Nike Kobe X 10 Performance Review
Written by schwollo
I will do a comparative review to the Kobe ix as well throughout the review.
Related links :
Kobe X Elite
Lowtop shootout
Kobe x vs Clutchfit drive low
Nike Hyperchase review
King of the Court Shootout
Although we won’t see Kobe wear these anytime soon I couldn’t wait to try these on. Zoom Air makes a return with flex grooved lunarlon in the forefoot and they feel great!
PROS: Traction, cushioning, fit
CONS: upper is stiff to start and makes a popping noise until broken in, weird placement of foot stay at small toe.
TRACTION:
Nike added flex grooves to the forefoot cushioning and outsole to allow the shoe to be more flexible , thus having more surface area touching the ground. Not sure if this really enhances the traction in any discernible way but the pattern works great. It isn’t as “sticky” as the Kobe ix but it still works great. If I had to pick between the two Id give the edge to the Kobe IX
Below: my favorite part of the X is the X bar which acts like the Y bar that was on the Kobe IV, V, VI to help stabilize the heel
Here is a shot of the IX and X side by side for reference
Verdict: Kobe ix by a hair
CUSHIONING:
Caged Zoom Air in the heel and flex grooved Lunarlon in the forefoot equals an awesome set up. This is the first Kobe since the IV that featured two different types of cushioning. The IV had Zoom in the heel and Lunar foam in the forefoot which was basically the first generation of Lunarlon and it bottomed out quickly. I’m very glad to say this set up is far superior to the IV and pretty much all the Kobes since the VI. This the the third basketball shoe I can think of that has Caged Zoom (the KD V Elite and the Lebron II). I loved the Lebron II and cushioning was one of its strength .Back then the Zoom was encased in Pebax which was stiff yet pliable and lended stability to the entire shoe . The X feels like a much softer plastic /rubber than Pebax and allows the wearer to feel more of the Zoom.
above: Lebron II caged Zoom
Below: Kobe x caged Zoom
The IX had a full length Lunarlon insert and was much firmer than the Kobe Viii insert . However it still lacked the bounce and springiness I love that is found in Micro G, Zoom, and Boost. Another great thing about this cushioning set up is that it is only Zoom and Lunarlon, not a bunch of fillers. Look at the pic and you can see Zoom in the heel and the Lunarlon the rest of the way. This helps lead to the smooth transition from heel to toe
VERDICT: Kobe X
FIT
The Kobe X used Hyperfuse mesh on the upper and feels much stiffer than the upper of the IX and Viii. When I put these on initially, it was making a popping noise from the inside of the toe box area since the upper wasn’t broken in and flexing weirdly. However, after a few games the popping stopped. Despite this slight annoyance, the X fit my foot perfectly . No heel slip at all thanks to a nicely padded heel collar, no side to side movement. No discomfort in the midfoot contrary to the Kyrie I or Run the One.
Above: where the popping noise comes from
The Kobe IX also had a fantastic fit with no heel slip or side to side movement.
VERDICT: Tie
SUPPORT
The X support feels more beefy than all of the Kobes except the IX which I think is a good thing. Gone is that super stiff external heel counter and in it’s place is a more standard, more flexible heel counter
as well as a tiny footstay that does its job but is in the weirdest place. Typically a foot stay is about an inch or two back since that’s where your foot slides out but this one is almost in line perfectly with my pinky toe. I think the reason Nike moved it up was to allow the foot to flex more naturally and easily , which it does but I’d much preferred to have it in its normal spot but it worked well but took some time getting used to.
Above: see how it flexes more naturally since they moved the footstay.
VERDICT: My preference is the X but the IX is more supportive so, Kobe IX
CONTAINMENT
The X did a great job holding my foot in the footbed even on hard cuts thanks to a stiffer upper material and the addition of the footstay. The IX did a good job of containing my foot as well as it has extended the toe bumper’s height all the way around the shoe .
VERDICT: Kobe X
STABILITY
As I’ve written before, I sprained my ankle badly in the IX despite the great support and that was due to the corner in the heel being contoured in just the wrong place . The X does not have that problem as it passed my heel step test and feels very stable on court. Also I noticed that the X is actually a few millimeters wider at the forefoot than the IX which obviously adds to the more stable feeling.
