What's the hate on wkb/max+ performance review
Recently I've been hopping in some of the newer pairs of wkb (Kobe 6 All Star 2.0, and Kobe 8 what the), and both pairs have been amazing, especially the Kobe 6s. Although the Kobe 8 sole started separating performance-wise, both pairs were great.
Traction
The Kobe 6 pair had terrible traction before being broken in, but after they were broken in, they were amazing, no matter the court's condition, and also they didn't pick up too much. Although I had to wipe them every now and then, they weren't dust magnets.
Kobe 6 WKB Traction 9/10 clean 8.5/10 on dust
The Kobe 8 pair was great right out of the box. They performed amazingly on clean courts, like you wouldn't be slipping at all, but on dusty courts, like any semi-translucent pair, they weren't the best; with frequent wiping, you would be fine.
Kobe 8 WKB Traction 9.5/10 clean 8/10 on dust
Materials + Asthetics + Durability
Both pairs aesthetically were great, and the quality of materials seemed to be pretty similar to real pairs. Although I did notice the colour on the Kobe 6 started to change.
Also the insole does actually mould to your foot
Durability
I would not recommend wearing both of these pairs outdoors.
The Kobe 6 pair is lasting fine, but one of the stars on the upper has been peeling off since maybe the first month I got them, but has not fallen off.
The Kobe 8 pair was great until the sole started separating. I'm not sure when the damage first happened, but I let one of my heavier teammates try the pair, and I'm pretty sure that's why they started separating, but I'm not 100%.
Kobe 6 WKB Durability 7.5/10
Kobe 8 WKB Durability 6/10 ( not 100% certain)
Cushion
By far, this is the best feature on both pairs. Once you break in the Kobe 6, the double zoom unit will feel so amazing, like I'm not tryna glaze, but this is my favourite cushioning I have tried so far. On the Kobe 8, they did not disappoint. I compared the React drop-in to a real one, and they were softer and more plush when hot (in games and after), but when both are cold/room temperature there about the same, the retail being just a very tiny bit softer.
Kobe 6 WKB 9.5/10 (would be 10/10 if airzoom units were just a bit more durable in real and rep pair)
Kobe 8 WKB 8/10
Forefoot cushioning was very limited, like the real pair, but the heel was very nice.
Support + Lockdown
Both pairs are solid here, just in slightly different ways.
The Kobe 6 has really good support mainly because of the outrigger. It’s pretty wide and does a great job at stopping your foot from rolling over on hard cuts, which makes you feel super stable. Once you lace them up tight, your foot feels secure, but that’s also kinda the downside—the laces aren’t the best, and you really have to crank them down to get that proper lockdown. If you don’t, your foot can feel a bit loose.
Kobe 6 WKB Support + Lockdown 8/10
The Kobe 8 surprised me a lot. The laces are way better on this pair—you don’t have to tie them crazy tight, and your foot still feels locked in without moving around. It also has a bit of an outrigger, not as aggressive as the Kobe 6, but still really good and definitely helps with stability when cutting or changing direction. Overall, it just feels more natural and comfortable while still being secure.
Kobe 8 WKB Support + Lockdown 8.5/10
Overall
Both pairs are really good performers and you honestly can’t go wrong with either. The Kobe 6 stands out more for its cushioning and stability, while the Kobe 8 feels lighter and more comfortable with better lockdown straight away.
But please remember the Kobe 6s will not be good out of the box and take a long to break in and will feel terrible before breaking in.
Kobe 6 WKB Overall 8/10
Kobe 8 WKB Overall 8.5/10
Would I recommend buying? YES if you don't have the budget for the star batch retail or GK Although I have not tried retail star or GK, so idk.