Best-known sports shoes manufacturer of all time, Nike, recently launched a special edition sneakers for tree NBA stars: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Nike has found inspiration from a supernova, arguably the most powerful force in the universe. LeBron James has the Air Max LeBron 9, Kobe Bryant the Zoom Kobe VII and Kevin Durant the KD IV. This special edition basketball players’ collection features what Nike calls a galactic theme. Their fans and admirers of Nike shoes in general, will also be able to purchase the same sneakers at an affordable price between $200 and $250.
Nike designer Leo Chang said, We want people to feel they can be just like these athletes. These shoes aren’t just for the pro athletes. The shoes are made for those who want that pinnacle experience.
Nike produced these high-end basketball shoes by deconstructing its regular production models, and replacing the standard materials with higher performance, stiffer and innovative options. With a carbon-fiber plate in sole and carbon-fiber counter on the heels, the shoe provides relatively tougher launching points for all the cuts and jumps. The kevlar, which threads into the so-called Flywire support system creates a tightened shoe, and that too with almost no stretch at all.
Renowned manufacturer has also deepened the grooves on the shoe soles to allow greater movement for the players and athletes. Further, the designers have radically cut-down on the fabric layers, as the Kevlar has provided so much additional strength. Maybe most striking detail is on the Kobe VII. Taking into account that Kobe Bryant calls himself the Black Mamba, a single from the most venomous snakes within the planet, Nike created a cast-urethane upper which mimics snakeskin. Run your finger against the grain, and it actually feels like scales.
This is not the first time Nike has looked toward space exploration and astronauts or inspiration. In January 2010, Nike partnered with Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin to introduce the Rocket Hero Mavrk Mid 2 featuring an upper design based on photos taken by Aldrin while on the moon.