This colourway harks back to 1996 and the beginning of Kobe Bryant’s career with the LA Lakers. If the word on the street is to be believed and this is his last year with them then these will be sought after in the years to come.
Nike Kobe x Elite Low “Draft Pick” was originally published on Hanon
The Nike Kobe X Elite Low ‘Mambacurial’ pays homage to Kobe Bryant’s love of football or soccer, as well as to Nike’s most legendary football boot – the Nike Mercurial.
This isn’t the first time that a shoe has featured the ‘Mambacurial’ colourway though, as this colourway graced the Kobe 8 but in Red Plum and Electric Green, with the traditional Mercurial branding.
However, this Nike Kobe X Elite Low ‘Mambacurial’ is dressed in pink, black, and white Flyknit, and with the Swoosh positioned on the toe which is typical for the Mercurial, however, this pair lacks the large Nike branding on the medial side.
Taking into account his recent retirement announcement, it’s most likely that the Nike Kobe XI will be the last signature shoe he wears on court.
Taking a rather understated approach the Nike Kobe XI Elite Low “Achilles Heel” comes in a black and red Flyknit upper with gold hints on the Kobe logo on the tongue. The Swoosh on the side panels is resplendent in a textured black and the back of the shoe features a graphic representation of ancient greek warrior Achilles. As the lore goes Achilles was a Greek warrior known to be invulnerable except for one sweet spot, his heel. The Achilles reference here references him but also alludes to Kobe’s season-ending surgery back in 2013 in the form of four-stitch marks representing the four feet of thread used in the aforementioned surgery.
Nike Kobe XI Elite Low “Achilles Heel”
822675-670
University Red/Metallic Gold-Black-Brgh
Launch: Saturday 10th January 00:01GMT
Price: £149.00
Nike Kobe XI Elite Low “Achilles Heel” was originally published on Hanon
Nike Black History Month - basketball collection 2016
In celebration of Black History Month last year Nike presented a monochrome effort, this year they’ve gone for a more vibrant approach in the form of multi-coloured geometric prints inspired by garments worn by their Pan African forefathers.
The Black History Month collection celebrates and honours Black heritage, in sport and beyond. It’s made in conjunction with and to support Nike’s Ever High Fund, “which was created to bring mentorship, sport and all of its benefits to African American youth”. Numerous American organisations benefit from this connection such as organizations that provide services to underrepresented youth, including African American youth. Long-time partners include the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs, National Head Start and Coach Across America.
With a common design theme throughout, they start releasing through January with the Nike Air Jordan Horizon Premium BHM coming out first on Saturday the 16th, followed by the Nike Kobe XI Elite Low BHM, the Nike Kyrie II BHM and the Nike Lebron XIII BHM on Monday the 18th and finishing up with the Nike KD 8 BHM on Saturday the 23rd.
Nike Air Jordan Horizon Premium BHM
822333-022
Black/Purple Steel-Light Charcoal
Launch: Saturday 16th January 08:00GMT
Price: £185.00
A shared passion for design brings forth the newest version of the Kobe 9. The KOBE 9 Elite Low HTM collection will release exclusively at Nike Stadium Milano and Excelsior in Milan starting April 8.