Top 10 Kobe 8 Basketball Shoes You Need to Own in 2025

⛹️ Full of nostalgia, but not worth overhyping for performance. If you're a Kobe fan and the price feels right, I think it's worth getting. But if you're just looking for performance, its real value is around 700-800, which is more reasonable! The cushioning has been updated with REACT insoles, and the outsole is thicker, so the center of gravity isn't as low as the original. But I think there's room for improvement with some break-in time. The shoe last is generally narrow, so I recommend normal foot types to buy their usual size, while those with wider feet might want to go half a size up. The compatibility isn't particularly strong with this last! It has a half inner boot and a shorter tongue, so the ankle wrap takes some getting used to—it feels a bit insecure at first. The carbon fiber torsion plate is excellent, and the curvature of the sole gives a strong running sensation. 🔥 Personally, I think it's just average for performance and quite picky about foot shape—definitely not worth blindly hyping!lg...More

The Kobe 8 has been one of the hottest sneaker releases this year, with a variety of colorways dropping. After actually trying them out, I feel like the nostalgia factor outweighs the performance. In terms of looks, they're definitely sharp, especially from the side. Kobe's sneaker designs rarely miss the mark when it comes to aesthetics. As for comfort, it's nothing to write home about—just average, but it gets the job done. Durability-wise, the rubber outsole has held up well after about 10 indoor games, with no noticeable wear so far. The fit is snug, but if you wear thick socks, I'd recommend going half a size up since Kobe shoes tend to run narrow. I usually wear a 42, and 42.5 feels just right for me. Traction is solid—the rubber outsole handles dust well, and it performs fine on normal court surfaces. Stability, however, is where I have some complaints. During quick lateral movements, the upper lacks enough support, causing the sole to tilt outward. It's fine for casual play, but I wouldn't recommend it for high-intensity games. Another downside is the mesh material—it's a pain to clean, especially with this colorway. After just 1-2 games, it's bound to get dirty. I've cleaned mine twice already, but it's nowhere near as fresh as when I first got them. To sum it up, at the current price point, I don't think it's worth it for serious gameplay. There are plenty of better-performing options at lower prices. But if you're buying for the nostalgia or money isn't an issue, then go for it.lg...More