Style#: FN0267-002 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. Flexible tread on the forefoot and side of the heel helps kiddos run, jump and play on multiple surfaces. 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. 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 This Kobe is made for them—the little hoopers aspiring for greatness. Faithfully recreated with the same unforgettable look, it's sleek, minimalist design has your little one looking and feeling like an all-star on and off the court.