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Nike and Kobe Bryant Launch New Zoom Kobe V

Posted: 10 Dec 2009 04:09 PM PST

Nike and Kobe Bryant today announced the debut of the Nike Zoom Kobe V, the brand's lowest-profile and lightest basketball shoe to date. Bryant challenged Nike to make his signature shoe even lighter and lower than the Nike Zoom Kobe IV he debuted during his 2008-2009 championship season. Nike responded with the Nike Zoom Kobe V, which features a 10 mm forefoot profile and weighs 10.6 ounces – one ounce lighter than the Nike Zoom Kobe IV.

"I wanted to push the envelope with a shoe that meets the demands of my style of play," Bryant said. "The Kobe V is lighter, lower and more stable. Nike has done it again."

DIFFERENT SPORTS, SIMILAR DEMANDS

The initial inspiration for Kobe's low-profile shoe came from an unexpected place: the soccer field. "I watch a lot of soccer and have seen how the best footballers in the world make sharp cuts at top speed in lightweight, low-cut footwear," Bryant said. "The demands they make on their feet and ankles aren't that different from what I'm doing on the court, yet nobody assumes they should play in high tops."

With Bryant's observation as inspiration, the Nike Sports Research Lab conducted hundreds of hours of testing to create a low-profile shoe that did not compromise stability or lockdown. By modifying the medial arch and sculpting the external heel counter, Nike researchers created a shoe with exceptional performance that moves with the foot and allows for multi-directional cutting. An enhanced outrigger provides lateral stability, while the de-coupled heel maximizes contact surface. The shoe also features a glass/carbon fiber weave shank plate for mid-foot control and rigidity.

"The journey from a high-top to a low-top basketball shoe is far more complex than simply cutting off the ankle collar, as we demonstrated with the Nike Zoom Kobe IV," said Matt Nurse, Senior Researcher with the Nike Sports Research Lab. "With the Kobe V we constructed an even lighter-weight support system that provides superior, one-to-one lockdown while moving with the foot, not against it."

LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGIES EVOLVED

Building off the success of the Nike Zoom Kobe IV, Nike Performance Footwear Creative Director Eric Avar wanted to further reduce the weight of the shoe while still enhancing support and stability.

"For the Kobe V, we started with the science and performance elements and built from there," Avar said. "We wanted this shoe to be a true reflection of his game and persona. As Kobe continues to evolve as an athlete, so will the footwear we create for him."

The Nike Zoom Kobe V also features a lighter, stronger version of Nike's innovative Flywire technology, that's strategically placed to perform like synthetic tendons while cradling the foot like a second skin. The shoe's overlays were bonded with heat welding, which is lighter, more consistent, and less abrasive than traditional stitching. Nike Zoom units in the heel and forefoot, as well as lightweight Phylon-injected midsole, provide a cushioning system that reduces pounding without adding bulk or weight.

Bryant's input and inspiration was also instrumental in shaping the aesthetics of the Nike Zoom Kobe V. Avar and the design team in Nike's Innovation Kitchen incorporated aspects of Bryant's game and personality into every detail in the shoe. The heartbeat traction pattern on the outsole is inspired by the heart, passion and self-described "maniacal will" Bryant brings to the court. The dot-matrix symbol on the front edge of the outsole – found throughout Bryant's footwear and apparel product this season — represents a codified language sequence. Nike will offer clues to deciphering its meaning throughout the season.

The Nike Zoom Kobe V will be available first online with a unique Nike iD retail campaign launching December 26, 2009. A broader global brick and mortar retail launch will occur January 1, 2010 in China and January 16, 2010 throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Men’s Sprint Track Spikes for 100, 200, 400 meters (Review)

Posted: 10 Dec 2009 11:57 AM PST

This list is sorted from lightest to heaviest.

1 ounce = 28.3495231 grams

All prices listed are the MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price). Click on the link or image for the latest prices.

ASICS Japan Lite-Ning – Mens – Blue/White/Lightning

Weight: 4.5 oz.

