Happy Easter Everyone!
Executive Summary: The NXT looks different..very different but it flat out performs. Nike took a little of everything from the Kobe line and mashed them together into the NXT. The shroud system works and doesn’t look as odd once you play in the NXT. Players who like a more minimalist feel like the Kobe 8 or Mamba Instinct may not like these.
Who’s got NXT?
Left NXT, right an early Kobe NXT prototype
As always, when a signature athlete leaves the big stage, sales (and apparently design and inspiration) suffer. Does anyone really give a sh*t about Jordan’s post retirement 1 and 2?
Following in Jordan’s footsteps, moves and fade aways, the Kobe A.D. has had a very lukewarm reception overall. Not seeing your favorite athlete in their signature shoes just isn’t the same when you see tier two athletes in them. Aside from fans in the Six, does remember what Derozen did this season in the Kobe AD?
The NXT definitely has that whack factor that a lot of shoe companies seem to strive for nowadays; If it’s ugly, it must perform right ? It’s funny, I thought the shoe was very ugly initially but after enjoying playing in them, I find them beautiful… well almost.
Pros: traction, cushioning, fit, stability, lacing set up works, above average containment
Cons: a little pinching between upper and insole, lacing setup is odd to look at, containment could be a little better, priced too high
Sizing: true to size, wide footers will probably want to go up half a size or wear thinner socks
Best for: sturdy enough for any position
Buying Advice: ain’t nobody buying these so wait until $120 or less. $80 is around the bottom
Weight
One ounce heavier than the Kobe AD probably due to the shroud.
Traction
This is really the only part of the Kobe AD that carried over from the Kobe A.D. Instead of the micro tread and Kobe VI pattern mash up, Nike elected to just use the micro tread which is great in my opinion. My previous experience with the AD was with a solid outsole but I had no issues at all with the NXT traction and barely had to wipe at all. Usually with Nike translucent outsoles, I have to wipe like crazy but the micro tread really keeps the dust at bay. The outer rim is painted white so it makes me wonder if all outsoles start as translucent and are then painted ? Anyways, the NXT traction is easily better than the traction on my Clutchfit Drives, Rare Metals, Lillard 2, Hardens, Curry 3 and close but not quite to the Curry 2, AJ XX8, Kobe IX level.
Well done Nike!
Cushioning
If you liked the Kobe XI set up, you’ll most likely like this set up because it feels very similar but a touch firmer yet springier. I’m usually not a fan of drop ins but they raised the entire “wall” of the insole so there isn’t as much annoying pinching between the insole and upper (still a little bit though).
The NXT heel sits slightly higher than the XI but they both fit in each shoe.
I could feel the heel Zoom and Lunarlon from the get go which is always a good thing but it got a little softer the more I played in them . There isn’t any “micro tuned” talk in Nike’s NXT description but I feel like it probably is just because it feels less mushy than traditional Lunarlon which I personally like.
Well done Nike!
NXT Lacing System
Interesting yet effective
The lacing system is what really caught my eye and it looks a little sloppy when it isn’t pulled tightly but I can’t knock it because it works.
You can see the AJ XI inspired straps running across the shroud for added strength.
Anyways, Nike basically flipped the placement of the laces and stuck them on the sides and used a shroud system to keep the foot locked in place. The idea is very reminiscent of the shroud on the AJ XVII (although the XVII used a traditional lace set up underneath it) or even the Adidas T Mac IV HUG system which was hidden inside the shoe. I don’t feel it locked my foot in a ton better than a regular set up but there is no lace pressure (except at the toggle ) since there are no laces on the top and the shroud evenly distributed the pressure over a greater surface area across your foot.
FYI You cannot just pull the toggle to get locked in because you still have to adjust the “laces” to properly pull down the shroud. Also you still have to tie the laces.
This bungee in the back does nothing since it doesn’t connect to anything but it works as a money clip if you have no pockets. Or if you want to strum a one note song..
It took me a few wears to get the right amount of “shroud pressure” because I actually pulled too tightly but couldn’t feel any lace pressure. The shroud itself is Flyknit and is tightly knit so it isn’t stretchy because it needs to pull the foot down.
Overall, yes it’s very gimmicky looking and you probably won’t see this again due to dismal sales but it works very well.
