Sorry it’s been awhile since I got around to writing one of these. Just killing some time until the Harden V2 comes out.
Anyhoo, I enjoyed playing in the Kobe V but it didn’t have the traction I needed so it never made my rotation. The VI tweaked a few things and improved overall on the V.
Pros: improved traction from the V after break in, cushioning, fit, containment
Cons: traction needs break in, slight heel slip until break in time is complete
Sizing: true to size
Best for: guards
Weight:
Holy schNikes. I knew these were light but wow. For reference that’s 4.5 oz lighter than the Curry Two and 2.5 ounces lighter than the Kobe V. Damn!
Traction
Before I actually played in these I had read on various forums that traction had vastly improved from the V so I was super psyched about the VI. However, nobody seems to mention how long it would take to break them in.
I found the traction to be great on clean courts and only okay on dusty floors before break in. However, after break in, I found them to be great on clean courts and good on dusty floors although some wiping was still needed.
A lot of this break in time had to do with the thin grooves of the outsole. The more you wear them down the better ..to a point of course. You can see how much thinner the traction pattern is toward the midfoot versus the forefoot.
These are actually a little over worn but still better than new
On a typical herringbone set up, the grooves are about 25-50 % thicker and there are more grooves so there really isn’t all that much surface area touching the ground with the VI. Once you break in the traction, the grooves get wider thus improving traction. Just my theory of course.
Overall the traction improved from the V but never got to quite to Kobe IV level but still pretty damn good.
Cushioning
On paper, the Zoom set up is the same as the Kobe V, but in practice, I find these slightly higher off the ground and with a little more cushioning underfoot. Nike went with its standard Kobe set up:
Met bag Zoom in the forefoot
And Heel Zoom
Look how large the heel Zoom is compared to today’s quarter sized set ups.
Cushioning overall is similar to the V but slightly firmer due to the Phylon used around the Zoom units as well as the firmer insole. It’s still an excellent cushioning set up although I’d like a full width bag in the forefoot. But Kobe gets what he wants.
Despite the smallish met bag in the forefoot, the cushioning still feels great even today in this old pair. Give us this type of Zoom today and people might just stop hating on Nike’s skimping ways.
Fit
The Kobe VI fits true to size, simple as that. The fit took some time for me with the VI but it was mainly due to the insole. A big selling point of the VI was the insole that “molds to your foot”.
I’d call BS on it but it really does mold to your foot over time and it’s definitely a different material than what’s found in the Kobe V or any insole for that matter.
The insole starts off rigid but as it heats up from playing it molds to your foot ever so slightly. I couldn’t really feel a difference but I could see the contours of my foot when I pulled the insole out. Plus the heel slip went away so it worked well enough.
No movement side to side or front to back. Just a nice low sock like fit. The formula for a good fit is so simple it’s hard to understand why others don’t get it right.
Materials
I’m too lazy to write about the materials so I’ll borrow from Jake’s Ode to the Kobe VI review at Thegymratreview
The VI continued the progression of a second-skin upper, with Flywire embedded in a Kurim-enhanced urethane upper.
This upper though, was thicker and more durable than the Skinwire on the previous version. The scale pattern not only looked sweet, but also provided some scuff and abrasion resistance. The upper still flexes naturally and it really provides a supportive shell. No containment issues to be found.
As covered before, I think the application of materials was perfect. The updated upper with embedded Flywire and a urethane shell was both supportive and naturally flexible.
If you don’t know Jake, you should check out his reviews, he was my go to reviewer until he started writing his motorcycle 24/7. If you ever need a cross reference, look on his site. Great baller and just a plain good dude.
Support and Stability
You can see that the IV is slightly bulkier and taller than the VI.
Since this is a low, support from the great fit and heel counter. No issues here.
Stability is also very good thanks to a wide flat outsole and large forefoot outrigger.
No issues here, no weird tiny outriggers..It’s such a simple formula, thanks Nike!
