SHOE REVIEW: Head-To-Head (Lebron 9 and Zoom KB7)

Who is the better basketball player, Lebron James or Kobe Bryant?  It’s been a debate that has gone on for years with still no clear answer. 


So instead of spending countless hours comparing player stats or professional achievements, I’ll spend time comparing their current signature sneakers in the attempt to determine, who has the better signature shoe, Lebron James (Lebron 9) or Kobe Bryant (Zoom KB7). 

STYLE

The Lebron 9 and KB7 both posses striking design characteristics and are quite the scene stealers on and off the court. (Depending on the color way you select) On the court, you may think that the Lebron 9’s, with its mid-high cut upper would only look good on big post players with big feet but there are lines in the shoe’s design that make it look sleek in smaller shoe sizes for the quick guards and forwards to wear.  The ZKB7’s on the other hand is truly a “stunner” on the feet of the quick, slash to the basket or pull up for a tre’ player’s shoe.  The bigger players can definitely still bang bodies in the post with the ZKB7 but the bigger sizes make the shoe look a little “boat” like which from a style perspective isn’t a desired look.  Off the court, both shoes are just as aesthetically pleasing.  If you opt to wear a pair of shorts, you may want to lace the Lebron 9 half way to give these relatively high cut sneakers a laid back look compared to a “ready to play some hoop” look when they are fully laced.  The ZKB7 however has no problem in terms of fashion versatility as these low cut kicks take very little effort to look good on your feet no matter what you are wearing.

 
Rating:

4 out of 5 (Lebron 9)

4.5 out of 5 (ZKB7)

PERFORMANCE

In terms of performance, let’s focus our comparison on a few factors that go into a superb basketball shoe:

1) Weight, 2) Traction, 3) Stability, 4) Cushioning and 5) Fit

Being a low cut shoe with a durable polyurethane shell upper laced with Next-Gen Flywire, the ZKB7 has the distinct advantage in the weight department compared to the Lebron 9’s.  But you’ll be pleasantly surprised that despite being a mid-high cut shoe, the Lebron 9s are remarkably lightweight as the designers at Nike effectively utilized Hyperfuse and Flywire technology to keep the shoe lightweight.

 
Both shoes have no clear advantage when it comes to traction and stability.  You won’t find much slide or ankle turn as you pivot or cut on the court with either shoe.  The different outsole patterns used on these shoes accomplish the same thing, superior responsive court traction while stability is achieved by a well designed outsole and a stiff midfoot support plate providing a good solid platform without hindering your overall movement.  I do have to note that the Lebron 9’s have a higher “ride” compared to the ZKB7s whose own “ride” is the closest thing to going bare foot on the court.

 
In terms of cushioning, both shoes surprisingly feel similar even though the ZKB7 uses Zoom Air technology in the forefoot and compression-molded phylon (Attack Fast option) or Cushlon (Attack Strong option) in the midsole and heel while the Lebron 9 achieves its cushioning with the use of the same Zoom Air in the forefoot, Cushlon in the midsole and 180 Max Air to protect the heel from impact.  In fact, the midsole insert which houses much of the cushioning of the ZKB7 is softer than previous ZKB models making it feel much like Air Max or Lunarlon cushioning.

If this shoe comparison seems like a stalemate so far, it may be in the “fit” department where one shoe has drawn an advantage.  One of my biggest criticisms and reason why it took me this long to consider playing in the Lebron signature line was because of heel slippage.  To my surprise, the Lebron 9’s fit is one of the best I’ve ever tried.  Incorporating a seemingly simple internal midfoot harness and an asymmetrical lacing system looks to have resolved the heel slipping issue in past models.  Whatever it may be, good job Nike engineers, you’re not going to hear any complaints from me.  Now it looks like where the Lebron 9’s improved, the ZKB7’s took a step back.  The “lockdown” feel of the ZKB7’s in the forefoot is phenomenal.  The compression sleeve inserts hug your feet and make you feel one with the shoe.  However, despite the plastic heel clip aimed at securing the player’s heel from movement, there is still a degree of heel slippage that doesn’t feel comfortable during an intense, competitive game of basketball.

Rating:

5 out of 5 (Lebron 9)

4.5 out of 5 (ZKB7)

                          

OVERALL

So who has the better shoe, Lebron or Kobe?  Well, just like the argument on who is the better player, it really boils down to who you ask and their preference.  As for me, I prefer the Lebron 9 on the basketball court.  The fit, the stability and the cushioning is one of the best I’ve ever played in, simply superb.  Although I do find myself wearing the ZKB7 more off the court as this shoe is truly a stunner with equally good performance features.  I will also be playing in the ZKB7’s in an upcoming tournament.   But if I had to pick just one shoe to play in and sport off the court this season, it would have to be…

The Nike Lebron 9 for me.