer noted that going up half a size solved this problem.
The shoe has been criticised for its lack of breathability, with one reviewer saying that the materials "don't ventilate at all".
Overall, while the Nike Kobe AD does offer some cushioning and comfort, there are some concerns about the impact protection and breathability of the shoe. Some reviewers have also found the narrow fit and long break-in period to be uncomfortable.
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Fit and lockdown
The Nike Kobe AD has received mixed reviews for its fit and lockdown. Some users have praised the shoe's lockdown capabilities, with one user claiming that the heel lockdown is great and that the materials do not stretch too much. The same user also noted that the fit was slightly narrow but felt fine true to size. Another user praised the lockdown at the forefoot flex zone, midfoot, and towards the collar.
However, others have criticised the fit, with one user claiming that the forefoot was extremely stiff and caused chafing below the ankles. Another user reported that the fit was weird, with the shoe being slightly narrow in the forefoot but more open in the toe box. This user also noted that the fastfit system was okay but not as good as traditional laces, and there was some lateral slipping.
The Kobe AD's cushioning has also been a point of contention, with some users finding it too firm and uncomfortable, while others appreciated the blend of impact protection and responsiveness it offered. The shoe's breathability has also been called into question, with one user stating that the mesh is too light and doesn't provide enough support.
Overall, while some users have found the fit and lockdown of the Nike Kobe AD to be excellent, others have been disappointed by the shoe's narrow fit and uncomfortable cushioning. The shoe's breathability and durability have also been questioned, with some users reporting that the materials feel cheap and lack support.
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Durability and support
The Nike Kobe AD is a lightweight shoe with a narrow fit. The lockdown is great, and the materials don't stretch too much. The cushioning is firmer than in previous Kobe lines, which makes for a faster and more stable ride. The shoe provides good impact protection and responsiveness. However, the Zoom unit is muted, and the cushioning is not the most comfortable. The shoe has a long break-in period and is very uncomfortable at the beginning. The materials are stiff, especially the huge tongue, and the mesh looks and feels cheap. The shoe is not very breathable, and users have complained about chafing and bleeding below the ankles.
The support provided by the Nike Kobe AD is adequate and will provide the necessary features that you need to feel secure on the court. The heel lockdown is excellent, and the shoe feels like an extension of your foot, especially after the break-in period. However, there is lateral slipping, and the forefoot causes a lot of pain due to the materials used. The shoe also lacks a midfoot support shank, which may be a concern for some users.
The durability of the Nike Kobe AD has been questioned, and it is considered a risk to count on its durability. The materials used, especially the mesh, feel cheap and may not hold up over time. The shoe also requires a significant break-in period, during which the materials are very stiff and uncomfortable. Additionally, the cushioning has been described as basic and may not provide sufficient support for more intense basketball activities.
Overall, while the Nike Kobe AD provides adequate support and durability for casual use, it may not be suitable for more intense or prolonged basketball activities. The shoe has a narrow fit and a long break-in period, and the materials may not be durable enough for extended use. While the lockdown and responsiveness are excellent, the cushioning and breathability are lacking. For more intense basketball players, there may be better options available on the market that offer greater durability and support.
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Price and value
The price of the Nike Kobe AD basketball shoes varies depending on the model, colour, and seller. On Amazon, the Kobe AD is listed at various prices ranging from $33 to $144.99. Another listing offers the shoes for $80.75, with the original price being $92.37. On eBay, the Kobe AD is listed under $150.
The Kobe AD Exodus, a variation of the Kobe AD, has been seen priced at $140, with some listings going for over $200 on StockX. The Kobe AD Mid, another variation, is priced at around $75.
Some reviewers have expressed disappointment with the quality of the Kobe AD, considering its price. One reviewer mentions that the materials used, particularly the mesh, feel cheap and that there are better options available at a lower price point. Another reviewer notes that the cushioning is basic and not worth the price of $140-160.
Despite the mixed reviews, the Kobe AD has received positive feedback for its traction, lockdown, and aesthetics. It's important to note that pricing preferences are subjective and can vary based on individual budgets and expectations.
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Frequently asked questions
The Kobe ADs are good basketball shoes, but they are not without their flaws. They have great traction, especially on clean courts, but they may need some wiping on dusty courts. They are lightweight, sturdy, and have good lockdown, but they have a painful and long break-in period.
The Kobe ADs have a very firm cushion, which some reviewers felt was too stiff and uncomfortable. The materials of the shoe are also very stiff at first, especially the huge tongue, and may require a significant break-in period. The shoes are also not very breathable, which can be an issue if your feet sweat a lot or you play outdoors.
The traction on the Kobe ADs is generally good, especially on clean courts. However, some reviewers found that they still slipped occasionally and needed to wipe the soles frequently.
The Kobe ADs tend to fit slightly narrow, but sizing up by half a size can help with this. The forefoot flex zone provides a good lockdown, but some reviewers found that the shoe still felt awkward and empty.
