Nike Zoom Kobe VII - NEW IMAGES

This would be the seventh signature Nike shoe for Kobe Bryant, but the unfortunate part, he may NEVER wear them on an NBA court. Nevertheless, here are detailed preview of the Nike Zoom Kobe VII. Right off the bat, as the name suggest, back is the Zoom Air units on the heel and forefoot, but unlike previous editions, the Zoom Air on the heel are actually visible. Synthetic upper raised horizontal ribbing lines on top of the Flywire provides that light and strong package and a floating heel clip on the back with Kobe's signature to lockdown the heel and to prevent slippage. But the features that differentiate this year's edition are the removable ankle bootie that attaches itself to a removable in-sole. The "BOOTIE" features a wrap that we've seen in Derrick Rose's adidas. Soft collar padding with an adjustable velcro strap around the ankle and appears to wrap around the bottom of the insoles to ensure it stays firmly in place while on foot.

As we have seen from Nike & Jordan Brand, this year they are going back to basic in all of their signature basketball offerings. The Jordan 2012, the LeBron 9, the KD 4 and Kobe 7 are all heading back to the days of technology and performance instead of aesthetics and looks. Although a great BBALL shoe, the ZK VI looks more like a gimmick shoe with the snake skin pattern on the upper, but with the ZK 7, the whole look is concentrated behind providing a combination of the lightest and best lockdown shoe for Kobe & his fans. Images via MarqueeSole