GREATEST GUARD SHOE EVER ?

Hey Guys! Grail Week continues here at WearTesters as Chris revisits one of his favorite basketball shoes of all-time.
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[@WearTesters]

Hey Guys! Our unofficial mini series of Grail Week continues. And as much as new tech gets Chris excited, his true passion is probably reminiscing on the past. This Kobe shoe totally fits that bill. Let us know what tweaks you would make to the Kobe 8 when it gets its turn to be protroed. And as always, have a good one!

[@MrAlvinlu1993]

I bought a full length zoom insole on Taobao for my 8. I think protro would be awesome if it also has full length zoom

[@user-dv4vq5xt1g]

hey bro, do you really think that the airsole unit is not outdated and should not be used anymore? Also, I think NIKE is gonna just place zoom turbo in the following protros.

[@zumbi2000]

I love how they incorporated Kobe’s love of football/soccer into his shoes giving the indoor soccer style.

[@RySimple]

You were right with football

[@cruz_control3925]

Yes, I actually used to play indoor soccer with the lower Kobe models (mamba mentality, mamba instinct etc) and they were perfect!

[@ioiolxd6776]

I remember watching every single one of your kobe 8 videos back in 2013. Time flies man.

[@MyKillMolina9]

@@KellyGeorgePH remember he kept getting all the colorways lol!!! i was so jealous

[@MyKillMolina9]

@@KellyGeorgePH you and I both lol. i still have a pair that I "ID'd" in 2013 with my first paycheck

[@mikey1220]

My absolute favorite pair of Kobe’s ever. Can’t wait for a protro version

[@GreekSneakCollector]

With these (grail) throwbacks i am starting to feel tooooo old! Apart from that, with these throwbacks i recognize that your journey has been really successful and long! Well done Chris and keep going!

[@CaliJatt0809]

Thank you Chris for posting all these Kobe videos bro. I don't miss a single one. You're the only KZbinr who actually knows the history of the Kobe line and it's a joy to watch every single time! Keep up the good work both of you! 🙏

[@michaelcaluma7917]

I like how the term grail for u is not dictated by taste makers...grails should have that personal factor 💯🤘

[@essentialjordan23]

I'm still pissed they never released the "amnesty" colorway Kobe wore, as well as several other colorways he wore.

[@issaclassic7]

Kobe 8 and 9 have been my favorite pairs to hoop in. Super light, great ankle security, and incredible traction. Been trying to replace them for years and haven't found something close.

[@christianlahman]

I love your videos man, Ive been watching ever since you uploaded a performance review for the Adidas Crazylights, and you genuinely got me into sneakers with your videos. Not just the style aspect but the performance and the tech side of things as well. Thank you for keeping my mind turning and for entertaining me for all these years.

[@JosiahBrewster]

Love the Kobe 8s! One of my top 5 favorites in the line for sure.

[@greg_fou3379]

Woah, transitions on fleek! Good job Ms. Wing!! Also, a great pair with great memories included! Greetings from Greece!!

[@geebau16]

I regret not getting a single pair of these.

[@MuMu124]

I finally got a pair of 8's and 9's...I'm waiting to get back in the gym to try them out...but they are comfy man try to get a pair

[@Moneybadger5]

I just got my first pair, couldn’t afford them back when they released and they’re so damn expensive now

[@miketaz5548]

I love the fact that Mrs Knightwing knows her stuff shows me your a great guy and are patient with her when it comes to your passion. I wish I could find a woman that loves sneakers as much as me. Salute

[@essentialjordan23]

I know the Kobe 7 didn't work for a lot of people, but I loved them. I didn't go up half a size like many did, I used the play strong inserts as well, which was softer than the play fast with the zoom.

[@essentialjordan23]

All Kobe protros should have full-length zoom. I used to use the Kobe 7 elite drop-in with full zoom in the Kobe 8.

[@aldrinramirez183]

Didnt know kobe7 insoles are compatible with 8s. Kobe 7 insoles are bulky, cant imagine they'd fit in the 8s

[@therealmarcc.2529]

I remember when the Kobe 8 was in production for so long that it saw 2012 and 2013 Christmas, it almost had a second BHM colorway.

[@leestrz4153]

100% only shoes I actually went through multiple pairs usually I change it up year after year but these I had to future proof myself with these. Favorite basketball shoes still to this day. Will always have a special place in my heart

[@ryanpulido5289]

One of my favorite Kobe’s to hoop in. Got the Pythons, Graffiti, Blue Coral Snake, and Volt.

