Its crazy to think that this is Kobe Bryant's 8th release of signature shoes with Nike. Folks are quick to forget those memorable and forgettable releases from the Three Stripes back in the day, but the evolution of Kobe's "System" has indeed proven that a low-top shoe can reign supreme on any type of basketball. Late this week, Nike and Kobe unveiled the latest Mamba kicks, with the Kobe 8 System:
"I’m always focused on improving my game, to perform at my best. I want my shoes to mimic the speed of my game. By shaving fractions off the height and weight, it allows me to play faster with more control so I can maneuver across the court – I want to feel like I’m moving at the speed of light." -- Kobe Bryant
Those old legs need all the help they can get (you know, like knee surgeries on the German black market) and along with bringing in new reinforcements like Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, now Nike's latest and greatest technologies will have Kobe screaming "Mamba Out" for another NBA season.
Beginning December 20, 2012, the black/sulfur color of the KOBE 8 SYSTEM will be available in stores globally, on nike.com and through NIKEiD. Beginning December 4, consumers can design, save and share their KOBE 8 SYSTEM shoes at NIKEiD.com. Beginning December 20, consumers can purchase their designs at NIKEiD.com on their desktop PCs, through mobile devices, and within select Nike stores. Check out the photos below and maybe someone you know will get a pair of size 13's for Christmas...not for me, for a friend.
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Eddie Maisonet is the founder and editor emeritus of The Sports Fan Journal. Currently, he serves as an associate editor for ESPN.com. He is an unabashed Russell Westbrook and Barry Switzer apologist, owns over 100 fitteds and snapbacks, and lives by Reggie Jackson’s famous quote, “I am the straw that stirs the drink.”
