<ul> <li><strong>Game-Changer</strong></li> <li>Kobe changed the basketball shoe game forever when he introduced the Kobe 4, a low-top featherweight masterpiece that focused on speed and incredible court feel. The 8 takes the best of the best from the Kobe 4, 5, 6 and 7 low-tops and combines them into what some consider his crown jewel.</li> <li><strong>Soft Upper</strong></li> <li>When the Kobe 8 was originally released in December 2012, we used engineered mesh in the minimalist basketball shoe, which was a first in company history. The engineered mesh in the upper is soft and flexible, so it wraps around their foot and conforms to its shape.</li> <li><strong>Cut and Move</strong></li> <li>Flexible tread on the forefoot and side of the heel helps kiddos run, jump and play on multiple surfaces. The diamond-shaped tread (that just happens to look a lot like a Mamba-esque snake's head) provides extra grip while they're taking those first shots. This pattern runs along the outsole.</li> <li><strong>Soft and Supportive</strong></li> <li>Thick, full-length foam in the midsole helps cushion those first games of hoops. The tongue is padded in the center, so you can tighten up their laces without them feeling pinched or constrained.</li> <li>Classic laces</li> </ul>