Top 10 Kobe Youth Basketball Shoes for 2025: Elevate Your Game

The quality is quite good, and it doesn't feel as plastic-like as some reviews online suggested. The crystal sole provides decent grip and durability for a crystal sole, though it's definitely not meant for concrete surfaces. Oxidation doesn't seem too severe to me. The torsional resistance is great, thanks to the large carbon plate. The original Luna insole has been replaced with React, which is thicker and more resilient, increasing the shock absorption limit. However, the lightweight and ground-hugging feel is somewhat lost. The fit is very snug, and I think people with high arches might want to size up half a size to avoid pinching. The midfoot is quite narrow, so wide feet might feel some pressure on the arch. After wearing the React insole for a while, I wanted to experience the legendary interchangeable midsole setup of the Kobe 8 Elite and Kobe 11 ID. So, I had someone modify a pair of React and Luna insoles for me. One pair was modified to have a 3/4-length air unit (power version), and the other was modified with a front-loaded fan-shaped air unit and a rear-loaded horseshoe air unit (speed version). The power version is incredibly soft and bouncy, giving me a feeling similar to the GT Cut 1. The speed version combines a lightweight, ground-hugging feel with just the right amount of cushioning. The fan-shaped air unit provides excellent starting feedback, while the rear horseshoe unit is soft and bouncy, offering high shock absorption limits. It also recaptures some of the original Kobe 8 Elite's ground-hugging sensation, which I'm very satisfied with. I'm 6'0" and weigh 171 lbs. When I played basketball with the original React insole, I found the cushioning to be more than sufficient. It's resilient and bouncy but softer than the HD17. The ankle support and fit are excellent, and the crystal sole provides good grip for quick stops and starts. The durability is acceptable, and the large carbon plate in the midfoot offers great torsional rigidity. It's clear that the old Nike craftsmanship is still impressive. I highly recommend this shoe to anyone curious about interchangeable midsoles, fans of Kobe, and players who prefer a resilient and bouncy feel for their quick-style play. The white and purple colorway, along with the 8 and 24 accents, looks very stylish and fresh. It's definitely worth buying.lg...More

"As part of Kobe's signature shoe series, I feel this colorway is rather lackluster. The switch from the original lunar insole to the current react insole is an upgrade in my opinion. It takes a few games to break in and fully conform to your foot shape. This shoe runs small, so I recommend sizing up by half a size or a full size. The cushioning is sufficient for me. Compared to the original version, the original model felt more grounded. This version is heavier than the original. The traction is excellent - I've played nearly six games without any slipping. The heel TPU wrap is quite stiff, providing good ankle support. The upper is stiffer than the original model. The torsional rigidity is good. It's worth noting that this shoe is more suitable for indoor play, not recommended for outdoor use. This shoe is more suitable for guards. Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the performance of this shoe. However, I don't recommend buying it at its current price. I think this colorway will depreciate like the pure white version. There will be many more Kobe signature series retros in the future, so buying Kobe shoes at retail price isn't advisable."lg...More

The overall fit is great, and the insole length is fine, just like regular Nike sizes. However, the toe area is quite tight on the instep, so those with high arches might need to size up. The craftsmanship isn't great—there's a lot of excess glue. The forefoot feels pretty stiff, but the heel has a horseshoe-shaped air cushion, which feels really comfortable. It's a good fit for lighter weights, and the current price is quite reasonable. If you have the budget, it's worth considering.lg...More