Nike's Kobe X Model Highlights the Current State of Sneaker Technology
These days it feels like every morning that you press your finger against your phone and open up a dialogue with the world, something new and robust is punching you directly in the face.
The sneaker industry isn't exempt from that stuff.
Technology has become such a crucial part of the shoes we own. The aesthetics will always be vital to athletes, but it's the performance that matters the most. When you're on the hardwood or out stomping around on the concrete, you need a shoe that will reinforce your needs and keep everything in order.
Recently we've seen a sophisticated burst of technological advancements sweep through the industry.
Nike's LeBron 12s came equipped with Nike Zoom Air bags embedded in the soles to facilitate explosiveness and speed. On the other hand, Adidas' "Boost" mechanics platform—which was built for responsiveness—has quickly become a staple of the brand.
The goal to make better shoes has already continued in 2015. When Nike unveiled the Kobe X model, the industry was once again put into "shock and awe" mode.
Turns out that tremendous $40 million contract Bryant put his John Hancock on with Nike in the summer of 2003 has been monumental for the advancement of basketball style and on-court performance. Over the years, that partnernship has done an excellent job transforming their sneaker line to fit the rigorous needs and demands of a player like Bryant.
The "Black Mamba" may not be able to play right now thanks to a brutal shoulder injury. But that didn't stop Nike and Bryant from pushing another forward-thinking basketball shoe to the forefront of the sneaker world.
The Kobe X is the latest signature sneaker equipped to handle the tireless work ethic and on-court bravado that goes along with Bryant's game.
Over the years, Bryant has had the benefit of working with some of the best coaches and players. Guys like Phil Jackson, Shaquille O'Neal and Paul Gasol have all enriched his time in the league. From a design standpoint, Bryant has also had the distinct privilege of working with Nike creative director and VP of innovation Eric Avar.
Avar's designing pedigree is legendary within the sneaker industry. He always pushes the bar creatively, and that's one reason why all of Bryant's signature kicks with Nike have been outstanding basketball shoes.
Bryant and Avar got together and gave us a game-changer a few years back. The Kobe IV was special not only from a technology angle, but it also was one of the first low-top sneakers we've seen embraced full time by an NBA superstar.
In 2014, the culmination of that type of mold—the Kobe 9—became one of the most revolutionary basketball shoes ever assembled. The Flyknit technology that pushed structural and performance boundaries with Nike's running line was amalgamated into both the low and high versions of the Kobe 9.
Now, the Kobe X has continued that trend of technological goodness, but it offers it up in a different way.
The two most important elements of any great basketball shoe will remain the same until the end of time: comfort and support.
Since Avar and Bryant paired up, they've done a great job of giving consumers plenty of that in each Kobe signature model. The X is no different.
As far as the comfort department goes, the shoe is nearly flawless. The cushioning system installed into the base of the shoe is significant. Though it may look like just another low-top sneaker, that system really makes it one of the most relaxed fitting models of any Kobe shoe to date.
Where the Kobe X starts to separate itself from the rest of the pack is the advanced traction system Nike installed—though to be fair, Adidas' traction system is also top notch, as demonstrated in Derrick Rose's signature shoe, the D Rose 5.
On the court, you want your kicks to be responsive. When you move, you need your shoes to move with you in a fluid manner. There's nothing worse than having your kicks jam up on you when you're attacking the basket or playing defense.
The Kobe Xs are noticeably flexible. Most shoes don't have much give. But the Xs are different in the sense that you can contort the soles like a gymnast.
The beauty about today's world is that sneaker addicts and hoops enthusiasts have their pick of the litter. Doesn't matter what the brand is or what silhouette you fall for, there's plenty of variety out there.
A shoe like the Kobe X is a testament to how these major apparel companies keep pushing one another to the brink. All of these beneficial elements of technology that get slammed into these kicks have given consumers a safer, better playing experience.
The days of archaic, non-breathable shoes are over. We don't need them anymore—unless you're talking about casual wear. Adidas, Nike, even Under Armour are all out here devising new ways to make your life better, so why not let them?
Above anything else, and I really mean anything else, seeing a shoe like the Kobe X reach the shelves is a powerful sign for the industry. It's once again set the bar extraordinarily high for quality.
If you're out there trying to get your hands on a pair of these kicks, the "5AM Flight" edition is set to release February 7. Per the norm with most signature kicks these days, a bevy of alternate colorways should hit the market soon after that.
All Nike product information via News.Nike.com, unless noted otherwise.
