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NIKE kobe 8 system
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designboom was in LA for the launch of NIKE's kobe 8 system. taking into NBA player kobe bryant's game to develop the basketball performance footwear,
the upper is made from an innovative textile - nike engineered mesh (90% mesh) - of which the shoe's lightness - it weights just 9.8 ounces - can be attributed.
the selected material is tightly woven to offer strength and flexibility to the athlete, while maintaining 360 degrees of breathability. in addition, the no-sew,
synthetic overlays on the toe and lateral quarter panel provide support.
'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.'

the outsole measures one millimeter
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kobe wanted the shoe to be an extension of his foot, mirroring his quick performance while staying lower to the ground, and worked together in
close collaboration with NIKE performance footwear creative director eric avar and his team to achieve this. full-length lunarlon midsoles deliver lightweight,
low-profile cushioning, affording greater stability. the one-millimeter rubber outsole combines classic herringbone with a snake scale influenced
traction pattern and uses less rubber than traditional outsoles for lightweight durability and multi-surface traction. a 3D anatomical heel counter provides a sleek,
locked down fit.
'we’re always pushing the limits of kobe’s shoe to be faster, more precise, and to be modern. 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,' says eric avar.
the footwear features a graphic snakeskin print which not only draws from kobe's on-court alter ego the 'black mamba', but also from the
2013 chinese calendar's animal, the snake.
tongue detail
image © designboom

image © designboom

the shoes weight only 9.8 ounces

the shoe design is considered an extension of kobe's foot

the footwear features a full-length lunarlon midsole

kobe bryant and the new kobe 8

from left to right: radio host big boy, kobe bryant, nike designers; jeff spanks and erick goto
image © designboom

NIKE kobe 8 system

kobe 8 system installation at the LA launch of the shoe
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conceptual drawings and sketches and the mesh upper of the shoe which features a snakeskin pattern
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this will be the next available colorway
image © designboom
NIKE performance footwear creative director eric avar on the design of the kobe 8 system
video courtesy of nikebasketball