This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
10. Nike Kobe 8 Elite
The Good: The Kobe 8’s Elite edition looked to improve on many of the model’s existing attributes, like upgrading the plastic heel counter to a true carbon fiber, throwing in Kevlar-equipped laces or adding visible Flywire cables to the forefoot. It also switched out the drop-in Lunarlon insole for a new drop-in sockliner that featured both heel and forefoot Zoom Air units.
The Bad: While it was cool to pull the sockliner out and actually see the Zoom Air bags, the shoe would’ve been much better served if the Zoom Air was simply embedded into a more traditional midsole construction. As we found out on the Kobe 7, the thick insole compromised the shoe’s ride and flexibility, and made for a more clunky ride than expected.
