Kobe Bryant launched the ninth edition of his signature shoe series at the Geffen Contemporary of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles. Nike‘s the much-anticipated Kobe 9 Elite shoe goes on sale on February 8, 2014 for $225. Kobe Bryant said he was inspired by Manny Pacquiao to conceptualize an unconventional basketball shoe with the flexibility of a durable high-cut boxing boot.
Designed by his tech insights and design inspirations, new sneakers features three key technologies: Nike Flyknit, Flywire and Lunarlon, developed in what Bryant called “the Nike kitchen.” Its lightweight design enables natural motion while providing strength, durability, speed and all the benefits of natural motion where athletes need 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.”
