How Good Are Fake Kobe's?

Real foot doctor reviews a reproduction, rep, or fake Kobe 4 Protro Gold Medal basketball shoe
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Disclaimer : This is not medical advice, nor can I give you medical advice. Everything here including videos and comment responses is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your doctor to obtain advice with respect to any health issue or condition. Nothing here should be construed to form a doctor patient relationship.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Live, updating shoe spreadsheet with ALL of my stats that you can CUSTOM ORGANIZE: geni.us/hoopshoeguide

[@nishidataki_8460]

hey Doc, i dont know if you wanna go deeper into Reps, but for "scientific" purposes you could try the H12/Godkiller 2.0 Kobe 6 Grinches. They are highly regarded as propably the best Kobe 6 rep.

[@iamjajad27]

i agree try and review godkiller shoes doc

[@baratiecook]

Years ago, I have been to Shanghai and went to a flee market and one shop that sells reps like the shattered backboard 1s, the leather quality is like an expensive handbag and do smell like one.

[@isaaccouch6238]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR AGES

[@sgnumber15]

This is actually a very good content doc. I think a lot of people would wanna know how the reps work and what's the different. Not just to decide whether you should buy it or not, but also how they can affect your health and performance too.

[@falcongunner33]

If you buy from the right rep seller, you’re pretty safe in getting a decent quality shoe.

[@Arihiroki_LG]

Reps is the way to go, especially if the manufacture speaks to customers about batches... like i've seen a rep put full length zoom in the rep which made the proto look silly

[@Yidkiddabesht]

I love Dr Zach's videos

[@TengYinChang]

Zach, it is interesting that you mentioned the different levels of carbon fiber shank. Can you maybe share more info on the difference between carbon fiber shanks that is used in elite Nike basketball shoes (AJs; Kobe...)to those used in Chinese branded basketball shoes (Anta; WOW; etc.)?

[@kachouw]

I've been buying reps for years. These are the S2 Kobe 4s, which is considered mid tier. It would be really interesting for you to reivew the higher tiers of Reps. GX, GK and Star. I really like Star and GX.

[@wahidahmad2577]

GK has the best batch for kobe 4 right?

[@taivo2520]

@@wahidahmad2577I don’t know much about the GK Kobe 4s. But the GK Kobe 5s and 6s are close to retail and a little better in some aspects.

[@ItsMeStrider]

@@wahidahmad2577 GK are the best reps for kobe 6, not sure about 4s. IIRC star is the best batch for 4s.

[@allensmith9879]

​@@wahidahmad2577 GK, GX & Star P are all excellent

[@makatalogaming8685]

S2 is the best batch for kb4

[@endless_waltz18]

I run an adult league and I hooked up 90 % of the players with Kobe reps and they all love them! No issues whatsoever

[@magaracumagli.4512]

I would like to see stats re review on Kobe 6s, Kobe 5s, Kobe 4s ... (real ones ofc) from you in the future.

[@MangaSword8]

Bro’s jumper looks sooo good now

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thats just because you're comparing it to the absolute garbage fire it was before haha

[@ItsMeStrider]

@@FootDoctorZach ay your jumper is looking nice despite that don't sell yourself short

[@marx41mans]

Gimme them "Replicas" I got a Family, Mortgage, Cars, 2 Kids in College....Man I will take a fake ALL DAY and save some money where ever I can as popular sneakers are NOT A NEED!

[@deejaay]

I can say each rep are not created equal .. the best is KW.. exact 1:1

[@Playerway]

💯💯💯💯🤫

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

There are a few others who are really good tooo

[@mattcortez1694]

he used a gx pair though.(correction S2)

[@deejaay]

@@CybertroninfiniteOfficial Indeed.

[@ItsMeStrider]

@@mattcortez1694 he used a S2 pair, not GX

[@TheAuxiliaryCord]

Makes you wonder why people are so finicky about reps of Jordan retros, like the 1s 3s and 4s that nobody is really playing basketball in. If the only difference is some performance tech specs, there’s nothing to worry about I think it’s some type of corporate brainwashing, when people rep shame others and tell them to get the real thing, it’s free advertising for the companies. Unpaid labor

[@clintguia7984]

was looking for this comment

[@jom_and_terry]

Same type of people who worship apple

[@kennethybanez6623]

finally a kobe rep review, thanks doc!!

[@BobbyObado]

This is actually a very detailed and educational breakdown and analysis. Great video.

