THE OFFICIAL KOBE 9 THREAD ****** WHAT THE KOBE RELEASED ******** BHM RELEASE 1/19

[mister friendly]

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


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

 

[vrai1]

So it's a mid? Thats kinda disappointing, but Flyknit certainly makes up for it. Excited to see these now.

 

[rl_wayne]

I'm excited about the possibilities these have. Been loving the flyknit runners that have come out so far, and they'll have a lot of possible directions to take the upper designs. I wonder about how durable/structured the upper can be, but seeing how they used a stiffer version of EM on the 8s compared to EM on runners, I think it's definitely doable. I'll take knit material any day over plastic though.

 

[s dubl]

Can't wait to see what these look like... I'm scared on the price and availability on these tho. Flyknit isn't cheap.

 

[thapointguy]

The possibilities with Flyknit are endless. Can't wait!

 

[mullins7388]

I was excited about EM, can't wait for the flyknit

 

[stilllimitless]

Not so sure I'm gonna like fly knit...Kobe patterns are getting uglier by the day...I prefer solid patterns and MAYBE some of the occasional prints. Also Nike should move away from the animal theme altogether IMO. Its overdone on the past three models.

 

[la kb24]

The 8s were really light, even though this is a mid it should still be light with the flyknit

 

[Kobekobe]

i say this (and so does everyone else) every year.. but i can't wait!

 

[calye2da]

can't wait to see what these look like

 

[hebgbz]

WOW that flyknit is going to be DOPE! But even more expensive

 

[alanv23]

ready to see some pictures!!!!!!
 

 

[rell826]

The durability should be a concern for those of you who legitimately ball (not shoot around).

 

[kdnotnice]

Hate teaser pics like these.. need to see more!

 

[kdawg0508]

The durability should be a concern for those of you who legitimately ball (not shoot around).

The 8's were pretty durable for me. Never got the sole to peel like I did for the 6 and 7's

 

[lseasick]

Flyknit x Kobe's...gotta see what they have in store, love my chukka's & lunar 1's..late 2013 & 2014 is gonna be fun

 

[joulze]

So far so good with me and I'm really excited to see how the mid design will turn out!

 

[2014nbaballin]

Excited to see how these come out…can't wait!!

 

[iks mod]

Very excited... may have to sell off some pairs of Js to prep for these 

 

[belly26]

A flyknit basketball shoe?? Sound like kobe getting hurt next year too.

 

[phillywise403]

Seeing this teaser pic reminds me of the pics that first surfaced for the Flyknit Free model - not that the shoe will look anything like this but it has a little more upper ankle material than any other Flyknit released (excluding the Chukka)..... just goes to show what sorts of designs the 9 could look like.

 

[wrestlerj125]

very excited. kobe's may very well be my favorite sig again this year!

 

[rl_wayne]

I think the flyknit material will probably be selectively used on the upper like how the EM was used on the 8s. I can't ever see a bball shoe with an upper that's completely made of flyknit, like the runners, ever coming about cuz there'd be too much flexibility in the ankle. But I can see flyknit being the predominant material for the majority of the upper, minus the heel area where you'd have your usual heel cup + structure. Basically kind of swapping the EM material on the upper of the 8s with flyknit material. I could be completely wrong about that, but that'd be my guess.

 

[Bert.]

So it's a mid? Thats kinda disappointing, but Flyknit certainly makes up for it. Excited to see these now.

yea, def not happy about the mid thing

 

[iks mod]

I think the flyknit material will probably be selectively used on the upper like how the EM was used on the 8s. I can't ever see a bball shoe with an upper that's completely made of flyknit, like the runners, ever coming about cuz there'd be too much flexibility in the ankle. But I can see flyknit being the predominant material for the majority of the upper, minus the heel area where you'd have your usual heel cup + structure. Basically kind of swapping the EM material on the upper of the 8s with flyknit material. I could be completely wrong about that, but that'd be my guess.

This.  I'm sure it will be heavily or at least well-reinforced with fuse or something.

I could be wrong with this though, I have yet to see a pair of flyknit shoes in person.