words // Brandon Richard
via Press Release
Nike Basketball celebrates its pinnacle athletes competing in the 2012 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando later this month with a special lineup of footwear. Inspired by space exploration, the collection features a galactic theme on the LeBron 9, Zoom KD IV and Kobe VII System. The graphics pay homage to the supernova, arguably the most powerful force in the universe, while the outsoles glow in the dark and ‘mission patches’ adorn each shoe as a nod to the accolades astronauts receive.
From the state of Ohio, home to more astronauts than any other state, LeBron James will wear a special version of the LeBron 9 that takes inspiration from the orange space suit. The most visible color to the human eye, orange helps identify astronauts. Functional graphics “Pull For Lockdown” are featured on the midfoot harness, while the materials are inspired by space suit textures. LeBron’s mission patch is a lion shooting through space.
Kevin Durant's Zoom KD IV colorway is silver and takes inspiration from the silver suit worn by a notable Oklahoma astronaut. His mission patch pays tribute to his reign as H.O.R.S.E. champion. The functional graphics “Pull For Lockdown” on the midfoot harness is a key graphic feature.
The Kobe VII System features telescopic-inspired imagery, Supernova being the primary graphic motif on the upper. The mission patch on the heel is a mamba snake as a nod to Kobe.
All three editions will be available at select retailers and at NikeStore.com beginning February 25.