[@phant0mdu_7014]

Been waiting for this type of video, thx Dr Zach ! it would be awesome if you got some "high quality" kobe 6 reps (like from kickwho) and test theme pls

[@trewright58]

These are s2 batch if anybody is wondering

[@TheKhmercha]

thanks bro

[@HopefulStripedTiger-mk3ex]

Good to see someone reviewing some reps. The only downside the Doc talks about is not knowing what batch you are getting and the quality of said batch but there are a bunch of online communities where you can find all of that information. Best batches for each model and all that jazz.

[@phantomy2g]

Wow!!! I've been waiting for this. Thanks Zach

[@pressss.3422]

been waiting for this video for years 😅

[@PopperEtudeFromHell]

You might want to give these samples to OSU MSE to analyze the polymers. They compared toaster quality for NYT Wirecutter.

[@Chonkeeartist9001]

This video is revolutionary. It took a very long time for anyone to put up a content like this about rep shoes. Thank you very much for your hardwork Doc! Still I was kinda disappointed, I really wished the reps to be as close to the originals as most rep sellers claims them to be given how extremely difficult it is to get a pair of Kobes without resorting to buying from resellers nowadays. I'll probably just bank on luck on the slot lottery, or just buy those Li-ning, 361° or Anta shoes that has similar Kobe tech in them.

[@temporaryneck]

As someone who collected upwards of 100+ pairs of kobes since the OG Kobe 5, I can say that since I started wearing reps (after watching Ja Morant and other leaguers wear them), I will not go back. As you stated tho, to the majority of people who havent done extensive research (or have been reviewing reps for a while like myself), it is certainly a dangerous game and a gamble knowing where to buy the best batches. This pair you reviewed here (S2 batch), is considered a top 4 batch by most. Myself, and I'm sure several others here would love to see you review a pair from kickwho. In my honest opinion, they are noticably ahead of the other competing batches in terms of aesthetics and performance. Also, loved the vid, and I really hope your channel doesn't get get taken down like mine previously was for showcasing reps lol

[@SLAPTALK]

⬆️⬆️This guy KNOWS what he's talking about. GREAT for the sneaker community!!⬆️⬆️

[@David-1216]

Where do you buy a good pair of reps tho

[@nocapmajor]

kickwho pairs are GK. i would rather see him breakdown a STAR/GX pair tbh

[@temporaryneck]

@nocapmajor in terms of actual composition of the shoe tho and similarity to retail, gk would no doubt be the best showing across all 3 models for this type of video.

[@temporaryneck]

@@David-1216 pretty sure my comment got deleted, but I've got a few reviews on the current best batch for 4s on my channel. They make the best kobes 4-6.

[@bryanMangabang]

Get a GK batch Kobe 6 Doc! I bet this will get more views very soon!

[@recca1224]

on that note, your hair looks amazing after a year 😲 Maybe you need to introduce Nadal on which clinic you have gone to 🌝

[@FootDoctorZach]

lol

[@haideslaunio8988]

FootDoctorZach is probably the best sneaker reviewer in the planet.. with this video I couldn't ask for more honest opinion.. Yes Rep Shoes does exist while most batches focuses on aesthetics (this one is clearly an S2 batch by the way) there are some who focuses on performance. Can you imagine a Rep Kobe 6 with 2 Zoom Air unit both fort foot and hill they were really a solid performer

[@SLAPTALK]

Rumor has it that the tech in the Lebron 20 was supposed to be a future release for Kobe Bryant. (allegedly ALLEGEDLY)

[@Yidkiddabesht]

Absolute w of a video

[@brandonleung6828]

This is a great breakdown - I've actually moved on to playing with reps (fakes) of Kobes because of the resellers eating up all the drops. There are different batches of fakes GK (God Killers) - closest to retail, S2, WK (worldkillers) and KB1 or KB2 - would be great if you could do a comparsion between the retail and the different batches.

[@jessematthie3646]

Finally. I'm glad you did this review. I was truly hoping that you did. Thank you so much. However you confirm what I have know for a while now. Kobe reps unfortunately might just be the thing for alot of people myself included. Nike has dropped the ball. Even tho I finally got a real pair of kobe 8s. For alot of people too little too late. So of these reps are better than some current nike shoes by far. The Chinese brands are also better. It's cheaper, more accessible. But I would have to agree with you on the fact I would rather get original from the brand. Warranty purposes and more back guarantee. Other than that I don't see nothing wrong with wearing reps.

[@kobekobekobekobekobe]

yeahhh let’s go doc final delivered

[@kkevnguyen]

Sick video dude!

