words // Brandon Richard
Nike Basketball prepares for the 2013 NBA All-Star Game in Houston with another intergalactic pack of sneakers, featuring three all-new looks for signature athletes LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. Styles are inspired by the mission control center in Texas, widely known by its radio call sign "Houston."
This year's pack features the added element of fictional interpretation for three of the game's best. James, Bryant and Durant come to life as fictional planets on each of the following shoes:
LeBron X:
An indestructible force originating from fictional Nike Space Program (NSP) planet NSP-LJ6, LeBron James’ dominance was born from the volcanic surface in the planet’s mantle. He is rumored to have journeyed to earth on a meteor made of the galaxy's hardest substance – black diamonds.
Technical benefits of the LeBron X include full-length visible Nike Zoom cushioning, dynamic Flywire technology and Hyperfuse construction - a trilogy set to unleash its fury in Houston.
Kobe 8 System:
Engineered to the specifications of Kobe Bryant’s Houston mission, with origins rooted on a planet marked as NSP-KB24. The Ice Mamba circles the volatile surface as guardian of the five rings. The wise veteran is known to strike with moves that leave his opponents frozen.
Built for Bryant’s lightning speed and precision, the Kobe 8 System is Nike+ Basketball enabled for the first time and this shoe also features Nike Zoom in the midsole insert. Nike Engineered Mesh upper and tactile traction complete the shoe.
KD V:
Identified as Dark Matter, the biological and molecular breakdown of this figure remains a puzzle for scientists. Early readings of its origin, NSP-KD35, have sent back conflicting reports of a planet that is simultaneously solid, liquid, and gas – properties that make his game adaptable to any situation.
Joining with Bryant for their quest to lead the West to victory, this KD V is designed to the specifications of Kevin Durant’s Houston mission. The KD V features the combination of Nike Zoom (forefoot) and Nike Air (heel) cushioning along with Hyperfuse upper and dynamic heel support.
Responsible for the designs are Nike Basketball's color lead Eugene Rogers and graphic designer Erick Goto.
The concept is also executed through an apparel collection of t-shirts and Hyper Elite Galaxy shorts for James, Bryant and Durant. Nike Basketball has also joined forces with Nike Sportswear to create a special product collection based around Area 72, a top-secret facility where shoes take on a life of their own.
Look for the "All-Star" LeBron X, Kobe 8 System and KD V to launch on Friday, February 15 at select retailers and nike.com.
