Top 5 Nike Basketball Shoes to Elevate Your Game in 2025

I decided to grab a pair before they sold out completely. I think this might be the first time the Kobe 5 has been released in recent years, right? And it's the first Kobe 5 made in Vietnam. I won't nitpick about the quality, just sharing my initial impressions after trying them on: The size is just right, and the fit is snug, especially for those with high arches—you might need to size up half a size, otherwise, the arch support can feel a bit tight. The synthetic leather version isn't as comfortable as the woven one, mainly because the connection between the toe and the upper creates a counterforce that pushes back on your foot, making it feel like there's pressure on the front of your foot when you start to accelerate. This is the biggest discomfort I've noticed with synthetic or leather Kobe 5s, especially for those with high arches. On the plus side, the design is great—the blue colorway is bold and feels very "Warriors," and it fits perfectly with the Halloween vibe. Pairing it with a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt would definitely turn heads.lg...More

The shoes look really cool, and you might want to size up by half a size. They're also very lightweight, and the glow-in-the-dark effect is quite noticeable. Wearing them makes you look great. The carbon plate in the midsole is very rigid, which is a plus, but the downside is the removal of the rear air cushion. The foam might wear out a bit faster, and the clear rubber sole isn't recommended for outdoor use, especially considering the price. Overall, though, I'm quite satisfied with them.lg...More

**Kobe 6 "Reverse Black Mamba"** **⭐ Sizing Recommendation:** 1️⃣ **Personal Data:** Height 180 cm, Weight 143 lbs. I have a medium-slim foot shape. I chose a size larger than my usual size, which resulted in a slightly roomy forefoot—my toes didn't touch the front, and I could comfortably wear thicker elite socks without the shoes slipping off my heels. 2️⃣ **Summary:** The shoe's last is on the tighter side. For those with larger, slim feet, the regular size should work fine. For medium and slightly wider feet, consider going half a size or a full size up. **⭐ Pros:** 1️⃣ **Upper Material:** ① The shoe features a unique snake-scale-like design on the upper, giving it a distinctive look. ② The upper is quite strong, providing good support during quick stops, lateral pushes, and side-to-side movements. 2️⃣ **Tight Fit and Lockdown:** ① The upper offers a snug fit without feeling overly restrictive. The multiple eyelets provide good lockdown, and the laces stay in place without coming undone easily. 3️⃣ **Midsole Feel:** ① The midsole combines Zoom Turbo in the forefoot and foam in the heel. After breaking in, the forefoot feels quite responsive, while the heel foam provides sufficient cushioning for lighter guards like me. ② Although the shoe isn't the lowest to the ground, it offers a quick and responsive feel during cuts and bursts of speed, especially for those with good physical conditioning or strong ankle strength. ③ The overall support and torsional rigidity are excellent, but it doesn't feel stiff or difficult to move in. 4️⃣ **Outsole Material:** The outsole performs well on both indoor and outdoor courts. Even after picking up dust, the grip remains solid. **⭐ Cons:** 1️⃣ **Upper Material:** ① The shoe's breathability is relatively average, as there are no noticeable mesh panels for ventilation. 2️⃣ **Fit Experience:** ① The shoe's last is tight, and if you size up, the initial fit might feel a bit long, with some space at the toe box, requiring some time to break in. 3️⃣ **Midsole Feel:** ① When first worn, the shoe feels quite firm, which can be challenging to handle for lighter guards. ② The shoe isn't the lowest to the ground, and after some use, the heel might feel slightly higher than the forefoot. 4️⃣ **Outsole Material:** ① The durability is moderate, but it's not recommended for outdoor concrete courts. ② The outsole tends to pick up dust easily, so regular cleaning is necessary.lg...More

--- Today, I'm sharing my review of the Nike Kobe 6 Protro "Reverse" Green Hornet colorway. Finally owning this pair during the holiday season was the happiest moment of the year for me. 💖 👟 **Appearance:** The overall design features a bold red upper with snake-scale detailing, green shoelaces, and the iconic Kobe logo, making it stand out. After wearing it for training, it definitely caught a lot of attention. The craftsmanship is decent—no major glue overflow issues—but the upper feels a bit plastic-like. From a top-down view, there's a black stripe in the middle, which I got used to after a while. 👟 **Performance:** This is a shoe that you can jump right into for real games without needing any break-in period. I initially thought I'd need a couple of training sessions to "break it in," but during today's training, whether for layups or jumping drills, it felt perfectly comfortable from the start. The forefoot Air Zoom Turbo cushioning is very responsive, making jumps feel light and quick. The carbon fiber plate in the midsole provides a powerful sensation with every step, and during acceleration, it feels like your foot is being propelled forward without any loss of energy. I'd give the shoe a 9/10 for both its support and traction. As for durability, I'll need more training and games to fully assess that. The shoe is lightweight, but for those with high arches and wider feet like me, it might feel a bit tight. I'd recommend sizing up by half a size or a full size. Overall, I highly recommend this shoe. It has a great look and impressive performance, and at its current price, it hasn't skyrocketed yet. If you're interested, this is definitely worth considering. 👍 ---lg...More