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Nike wants to redefine Basketball footwear with Kobe 9 Elite featuring Nike Flyknit
The Kobe 9 Elite
View media item 680109
The KOBE 9 Elite redefines the aesthetics and performance of a basketball shoe and was designed using Nike Flyknit according to Nike’s “Nature Amplified” design ethos, an approach focused on designing for the body in motion and fueled by scientific data and athlete insights.
“We are just scratching the surface of the potential of Nike Flyknit to transform the way we design shoes to meet athletes’ needs," said Mark Parker, President & CEO of NIKE, Inc. "The Kobe 9 redefines the basketball shoe by combining power, strength, and flexibility with lightweight materials and a whole new method of manufacturing.”
THE MASTERPIECE:
Designed with Kobe’s tech insights and design inspirations, the KOBE 9 Elite features three key technologies: Nike Flyknit, Flywire and Lunarlon, giving the shoe superior lightweight performance. The innovative design enhances the foot’s natural movements while providing Kobe with strength, durability and speed, plus all the benefits of natural motion where he needs it most.
"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," Kobe reflected when asked about the inspiration for his latest shoes and about getting back into the game. "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 Flyknit – which was first used in Nike Running shoes in 2012 – defies conventional shoe manufacturing processes by creating a one-piece engineered upper made from single strands of yarns. Lightweight yet incredibly strong, it has redefined sports shoe technology and comes to basketball for the first time in the KOBE 9 Elite.
“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,” said Eric Avar, Nike Creative Director and VP of Innovation, who has worked closely with Kobe on his shoe designs for a decade."
Reverting back to a higher cut for the first time since his third signature shoe in 2007, Kobe’s ninth signature shoe features a knit collar for the proprioceptive feel of a low-top with the support of a mid-top. With the lead colorway dubbed ‘Masterpiece,’ the KOBE 9 Elite uses the intriguing visual patterns allowed by Nike Flyknit to create a piece of art on the upper, nine red embroidered details on the heel give a nod to Kobe’s Achilles sutures. The design on the outsole is based on the pressure mapping of Kobe’s own foot, creating a beautiful pattern while providing traction on court.
DYNAMIC FIT:
Nike Flyknit and Flywire technologies are a one-two punch, leading to a dynamic fit for Kobe’s intricate footwork.
-The single layer Nike Flyknit creates a seamless engineered upper that is the ultimate in superior lightweight performance integrating areas of high breathability, stretch and support where it’s needed most.
-Nike Flywire technology is strong yet dynamic for lockdown through the midfoot; its cables loosen and tighten with the natural motion of the foot.
-The carbon fiber heel counter provides strong and lightweight lateral stability when moving from side to side, while the heel remains stable.
RESPONSIVE RIDE:
Eliminating bulk and distraction was a focus for Avar. The idea of ‘simplifying without compromise’ helped shape the design of the KOBE 9 Elite.
-Nike Lunarlon cushioning insert provides responsive cushioning that keeps the foot connected to the court.
-The pressure mapping designed, minimal rubber outsole delivers durable traction and mimics the natural contours of the foot.
DESIGN WITH A PURPOSE:
Nike Flyknit technology introduces a new way to construct a shoe upper by knitting strands of yarn. Nike Flyknit is better for the planet because it drastically reduces waste and materials from typical upper construction. The KOBE 9 Elite upper reduces waste by nearly 50% compared to traditional high-top basketball shoes that use multiple segments and cuts of material in the construction process.
