Aaron Kr. 
Earlier this week, we brought you some live coverage of the Nike Zoom Kobe V unveiling in Los Angeles, and now we take a more in-depth look at the slick new model and the next-level technology that makes it one of the more impressive Nike basketball designs ever created. The Zoom Kobe V is the true embodiment of the phrase “less is more.” Weighing in at an astonishing 10.6 ounces, the Kobe V is Nike’s lightest basketball shoe ever without any of its structural integrity being compromised. In fact, thanks to Nike innovations like Flywire and heat-bonded overlays, the shoe is not only lighter than anything on the market, but it also happens to be more durable and responsive than many of the bulkier models that would appear to have the edge in that department.
As you can see, the Kobe V sports an even lower cut than the Zoom Kobe IV, a concept that was once pretty taboo in the realm of performance basketball models. It seems that the boundaries were broken thanks to some inspiration from an unlikely, but logical place. Having spent some years living in Europe, Kobe’s love of soccer sparked the notion that if all these soccer players can go full speed, making sharp cuts in a low cut shoe, there should be no reason that a basketball model can’t do the same. As a result, the Zoom Kobe V silhouette was trimmed down quite a bit, but plenty of research and development has been explored as to how to reinforce key sections of the shoe to ensure maximum support in all the right places.
In addition to the cutting edge upper materials, the Kobe V also compensates for its low cut with an extremely sturdy and responsive foundation. A sculpted heel counter enhances “lockdown” capabilities, keeping your foot from sliding around when stopping and changing directions. Another key feature is the enhanced outrigger that juts out from side of the outsole to provide improved stability on the court, and of course there’s a nice dose of Zoom Air in the heel and forefoot for cushioning. Keep reading for some extra-crisp product shots and a technical breakdown of the shoe’s design components. If you’re still hungry for more after that, stay tuned for some videos featuring Kobe and designer Eric Avar discussing the inspiration and design process behind the Zoom Kobe V. And don’t forget to watch out for the first inline colorway hitting U.S. retailers on January 16th.
TECH BREAKDOWN
Low-Cut Profile
– For unrestricted, multi-directional cuts on the court
Heat Bonded Overlays
– Engineered to be lighter, more consistent and less abrasive than a traditional stitched upper
Flywire
– provides both medial and lateral-specific support in a lighter-weight package
Perforated Tongue, Vamp & Quarter
– Perforated sections for enhanced breathability
Reinforced Toe Box
-Ergonomically designed to increase durability
Sculpted Heel Counter
– Enhances lockdown when stopping and changing direction
Nike Zoom Units
– Located in heel and forefoot along with injection Phylon in the mid-foot to provide a superior cushioning system
Kobe Code
– Coded dot matrix language sequence found throughout Kobe products this season
Glass/Carbon Fiber Weave Shank Plate
– Provides mid-foot control and rigidity while the sculpted medial arch design enhances lockdown
Heartbeat Traction Pattern
– Inspired by Kobe’s passion, providing maximum grip on the court using less material
Decoupled Heel
– Maximizes contact surface with optimal motion design
Enhanced Outrigger
– Stabilizes forefoot, gripping the floor on hard lateral cuts
