Introducing the Nike Zoom Kobe V

words_Nick Engvall

Nike Basketball has always pushed the envelope when it comes to basketball shoes, somehow continually outperforming the previous years accomplishments. Last year Kobe Bryant’s signature Zoom Kobe  IV raised standards, and lowered the weight and height of what we have all come to expect from a basketball shoe. Not only were the stereotypes of a basketball shoe needing to be a high-top diffused, but the performance capabilities of basketball shoes were also taken to another level. Eric Avar and Kobe Bryant approached this season’s design with a simple approach, raise the standards again. “I wanted to push the envelope with a shoe that meets the demands of my style of play,” Bryant said. “The Kobe V is lighter, lower and more stable. Nike has done it again.” The Kobe V is the company’s lowest profile, and lightest basketball shoe to date. Coming in a full ounce lighter than last year’s model, at 10.6 ounces in a size 9.

The inspiration for the Kobe V comes from the soccer field. Kobe has always been a fan of the sport, and although it may seem the two sports are completely different, Bryant observed that the movements are similar. Sharp cuts at high speeds can be found on-court and on grass, and while basketball players typically wear higher cut shoes, soccer players make nearly the same type of moves in a low cut, extremely lightweight design. With that in mind, the Nike Sports Research Lab conducted hundreds of hours of testing to ensure that stability and lockdown was not compromised. In order to do so, Nike researchers modified the medial arch and re-sculpted the external heel counter. An enhanced outrigger offers much needed stability during lateral movements, which is further enhanced with a de-coupled heel that maximizes contact surface. The final piece in the exceptional performance puzzle is a glass/carbon fiber weave shank plate that takes care of midfoot control and rigidity.

With the Kobe IV as a starting point, Nike Performance Footwear Creative Director Eric Avar set out to further reduce the weight of the shoe while still improving its support and stability. “For the Kobe V, we started with the science and performance elements and built from there,” Avar said. “We wanted this shoe to be a true reflection of his game and persona. As Kobe continues to evolve as an athlete, so will the footwear we create for him.” To make that happen, Avar and his team decided that a lighter, stronger version of Flywire was in order, while traditional stitching was ditched in favor of a heat welding process that is lighter and more consistent. A big change from the IV, units of Nike’s Zoom Air are placed in both the heel and forefoot, as compared to last year’s heel Zoom and forefoot Lunar Foam set-up. Combining Zoom Air with a lightweight Phylon-injected midsole ensures a competent and lightweight cushioning system.

Kobe’s input and inspiration played a key part in the aesthetics of the Kobe V. A part of Kobe’s game and personality made it into every detail of the shoe. For instance, the outsole features a heartbeat inspired pattern that mimics Kobe’s self-described “maniacal will” on the court. The front edge of the outsole features a dot-matrix symbol which will be seen throughout Kobe’s footwear and apparel this season. It represents a codified language that Nike will offer clues to deciphering throughout the season.

The Nike Zoom Kobe V will be available first online with a unique Nike iD retail campaign launching December 26, 2009. A broader global brick and mortar retail launch will occur January 1, 2010 in China and January 16, 2010 throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Tags: Kobe 5, kobe bryant, Kobe V, nike, nike basketball, Nike Zoom Kobe V, Nike Zoom Kobe V Unveiled, ZK5, ZKV

8 Responses to “Introducing the Nike Zoom Kobe V”

1. boywonder347 says:

   December 9, 2009 at 1:50 pm

   so its jus hyper dunks mixed with the last kobe’s shm

   Reply
2. Hank says:

   December 9, 2009 at 2:29 pm

   Actually, I think they are pretty cool. Can’t wait to test them on the court. I will cop this colorway!

   Reply
3. Kurtis says:

   December 9, 2009 at 8:22 pm

   Nike Zoom Kobe V, huh, cool

   Reply
4. Jay in the Bay says:

   December 9, 2009 at 10:29 pm

   the just look like low hyperizes

   Reply
5. DP says:

   December 9, 2009 at 11:48 pm

   meh….

   Reply
6. Jonrey says:

   December 10, 2009 at 11:15 am

   It’s a fusion of the 1st Huarache, Huarache 2K4, Hyperdunk & Zoom Kobe 4… nice kicks!

   Reply
7. big boi says:

   December 10, 2009 at 2:33 pm

   thank goodness for getting rid of the lunar foams! those are comfy to walk/train in but they just wouldn’t suffice for the basketball ground and pound game.

   Reply
8. Keith says:

   December 13, 2009 at 12:45 pm

   Kobe V is the low cut version of HYPERDUNK 2010.

   Reply