Some key details from Nike’s press release on the Kobe 8:
Speed. Precision. Vision. Versatility. Each of these traits is powerful on its own. When you bring them together, they’re unstoppable.
Nike Basketball factored in every dimension of Kobe Bryant’s formidable game in creating the KOBE 8 SYSTEM, which brings together performance innovations to create Kobe’s lowest and lightest performance basketball shoe to date at 9.6 ounces in a U.S. men’s size 9. The shoe’s provocative graphic snakeskin print was inspired by Kobe’s on-court alter ego the Black Mamba, with further inspiration from the Chinese Year of the Snake in 2013.
The KOBE 8 SYSTEM is the result of a close collaboration between Nike Performance Footwear Creative Director Eric Avar, his team and Kobe himself. For his latest creation, Kobe wanted a shoe that acted as an extension of his foot, mirroring his quick performance while staying lower to the ground.
Beginning December 20, 2012, the black/sulfur color of the KOBE 8 SYSTEM will be available in stores globally, on nike.com and through NIKEiD. The python-inspired color launches in Greater China on January 12, 2013, and in North America on February 2, 2013.
Beginning December 4, consumers can design, save and share their KOBE 8 SYSTEM shoes at NIKEiD.com. Beginning December 20, consumers can purchase their designs at NIKEiD.com on their desktop PCs, through mobile devices, and within select Nike stores.
