The Renegade Sneaker for the Ultimate Scoring Machine

There was much hype with the previous Kobe Bryant signature shoes (including the Hyperdunk Series) that guys over at Nike wanted to outdo themselves by coming up with basketball shoes that perfectly befit the aggressive style of the former MVP.

Expected to be released on December 26, 2009 (release date varies for different locations), the Zoom Kobe 5 (or the ZK5) is unlike its predecessors. It actually looks more like a cross-training shoe than a basketball shoe. But the three-pronged Kobe trademark logo beneath the sole and on the tongue and Kobe signature at the back of the heel are unmistakable. The flywire technology that was a staple in other Kobe Bryant signature shoes appeared to be tweaked a bit, this time using a different upper material.

The Zoom Kobe 5 also features a full-length Zoom cushioning - a feature that was introduced in previous collections. This was probably done to increase comfort while the full-mesh tongue and upper are designed to increase breathability. As always, the Nike trademark "swoosh" appears on the side of the shoe.

Don't get fooled by its low-cut design as this shoe can actually support the wearer's toes and ankles. This remarkable sneaker is as good to use on the basketball court as it is on the streets. Overall, the design is way different from what the fans used to see on Kobe Bryant's signature basketball shoes. But it only goes to show that being different is not exactly a bad thing. It's all about individuality. And Kobe Bryant knows how to stand tall, being different from the rest.