Kobe Bryant just hit 61 points in his last game against the knicks, and guess what? He was wearing his new Kobe IV , a low cut basketball sneaker. Bryant reached maturity in his game and is constantly searching a way to improve his performance on the court. Nike’s designer Eric Avar has built a low cut sneaker to help Kobe move freely on the court, to get more dynamism and lightness ( Wt. 11.2 oz.). I’m happy that such an influential player on the shoes business is now playing with low tops.
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The mentalities are changing and lots of players are now realizing that having a low basketball shoes is helpful to get more quickness, reactivity, lightness,traction… Moreover, in sports like Soccer, Tennis, Running,Handball they’re already playing with low shoes despite a higher risk of sprained ankle. Shoes like the Adidas Promodel lows, Gilzeros, Lebron lows went sold out quicker than high tops sneakers so I still don’t understand why brands are not more focused on low top sneakers.
Anyway I went lucky to create my “Bounce Edtion” of the last Zoom Kobe IV on Nike ID, maybe the best pair I’ve ever played in.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
those are hot kev! you know i’ve been on the same page with you about low-tops since we met back in 2004. i’ve never sprained my ankle in them, and have seen plenty dudes wear hi-tops and destroy their ankles in them. the key is stretching, and strengthening the area with conditioning beforehand anyhow. hopefully these are still fresh when you come to nyc this summer, i want you to show them off in my neighborhood when we play! haha
February 4th, 2009 at 12:43 am
Russ says:
…glad to see someone starting to wisen up. I doubt you can find any research showing playing in lo-cut sneaks comes with a higher risk of ankle injuries. What you may find is a bunch of research showing playing with restrictive hi-tops and heavily taped ankled results in more infamous ‘high’ ankle sprains and knee injuries.
And really, take the top of a sneaker and bend it with your hand….not too hard huh? So what effect would it have on a world class athlete playing at high speed that weights atleast 175 or so? Just something to think about.
Even if it were true..i would take a ankle sprain over an acl tear anyday.
February 4th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Teddy Doowop says:
Nice, that colorway looks fantastic. Clean and fresh and clean and crispy and fresh!!