We have been waiting since December of last year, wondering what the new Kobe Kicks will look like. Finally, Nike Basketball is unveiling the Kobe 9 today. The changes of the new kicks are intended not to ensure conformity between all the other styles. The new Kobe 9 are built as a high top with a trim profile that has much similarities to a pair of boxing shoes.

Kobe Bryant describes the change in his performance footwear…

“I draw inspiration from where I am as a player, as a person, and where my career is at this moment. I’m trying to do something that the majority of people think is impossible to do… I let my emotions out when I step on the basketball floor, it’s always been my escape, and these shoes will touch a nerve on the court in the same way I do.”

Nike has mentioned that there are three different main elements to the sneaker performance design: Lunarlon, Flywire and Flyknit. The most interesting element is Flyknit, which is the new material that Nike used on their running shoes (silhouettes 2012).

Finally, the “single strands of yarn” material has been applied to a pair of basketball sneakers. The material targets support while being lightweight and even allowing your feet to breath.

Eric Avar (Nike Creative Director and VP of Innovation) describes benefits of Flyknit as…

“Nike Flyknit acts as a second skin for Kobe, giving him engineered strength similar to the design of a spider web – tension and strength just where it’s needed.”

Flywire comes into play for dynamic support, which Nike describes as a…

technology is strong yet dynamic for lockdown through the midfoot; its cables loosen and tighten with the natural motion of the foot.

The upper also integrates carbon fiber on the heel, providing…

strong and lightweight lateral stability when moving from side to side, while the heel remains stable.

The sole is infused with Lunarlon, resting on a pressure mapped design taken directly from Kobe’s foot:

minimal rubber outsole delivers durable traction and mimics the natural contours of the foot.

A release date is set for the 8th of February through Nike Basketball dealers.

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