Curious what the future holds for the Nike Kobe 9 Elite? Nike Basketball and Kobe Bryant have unveiled three new colorways of the Flyknit-outfitted performance basketball shoe in NYC today, and each is distinct in hue and narrative. Specifically, the nicknames “Perspective,” “Detail” and “Inspiration” denote the grey, blue and yellow/black pairs, respectively, and the three new looks tell stories related to Bryant’s inspirational muses, including art, culture and Los Angeles. In addition, Bryant will wear the Nike Kobe 9 Elite “Inspiration” colorway, first seen on the feet of Nick Young, upon his return to the court. Learn more about the three new colorways below, and let us know your favorite of the new colorways in the comments.
Nike Kobe 9 Elite “Inspiration”
Release Date: March 1, 2014
Story: Since first arriving to Los Angeles for his 1996-97 rookie season, Bryant has bled purple and gold. Five championships during his illustrious career in Los Angeles reflect his commitment. Bryant will wear the KOBE 9 Elite Inspiration colorway upon his return to the court.
Nike Kobe 9 “Perspective”
Release Date: March 8, 2014
Story: The blue period was a three year-stretch (1901-1904) of artistic brilliance by the Spanish cubist painter, whose artwork during this time featured shades of blue and blue-green. Inspired by the Spanish master, Bryant brings a similar beauty to his game. This Spaniard showed versatility beyond painting with his sculpting, ceramics and printmaking and he serves as the guiding inspiration to this KOBE 9 Elite Perspective colorway.
Nike Kobe 9 Elite “Detail”
Release Date: March 22, 2014
Story: The Italian Renaissance artist who reigned supreme in the 1500’s could be considered one of the greatest artists of all time. Known primarily for his life-like human sculptures, his work inspired art for centuries to follow. With similar Italian roots, for Bryant, detail is everything, leading to the creation of this grey-based KOBE 9 Elite Detail colorway.
