The FINANCIAL -- New basketball shoe designed to fit like an extension of Kobe’s foot for
a quick first step. Nike Engineered Mesh upper provides dynamic,
ultra-lightweight fit and superior breathability.
Nike Basketball factored in every dimension of Kobe Bryant’s formidable game in creating the KOBE 8 SYSTEM, which brings together performance innovations to create Kobe’s lowest and lightest performance basketball shoe to date at 9.6 ounces in a U.S. men's size 9. As Nike announced, the shoe’s provocative graphic snakeskin print was inspired by Kobe’s on-court alter ego the Black Mamba, with further inspiration from the Chinese Year of the Snake in 2013.
The KOBE 8 SYSTEM is the result of a close collaboration between Nike Performance Footwear Creative Director Eric Avar, his team and Kobe himself. For his latest creation, Kobe wanted a shoe that acted as an extension of his foot, mirroring his quick performance while staying lower to the ground."I’m always focused on improving my game, to perform at my best. I want my shoes to mimic the speed of my game," Kobe said. "By shaving fractions off the height and weight, it allows me to play faster with more control so I can maneuver across the court – I want to feel like I’m moving at the speed of light."
In response to athlete feedback, the design team incorporated an innovative textile -- Nike Engineered Mesh -- for the first time in a basketball shoe. This created a dynamic and ultra-lightweight fit that is 90 percent mesh for 360 degrees of breathability and tightly woven for strength and flexibility to bend naturally with the foot. Additionally, the no-sew, synthetic overlays on the toe and lateral quarter panel provide support for even the toughest games.
"We’re always pushing the limits of Kobe’s shoe to be faster, more precise, and to be modern,” Avar explained. "Kobe’s big on being bold, aggressive, provocative and making an impact. Working together, we’re on a never-ending quest for the perfect shoe for him.
"Nike Engineered Mesh creates a dynamic fit that syncs around Kobe’s foot to mimic the natural biomechanics, delivering security where he needs it. As the design team began working with the mesh, it took on this scale-like snake pattern that really brought the black mamba inspiration to life in compelling way."
The shoe’s full-length Lunarlon midsole delivers lightweight, low-profile cushioning, and is low to the ground allowing for greater stability. A one-millimeter rubber outsole – combining classic herringbone with a snake scale-inspired traction pattern – uses less rubber than traditional outsoles for lightweight durability and excellent multi-surface traction. The 3-D anatomical heel counter provides a sleek, locked down fit.
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