Before releasing Kobe 4 Protro, it’s said that Kobe 4 Protro will keep the same configuration of Kobe 4. But actually, the configuration of Kobe 4 Protro is reduced. Many people are disappointed at it. But it’s still popular and hot-sale. Today let’s have a look at the reducing configuration of Kobe 4 Protro “Carpe Diem”. Carpe Diem is Latin, it means ‘Sieze The Day’ in English.
▼Carpe Diem on shoe tongue
Advantages
- Great Cushion Performance
The insole configuration is made of ZOOM on rear sole and foamed plastic on forefoot. The cushion performance of KOBE 4 is excellent. The thick of ZOOM Air Cushion on rear sole is enough. And the center of gravity is not high. The resilience is also good. It’s much better than the Zoom Air of Kyrie and PG series.
For the feedback of forefoot, actually, the cushion feedback of foamed plastic is enough for me. If you need the fast starting speed, this kind of insole configuration is enough for you. But if you are post player, KOBE 1 with full-length ZOOM Air Cushion will be more suitable to you.
▼The excellent ZOOM Air Cushion on rear sole
- Great Traction Performance, but the abrasive resistance is not good
As one of the KOBE series’ master work, we don’t need to worry about the traction performance of KOBE 4. Most of Kobe series’ shoes have great traction performance.
The outsole is the translucent crystal sole with partial rubber sole. The grain is radial herringbone. This kind of configuration is very suitable to me. I don’t need to worry about the traction performance. I haven’t slipped in kinds of court.
▼The grain of outsole looks good
The outsole of KOBE 4 is easy to be stained with dust. After being stained with dust, the traction performance will decrease. And the abrasive resistance is also not good.
▼The abrasive resistance is not goo. So we don’t suggest you to wear it to play basketball on cement court
- Excellent fit and supporting performance
KOBE 4 should be first pair of KOBE signature shoes. Low type basketball shoes was infrequent in those years
KOBE 4 uses Flywire system which was also infrequent in those years. The half-sole inner sleeve design is easy to put on. The vamp of forefoot is made of patent leather. The middle part is thin hot-melting material. The shoe heel is filled with thick foamed plastic. The material is useful. It can fit well with the foot.
▼Flywire with thin vamp design is very reasonable.
▼The vamp material looks good.
Although it’s low type, but the ankle part should have built-in TPU which can protect the ankle well. And the insole also has anti-torsion supporting plate. The width of forefoot is wide enough. I feel it’s very stable. And it also make the anti-torsion design. As a pair of shoes for defenders, the anti-torsion performance is good enough
▼The built-in TPU on shoe heel
▼The anti-torsion performance of forefoot is excellent
▼I’m not sure if the anti-torsion supporting plate is carbon fiber or TPU
After wearing KOBE 4, I know that it’s a pair of excellent shoes which combines with the temporal top technology and material of NIKE.
Disadvantages:
Although the configuration has been decreased, but the price is still the same.
Although KOBE 4 has many disputes, but it’s still hot-sale shoes.
Comparing with KOBE 1 or ZOOM GP, the price of KOBE 4 is really unreasonable. As there is on ZOOM Air Cushion on the forefoot.
Overall
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
9 stars
Shoe Tree: Normal
Size: Normal size
Although Kobe has retired for several years, but the KOBE series shoes are still hot-sale. NIKE keep releasing the new KOBE series shoes. The KOBE retro types are more popular. Frankly, comparing KOBE 4 with KOBE 1, I prefer to the appearance and configuration of KOBE 1. But it seems that most of people prefer to KOBE 4. The price of KOBE 4 Carpe Diem already decrease, so it’s a good time to purchase it now.