The KOBE 9 Elite releases globally on Feb. 8, 2014. The retail price is $225
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NRG White and Volt
February 1st
View media item 836160NRG Black
February 1st
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Devotion Maestro
February 14th
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Inspiration
March 1
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Perspective
March 8
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Detail
March 22
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Showtime
April 11th
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Superhero
May 9th
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Gold
June 6th
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Influence
June 21st
View media item 1044752
View media item 1044755
View media item 1044756
Legacy
October 18th
View media item 1270233
Victory
October 31st
View media item 1270234
Strategy
November 26th
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Christmas
View media item 1299042
Engineered Mesh low
Kung Fu
March 29
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EM Premium
April 11th
View media item 913957
Easter
April 18th
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Black Crimson
May 3rd
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May 17th
View media item 937685
June 21st
View media item 937687
June 26th
View media item 1044757
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Metallic Silver/Grey
August 1st
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Peach Cream
August 28th
View media item 1142329
CHINA
August 30th
View media item 1142320
Game Royal
September 5th
View media item 1142330
Dusty Cactus
October 3rd
View media item 1204453
Gym Blues
November 21st
View media item 1270236
Deep Garnet
December 13th
View media item 1270235
Flyknit Lows
HTM
April 8th
View media item 908662
View media item 908663
View media item 908664
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Michael Jackson
July 12th
View media item 1015964
View media item 1015965
Beethoven
August 16th
View media item 1015967
View media item 1015966
RED ELITE LOW
September 13th
View media item 1142314
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EXTS
Mid
August 26th
View media item 1270246
Snakeskin
November 1st
View media item 1270247
Rumoured colorways and release dates
Player Editions
View media item 874199
View media item 835279
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View media item 874200
View media item 852316
View media item 852320
View media item 852321
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There will be a Flyknit high and low versions and a Engineered Mesh low version
Kobe 9 Elite Flyknit = $225
Kobe 9 Elite Flyknit Low = $200
Kobe 9 Engineered Mesh Low = $160
Here is the first leaked photo of the Kobe 9 Elite Flyknit
View media item 662762
Kobe 9 Low
View media item 662768
View media item 490178
The Kobe 9 Elite
View media item 680109
The KOBE 9 Elite redefines the aesthetics and performance of a basketball shoe and was designed using Nike Flyknit according to Nike’s “Nature Amplified” design ethos, an approach focused on designing for the body in motion and fueled by scientific data and athlete insights.
“We are just scratching the surface of the potential of Nike Flyknit to transform the way we design shoes to meet athletes’ needs," said Mark Parker, President & CEO of NIKE, Inc. "The Kobe 9 redefines the basketball shoe by combining power, strength, and flexibility with lightweight materials and a whole new method of manufacturing.”
THE MASTERPIECE:
Designed with Kobe’s tech insights and design inspirations, the KOBE 9 Elite features three key technologies: Nike Flyknit, Flywire and Lunarlon, giving the shoe superior lightweight performance. The innovative design enhances the foot’s natural movements while providing Kobe with strength, durability and speed, plus all the benefits of natural motion where he needs it most.
"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," Kobe reflected when asked about the inspiration for his latest shoes and about getting back into the game. "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 Flyknit – which was first used in Nike Running shoes in 2012 – defies conventional shoe manufacturing processes by creating a one-piece engineered upper made from single strands of yarns. Lightweight yet incredibly strong, it has redefined sports shoe technology and comes to basketball for the first time in the KOBE 9 Elite.
“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,” said Eric Avar, Nike Creative Director and VP of Innovation, who has worked closely with Kobe on his shoe designs for a decade."
Reverting back to a higher cut for the first time since his third signature shoe in 2007, Kobe’s ninth signature shoe features a knit collar for the proprioceptive feel of a low-top with the support of a mid-top. With the lead colorway dubbed ‘Masterpiece,’ the KOBE 9 Elite uses the intriguing visual patterns allowed by Nike Flyknit to create a piece of art on the upper, nine red embroidered details on the heel give a nod to Kobe’s Achilles sutures. The design on the outsole is based on the pressure mapping of Kobe’s own foot, creating a beautiful pattern while providing traction on court.
DYNAMIC FIT:
Nike Flyknit and Flywire technologies are a one-two punch, leading to a dynamic fit for Kobe’s intricate footwork.
-The single layer Nike Flyknit creates a seamless engineered upper that is the ultimate in superior lightweight performance integrating areas of high breathability, stretch and support where it’s needed most.
-Nike Flywire technology is strong yet dynamic for lockdown through the midfoot; its cables loosen and tighten with the natural motion of the foot.
