Nike Kobe A.D. REVIEW: Kobe’s New Signature

NIKE KOBE A.D.


Weight: 342 g. (12.05 oz)
Type: Low Top
Tech: ZOOM AIR, Lunarlon, Flywire
Fit: True to Size
Available Colors: 2+
My Rating: 5.5/10

SOMETHING NEW TO THE TABLE?

After many many Kobe shoe releases, we got a brand new model called the A.D. After testing the shoes both indoors and outdoors and putting sweat on the floor, here’s my Nike Kobe A.D. review.

I’ll talk about the shoe’s tech specs, performance, comfort, materials and decide it it’s worth the price. Let’s start the Nike Kobe A.D. review!

THE TECH

We got a similar setup to the Kobe 11. A ZOOM AIR unit in the heel and a full-length Lunarlon midsole.

There are Flywire cables to provide proper support and lockdown to your foot.

PERFORMANCE


FIT/COMFORT

So no matter the tech, the performance, upper, whatever it is, the shoe has to be comfortable. That’s one of the biggest problems of the Kobe A.D.

The upper is stiff and flexes uncomfortably, even after your break them in. My foot was contained really well but it wasn’t comfortable. It was stiff, sometimes painful.

CUSHION

So the shoe uses a similar setup to the Kobe 11 but it doesn’t feel anywhere NEAR that shoe. The ZOOM unit in the heel doesn’t even feel like it’s there and it reminds me of the Kyrie 2. That’s not a good thing.

The Lunarlon midsole isn’t even that good. You get some court feel but it feels awkward and unresponsive. Overall, the cushion of the shoe doesn’t offer impact protection, you do get some court feel but it’s not even a responsive or comfortable setup.

TRACTION

I bought the solid rubber outsole version and it gripped the floor pretty well. Definitely a sensitive setup that attracts lots of dust quickly, much like the Kobe 11.

Overall, it does get the job done relatively well but the setup will require frequent wiping and you’ll experience some slippage here and there. Not a durable setup, so don’t take these outdoors.

SUPPORT

Support wasn’t too bad either. It’s a low but Kobe’s shoes always did a wonderful job of providing proper support for that specific low profile guard that wears a low top.

The A.D. has an outrigger, a heel counter, a TPU cage wrapped around the shoe’s heel and midfoot area and the whole outsole is flat. Not a bad setup that will provide moderate support for a lighter player.

MATERIALS

The upper is mesh reinforced with Fuse. A stiff, inflexible, unbreathable setup. It’s durable but that’s all it can offer. Even after you break them in, they still suck in terms of comfort and freedom of movement.

That kind of upper for $160? I’m not sure about that deal.

FINAL VERDICT

So the Kobe A.D. is simply a disappointment in my book. I don’t understand how could you successfully make great shoes one after the other and just simply f**k it up.

They’re not comfortable, they have super basic cushion, solid traction that’s sensitive, good support and not a premium at all upper. And you need to pay $160 for something like this.

I don’t know about this one people. I’d stay away if you’re looking for a good performance shoe to serve you on the court.

PROS

+ Reasonably solid traction for indoors
+ Solid support for a lighter low profile guard
+ Durable upper

CONS

Straight up uncomfortable
Cushion is barely existent
– A stiff, barely breathable and basic upper for $160

RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE

NIKE KOBE 11

Looking for an all-around solid Kobe shoe with the most recent tech and materials? Here’s the Kobe 11 for you.

An ACTUAL ZOOM unit in the heel with a proper Lunarlon midsole. A reinforced Flyknit upper. Great indoor traction. Kick-ass support.


CHECK OUT THE NEW NXT VERSION OF THE KOBE A.D.! It’s a much-improved shoe with innovative tech up its sleeve.

Okay, that’s it for the review! I hope you found it useful!