Containment 
No issues with containment thanks to the raised midsole that runs almost the entire length of the shoe.
Conclusion
A lot of players have the Kobe VI as their GOAT because it’s good at everything and amazingly lightweight without compromise. I personally still prefer the IV because I like the traction and how it’s a little sturdier but I would take the VI over the V due to the traction after break in. I’d put this at number two in terms of the Kobe low top rankings. I still love the Kobe I more than the VI probably because it was built for a more jacked up Kobe.
I’ve seen more people doing retro reviews comparing it to today’s shoes and in nearly a decade it’s still better than 99.5% of what’s out there despite “advancements” in sneaker technology
- All new high tech cushioning ? Zoom is still great and just as good as Boost when done right. Plus it can ride much lower without bottoming out.
- All new Flyknit, Primeknit, Knitwit? Put on a new upper with the Kobe VI and you end up with a Kobe VI without faux scales. Knits are big profit makers so better to sell it as a big upgrade and charge more.
- Traction? There have been no advancements in this area, the lone exception is the Rose 7 and that is just a damn good pattern. C
- Lightweight? Almost no shoes come within three ounces of the VI. I think the lightest last year was the Curry 4 mid and Low at 12.5 ounces.
What other advancements am I missing ? New lacing system that look like pegboards or shrouds? Don’t make me laugh.
New shoes, New year, and marketing campaigns don’t add up to actual improvements so that’s why you shouldn’t limit yourself to looking at just the latest to find the greatest. This review really makes me wonder what I’m doing with my money…hmm maybe I’ll buy some bitcoin tomorrow since I have a better chance of making some money than finding a better performer.
schwollo.com 
How do these fit length and width wise compared to the kobe 5?
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great review btw! I’ve been waiting for this one for quite some time.
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Same so go same size as the V
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Have you played in a pair of kobe 6s with translucent rubber? If so, how does the grip on those compare with the grip on a non-translucent pair
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Only thing close to translucent was the 3D pair I had and it wasn’t the sticky kind of translucent rubber. Worked same as the solid.
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I appreciate the shoutout sir – always enjoy reading about my beloved VIs and agree almost 100% on all this. The insole was always one of my favorite aspects of the shoe as well.
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Hey schwollo whats good.
Thanks for the great content as always. Just wanted to hit u up with a question. U said in ur where’s zoom article that the kd6 elite was too unstable for u and for kd himself according to leo. If u could pls expound on this? Like what made it unstable, is it similar to the LB15s? I have KD 6 elites, 9, and 10. For me the 9 feel the more “stable” in a sense than the 10. Since the 10s just feel more responsive, springier and just a quicker bounce overall compared to the 9 and I can really feel the zoom on every step even when I’m just wearing them casually. Its like I can only really feel that zoom “feel or bounce” in the 9 when I’m sprinting on a fast break albeit a slower kind of bounce. Basically it’s still not the same sensation as the 10s and other unlocked zoom set-ups wherein u get that immediate feed-back, response, spring and bounce in your step.
Sorry for going off on that tangent. So with my KD6 Elites I’ve played in them (though only once) but I’ve walked around in them a ton and even like brisk walked and I’ve got a pretty good feel of the zoom in those. So to go back to my first point, to me the KD 6 Elites actually feels kind of stable to me. It kind of feels like a more dense KD 9, and a bouncier yet less-responsive LB15 tho I’ve only tried them on in store. It could be that this is all because im a light 130 lb guy. But to me like the lebron’s felt more stable than the KD 9 or 10 despite the major height of the Lebrons. Im asking because I’ve been eyeing the LB15s for a while and most reviewers say they’re more suited for players like me who really arent shifty and are just more north to south, tho the only time im shifty is when im trying to guard guys on the perimeter. I’ve had knee issues in my left knee (minor meniscus abrasion and a knee sprain) but I saw on the deconstructed LB15 also has a torsional shank unlike the KD 9, 10 (tho im not sure about the 6elite), so I guess I should be okay?
