Kicks: Nike ‘Elite’ Series – LeBron 9, Kobe VII & Zoom Hyperdunk

To coincide with the start of the NBA Playoffs, Nike Basketball have introduced their supercharged Elite Series providing new levels of footwear innovation. The LeBron 9, Nike Kobe VII and Nike Zoom Hyperdunk all feature premium materials and footwear technologies providing players with a performance advantage.

Nike designers have obsessed on every detail. Incorporating the most innovative materials and design techniques, the three styles take performance to another level. Lightweight construction, enhanced fit, dynamic protection and distinctive colors are just some of the innovation included in this premium series.

“At Nike we have a maniacal focus on product innovation to give athletes a competitive advantage,” said Leo Chang, Nike Basketball Footwear Design Director. “For the Nike Basketball Elite Series, we completely re-engineered each shoe from the inside out using the highest performance materials. We took our top franchise models and made them even better for the moment that matters most to our athletes – the run for the championship trophy.”

Home and Away colors are the inspiration for the elegant white and black base of the shoes; as the trophy is the inspiration behind the gold details spread throughout the series. Each style of the Nike Basketball Elite Series worn on court will initially display a special white Swoosh Design. As the playoffs approach, Nike celebrates the player’s achievements by replacing the white Swoosh with a gold one for the finals series.

Mid-foot shanks and heel counters on all three styles of the shoe feature carbon fiber, a premium, ultra-thin technical material that makes them lighter and more responsive. And, for the player who has a “strong” game, the LeBron signature shoe includes extra carbon fiber enforcement that flows from the heel all the way to the wing, providing just the right amount of support needed for the moves involved in that style of play.

The Nike Pro Combat inspired padded collar protection — strategically positioned along the tongue and innersleeves – gives the series a unique aesthetic and the best support for impact and pressure. Made of molded and articulated foam, the collar is extra flexible, allowing it to adapt to the anatomy of the foot and create a superior fit.

The LeBron 9, Nike Kobe VII and Nike Zoom Hyperdunk uppers all incorporate the highest performance materials, each re-engineered from inside out to ensure that the products are as light as possible. The lightweight construction accommodates the ultra-high tensile strength Flywire made with Kevlar® aramid. This premium material has lower levels of stretch resulting in a stronger and lighter shoe, and a perfect fit.

Last but not least, the series comes with a special sock liner built for internal traction. This combines 3D anatomical fit with non-slip print — strategically distributed throughout the liner – to reduce the internal movement.

All three Nike Basketball Elite Series shoes – the LeBron 9, Nike Kobe VII and Nike Zoom Hyperdunk (which I will be rocking) – are available at www.nikestore.com now.