Above: I lined these up and as you can see the extra width.
VERDICT: Kobe X
Miscellaneous
I have never gotten along with drop in insoles mainly because my foot always slides in between the insole and the upper on hard cuts. Even though the Kobe IX improved their insert by raising the sidewalls I could still had the same problems as before. Maybe I’m the only one that is bothered by that feeling I’m not sure.
As usual Nike jacked up the price another $ 20 and for those of you who think it’s the tech pushing the price, it isn’t; it is just Nike using their brand and Kobe’s star power to raise prices but the X isn’t quite selling like the IX did since Kobe isn’t wearing them and the price hike so I’m guessing prices will drop soon.
CONCLUSION
Depending on what you look for in a shoe, you might prefer the IX to the X but this is the first Kobe that I have outright liked to play in since the IV. The most important elements for me are traction, fit, and cushioning and these excel at all of them. It isn’t leaps and bounds better than IX in any category but overall it works so much better for me.
schwollo.com 
Great review once again. I wish these weren’t as expensive, but then again this is Nike we’re talking about. Can you compare these to the Hyperev 2015? I know you said those were reminiscent to the Kobe 6 in a way and those are in my top 5 of all time. If these Kobes are closer to the 6s than the Hyperev 2015 then I may have to pull the trigger. I loved your lows comparison and DRose 5 review as well. Great stuff man!
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Thanks ! The X feels more supportive than the Hyperrev 2015 since the materials are thicker and the heel counter and footstay are stiffer. It also feels slightly lower to the ground. If you like a minimalist type feel go Hyperrev but if you want something more supportive go Kobe X. They hyperrevs cushioning reminded me of the vi more than anything else. What other shoes are in your top 5? The price is stupidly expensive imo.
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My top 5 are the Kobe 4, Kobe 5, Kobe 6, Lebron 8, Jordan XX8, Jordan XIX. But the 6 is the best performing shoe of all time for me. The Jordan 18 low and the Lebron 5 are right there as well. You can probably tell that double stacked zoom is one of my favorite setups and all of these have great traction. I guess I’m looking for the fit and the comfortablity of the Kobe 6 but with better traction and a little more support. I tried the Hyperev 2015 on and they were a perfect 1 to 1 fit with my foot. Haven’t tried the Kobe X on yet but read some reviews on Niketalk that they were like the 6. I needed an expert opinion and since Duke and The Gymrat Review haven’t put there review up yet I went to you. Personally I go thru you, The Gymrat and Nightwing2303. I know the Rose 5 made your top 5 which is awesome because it’s so slept on this year. I’m hoping they restock the Black away colorway.
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Go with the x . Hyperrev is too minimal for you . I like more supportive shoes also like you do (don’t like double stacked though )
Soldier vi kobe I kobe IV Lebron II Clutchfit and Rose 5 all faves
Of mine .
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I like all those reviewers. My fav three to read .
Duke and gymrat have most similar likes to me imo. Nw likes lighter more minimal shoes usually.
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Try the soldier vi you’ll like them a lot like i do. Big bouncy zoom, awesome traction great support and fit. Still in my top 5 rotation
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I accidentally gave you a top 6 lol my bad
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After some thought the X has more support than the iv v and Vi but not overly done. Still natural feeling .
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Is it comfortable like the kobe 6 and is it worth $200?
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Yes it is as comfortable as the vi. I like it better cushion wise actually. But who knows how long Lunarlon will last .200 for all star 179 for reg. not worth 200 if you’re going to beat them up.. 160 should be retail imo. Actually I haven’t balled in anything over 125 bc so many good options. I’d wait for more colorways and wait for a sale or sell your some shoes you don’t like or never wear to make up for price diff . Are they worth twice as much as the Clutchfit low? No they score almost exactly the same in my book but Nike is Nike. Buy them nike.com try them and if you don’t like return them within 30 days (lots ppl don’t know that policy)
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I hope that helps . I know it’s wishy washy but so many good shoes out there now for less money . If these didn’t have Kobe in the name I guarantee they would be 125 or less and hit outlets
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Thanks for all your help! I appreciate it! Keep up the great work. I’ve been playing in the asg hyperchase as of late. Wondering if you’d be interested in critiquing a performance review from me.