Thanks for any advice u could give.
Peace.
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Had to reread your question a few times hahah
Kd 6 elite felt unstable to me because it was tippy in the heel like the Lebron 10. There was no additional support since it was a low plus the fit sucked badly for me. At the the Lebron X had some support built in above the ankle.
The Kd 6 elite and Lebron X are the same set up so they should feel similar. They will feel more stable and than the Kd 9, 10 because they have the “pillars” built in throughout the shoe. The lack of those pillars is why the Kd 9/10’feel so smooth heel to toe.
I’m not sure why you feel the 10’feels springier than the 9 but it’s probably just in need of some break in.
As for the Lebron 15, go for it if you like it. If you’re comfortable in a shoe and feel safe don’t listen to what others say. I’m a very start stop cut repeat kind of guy so it doesn’t work for me. I prefer lower to the ground personally. Cushioning is great in the XV and XIV so if that’s what you need or value most, you should be fine. Hope that helps !
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Aesthetically this is the best looking Nike Kobe. Another through review, thanks Schwollo.
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I still like the V looks wise
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Man! You’re making me miss my VIs! Wore ’em until the traction was nearly bald and maybe an air pocket went flat (because they were great beaters once the traction was inadequate for hoopin’). I remember I had read that some people were complaining of heel slip but that the runner’s loop lacing trick solved the problem, so I did that and was good to go (although it was a little bit more of a hassle to lace up).
Getting off topic: you mentioned waiting on the new Hardens. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on them as I like how they look and think they could potentially play well. But your comment also reminded me I’ve been wondering what you think about those Crazy BYW X joints. I know some people are hype for ’em but I’m somewhat skeptical about their performance (looks-wise I’m also hatin,’ even though I generally like the way FYW sneaks look). You think they’ll be any good? If they saw a wider release, would you try and grab a pair?
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I have pretty much zero interest in the Crazy BYW. Didn’t care for them then and they are still ugly to me now. And the price is $170? All the updated adidas models are priced off hype.
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Word. Would’ve been interested to read a review if you did one but realistically wouldn’t have considered buying them unless you basically said they were in like the top 5 all time best hoop shoes or something.
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Are you going to review Westbrook’s new shoes? Great review Btw.
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Been playing in them for the past week so it will be up soon !
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Nice! Looking forward to reading it.
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You see the Kobe 1 proto? Let’s gooooo. Can’t wait for 4-8
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Yep sure have. Can’t wait to see the “improvements” .
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Yeah, I’m guardedly excited about those. The AZK1s were pretty damn great as is—worried they’re gonna mess ’em up. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Skeptical side of me suspects the changes are more to improve profit margins than basketball performance.
… But the optimistic side of me is eager for a chance to hoop in those again.
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Haha I loved them. Just posted about my thoughts on it and the Whynot
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I never had these, but the IVs and Vs are in the top 3 shoes I can remember (yes, and the BB). I love your conclusion, it sums up the lack of actual ‘innovation’ in today’s ‘performance’ footwear. i think the footwear company is taking a cue from Apple. why make it a great all around ‘performer’ in every category when they can skimp out, make something just ‘decent’ with added gimmicks for sex appeal, then slab on their brands and sell it for more than its worth. or does that sound too harsh?lol. anyways, i am a bit perplexed that nike and adidas put categorise knitted upper as ‘premium’ when i’ve seen unbranded shoes with really nice knitted upper from 15-20£. unless they’re (Nike and adidas) are using kevlar, i have a feeling that flykit, or prime knit ( and knitwit) shouldn’t cost that much..
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Guess you didn’t read this in my Li Ning review: https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2012/03/nikes-flyknit-has-a-sustainable.html
All marketing so everyone followed along. I do like the green aspect of knit but marketing green doesn’t make more green money for them
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I just went back to the li ning article. i missed that little ‘hyperlink’..lol. but isn’t it going green is making them more ‘green’ (money) since the profit margin is significantly higher because of the automation and cost cutting? right?