-The carbon fiber heel counter provides strong and lightweight lateral stability when moving from side to side, while the heel remains stable.
RESPONSIVE RIDE:
Eliminating bulk and distraction was a focus for Avar. The idea of ‘simplifying without compromise’ helped shape the design of the KOBE 9 Elite.
-Nike Lunarlon cushioning insert provides responsive cushioning that keeps the foot connected to the court.
-The pressure mapping designed, minimal rubber outsole delivers durable traction and mimics the natural contours of the foot.
DESIGN WITH A PURPOSE:
Nike Flyknit technology introduces a new way to construct a shoe upper by knitting strands of yarn. Nike Flyknit is better for the planet because it drastically reduces waste and materials from typical upper construction. The KOBE 9 Elite upper reduces waste by nearly 50% compared to traditional high-top basketball shoes that use multiple segments and cuts of material in the construction process.
The KOBE 9 Elite releases globally on Feb. 8, 2014. The retail price is $225
View media item 680120View media item 680121View media item 680122View media item 680123View media item 680128View media item 680130View media item 680131View media item 1044742
View media item 680124View media item 680129View media item 680135View media item 680136View media item 680137View media item 680139View media item 680142View media item 680143View media item 680144View media item 680146View media item 680147View media item 680153View media item 680154View media item 680155View media item 679672View media item 1044751
View media item 836123View media item 836128
NRG White and Volt
February 1st
View media item 836160NRG Black
February 1st
View media item 836162
Devotion Maestro
February 14th
View media item 803812
Inspiration
March 1
View media item 770052
View media item 770055
View media item 770059
Perspective
March 8
View media item 770061
View media item 770062
View media item 770063
Detail
March 22
View media item 770067
View media item 770072
View media item 770074
Showtime
April 11th
View media item 852094
View media item 852095
View media item 852096
View media item 852098
View media item 852102
Superhero
May 9th
View media item 908695
View media item 908698
View media item 908699
View media item 908701
Gold
June 6th
View media item 937697
View media item 937699
View media item 937701
Influence
June 21st
View media item 1044752
View media item 1044755
View media item 1044756
Legacy
October 18th
View media item 1270233
Victory
October 31st
View media item 1270234
Strategy
November 26th
View media item 1270237
Christmas
View media item 1299042
Engineered Mesh low
Kung Fu
March 29
View media item 874201
View media item 761337
EM Premium
April 11th
View media item 913957
Easter
April 18th
View media item 908721
Black Crimson
May 3rd
View media item 937679
May 17th
View media item 937685
June 21st
View media item 937687
June 26th
View media item 1044757
View media item 1044759
Metallic Silver/Grey
August 1st
View media item 1142324
Peach Cream
August 28th
View media item 1142329
CHINA
August 30th
View media item 1142320
Game Royal
September 5th
View media item 1142330
Dusty Cactus
October 3rd
View media item 1204453
Gym Blues
November 21st
View media item 1270236
Deep Garnet
December 13th
View media item 1270235
Flyknit Lows
HTM
April 8th
View media item 908662
View media item 908663
View media item 908664
View media item 908665
Michael Jackson
July 12th
View media item 1015964
View media item 1015965
Beethoven
August 16th
View media item 1015967
View media item 1015966
RED ELITE LOW
September 13th
View media item 1142314
View media item 1142315
EXTS
Mid
August 26th
View media item 1270246
Snakeskin
November 1st
View media item 1270247
Rumoured colorways and release dates
Player Editions
View media item 874199
View media item 835279
View media item 874198
View media item 874200
View media item 852316
View media item 852320
View media item 852321
View media item 874197
View media item 908781
View media item 1270238
View media item 1270241
There will be a Flyknit high and low versions and a Engineered Mesh low version
Kobe 9 Elite Flyknit = $225
Kobe 9 Elite Flyknit Low = $200
Kobe 9 Engineered Mesh Low = $160
Here is the first leaked photo of the Kobe 9 Elite Flyknit
View media item 662762
Kobe 9 Low
View media item 662768
View media item 490178
Last edited: