This Is The End: Nike Kobe 11
After nearly 20 years in the game, Kobe Bryant recently announced his retirement from the NBA. Throughout his career he’s had a successful run of signature shoes produced and distributed in collaboration with Nike. On January 9, 2016, Nike will release his eleventh signature shoe with the brand, designed by Eric Navar. The Nike Kobe 11 Elite Low continues with a low cut that has been a staple in the lifetime of the line. Other familiar features a Flyknit upper, Lunarlon sole, and Zoom Air unit. We aren’t sure whether or not this will be the last we see of shoes under the line with Kobe’s name on it, but we hope not!
The first colorway of 2016 is inspired by Kobe’s Achilles tendon injury at the end of last year’s season. It’s a bold display of colors that sure to catch everyone’s eye. University Red and black are blended in an ombre style gradient on the Flyknit upper. Flyknit is said to contain a blend of plastic yarn woven throughout the upper to provide flexibility and strength. The incorporation of Lunarlon and Zoom Air cushioning within the sneaker’s translucent black sole, provide additional comfort. The swoosh has a snakeskin look to it, giving it a bit of uniqueness. The laces are black, accentuated with a metallic gold tongue detail. Tying back to his injury, the left heel features four red stripes while the right depicts an image of the Greek hero, Achilles. Navar did a great job taking inspiration from Bryant’s horrible injury and translating it into a sleek shoe design.
The Kobe XI Elite Low Achilles Heel colorway will be available, priced at $200, on 01/09/16 at these select Shiekh Shoes stores:
1900 N Long Beach Blvd #102-3, Compton, CA.
3200 Las Vegas Blvd. Suite #2450, Las Vegas, NV.
500 Lakewood Center Mall #021, Lakewood, CA.
929 Market St, San Francisco, CA.
6542 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.
310 Bayfair Mall, San Leandro, CA.
745 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA