The Lightest Basketball Shoes Ever

Nike will soon be revealing a new shoe basketball likes of which are much different from others in its breed. That breed is left alone for Kobe Bryant.

This time, Kobe doesn't want ankle support. He wants more speed and higher ups. That's why he's asked the engineers at Nike to produce a super lightweight, low-cut shoe that will make him feel as though he's not wearing shoes at all. Well they've done it, and Kobe is out to prove that, like the soccer buffs he enjoys watching play, he doesn't want to worry about turning an ankle while trying to maximize his playing level.

What's so different about this lightweight shoe?

That's basketball it. It weighs almost nothing and fits so tight and snug to his feet that Kobe believes he won't shed seconds over the span of a game "sliding" in his shoes. (Kobe is instinctively so far ahead of his opponents that he wants to perform to his maximum potential every second he is on the hardwood.) Kobe, just one year removed from introducing the previous lightest basketball shoe in the world, the Nike Hyperdunks, now introduces part deux.

The Kobe IV will be on full show for the first time December 19th when Kobe and his Lakers play the Miami Heat. The shoes are expected to hit stores sometime in February of 2009.

I'm hoping for an early birthday present. I'm guessing the retail price is going to be around $120.00, which isn't bad for such high quality..or is it? I wonder what KB24 will come up with next year. Super socks maybe, softer than usual with soles on the inside and a little more grippage on the bottom I suppose. What's amazing though is the shoe's design. The people at Nike never seem to upset me when it comes to creativity.

The argument against these shoes is that ballers need high tops for ankle support. Kobe's counter-argument is that if you land on someone else's foot or get criss-crossed by Chris Paul, you shouldn't blame it on the shoe, you just need "ankle insurance." I for one agree. I guess it would take some getting used to, but if Kobe's wearing them you can be sure I'm next.