Nike Kobe X Officially UnveiledNike Kobe X Officially Unveiled
Nike Kobe X
Release February 7th, 2015 @ Nike.com
Im Pressetext zum neuen Nike Kobe X, der gestern offiziell vorgestellt wurde, heißt es, dass der Schuh durch seine “less-is-more design philosophy” besticht. Zusammen mit der Nike-Design Legende Eric Avar wurde an dem Schuh ordentlich gebastelt. Herausgekommen ist ein optisch doch recht minimalistischer Schuh, in dem eine Menge an Nike Technologien steckt; es gilt das Credo: das Ganze ist mehr als die Summe seiner Teile. Der neue KOBE X verbindet drei wesentliche Performance-Elemente: die Hybrid-Polsterung erhöht den natürlichen Bewegungsablauf, das fortschrittliche Sohlen-Konzept verbessert die Bodenhaftung und das nahtlose Textil-Obermaterial macht den Schuh besonders leicht und atmungsaktiv. Kobe Bryant sagt selber über den Kobe X: „Innovation treibt dich an neue Orte. Der KOBE X vereint das überzeugende Design der Vergangenheit mit dem modernen Look der Zukunft.“
Überzeugen kann man sich selber ab dem 7. Februar 2015. Dann wird der Kobe X im Nike Onlineshop erhältlich sein. Zunächst kommt der Kobe X in einem “Pool Blue” Colorway, der sich auch “5 AM Flight” nennt. Der Grund für diesen Namen ist Kobes “40 foot early morning leap from a diving platform”, also einem Sprung am frühen morgen von einem etwa 12 Meter hohen Sprungturm in einen Swimming Pool. Der Colorway symbolisiert übrigens den Sprung in das blaue Wasser des Pools und steht für Kobes Attitüde “Never give up.” Das Material ist ein “open weave textile”, das von der Musterung und der Festigkeit her von einer Haihaut inspiriert ist. Die Mittel- und Außensohle sind durchsichtig und aus Gummi. An der Außensohle sitzen hunderte von kleinen Noppen, die ordentlich Grip geben. Im Heel ist von unten eine römische goldene zehn, also ein X zu sehen. Im Bereich der Achillessehne sieht man vier Querstreifen verlaufen. Sie symbolisieren die vier Combacks die Kobe nach schweren Verletzungen hinter sich gebracht hat. Die Zunge des Schuhs ist aus Wildleder, der Swoosh ist in schwarz aufgedruckt.
Einige Bilder vom Schuh und der dazugehörigen Kollektion, sowie zwei Videos kann man weiter unten sehen. Und man muss sagen, der Schuh, die Story und die Technologien wirken schon sehr überzeugend.
Via Nike
Nike Kobe X
Release February 7th, 2015 @ Nike.com
Superior functionality is often driven by a less-is-more design philosophy where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The KOBE X blends three essential performance elements crafted into a clean, minimalist form. Designer Eric Avar’s purposeful design philosophy driving Kobe Bryant’s tenth signature shoe comes alive with hybrid cushioning, an advanced traction system and a seamless textile upper. These technical innovations, combined with an inspirational narrative based on transparency, separates the KOBE X from the competition. Working with Bryant for a decade has equipped designer Eric Avar to push the limits and help shape the footwear industry. From his 2008 Hyperdunk design that redefined basketball shoe materials and design, to the 2009 KOBE 4 design that introduced a low silhouette and sparked major debate, to the 2014 KOBE 9 featuring Flyknit technology for the first time in a basketball shoe – these are just a few examples of Avar and Bryant taking design to new and unexpected places.
The KOBE X hybrid cushioning combines Lunarlon with Nike Free-inspired siping grooves to enhance natural movement, along with a new Zoom Air unit in the heel. This trio leads to a responsive ride that is a great combination of firm, soft and flexible. Both the midsole and outsole are encapsulated in a translucent rubber casing to visually showcase the inner-technology. This transparent approach was also inspired by Bryant’s recent willingness to personally open up and reveal more of himself at deeper levels without reservation. The outsole traction and grip of a basketball shoe can make or break its on-court performance. The KOBE X was developed under Nike’s four-part formula to evaluate the effectiveness of traction: surface type (indoor, outdoor or both), design pattern, surface ratio and rubber composition. The KOBE X features what could be considered the most effective traction system in the 43-year history of Nike’s basketball shoes.
The outsole features hundreds of “nodules” that grip the court, similar to the intricacy of the treads on performance racecar tires, which grip and splay at high speeds. This new traction system works in tandem with the midsole cushioning to splay, flex and grip the court for zero distractions and maximum grip, similar to tires on a racetrack.
The outsole is finished off with a gold Roman numeral “X,” a hand-drawn design detail from Avar, embedded beneath the Zoom unit; it’s another example of the detailed design obsession brought to each Kobe shoe. Advanced textiles offer lightweight breathability and are more durable and strong than traditional mesh. The KOBE X introduces a new open-weave textile that is inspired by the pattern and strength of sharkskin.
Inside the shoe a mesh bootie enhances ventilation and provides a comfortable, snug fit. Nubuck fabric on the shoe’s tongue features a mamba-inspired snake scale pattern, while the tongue’s underside features unique graphic prints symbolic of each colorway storyline.
The left heel in each pair features four red lines representing Bryant’s resilient return from injuring his left Achilles tendon. To repair the tendon, doctors used four feet of stitching thread in surgery. The Kobe sheath logo adorns the right heel of each shoe.
Each KOBE X colorway reveals something new about Bryant’s drive and determination. The lead colorway, 5 AM Flight, takes inspiration from Bryant’s 40-foot, early morning leap from a diving platform in August 2013 as he recovered from his ACL surgery. The jump is symbolic of Bryant’s perseverance to overcome the odds and face fear head-on. The shoe’s blue palette represents the pool water of Bryant’s 5 AM flight. New KOBE X apparel will hook to the hues and graphics of the five footwear colorways. Specifically, the new Kobe HyperElite hoodie features advanced apparel technology: interior stretch-mesh to increase range of motion, Therma-FIT fleece fabric for warmth and a scooped, loose-fit hem for extra movement.
The KOBE X 5 AM Flight and coordinated apparel is available globally at nike.com and select retail locations on Feb. 7. The remaining four colorways of the KOBE X will be introduced over the coming weeks.
Via Nike