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Yea sure I can post it if you want . I’m reviewing them now too lol
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Blackout kobe x is 180 minus 20% on Eastbay fyi
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Hi bro first time reading your site. Your articles are very well put, very informative, and most importantly detailed! If i had one suggestion it would be to summarize the parts cause it looks too long but awesome article am definitely going to visit again. Now to the shoes hehe are the kobe 10 the most supportive lowtop? I am looking for a shoe that has great support and stability cause i just rolled my ankles wearing crappy hyperfuses. Any suggestions? I only have the clutchfit drive mid and the original hyperfuse as my rotation. Want to try lowtops cause everybody seems to like them.
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Definitely one of the most supportive Kobe’s since the Kobe IV. I prefer mids but I never felt like I was going to turn my ankle in the X. If you like the Clutchfit mid, you’d enjoy the Clutchfit low as well.
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Hi Schwollo, how does the cushioning in the X compared to the VI? Is the heel zoom still just as bouncy? I’m liking the new black Flight colorway coming out soon.
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Yes it is just as bouncy if not more esp in the heel. The vi had targeted zoom and doesn’t cover the entire heel like the X. The X has caged Zoom so it stretches the width of the heel. The heel Zoom is the first thing I noticed when I put the X on. I love it
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vs the clutchfit, which is lower to the ground & has better traction?
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Kobe x sits slightly lower Clutchfit traction is slightly better
Here you go
https://schwollo.com/2015/02/21/kobe-x-vs-clutchfit-drive-low/
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Any experience with the Kobe Mentality?
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I have not tried them. I don’t like drop in insoles usually bc when I cut my foot gets pinched Btwn the insole and the upper. Only drop in shoe that didn’t happen in was the Kobe vii
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Hi sir, gave my low top (kobe 9 elite low) a chance last night in our game despite my bad ankles (wore a level 3 mcdavid ankle support) and surprisingly I played my best game last night. I can move more freely and the bounce in my steps were amazing. I am contemplating on getting another one (I have the beethoven and the university red) or maybe get a low top fly knit kobe X. Are these comparable? Will you do a review of the kobe X fly knit version? Thanks in advance.
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Elite x low is the same thing as the high minus the high cut
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I had such a bad sprain in the IX I never wore them again. But with the level 3 you should be ok.
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one more thing sir, can I use an ankle support (mcdavid ankle brace) with the kobe X elite high? Thanks
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I don’t think you can wear a brace bc the high collar is skin tight so no way to fit one that is a level 3.Have you tried the x?
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Thank you sir for the insights. Haven’t tried any of the X’s yet but after reading your review I might try to get one and just put my trust to an ankle support.
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You might try the KD 8. Very supportive while keeping that low top freedom .
And stop calling me sir lol
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Lol my bad thank you again. Will wait for your performance review on the kd 8.
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I just finished it its on the home page
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Too bad nike ph does not have the id option for these. Will wait for more colorways of the elite low before pulling the trigger. Read your kd 8 review but I’m a bit worried of the fit (and don’t like the initial colorways).
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How would you rank the kobes from IV to X and why?
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Too much to type out . I’ll rank them 4,10,8,5,6,9,7
Four and ten only ones that don’t have serious flaws and do everything well. Traction not great on 5,6. 8 is pretty good but I get the drop in insole pinch which I don’t like. IX too tippy at the heel and another drop in insole but rest of shoe is great (sprained ankle badly bc of tippiness). 7 too much heel slip
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Hey thanks for replying!
Anyways do you know any good sites to buy xdr versions of the shoes? eBay unfortunately have limited options..
Thanks:D
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Which shoes ?
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Erm in general I guess. Do you know sites where xdr shoes for Nike basketball shoes are sold?
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Not many and usually in China
I don’t know any off hand
Soldier IX is a good outsole for outdoors fwiw
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Schwollo you should try out the flightposite exposed if you can find them at outlets for dirty cheap. The foamposite there really molds to your foot
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Flightposite one is the only pair I liked back in the day . Low profile zoom.
I’ll check them out if I find some ! Thanks !
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I too had 2 ankle sprains in the Kobe 9 and as much I loved the shoe I didn’t look at it the same way and trust it. I understand what you mean by the tippiness. Will the Kobe X help my fear of playing in lows?