[@J3nLai]

got a little dizzy with the effects during the switch to B roll, I think it's better not to use it as much. great video as always

[@user-oi9ms5tw4u]

I had the blue dart frog colorway, and it was awesome. As mentioned in the title, this is definitely a guard shoe, and one of the best. It’s great you brought these pairs up, that not much people talk about, despite its excellent performance. Can’t wait for them to Protro them. Thanks again for another nostalgia filled episode.

[@issaclassic7]

Ahhhh this man got the Kobe low socks too. Damn I wore through mine over the years. ALWAYS wore those when I hooped.

[@joserod05]

I was freshly out of hs, and I went to foot locker and saw the Kobe 8 sulfur (the first black and yellow colorway) and I fell in love with them, I couldn’t afford them at the time but I remember putting them on my feet and feeling like Kobe, man I wish I saved money then to still have them now

[@josephcarvalho7713]

You honestly owned every Kobe 8 cw and made a video for each one 👍👍

[@variandavid377]

Oh man....didn’t expect you do go with ditching the drop in system completely, but I’m with you on that, especially if the zoom strobles are being utilized. I was thinking of a react drop in like that of my React Metcon training shoes....still have court/ ground feel, responsive and it’s not super soft cushion-wise. I like your idea better, especially if they XDR the outsole. You also reminded me I have a pair of Kobe X nikeid in storage that I forgot about.

[@emersonestipona]

For the Protro Kobe 7 and 8, I hope Nike will incorporate a drop in insole ala LeBron 11 but using the Zoom Turbo technology.

[@sgp4215]

Love you guys, especially the last 3 weeks. Have been up with newborn at 4am and this is how we start our day. I'd love it if you guys can do a little more with the kids and GS versions to know which are worth getting and tech differences. Thanks for your passion

[@benjaminh26]

I'm loving this grail week series! The 8 and 9s are probably my favorite hoop shoes of ALL TIME. I wouldn't cop 10 pairs back then and just hoop in those forever if I wasn't a broke college kid, they're so hard to find now!

[@historianofmanythings4294]

Man I remember watching you review all those kobe 8’s back in the day!

[@russellgray1917]

I have always loved the Kobe 8. I had the black, white and red colorway and the BHM colorway. I ended up selling them to a friend, been kicking myself for selling them for a while....lol. I guess that I'll have to just bite the bullet and get another pair via resell. Great video!

[@zachjaimes]

I still own (and just retired) the Nike Kobe 8 System Elite+ and the drop-in midsole is Lunarlon with the Nike+ system and a Zoom bag in the heel.

[@JayFlacko]

It’s definitely just me but if the Kobe 8 protro comes out and is cushlon+zoom stoble, not only am I not copping but finding a used pair of the og because that doesn’t sound good at all. Ppl were already complaining the Kobe 5 were too mushy or “too comfortable” and I’m more of a low to the ground court feel with a lil bit of comfort/impact protection type of guy, which is what the Kobe line to me has always been for me. The KD 12 had stiff foam that was encased in plastic and a zoom strobel and was damn near a perfect setup for me other than the inconsistent traction that got fixed in the 13 and throwing some cushlon under that storbel would be just way too much imo

[@nene3hunna]

I love how they feel like you're barefoot, but they're just too flimsy. Had to retire my Easters after a few months cos the upper started to rip and I rolled my ankle a couple times as the rubber outrigger got too soft :(

[@minuteman49917]

This is a strange request but the drop in midsole was making me think - sometimes I have issues with my sizing, I would be interested to see Chris’s foot on top of a insole from a shoe that fits well to see how they line up

[@jaimeolaya6899]

The original video of the kobe 8 GC was the first video of your channel I saw. Those had some great colorways.

[@clitos2012ce]

I remember those socks!!! I am glad you brought then back!!! I think they went very well with the sneakers. Oh man, good times

[@billchen303]

I still remember buying the pit viper kobe 8 after watching your review back then. Time flies man, almost 10 years ago!

[@RafaelGarcia-ju1tc]

love the 2012 to 2013 Sneakers aside from the Kobe 8, Kd 4 and Lbj 9 is great. Hyperdunk 2012 too.

[@YasetMartinezSalazarErick]

Don't give up on the socks, if you let them soak in a mixture of water and white vinegar for a night you can remove a lot of bad smells out of clothing.👏🏼✌️

[@CrazyBlackMan108]

great video as usual guys. Playing catch up still lol. Like the transitions on here with the woosh SFX.

[@InfernoPhilM]

I wore tf out of my KB Mentality. I got them on clearance at Dicks and used them for weight lifting. The logo on one of the shoes peeled off, but I loved them.

[@bitw434]

i got 3 pairs of these in 2014, got me until 2018. i prefer this over the 9 tbh. wish nike still made these! they definitely got this right.

[@GhostofMcNabb]

The Kobe 8 was the sneaker that first got me into sneakers but as time has gone on I think the Kobe 9 is my favorite of the series. It was the only one that got flyknit right in the series in my opinion. I love drop in lunar man

[@visual1155]

I had 3 pairs of Kobe 8's. the red camos, milk snakes, and Venice beaches one of my fav shoes.

[@janwellner9839]

My Kobe 8´s did not break at the sole, the material ripped on the area of the pinky toe, like you told at 7:42. But still one of the best shoes i´ve ever played in!

[@NKLM24]

Your kobe 8 performance review was my first encounter watching this channel. I remember buying the same shoe as a kid and actually feeling like i was kobe 💜

[@Astronut21]

I yes my favorite kobe of all time. I have the year of the snake red colorway currently it’s completely been destroyed cause I wore it so much. My second pair I own is the all star version. Which does had the zoom air unit in the heel. Not sure about the cushlon. I currently am trying to get the Easter colorway

[@boogdoggtx]

The Kobe 8 is right up there with the zoom hyper rev and the lebron Xs for me 🙏🏿🙏🏿🔥🔥🔥some of the best hooping shoes ever

[@jamesolaivar7186]

Definitely a protro that I’ve been waiting for, particularly the Mambacurial..won’t mind if it will have a drop-in “react” or “ZoomX” midsole with full length air zoom unit 🙏🙏🙏🙏 and please..don’t make it heavier than 9 ounces (US Men’s 9) or at best lighter 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Kidkato]

Supposedly the snake skin outer layer on the 2nd christmas kobe was supposed to symbolize a snake shedding its skin...basically a prequel/lead in to the kobe 9.

[@dghehir2]

The elite had lunarlon with zoom... I legit loved lunarlon!!!! These were my legit favorite hoop shoe ever!!!! I want the protro soooooo bad!!!

[@bronisthegoat8915]

Really wish I could get my hands on another pair of these. First expensive pair of shoes (that weren’t hand me downs) that my fam could afford to get me to play my first year of organized basketball. 😭

[@heikaltaki]

I used to have the elite 8s. It got zoom air in the front. Those three signatures were based on superheroes or something. You’d appreciate the concept.

[@WearTesters]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJqlZqCdbtWKr9k

[@sherbtv5928]

I totally agree that this are great shoes.. super light weight. I got phyton and milkshake colorways back on the days.. to bad the outsoles won't last.

[@dghehir2]

Nooooo i loved the drop in mid soles!!! React might be a dope drop in... I haven’t had react yet, so I can’t really judge it... mine sat for a few years, and the rubber dried out... I tried playing in them and they played like Stacy Adams shoes...

[@GOLDvlaminck]

I’m holding off on a pair of these on a reselling app (app is for all kinda things not just shoes, all sorta 2nd hand stuff but also brand new products) this guy has them slightly worn, but on the pictures they look OK and he sells them for €200... not sure if I should pull the trigger, but this is my 2nd fav Kobe 8 cw and have never owned this pair

[@benavides0308]

When I genuinely look forward to every new video. And I watch whether I have a connection to the shoe or not - I know it is time to join the Discord Community. Gold Team, let's go...

[@papspilo8628]

On nike id there is option for the insole full length lunarlon, heel zoom air+lunarlon, full length zoom air+full lenth lunarlon

[@humphrey8840]

I have the Pit Viper and BHM. Were my hoop beaters back then. Now I just clean em and display em in my room. Soles are dead.

[@suicidalbymistake]

This is the best looking kobe shoes imo!!! Always been a grail hoop shoe for me

[@targusmacintosh7506]

I think it was full length zoom for the bigger players. Heel zoom only for guards.

[@shibbywwe]

The visual of Chris styling in some Kobes and hopping into a station wagon has me dying 😂

[@reinersoliven2719]

I had the Year of the Snake colorway back in the day, def my fave shoe to play in that year. (2013?) Actually tried putting in the insole from the Lebron 11, the lunarlon/full length zoom combo, it was really tight, but the cushion, I thought had a huge upgrade. A full length zoom / cushlon would be a nice protro for these.