Description: The Japan Lite-Ning is ASICS’ lightest track spike designed for the elite sprinter. Ideal for distances up to 400 meters. Perforated synthetic leather upper is light, comfortable and breathable, enhancing performance and fit. Polymeric monodensity spike plate offers a stiff platform for sprint efficiency. Removable spikes allow replacement worn elements. Fixed spikes help reduce weight and increases traction.

Price: $99.99

ASICS Japan Lite-Ning 3 – Mens – Black/Silver/Onyx

Weight: 5.1 oz

Featuring new upper materials that create a glove like fit, the elite ASICS Japan Lite-Ning 3 track spike remains feather light, while maximizing comfort and speed. Ideal for sprint distances up to 400 meters and 110-meter hurdles. Perforated synthetic leather upper is light, comfortable and breathable to enhance performance and fit. Ecsaine collar lining creates comfortable, soft fit and allows a sockless option. Full-length Pebax spike plate maximizes performance by enhancing natural foot movement through optimized flexibility. Removable spikes allow the athlete to customize spike configuration.

Price: $104.99

PUMA Complete Theseus II Croc – Mens – Gold/Black/Green

Weight: 6.5 oz.

The PUMA Complete Theseus II Croc track spike is developed for the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing. With its comfortable upper and improved technologies, the Theseus II embodies the ideal sprint spike characteristics for 100m and 200m distances. Synthetic leather upper with croc emboss and smooth leather overlays. Upper also includes deboss and perf details, Olympic Runway badge, eight-lane graphic on the sockliner. Full-length Pebax spike plate and rubber heel.

Price: $99.99

Nike Zoom Powercat – Mens – Sport Red/Black/Varsity Maize

Weight: 6.6 oz.

Description: Designed and tested with the world’s fastest 100-400 meter track athletes, the Nike Zoom Powercat is a technical sprint spike for the sprinter looking for the most support under the foot in a minimal and light package. Minimal, light and uniquely crafted synthetic upper is perforated for breathability. Low-profile Phylon midsole wedge. Aggressive and rigid spike plate with eight receptacles and risers.

Price: $99.99

Mizuno Tokyo 5 – Mens – Silver/Blue

Weight: 6.7 oz.

The Mizuno Tokyo 5 track shoe is recommended for distances from 100-400 meters. Mesh and synthetic leather upper is breathable and supportive. Fit Straps help increase power through an enhanced fit. Elite-level sprint plate promotes power by providing traction and minimizing energy loss.

Price: $84.99

Brooks F3 – Mens – Grey/Cajun

Weight: 7.3 oz

The Brooks F3 sprint spike will have you blazing out of the blocks and down the straightaway. Made for distances up to 400 meters, this is one track spike that will have heads turning. Aerodynamic shroud, zipper closure, internal ghillie support system. 3/4 Pebax sprint plate, eight well configuration. TPU strike pod, latex crash pad. Includes 6mm spikes and wrench..

Price $79.99

Nike Monster Fly – Mens – White/Navy/Red

Weight: 7.8 oz.

Shawn Crawford’s shoe in the 2004 Olympic Games. The Nike Monster Fly is designed for the elite level 100 meter sprinter looking for a sprint spike with the latest in innovative technology that supports the foot and enhances performance like no other spike. Lean and light synthetic one-piece vamp creates perfect forefoot lock down for power transfer. Forefoot support band integrated into the upper for adjustable fit and stability over the spike plate. Open mesh panel creates breathability and reduces weight. Phylon wedge midsole. Full-length nylon plate provides support. Aggressive seven permanent compression pins add traction in a lightweight package. Two-column Nike Shox support piece under the heel supports the foot and provides correct sprinting form and foot position.

Price: $134.99

Nike Zoom Mawler – Mens – White/White/Blue

Weight: 8.6 oz

The Nike Zoom Mawler track spike is made for 100-400 meter sprint events. Synthetic one-piece outer shell provides an aerodynamic fit on the track. Inner sleeve construction cradles the foot for a snug secure fit. Thin compression-molded Phylon midsole keeps the shoe light and low to the ground, while offering impact protection. Full-length seven-spike Pebax plate with a carbon fiber insert gives lightweight, supportive snap off the track. .

Price: $139.99