by Eastbay | Jun 7, 2014 | All, Basketball
Nike Basketball’s Elite Series Hero Collection celebrates LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant, real-life heroes that electrify the basketball universe. The collection represents the best for the best: footwear designed to the superhuman specifications of James, Bryant and Durant.
Now, Eastbay wants to know who your hero is. The “Who’s Your Hero” Sweepstakes gives you the opportunity to bring home the LeBron 11 Elite, Kobe 9 Elite or KD 6 Elite from the Hero Collection. To enter, simply head over to the official sweepstakes page and fill in the required fields. Three different winners will win one of the three shoes from the pack.
Entries close Thursday, June 12 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Good luck!
by Brandon Richard | May 5, 2014 | All, Basketball
words // Brandon Richard
For parents, few memories stack up against a child’s first trip to the barbershop. Paying homage to one of the great traditions in America’s history, Nike Basketball styles its three signature models in colorways inspired by the iconic barbershop pole.
The LeBron 11 and KD 6 are both decked out in metallic silver, complete with turquoise and crimson accents and pole-like striping on the logos. These same colors are also boldly featured on the Kobe 9, which sports an engineered mesh base and striped collar.
These three new Nike basketball shoes are exclusive to kids and are all available now at Eastbay.
by Brandon Richard | Apr 12, 2014 | All, Basketball
words // Brandon Richard
Originally launched at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles last December, the Nike Kobe 9 Elite represents Kobe Bryant’s most provocative sneaker design to date. In addition to being the first Nike basketball shoe to feature Flyknit, the Kobe 9 Elite is equipped with Lunarlon cushioning and Dynamic Flywire technology. The shoe’s ultra-lightweight design enables natural motion, while providing the lockdown support and responsiveness Kobe desires.
This ‘Team Collection’ version of the Kobe 9 Elite takes on the moniker of ‘Showtime,’ proudly displaying the Lakers’ famous purple and gold scheme. Wolf Grey handles various branding elements and the outsole.
These Nike basketball shoes release here for $225 today at 8:00 a.m. EST / 7:00 a.m. CST. Follow @Eastbay on Twitter and @OfficialEastbay on Instagram for all release information and updates.
by Brandon Richard | Mar 22, 2014 | All, Basketball
words // Brandon Richard
images // Jessica Huebner
In 2008, Eric Avar and the Nike Basketball design team scaled down the Kobe Bryant signature line, introducing the low-cut Zoom Kobe 4. The shoe wasn’t the first low-top signature model to hit the hardwood, but it’s been the most influential since its release. Kobe’s signature models would continue to release in lows until Nike threw a curve ball this season, leading with the ultra-high Kobe 9 Elite. While the Flyknit-constructed high-top has been a hit with fans, there are still many who prefer the feel of a low on-court.
Enter the Kobe 9 EM. This version of Kobe’s latest takes the line back to its traditional low-cut, featuring Engineered Mesh in lieu of Flyknit. Lunarlon cushioning returns to deliver an ultra-soft responsive ride. Flywire cables and a lightweight heel clip enhance stability, while a pressure map designed rubber outsole delivers durable traction and mimics the natural contours of the foot.
The Kobe 9 EM first arrives in a colorway unofficially dubbed ‘Bruce Lee,’ as it sports a look similar to the Zoom Kobe 5 inspired by the legendary martial artist. University Gold is prominently featured on the upper, with black working the laces, Swoosh branding, inner lining, heel counter and sole. Minimal hits of red take care of the Flywire, Kobe logo and 9-stitch detail on the heel.
These Nike basketball shoes will be released here for $160 ($115 Gradeschool) next Saturday, March 29 at 8:00 a.m. EST / 7:00 a.m. CST. Follow @Eastbay on Twitter and @OfficialEastbay on Instagram for all release information and updates.
by Brandon Richard | Mar 16, 2014 | All, Basketball
words // Brandon Richard
images // Mary Hoffmann
For the colorways that make up the Kobe 9 Elite Collection, Kobe Bryant, lead designer Eric Avar and the Nike design team pulled inspiration from the different muses that drive the 16-time All-Star. ‘Detail’ takes us back to the 1500s, when Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo reigned supreme.
Michelangelo was primarily known for his life-like human sculptures, inspiring art for centuries to follow. The ‘Detail’ Kobe 9 Elite features a marbleized look on the upper and outsole, with a neutral palette of white, grey and black giving the shoe a timeless feel.
Kobe 9 Elite is packed with premium performance, highlighted by key technologies such as Flyknit, Flywire and Lunarlon. Avar’s goal was to enhance the foot’s natural movements, while providing strength, durability and speed.
These Nike basketball shoes will release here for $225 this Saturday, March 22 at 8:00 a.m. EST / 7:00 a.m. CST. Follow @Eastbay on Twitter and @OfficialEastbay on Instagram for all release information and updates.
