Nike Basketball unveiled the All-Star editions of the signature shoes for LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant earlier this week, and the style and color choices will undoubtedly be coveted by sneaker collectors worldwide.
While they’re not quite as amazing as last year’s Galaxy collection, there’s still plenty to like about the 2013 versions that the players will wear during the NBA’s star-studded midseason exhibition.
From the official release:
“The mission control center in Texas, widely know by its radio call sign “Houston,” provides the creative inspiration for a special collection of shoes for Nike Basketball’s fearless leaders LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.
“Space exploration defies practical reality. To launch into space on a mission to reveal the unknown can be mind-boggling. Extraterrestrial species, undiscovered planets, new constellations – there is no limit to the potential for discovery. These unlimited barriers also apply to Nike Basketball’s design philosophy- - no limits, no restrictions, rooted in exploration and discovery.”
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 shoe 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 shoe 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 shoe 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.”
Check out the photos below, and let us know which is your favorite in the comments.