[@MangaSword8]

Got two reps. Kobe 6 all stars and GT Cut 1’s. The air unit in the GT CUTs popped a month ago but the kobe 6’s still going strong as a mf

[@deejaay]

thank you for this.

[@jessiejames1681]

I've been buying reps for about 15 years now & I think I'm decently knowledgeable about the rep market so what those Turkish people told you sounds like what is also known in the rep market so they're not bsing about the different levels of rep qualities & some are practically 1:1 compared to retail shoes. I bought rep Lebron 10's back in 2012 and while on blacktop they performed OK, on an indoor court tho I kept slipping. No grip at all. That was the last time I bought rep shoes for performance. But when it comes to aesthetics tho reps nowadays are so close to being 1:1 that I'd rather buy reps than resell price. Since this video tho I might have to look into buying reps for performance since I mostly play on blacktop anyway. This video was an amazing one doc.

[@jeromeharrio7410]

Do you know a place where one could buy the Dior Jordans that he has in the video that is pretty much the exact same as the regular release

[@tajaipaul891]

You reasoning isn’t far off from why many young hoopers play in reps, they look damn near 1:1, they preform well and you don’t have to pay resale prices for a shoe you will inevitably beat up on the court.

[@tajaipaul891]

If you’re looking into buying performance reps check out Jersey Frost; particularly the EYBL and Reverse Grinch “God Tier”. They are indeed 1:1

[@HeatLedgerKicks]

I saw a pair once they actually surprised me. Zoom wasn’t the same though

[@oliverg6643]

I've never intentionally bought a pair of reps nor do i have a problem with people who wear them. My only issue is seeing people advertise a fake shoe for an authentic pair

[@orlandolopez9978]

bro keep doing the kobe reps reviews...i would love to see them

[@JC-se8mi]

FDZ…you never cease to amaze.

[@dunsdonjone1537]

I can't believe you have done this 😂 I was always curious about replicas but was also always afraid to ask. I love how you don't ever box yourself into... well... a box!

[@snipe63]

I have some 6 grinch reps, so far have held up with a years worth of use, keep in mind I be 400lbs

[@catalan86]

Which version did you get? I'm looking at snagging a gk pair

[@snipe63]

@@catalan86 FLAMSNEAKER carries a bunch of types. They aren’t specific but everything I have received from them was great quality. GK tho, i haven’t seen much of

[@markoi.83]

​@catalan86 KW Godkillers look amazing. And they have 24h shipping in the US now. I'm really tempted to buy a pair or two....

[@mikeyybeezoo]

@@catalan86 just curious what does GK mean and how do you find those shoes ?

[@pier.9042]

where have you got these

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

Hate to say, turkey reps are pretty mid compared to China

[@Versatileshooter12]

Informative indeed. Great and awesome review.

[@ryans7097]

There has never been a shoe I have wanted so bad I would pay money to buy a fake version of. Idc how good the fake is, just feels wrong. Also, aren't reps funding a lot of illegal overseas activities?

[@darwinmoresco7724]

The first and last reps that I used is Nike Air Much Uptempo. I regret to use it because I suffered a painful sprained ankle in just a simple and very gentle foot planting to do pivot. Since then, I rather to buy on sale and old model pairs but original than buying a hyped reps sneakers.

[@veselinminyov1306]

I've been waiting for a video like this in a while now. Very good job! I personally have the WKB Kobe 6 Grinch which are upper tear reps but not the best and I am very satisfied with them. When it comes to durability you can buy 6 pairs of reps instead of 1 from Nike. It was about time for people to catch up with reps because Nike's prices have gotten crazy and some shoes are too limited.

[@braxen3326]

Please do a review on each of the models reps

[@andrewmcbryantjordan2287]

You should check GX Kobe reps

[@ulamss5]

For quick fashion, reps can be fine. For function, I've never seen proper reps of modern foams (besides boost) and carbon fibre shanks.

[@zeroelus]

Not a huge sneaker/basketball shoe nerd as I'm mostly here for the tennis content, but for me it would depend on what you're trying to do with the shoes. Use them as sneakers for the look/style? A fake/rep/homage whatever you call it is "ok" if you really absolutely want it to look like the thing you didn't get or if it's in some very particular design that otherwise wouldn't have happened, but if you're buying it to really play in it why trust in the performance of a shoe that will not guarantee it in some way? If we're in this channel we're probably looking to make the best choice about what we're about to buy given our playstyle, any current pain/health issues and budget and choice in our market. If a shank/truss/wall/board/reinforcement is going to be critical for the shoe's performance, why risk using one with unknown reliability/non spec material? Maybe it's because I'm middle aged and am weary about that due to past experiences, but I want to buy once and cry once, if possible.

