- 140
- 10
I know everyone is talking about the performance of the Zoom Kobe and Lebron line but after 13 years of new technology, I still haven't a suitable replacement.
I do like the ZK line, especially the I's, IV's, and V's but I still believe that the AJ XIV outperforms them all.
Traction: Traction means a lot to me since I make a lot of cuts and I'm not a spring chicken anymore. With a traditional herringbone traction, the AJ XIV has never let me down on any type of court. Squeaks like a mouse and stops on a dime. ZK I and IV have pretty good traction overall but the AJ XIV still has it beat
Cushioning: Professor K said it best when he stated that JB perfected Zoom Air in the AJ XIV. The XIV doesn't feel as low as the ZK V but it doesn't feel as mushy to me as the IV or VI. It has that Zoom Air "spring" that we all love in the forefoot and heel. I have always played in the og's which I feel has better cushioning than the retros. For some reason the retros cushioning feels a little hard
Fit: I have never experienced any heel slip with the XIV and there is no side movement, especially in the OG XIV's which have a little more narrow toebox. The ZK IV and V fit well although I had to go up half a size while the ZK VI is too narrow in 10.5 but a tad too long in an 11. Of course not everyone's foot is the same so take this with a grain of salt.
Ankle Support: I am a believer that the cut of the shoe doesn't make a difference in ankle support so both shoes do a great job. The asymmetrical cut of the XIV was ahead of its time though but the outrigger of the ZK provides great stability.
Durability: The AJ XIV lasts a long time but you have to do daily maintenance on it. The "teeth" on the side and the toe cap will separate from the leather. The ZK has been very durable for me. I have never had to reglue anything and the V's seem to always look new(I guess dirt doesn't stick to plastic)..
Weight: Well the ZK wins this one easily.
Thanks for reading my rant.
I do like the ZK line, especially the I's, IV's, and V's but I still believe that the AJ XIV outperforms them all.
Traction: Traction means a lot to me since I make a lot of cuts and I'm not a spring chicken anymore. With a traditional herringbone traction, the AJ XIV has never let me down on any type of court. Squeaks like a mouse and stops on a dime. ZK I and IV have pretty good traction overall but the AJ XIV still has it beat
Cushioning: Professor K said it best when he stated that JB perfected Zoom Air in the AJ XIV. The XIV doesn't feel as low as the ZK V but it doesn't feel as mushy to me as the IV or VI. It has that Zoom Air "spring" that we all love in the forefoot and heel. I have always played in the og's which I feel has better cushioning than the retros. For some reason the retros cushioning feels a little hard
Fit: I have never experienced any heel slip with the XIV and there is no side movement, especially in the OG XIV's which have a little more narrow toebox. The ZK IV and V fit well although I had to go up half a size while the ZK VI is too narrow in 10.5 but a tad too long in an 11. Of course not everyone's foot is the same so take this with a grain of salt.
Ankle Support: I am a believer that the cut of the shoe doesn't make a difference in ankle support so both shoes do a great job. The asymmetrical cut of the XIV was ahead of its time though but the outrigger of the ZK provides great stability.
Durability: The AJ XIV lasts a long time but you have to do daily maintenance on it. The "teeth" on the side and the toe cap will separate from the leather. The ZK has been very durable for me. I have never had to reglue anything and the V's seem to always look new(I guess dirt doesn't stick to plastic)..
Weight: Well the ZK wins this one easily.
Thanks for reading my rant.