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Yes the 8 and 10 don’t have that tippy feeling like the 9. The 10 is built for an older Kobe not the dynamic Kobe we once knew
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Hey Schwollo have you seen the XIs yet? Except for the heel zoom, looks like theyve gone back to IX’s style with drop in insole and similar bulky heel counter, which im not a fan of both. Any thoughts? Again love the site!
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I have I’m going to check out but like you I don’t like drop in insoles . Thanks for always reading and commenting Buckfitty!
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Hi bro, out of the kobe 10 , kyrie 2 and kd 8 which outsole will last longer outdoors?
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Kyrie 2 or KD 8 would last the longest but none are really good for outdoors and will wear down. Soldier IX is your best bet for outdoor traction durability
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What abt the hyperdunk 2k15?
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Those will last awhile compared to other three .
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Thanks bro:)
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Np
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Hey! I’m wondering which shoe you prefer more: the curry 2 or the kobe 10, and which shoe would fit my playing style. I play 1, sometimes 2, and mostly rely on my speed. Thanks!
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The curry two is my goto shoe right now bc a) traction is awesome 2) super stable 3) fit is excellent .Kobe X heel zoom is nice but the lunarlon in the forefoot dies quickly. Traction is great on the Kobe X but curry two traction is better . Hope that helps!
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Sup Schwollo! Awesome review once again! Little late to comment but I was wondering, now when there are so many good new shoes on the market. Whats should I go for? The Kobe X Elite low, Adidas Crazylight 2.5 or the Kyrie 2 or this there any other shoe that you recommend for a guard. Keep in mind that I live outside any civilized area so I need to order them. Thanks!
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What’s important to you in a shoe? Kyrie 2 is a good shoe but cushioning is non existent
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Easy, traction! But it would be nice to have a little cushion aswell.
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Are they good or outdoors???
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No the outsole will wear down fast
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Never was a fan of these. The containment was cool and the comfort was great. But like you mentioned, they were stuff. Especially when compared to all the other Kobe models. I would say the 7 and the 10 are the worst models made. I told my brother not to cop them and had a feeling they’d go down soon and it wasn’t worth the 180. (never listened to me and as soon as he wore them for 4 times on court, he didn’t like em). Honestly glad they gave up on the set up of the 10, I wish all the Kobe tractions were like the 9
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I actually liked the x more than most. I liked them more than the 8, 9 but I’m a bigger guy . I don’t like drop in insoles . 7 was bad for me due to the bad heel slip.
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Yeah I get that, drop-in insoles are great to a certain extent lol. After the IX, I had huge expectations for the X. But it just went downhill to me. The only thing I did like about the 10 was of course the look and the cushioning. Materials weren’t great and could’ve had better material idk why, traction felt inconsistent at times. Still disappointed on this shoe.
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Hey scwhollo great review, ik ur prob rly busy rn but if you get some extra time could u write a kd 5 elite performance review (or repost if u already did one)? thx.
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Never wrote one . I had a pair but sold them after a few weeks. I can’t remember why exactly but didn’t like the cushioning or transition? Can’t remember if I had heel slip but I think I did lol traction was pretty good though. Sometimes you just know a shoe isn’t for you and this was one of them. Sorry that’s all I could remember !
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Thx for replying
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Hey Schwollo! I’m thinking of copping a pair of these Kobe 10’s for hooping. However, I am worried that the carbon fiber footstay in the forefoot will destroy my pinky toes. Below are a few questions I have regarding these shoes; If convenient, could you please provide some answers to them? Thank you 🙂
1) Have these shoes caused pain / discomfort in your pinky toes? If so, did the footstay eventually break in to the point where the pain / discomfort would no longer be felt ?
2) How do these fit width wise ?
( For reference, I wear a size 9.5 in the Kobe 4 Protro and they fit me perfectly width wise; not to mention, they don’t hurt my pinky toes)
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for all of your detailed performance reviews!
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The carbon fiber does not break in but it didn’t cause any discomfort it’s just in a weird spot vs normal. Width wide they are a little wider than the Kobe iv in the forefoot. Can’t really beat the fit of the Kobe 4-5-6
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