Fit
I went true to size with my normal size 11 and these fit true to size length wise. Wide footers can go up half a size or stay true to size depending on personal fit preferences. As a wide footer, these fit snug for me in my true size but not uncomfortably snug. I could have gone up half a size but was fine true to size with thinner socks. I had no movement side to side and zero heel slip from the get go. I really enjoyed the one to one fit with the NXT.
Well done Nike!
Materials
A one piece mesh inner sleeve with a Flyknit shroud is what you get on the NXT. No issues here but for $200 you’d think you’d get all Flyknit. Consumers aren’t quite as dumb as they used to be so value is the operative word these days Nike (see PG1).
Support and Stability
The NXT is a low so the support comes from the sturdy heel counter and fit so I had no issues here.
Midfoot support isn’t the greatest ever since it’s a drop in insole set up with a thin shell but it works fine because of the thickness of the drop in.
Without the insole.
The shell itself is pliable but the insole is much sturdier than what we saw on the Mamba Instinct and thankfully I can’t roll it into a ball. Plantar fasciitis sufferers will probably want more midfoot support but most will be okay with the NXT as is.
The only Kobe that I’ve ever had an issue with stability was the Kobe IX because of a tippy heel but the NXT’s stability is excellent because of an outrigger at the forefoot and heel.
Heel outrigger
Forefoot outrigger
Nike changed the outrigger issue with the Kobe A.D. and shaped it more like the Kobe IX at the forefoot. No more that annoying rolling under the forefoot on hard cuts or crossovers. I wonder if they changed it up post AD release or after complaints.
Overall, I really liked the mobility of wearing a low without any fear or turning my ankle.
Well done Nike!
Containment
Containment is good overall due to the raised midsole at the midfoot and toe box but I really wish it was raised more at the forefoot. My foot stayed in played on hard cuts for the most part but I could feel some flexing at the forefoot where the raised portion of the midsole dips. Not a deal breaker at all but it could be better if placement was different.
Conclusion
Don’t judge a book by its cover and don’t judge the Kobe AD NXT by its shroud as I always say. Often times, shoe companies will make shoes different looking for the sake of..well, looking different. The NXT indeed looks odd but at least the shroud works without sacrificing anything other than money out of your wallet. Sneaker companies have pretty much innovated as far as they can with the more important and popular performance aspects so now it’s on to new unique lacing systems I guess ? Don’t expect anything mind blowing, everything is incremental at this point is all I’m saying.
In terms of the Kobe low hierarchy, I put the NXT right behind my number one, the Kobe IV. It is just a well rounded performer with great traction, fun cushioning, excellent fit and stability and decent containment. More importantly for me, it doesn’t feel like a running shoe that could rip at any moment, it just feels sturdy and strong that I think many different kinds of players would like (and some will hate due to taste).
Although I’m not a new calendar year, new top ten kind of guy, these edge out the Curry 3 Low for my favorite of 2017. Better traction, more fun cushioning and slightly better fit give it the edge over the Curry 3 Low for me…don’t worry Steph you’re still my guy!
Come to think of it, outside of the Rose 7 and Curry 2.5 these are probably my second favorite shoe to come out in the past year and a half. If my rotation wasn’t so tough to crack or the Kobe IV didn’t exist I wouldn’t hesitate to put them in my rotation somewhere except for the high price. Maybe I’ll just sub the NXT in and out somewhere or make it a top 11 list instead. Ten is just an arbitrary number anyways.
Speaking of pricing, NBA season is almost over and the NXT isn’t going anywhere so just wait for prices to fall. The NXT is already coupon eligible on Eastbay so expect more price cuts in the coming weeks or months. $120 is fair while $80 is probably the near bottom. Maybe NXT season Nike will make a more aesthetically pleasing version of the NXT? In the meantime I’ll deal with this ugly duckling as long it performs on beautifully on the court.
schwollo.com 
Good review!!!!!!
I’m happy I dragged my toe on deciding between hardens and kd’now. But will wait until the price drops.
My rotation is currently d rose 7 and curry 2’s.
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Nice rotation 🙂 easily better fit than kd and harden although harden fit is better than kd. I like a little differentiation in my rotation so the nxt is a nice change
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I was looking forward for your thorough review about this shoe. I like the design of the NXT because it’s something new (not mindblowing) in Kobe’s signature line. Definitely this a total new shoe and not an upgrade from the og AD version.
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Yep. When will your man giannis get his shoe?
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I hope really really soon! For the time being he has only one PE version (Zoom Live 2017) but he still prefers the Kobe 10! Fear the Deer!
