Style#: FN0266-400 The drop-in thick, full-length foam in the midsole helps absorb impact so you can enjoy every step of the game. Herringbone traction on the forefoot and side of the heel gives you that sharp, squeaky grip you can hear when making hard moves and cuts When the Kobe 8 was originally released in December 2012, we used engineered mesh in the minimalist basketball shoe, which was a 1st in company history. The engineered mesh in the upper is soft and pliable, wrapping around your foot and conforming to its shape. 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's made for you—a rising star ready to play. Faithfully recreated with the same unforgettable look, the Kobe 8 strips away the excess to near perfection for a shoe that looks as fast as it feels.