Thanks to the ever-reliable FastPass, we get a look at everything that makes the newest Kobe signature model what it is.
To eliminate confusion, the older Kobe model will be referenced as ‘A.D.’ while the newer model will be labeled simply ‘AD’ (without periods).
The original Kobe A.D. was met with controversy, as we found that the true story of Nike’s Zoom implementation was not at all what we expected. With that being said, let’s get right to a comparison between cushion setups of the A.D. (old) and AD (new).
Both size 9 (US) sneakers feature full-length Lunarlon with a top-loaded heel Zoom unit, but in the newer model we get a view of a significantly thicker Zoom unit, coming in at about 14.20mm thick (compared to the 8.46mm we got in the original). Nike must have heard critics of the cushion in the A.D. loud and clear because it did not play around this time.
Also, the new AD uses an added carbon fiber support plate at the arch and what appears to be leather used to prevent rollover on the lateral side. If we are being honest, the heel area looks to possibly have taken a step back in terms of containment and padding, but just as we cannot judge traction by looks alone we must see how this area performs when it counts.
Overall, Nike has made some improvements — and interesting choices — when it comes to use of technology and materials for the Kobe AD.
Were you not a fan of the original A.D. and think the new thicker Zoom unit and material choices will be enough to make you try this latest AD out? Let us know in the comments below and if you are still unsure, be sure to check out the WearTesters performance reviews on the Nike Kobe AD coming soon.
Source: FastPass
Thank god for the cushion upgrade. Talking with Anotherpair_, he says that the cushion is better than the previous A.D. Looks like the Kobe X setup which was perfection in my opinion.
Indeed! I skipped A.D. and just went back and forth between 11/11 Elite, hoping to get hands on the pair that dropped today.
One issue my son is having with the New Kobes is in the mid / lower tounge area of shoe. It’s so thin that it is causing some pain on top of his foot. All other Kobes haven’t been an issue in that area on the top of his feet.
Also agre with the heel cushion/ containment a bit of issue.
Man, I hate that he is having a hard time with him. Perhaps a different colorway will provide more padding in the tongue to resolve the pain issue? I’ve been hearing/reading different materials described in upcoming cw’s outside of the MM pack. Tried to take a look at the ‘Rise’ cw today but my mall is terrible no one had them.
looks like a better setup compared to the Kyrie 3s.
Well done Nike. Very nice execution this time, they have learned from their mistakes.
This was not st all a cushion upgrade. It was Nike’s way of gagging just how much tech they could cut back from to sell a shoe with someone’s name/legacy attached.
Metrics alone qualifies these as an upgrade over the original, being the Zoom unit is nearly twice as thick and retails slightly lower than the original. But I do understand where you are coming from, I still haven’t pulled the trigger on either simply for what you can get in other shoes at that retail value or even on sale.
St = at
gagging = gauging/measuring
back from = back on