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I like these drop in style shoes but the insoles just don’t provide enough support for me (I have the Mentality 2’s).
I get this annoying pain on my inner shins that remains for days after playing – I am guessing my foot rolls inward too much when using these – same problem but not as bad with some of the full length zoom shoes as the inside of the shoes tend to be too flat.
I am always on the lookout for a new shoe so any recommendations for a good shoe given these criteria?:
– Traction is very important – I play on dusty floors with dry air and it is hard to find shoes that stick well. For instance, the KD9’s aren’t good enough for me – they work great when it is humid but the “bite” is pretty weak in dry conditions. The mentality’s work great while other shoes like my DRose 6 PK or the HD FK also work well with some wiping.
– Overall I don’t need much support other than the arch support I guess. My DRose 6’s work well for me and there is no inner shin pain, the mentality’s cause problem and the KD 9’s and HD’s cause pain some of the time
– Cushion is great too – the DRose’s are a bit mushy in the heel but I prefer to much cushion as opposed to too little.
Thanks
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I forgot to mention that the DRose 6’s are fine but I was looking for something a little less bulky – I tried the DRose 7’s for instance and they were pretty heavy and I didn’t get as good lockdown as the DRose 6 in terms of my foot sliding forward in the shoe.
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It’s a weird lace set up but oddly I got locked in great with the Rose 7. Try adding a thicker insole that might help you out. Kd 9 is good but not great . Look at the Curry 2, 2.5 or pretty much any of my top 10 bc I weigh traction more heavily than anything else. Kobe ad or nxt, Lillard 3 pg1 pretty good as well. Hope that helps !
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Great to know, I think I missed the boat on the Curry 2/2.5’s though – up here in Canada you can’t really get them anywhere and the UA outlets don’t really carry much basketball gear here either. The PG1’s and The Dames look cool though – might give one of those a try!!
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Whoa. Didn’t see that coming (guess ’cause most of the recent Kobes have gotten lukewarm reviews, and these look gimmicky). That’s what’s up—you’ve piqued my curiosity about these! Wonder if they’ll put out any more-interesting colorways, like some multicolor joints or something (looks aren’t a deal-breaker when it comes to performance, but would be nice…). Anyway, as always, thanks for your excellent reviews!
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Haha yea I really didn’t know what to expect with these and I didn’t expect to like them this much. If they weren’t drop in insoles these would be even better for me lol
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Ha! Dang.
… Come to think of it, do you know what their purported reason for doing drop-ins is? I mean, I know they had interchangeable ones on, what, the Kobe 7s and 8s? But then after that, they never sell insoles that you can swap in and out, right? I’m disillusioned enough with marketing gimmicks to usually ignore the shoe companies’ hype around a new tech and just wait to hear what real people say about how it works. So but are these supposed to have like added flexibility because of the grooves cut into the foam or something?
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It’s def all marketing bs.. I think the main sell is cushioning is right under your feet so they feel better. The grooves are for more flexibility and I guess it works but during play does it really matter? Nope. I also think it’s cheaper to make s shoe with drop ins than regular.
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Yeah, I suspected it was primarily about the bottom line (saving manufacturing expenses). Glad they don’t try to do it on more models. Bummer it results in detracting from your enjoyment of these shoes.
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Happy Easter
Welcome back
Great review
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This is really great to hear. I’ve been playing in the D Lillard 2.0 but dealing with either heel slip or torture-tight laces. I’ve been playing in the Curry 2.5 but dealing with a little slippage after having to half-size up because they run short. I’ve been playing in Curry 3 low but having to wear an insole to reduce deadspace and trying to ignore the lace pressure on top of foot by ankle. I tried to pay in the Kobe A.D. but the narrow frame leaves my in pain, unless I leave them super loose, but then containment suffers. I blew threw the woven on my Jordan XXX’s, maybe because I had to add an insole that softened the heel, lifting the forefoot too high. I’ve got Hyperdunk 2016 Lows (true to size) and KD9’s (half size down) coming in the mail. The struggle has been real, lol. Maybe the NXT will be the answer. (something tells me I’ll be warranting the KD9’s too, lol, when the zoom channel across the articulation breaks)
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Try thicker socks with the curry 2.5 . That lace pressure goes away on the curry 3 low (just adjust it). Man you’re a hard man to please just like me 🙂
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Yeah you really get more picky in your late 30’s, while still trying to play like you are in high school, lol.