[@jeffreylopez2960]

Thanks for the video Chris Like always brother Fire 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@brauprx]

I will start to wear again my 7s, 8s, 9s and 11s again, hope it's not too late

[@jcheng47]

The pairing with the socks might be the coolest part of the shoe lol

[@TheDorkKnight824]

I have a pair of Kobe 7 elite and i can tell you the cushlon and the full length zoom feels comfortable but i don’t wear them outside because one they feel small on me and be I’ve always wanted the elite 7

[@zumbi2000]

So I watched this again and it got me thinking. What are some of the best big man shoes ever? Also is there already a video about that on this channel? Seems like there probably is. To the search!

[@leemele1233]

I’ve got the Year of the snake and SS Xmas editions. Crazy shoes

[@therealmarcc.2529]

Soak the Kobe 9 outsole in brake fluid for about overnight. It will soften up.

[@piercetucker1644]

man i still have this shoe but my right shoe has midsole separation. I need to get on that reglue ASAP after watching this

[@juddarcano151]

I remember having my first Kobe 8's. I bought the christmas colorway the one with snake skin at the top. It was really awful when it turned all yellow

[@vhallis]

Nike is probably just going to slap a full length zoom unit if they proto the 8

[@mikeabel7577]

And that would be fantastic.

[@cerocastillo3634]

I need the Easter version for the 8s and I remember those socks that makes up for the Kobe logo. 🔥

[@DMV.2]

As someone born in 2002, something about early 2010 Nike basketball shoes just hit different. Good times

[@Moneybadger5]

I don’t get the same excitement I did looking at modern Nike basketball models as I did in the 2010s. It was the golden era for sure

[@Mgsa14]

Kobe 8 one of the greatest hoop shoes had 7 of them blown out 5 and now my last 2 just have to take it easy till they protro

[@soubido]

The Kobe 7 and 8 are my favorite Kobes

[@TheFarazHawk]

I still have my pair and thank god they’re in such good condition. Granted I do have holes in the upper now lol. I also put the lebron 11 insoles in them and it’s basically a perfect shoe.

[@rideough]

The venonenon 5 is pretty close to what your protro would be.

[@Bertellii]

I hope they protro these with full length zoom.

[@jaysonsj5411]

One of the dopest Kobe shoes and colourway🔥Love this

[@eurypiadozo4203]

Nice with the matching sock

[@salmark9080]

what shoe is low, looks nice, has amazing cushioning with decent outdoor durability. I want the Puma clyde, I heard the RS had no cushioning and i'm flat foot AF

[@dwayneblanco217]

How awesome the VIIs looked.. but yeah the most uncomfortable Kobe’s ever

[@TseStanley23]

Elite was Cushlon with Forefoot/heel bottom-loaded zoom.

[@johvanortiz6267]

I bought my grail sneaker, the Kobe 8 EXT YOTS Black, and the outsole on the toe of each shoe has come off a little bit just from driving. Granted, I drive a manual so there is a little more wear on them than if I drove automatic but now I have to figure out how to glue it back together. Any suggestions?

[@operechica]

You should do a vid of the Nike scandle and west coast Joe

[@ridzuanroslan4419]

it's a great performance shoe for sure but i ankle-sprained in those more times than not..... so i don't know man.... maybe it's just me tho. But overall fire on the court!!!!!

[@devinross14]

We need a thoughts on west coast street ware video!!

[@TheHilltopperNation]

I can’t wait until the Kobe 8s retro. They’re such a beautiful and simple shoe

[@Azenhart]

I would like to keep the drop in with Zoom in the forefoot and a React midsole for the protro.

[@vizard350z]

Patiently waiting on these to come back. Whether Protro or re-release. Also 600k on the way

[@Benger2185]

They really need to protro these! Great vid 🔥

[@b.lukito6063]

nike should protro it with zoomx foam...that would be dope 🤯

[@dtee78]

I got an almost new pair of the same colourway last year, I love the 8

[@justinfett488]

Yo Chris was just wondering if your going to review the new T-MAC 2.0 egos?

[@rail2railnose2tail]

definitely a full-length zoom, and yea just make enough pairs so everyone can get em nike. don't be a herbert

[@imbamanlolz]

kobe 8 protro with a react drop-in midsole?? yes pleaseee

[@splakacheus]

I cant wait for the KOBE 8 PROTRO!!

[@lowedesilva2596]

nike protro department should hire Chris for inputs