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Yep it is making them way more money. They don’t market it as environmentally friendly they market it as “performance” that’s what I meant .
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Hey Schwollo I’ve never commented here on your site before but I’ve been reading your reviews for a couple years now. Thank you so much for all the great work you put in!! I’d agree that the Kobe VI is better than as you say 99.5% of current shoes. Just curious which shoes from the last few years (if any) you would possibly rank as nearly equal to or even better than these? Thanks!
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Does it have to be a low top? My top ten list I pinned is pretty solid. Only real changes for this year were the Hd17 and Aj xxxi As a sub. Some subs for lows I really liked were the AD mid and Aj xxxi low. Thanks for reading
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Hello There
Thanks for your awesome reviews !!
Do you have any idea if tese bad boys will ever be released again? I’m in France and want these so much… Even in the US it seems very difficult to find…
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They will probably retro these in the next few years. Nike isn’t dumb (ok they are a little dumb) but they know the sneaker game lol . France is awesome I went once about twelve years ago!
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Guess I’ll have to wait then…
You’re right France is awesome so are USA for a french guy 😀
Do you plan on reviewing the PG2 ? I really want to buy them but I wanna be sure it’s a great sneaker (i liked the PG1 a lot) and most of all I wait for a nice colorway…
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I do . I got the all star colorway but haven’t worn them yet
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how do these fit width wise, compared to the kobe v
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Same
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sorry I just noticed that i had asked this question already
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No worries
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Hey Schwollo! I’m currently hooping in the PG 1s rn but read your review on these and am tempted to get a pair on stockx. How does the traction and fit on the kobe VIs compare to the traction and fit on the PG 1s?
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Traction needs break in but I’d rate the PG traction a little better. Fit on the Vi is just as good as any shoe out there. It rides lower, it’s lighter and the cushioning feels better overall .
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Hey Schwollo! I currently hoop in the Kobe AD mids in a size 8.5; but I am thinking of getting these as most guys on my basketball team had them back in the day. I found a pair for $195, but its a size 9. Do you think a size 9 in these kobe 6s will fit me, or will it have too much toespace
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It will be a little long. I’d try to find your true 8.5 . Look on GOAT stock x or eBay. I’m sure you’ll find one soon enough. Nds pair would go for even less if you’re going to wear them .
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Schwollo, could you please tell me how the kobe vi’s stack up against the hyperrev 2015’s (in terms of performance)
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Pretty close in all aspects. Mesh has a little more give than the upper on the vi. Traction is about the same, Cushioning very similar although I don’t think the heel feels as good. Containment isn’t as good as the VI but still good enough. Support stability the same
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Thanks alot schwollo!
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I picked these up 3 weeks ago from the goat app based off of your review. I’m older and have owned a lot of basketball shoes, and I can honestly say that these are the best shoes that I’ve ever played in! I can’t believe that a shoe that came out thar long ago is sooo much better than the stuff that is out today. Thanks for the review!
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Haha newer doesn’t mean better! Glad they are working out for you. Thanks Jake at the gym rat review as well.
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schwollo the kobe 6 fits like a glove for me, do you recommend anything with a bit better traction and cushion?
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What kind of cushioning do you want ? Like Kd or Lebron ? Pg3 Dame 5 Spawn 3 why not 2 all great all around or you can get the volleyball version of the Kobe vi
https://www.allvolleyball.com/product/nike-mens-air-zoom-hyperattack-volleyball-shoe/
Jake at the gym rat review says it’s same shoe better traction .
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the 28 was my favorite cushion and traction. the sole is ripped pretty badly on my pair though, def looking for something light with nice bounce and traction. i was looking at your harden 3 review, which you seemed to like. do you think it fits similar to the kobe 6?
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They don’t fit as well as the Kobe vi but they are very good all around. Nice cushioning and traction
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