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Hahaha yes!
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Kind of a random question/thought? Do you think it is too much of a coincidence that everybody( reviewers) this year absolutely loved the ce?
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I guess everyone likes soft materials and heel cushioning and ok traction. It’s a good shoe overall just not for me.
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Ok. Well I ended up picking up the harden and kd’s only because I saw a price on kd’s that I couldnt pass on and so far i love the harden fit but havent got to play in them yet, however I got some run in the kd and my feet were screaming at me. Cushion and fit are good but after about 10mins my feet just start hurting like crazy. Hoping this is just a strange break in period. Keep up the good work brother.
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Too narrow for you ?
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They fit me perfectly which is strange, maybe I have to adjust to the full length setup again because the last setup I had like this was the hyperdunk flyknit and I had the same issue so I gave them away but I had no issue with the Lebron 11. I even took that insole and put it in the Kobe 9 and 11 and it worked fine.
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Dang that sucks!
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How is the durability of the current iterations of Lunarfoam? I had some lunar shoes back in the day and the durability of lunar-foam back then were horrible.
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Lunarfoam was horrible and would die within a month . Lunarlon is better but still loses its bounce but lasts a lot longer. I can’t say for certain bc i rotate shoes but I’d say 4-5 months before losing bounce.
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Thanks for the reply. I’ve been out of the shoe game for awhile, so didn’t realize Lunar Foam and Lunarlon were 2 different things.
Love your reviews! Keep up the good work fam!
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Haha np!
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Knew you would love these. I’ve only tried them on but this will definitely be my next purchase. The fit reminds me of the Kobe 5 and I absolutely loved those.
I haven’t had a low top fit as awesome as that shoe since. Looking forward to add this to my rotation (currently Curry 2.5, Harden 1, Rose 7)
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Nice rotation !
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What up Schwollo? Right next to the 4s?! That says alot coming from you. I may have to get those cocaine whites. Where do the Kobe 5 and 6 fall into your list bro?
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It it wasn’t a drop in insole I’d say it was perfect but I can accept that flaw bc it does everything very well. 5 and 6 are great but traction isn’t as good as I like. (6 traction is better than 5 at least )
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What’s up schwollo. I currently own the pg 1 and I cut hard and do a lot of dunking. My food seems to slide off the midsole all the time and many of my teammates roll there ankle (not bad) in em. Is the containment stronger in the nxt for playing? And I’ll be wearing an ankle brace (donjoy pod) with em since I severely sprained it twice. Pg does me fine but the containment and cushion isn’t exaactly what I prefer. Is the nxt better? Or if u have another good shoe to look into?
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Containment on the nxt is about the same but the next sits lower and has that rear outrigger so maybe it would reduce the chance of roll overs. Cushioning is definitely better though. If containment is important the Curry 2 or 3 would
Work but you might not like the cushioning. Any of the Adidas line up from 2016 would work too for you. How’s that donjoy pod? I saw it somewhere and was curious lol
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Hmm ok because I can get the nxt for 150. The pg I just feel like I’m sitting high up but I love the shoe it’s just I slide off the midsole easily sometimes. Yeah I was looking into the crazy explosive low. Don joy pod is actually really solid even if u had severe injuries. Fits in low top shoes better and somewhat still helps u strengthen your ankle since u still have descent range of motion still. Yeah it’s tough to choose cause I prefer Nike but can’t be so brand loyal!
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Pg1 does sit pretty high off the ground .. I’m guessing it’s Nikes way of making it feel better with cheaper foam (just add more?!). I’m usually not enthusiastic about lows and drop in insoles but the nxt is an exception for me bc it’s solid on every facet. Let me know how it goes ! And thanks for the don joy tip.
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Not sure if it’s too early to ask, but how is the Lunarlon holding up? I am debating between couple shoes (Rare Metal Lightning is at the top of the list), but I put on my Kobe IX for play in outdoors and the Lunarlon surprisingly still felt nice (I’ve had them for about 2 years now). Nothing crazy, but I could definitely still come down and not feel pain in my joints. I also love my JC3 Black Foam (definitely better than the Lunarlon) so that’s why I’m leaning towards the Rare Metal Lightning…
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Haha too soon to ask and I’m the wrong person to ask since I rotate so frequently. If your ix is holding up after two years the nxt should as well. Really comes down to traction where the nxt easily wins. Or wait and buy both then they get even cheaper.
