Nike Kobe VIII "Prelude"
When designer Eric Avar set out to create Kobe Bryant’s eighth signature sneaker, one of the Black
When designer Eric Avar set out to create Kobe Bryant‘s eighth signature sneaker, one of the Black Mamba’s wishes trumped all else: for the shoe to act as a direct extension of the foot to keep him as close to the court as possible while mirroring his quickness. The result was an ultra-lightweight and dynamic low-top composed of 90% mesh – the first time Nike’s Engineered Mesh technology had been employed on a basketball sneaker – for an unbeatable combination of breathability, flexibility and strength. Now, through a lens of reflection, the Kobe VIII joins Nike’s commemorative “Prelude” pack with a design that takes inspiration from contemporary art for its aesthetic. While the mirrored finish on both the heel and tongue represent Kobe’s contemplations of the tumultuous 2011-2012 season, the upper dons a bold mixture of neon and chrome as a nod to modernity. Retailing for $200 USD, the Kobe VIII “Prelude” drops this Saturday, January 25 at select Nike retailers and Nike.com.