[@cmikesmith664]

Zach, great looking hair. 💇🏻

[@Blakeyboi24]

Hey Zach, finally! A content like this! Would you know what batch are these? Also, we would love to see same review on Nike running replicas like VFs and AFs! Thanks! :)

[@puresreborn5529]

Found it very interesting that you spotted that the carbon fiber is not real. Kickwho makes consistently the best reps on the market, you should review the kobe 5 and kobe 6 and check their carbon fiber because they have images and videos of the high quality materials they use so it might make a really good video comparing with the authentics because they’re super close

[@FootDoctorZach]

It’s real cf just not the same

[@fiecons3190]

@@FootDoctorZachWould you however, review the Kobe 6 from Godkiller/kickwho? I would love to see your opinion!

[@jamestuason6356]

The Barefoot got me

[@truthnotfeelings]

Nike needs to acknowledge the rep game Along side other performance bands (Li-Ning, Rigor, Anta, Adidas) Reps are simply getting sales that would go to Nike They need to start providing better value and better tech. Their top teir performers are about as good as other brands but they’re $50-100 more. They’re budget models are the same price as other top performers (for $120 you can get the Ja 1 with a cheap foam and tiny zoom unit, or you can get the AC12’s that rival Zoom x)

[@gyrozeppeli5628]

Damn, I thought there’s only 1 kind of carbon fiber shank 😅

[@simonsher2187]

Hi, what's the difference between a bottom loaded shank and a top loaded shank in terms of performance and cushioning?

[@roldanclosa5539]

This is nice. One and only content that make this. For me if looking for performance use the legit ones. But if for lifestyle the fakes will do. But if the fakes costs more than $100 its a no. There are original options less than $100 q

[@carloberja7834]

Great video! Do you have a performance review of a real kobe 4 protro?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Nope- at some point

[@theviscount4622]

i use the s2 batch everyday

[@johncherry1870]

Buying counterfeits destroys the whole sneaker collection and undermines the legitimate brands. If they can do this, then make your own shoes in your own brand.

[@phoenixmg]

This could be your best video. This is uncharted territory. Nobody's done this. 👍

[@seouleshoes]

I’m usually not for reps, but being a size 13 (14 with the Kobe 14,) resell for Kobe’s are pricey. They’re not as insane, but still get up there. I finally tried some Kobe 6 reps from GK/KW, and having a couple pair of OG 6s, it’s crazy how close they are. I really do forget they’re reps most times, I know they beefed up the 6s protro wise, so I’d love to get a pair to see how they compare to the OGs/reps, but to me, the reps I have really are a Kobe 6. I swear some reps must have a Nike mole or something haha.

[@infamousgerald]

Good video. Prices are so low right now I’d stick with the authentic stuff

[@MasterJPzilla]

Not all reps are made with the same quality, so it can be really hard (near impossible) to know, just from the internet, which are good or not.

[@kefonaaajr.7140]

Bro needs to review the gk batch

[@boogiedownbronx73]

I live in Mexico. And here we have the largest grey/black market in the world. Bigger than China. Its so easy to buy fake Nike's here. Its mostly Nike, Adidas and Puma. I like Asics and for some reason they haven't been replicated yet. Now they are starting with New Balance.

[@Richard-Reloaded]

Before even watching this. Nike is FUMING rn that you made this video.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Then they didn’t watch the end of the video

[@jjoshuaoliva]

i have s2 kobe 5 they honestly have better cushion than my retails, i ordered gk kobe 6 in pandabuy they perform better than my retails half the price. i sold my retails quick

[@nniivekkappo7544]

gotta get GK,GX or S2 batch of this

[@cancerjeezus]

carbon fiber dust might damage your lungs zach i usually sand my carbon fiber drone parts in a bucket of water

[@eduardoreyes2128]

FDZ playing with fire in light of all the Nike vs Rep lawsuits.