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Understood! Thanks for all that you do for Th and sneaker community! I feel like you are the most relatable and honest reviewer out here. Nike talk ppl have to stick together lol!
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Haha thanks Clinton!
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Man, I’m sad to say these aren’t working out for me. I played in them for two hours a couple weeks ago and loved how they performed, but they felt uncomfortably tight at the widest part of my left foot (which has always been slightly larger than my right). Then the next two or three days after I played, the bottom of my left foot between the heel and ball was sore (my armchair diagnosis is plantar fasciitis—got the same symptoms playing in the JC2 a couple years ago and haven’t had it since). Went out of town and figured I’d try thinner socks (per your recommendation) when I played today. Did that and didn’t even pull the laces that tight, and almost immediately while just warming up, I felt the pain along the bottom of my foot. Switched back into my current go-to CLBs, and it immediately felt better and didn’t bother me for the entire 2-hr session. I assume some of the problem is the absence of a shank (even began wondering if I could rig up some kinda shank, but obviously not as simple as getting aftermarket insoles with shanks because it’s a drop-in, and the tight fit issue makes me suspect they still might hurt too much even if I managed something to firm up the midfoot). The JC2s were anything but tight across the widest part of the foot, but maybe it has to do with pressure on the top of the foot—the NXTs are real snug across the top, which I like, and I pulled the laces real tight on the JC2s to try and minimize their containment problem.
So I’m probably gonna try to sell these. Gladly, just got some Curry 2.5s (finally), so between those and the CLBs, I should have good options (Zoom on my Soldier VIs started to feel pretty dead pretty quickly, and they have slightly disconcerting deadspace over my toes, plus I’ve been preferring lows, so they haven’t gotten much PT). May see if I can’t come up on a pair or two more of the CLBs for cheap, since they’ve treated me quite well (after doubling up lace holes)… only quibble with them, and it’s very minor, is that I wish the lateral outriggers were just slightly less substantial. But I digress.
Curious if anyone else gets that underfoot pain/soreness with the NXTs. It’s a drag, ’cause they’re great from a performance standpoint.
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That sucks man. That’s the downside of drop in insoles since they don’t have much midfoot support at all. Jake at the gym rate review always complains about that . Good thing you didn’t try the Mamba Instinct ! Did you have issues before with plantar fasciitis? It’s such a pain (literally and figuratively) to get rid of. Clbs are cheap everywhere so check your local finishline and adidas outlet and Amazon. 65 or less is normal now.
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Haha! Yeah, it’s a bummer. I don’t recall having plantar f. before playing in the JC2s, so if I did, it must’ve been a long time ago. (I’m also not 100% sure the JC2s caused it—I had started doing some bouldering/rock climbing around the same time, so maybe I injured it jumping down off the wall… but I suspect it was the JC2s. I just remembered I also felt it a few months back when I jogged up a steep hill in some old NB Minimus runners—no midfoot support there either.) Thanks for the tip about the CLBs!
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Take your time coming back from pF!
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Thanks. Weird thing is the pain cleared up right away after I took off the NXTs during my warmup—if I felt any soreness yesterday, it was very minimal. But yeah, I remember it lingering for a while after that initial JC2 flare-up.
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Well that’s good news at least!
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Tryed them in store,they only had tts, too tight, couldn’t fit my wide feet in.
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Thinner socks helps a lot. It is a weird set up to loosen up . Oh well on to the next one or go up half a size
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I’ve been playing in the Kobe 9 EM for about 4-5years now (about 10% of the time with the jordan 29s SE), but the shoes have worn out a lot. Since I’m buying shoes online now because of the lack of supply of shoes here in the Netherlands, I need you advice whether its better to order the Kobe AD NXT true to size, or the Lebron 15 Low.
I’ve looked at reviews, but I still cannot decide. I loved the Kobe 9 EM, traction was amazing and overall the shoe performed good for me. I have never played in a Lebron shoe. I’m a guard/forward, I handle the ball a lot and use screens, so I do a lot of movement. What is your advice? I found both shoes for about 180 including shipping costs.
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Btw, its jordan 28 SE*
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I’ll tell you it’s hard to top the traction on the Kobe ix. Why not find a pair off eBay StockX goat etc? The Nxt is excellent and true to size or half a size up will work for you depending on your width and space preference. You do get a little better cushioning fit and stability. Traction is great too still not Kobe ix but fairly close. I have not played in the Lebron 15 low so cant really comment on those.
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