Here is a list of the kicks we have seen in action during the NCAA Basketball tourney:

Zoom Kobe V

Adidas Young Guns

Adidas Pro Model

Nike Kevin Durant 2

Jordan Brand Melo M6

Nike Hypermax TB

Nike Blue Chip 2

Lebron Soldier 3

The Kobe V by Nike features zoom air and is one of the lightest low top basketball shoe ever made.  Designed to keep Kobe low and fast the Zoom Kobe V is an upgrade from the Kobe 4 weighing in at only 10.6 ounces.  While lightweight, performance does not suffer… it will take all the punishment you can deliver while giving back consistently.  Flywire and Zoom Air allow for this next level performance.

While its core strength comes from the heel cup, the flywire straps support and lock-down lateral support mechanisms are unparalleled. Lateral cuts are adeptly handled by outrigger sole elements which also add lightweight support.

Design elements include EKG like grooves in the outsole, snakeskin print on some colorways and flywire imprints throughout. See all available colorways here…

Kobe V Features

• External heel counter for acts as an anchor for the rest of the shoes support and stability
• Memory Foam Cushioning in the collar for comfort
• The new generation Flywire for ultra-lightweight support
• Ventilation perforations in the toe
• Nike Zoom units in heel and forefoot for lightweight and responsive cushioning
• Full-length Phylon midsole for lightweight cushioning and comfort
• Midfoot shank plate for arch support
• Heel cushion split to disperse impact shock
• Solid rubber outsole with herringbone and EKG pattern for non-marking traction and lightweight durability
• Flex grooves for enhanced articulation and flexibility matching your natural foot movement
• Weight: 10.6 ounces (men’s size 9)
• Learn more about the Kobe 5

Technology enhancements includes Adidas proprietary Climacool®, ForMotion® pods deliver quickness and motion control. adiPRENE®+ in the forefoot and TORSION® SYSTEM mid foot and arch support and protection.

The adidas techfit lineup of workout gear and protection is also a great addition to protect atheletes from the aches and pains of everyday injuries like bruises, sprains and abasions. Learn more about the techfit lineup.

Kevin Durant came into the NBA with a splash… He got the big shoe contract. He got the $$$$.  I’m sure he got the girls…

Nike’s new KD II [Kevin Durant 2] is a minimalist shoe similar to the original KD1, but don’t let its simple lines confuse you… Like KD himself, the Kevin Durant shoe by Nike is a stunning performer.  Its elegant lines belie a workhorse mentality with strength and resiliency required by big men.  Lateral support is its strongest feature and the high cut supports your ankle breaking impacts.  This shoe will fit those long skinny feet power players the best and this years added strap seals in the power and comfort provided by zoom air units.  Oh wait… its cheap too!  Get a pair of these for practice days if nothing else – you know its not good to wear the same shoes to ball in everyday, right?  Learn more about the KD2 and its available colorways…

The Chris Paul 3 comes in 5 different colorways… and are one of the least expensive in the Jordan lineup.

The CPIII is definitely a high performance basketball shoe designed to support speed and quickness along with power and finesse. Being a low mid cut shoe, ankle support is the only lacking feature, but the shoe more than makes up for this in its performance and all around comfort. Learn more about the Air Jordan CP3.III

Comes with an instructional and training DVD and a stretching strap.  Also includes a 52 week training program and a laminated workout card for guidance. Learn More…

Your competition is using them… so you better be ready to compete!

The TB Lineup is impressive starting with the ultra high performer the Kobe 4 and dribbling down the price all the way to the not so soarin $55 low end kick.  The team lineup is designed to encompass all player types and all school colors.  Look for the  Zoom Kobe IV, Nike Hyperize, Nike Hypermax, Nike Shox Vision, Nike Air Max Go, Nike Blue Chip II, Nike Air Flight Soarin in NCAA basketball games, Highschool games and on the not so official pick up court.

More colors are available in each shoe…

Sources: nicekicks.com, theshoegame.com and eastbay.com

Both shoes are released as a a Nike Team Shoe that will be produced in multiple colorways designed to meet the requirements of coaches and teams in both highschool and college athletics.  These two shoes replace the Team Elite series of team basketball shoes used for the past couple of years.  Also in the new team Team Basketball lineup are the Nike Shox Vision,  Nike Blue Chip II and Zoom Lebron III.   Its nice to see some of the new technology employed in a team series shoe, although the hyper series of shoes are weak in support + comfort with thier extreemly high ankle collars. 

Coaches get your team a discount by ordering from Eastbay, while you can customize at nike.com.  Chances are – you can find a color that suits your fancy.

-Fiji

Combine the 08 Team Elite Max and the Hyperdunk and what do you get? A heavy sole with a lite upper? Maybe… The new Hypermax supports all the way around: Superior support of your ankle; Superior cushioning.

The hypermax is a lighter than normal (for an air max), high performance and high support basketball shoe. While the extreemly high cut can chafe those ankle sock only wearers… the crew cut or higher players will have no problems.

The hypermax reminds me of the air max 360 – David Robinsons… you know – the one with the pump. Isnt that what they were called?

Learn More