Late last night, Nike Basketball officially unveiled Kobe’s tenth signature shoe, the Kobe X. Yes, we may have seen leaks and teasers over the past few weeks, but now we understand the method to the madness in Eric Avar’s design and the solution the X brings to the table. After going high and detailed for the IX, Nike and Kobe go back to the low, taking a clean and minimalist look for the X.
“Innovation drives you to new places,” said Bryant. “The KOBE X combines strong design from the past together into a modern look for the future.”
Eric Avar’s design philosophy for the X comes from 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.
Pushing the limits with Kobe Bryant
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 signature line allows us to think bold with provocative concepts that spark conversation,” said Avar, Nike Creative Director and VP of Innovation. “Kobe’s tenth shoe is a super light, responsive and purposeful look at high performance, high design and high style. The work is exciting and the collective teamwork around the project is contagious.”
Hybrid Cushioning enhances natural movement
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.
Advanced Traction System For Maximum Grip
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.
Seamless Textile Upper offers lightweight strength and breathability
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.
Storytelling: Taking Inspiration from a 5 AM Flight
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.
The KOBE X is set to release next Saturday, February with the colorway you see here, the 5 AM Flight. Keep it locked here for prices and availability.