[@nicholaskohs5727]

A guy at basketball had the godkiller reps for the reverse grinch 6s. They looked amazing. I would probably grab some but they are 180 shipped and the risk of paying for something like that with no idea when or if you'll get them feels like a big risk. I had some 11s that were fake in college and they were not playable but they were pretty good looking. Would only do those if budget was an issue.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yeah you just never know…

[@fipatermdiagnosticos5582]

Doc Zach. I really enjoyed this episode. Put a finger on 1 of many Nike problems, and "others" offer a solution. Regards

[@ejshawbizzz5870]

Normalize playing Pickleball than Tennis

[@njY2K]

Doc, how was your hair treatment experience in Turkey overall? BTW, great review as always!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Great- i made a vide on it last year and its turned out better than I would have expected

[@DrakeBruh-p9s]

man when Ja Morant wore some fakes Kobes, i already rest my case that fakes aint gonna perform

[@ValoRANT488]

Hey Zach, great review as always, I wanted to ask, As someone who gets shin stress fractures easily, is puma trc blaze court a good option?

[@jsnparc619]

Up next : 741 Shoe brand Jaylen Brown's Signature shoe🎉

[@gangd4807]

Zach, Do you have any plans to review the LeBron TR1? I'm really curious about your opinion on it!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yes but I'm not paying over retail so ill just wait until they come out

[@amherawdr]

Nice to know this…im goin to Turkey tomorrow to get a hair transplant

[@Master-Hyland]

Please do kd 4

[@KessarisT]

Please do a Kickwho Kobe 6 review - they are better than the originals!

[@yohannoalipio4812]

Please review Wade Shadow 6 and Anta Shockwave 6 🙏

[@vigilancenyoni3944]

Can you test the GK and WK batches

[@ikme9393]

for casual use good reps are fine but for playing where you need your shoe to perform and secure your foot its not a good idea specially reps with air sole unit.rolled my ankle once on a ua pair of reverse grinch because under high stress the midsole silghtly separated making me loose my balanced and ended up dislocating my ankle. prior to that with a kd6 reps the air sole unit just popped after landing on them also the uptempos notorius for popping. i have the legit pair but for its cost made me go with the reps to play specially outdoor but durability i paid the price of rolling my foot. so yah like he said the glue job you cant assure and premature separation will happen when playing. and so thats why they feel more wobly and soft its not a real carbon fiber

[@georgelsla7421]

DubleW Vid

[@amnjordan23]

Here's my thing about Reps... if you're buying them to just walk around and look cool... buy the reps, do not pay resell for a $180 retail sneaker... as far as playing in them and performance... I would never play in reps... I've heard some horror stories about what they can and will do to your body because the materials, although looking the same. Most of the time, they are NOT the same.

[@ÁdámKanizsai-m4u]

there are basically 1:1 copies out, think what you want..

[@TheKhmercha]

@@ÁdámKanizsai-m4u exactly, still better than playing in chuck taylors or the converse from the 80s, or them hard as a rock nikes bball shoes from the 90s. At least Kobe reps on point

[@doktorhypebeast]

Yeah you definitely have no idea what you are saying. I've played in a plethora of batches of Kobe reps of the Zoom Kobe 5,6, and I also have retail pairs of both. Nowadays reps and retails feel almost EXACTLY the same on court to me.

[@user-bp3es9wb6g]

There are replicas that are even better than originals actually

[@allensmith9879]

I play mainly in S2 / Star / GK & GX replicas because retail Kobes got so expensive. I actually prefer Kobe 6 GK 2.0s to retails.

[@TheKhmercha]

how long have you had the S2s, and are they holding up well?

[@allensmith9879]

@@TheKhmercha I’ve some of my S2s since the Summer before last, they’re all holding up well however I much prefer the GK & GX 6s S2s are my favorites of the 5s especially with prices considered.

[@tajaipaul891]

The Kobe 4 might not be the best representation of real vs reps. The “God Tier” Kobe 5&6 reps unlike the nike licensed products often have better/more air units, the 6 Protro has a lateral to medial forefoot zoom unit were the s tier reps have large heel units with a smaller forefoot unit much like the og Kobe 5 & 6

[@Yidkiddabesht]

Is that a jerryrigeverything knife?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Its the one they have at Lowes

[@alvarosalmeron05]

Why dont they release them this IS insane. I have to pay 500$ for a pair. 😢

[@Playerway]

Kickwho perfected the rep process

[@mainsourcery]

Makes people question their value system as it relates to shoes 😂

[@666ska]

Replica kobes? Order the godkillas...they are like the ogs

[@user-bp3es9wb6g]

Yep even better than originals

[@puresreborn5529]

I want him to review the kickwho godkillers

[@harveylin3548]

How come those shoes are still like $150 on Ebay?

[@alvaroroaabad7990]

Dude where did u get those Kobe, I need those here in México 😂 don't care if is fake I love it look good quality.

[@KY-zm1im]

Where can I buy one like that