In typical fashion, the Nike KD 7 Elite was in fact the first silhouette we have seen appear online for the upcoming Nike Basketball Elite Series. Prior to the Nike Kobe X releasing, when it first leaked online we immediately saw pictures of the Elite model which looks to be following in the foot steps of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite.
Now last but not least we see the Nike LeBron 12 Elite which is in fact how we usually see the three marquee athletes signature shoes get revealed to the masses prior to their official unveiling.
Check out the information provided below of each silhouette and to make this a package deal, Nike Basketball has provided the three different collections that are going to release as well, ‘Team’, ‘Elevate’ and ‘Rose Gold’.
Nike Basketball is committed to making athletes better. Reducing weight, refining angles and maximizing cushioning are just a few adjustments that can directly impact footwear performance. The driving obsession to master design intricacies inspires the Nike Basketball Elite Series.
Direct insights from Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and LeBron James have helped Nike fundamentally evolve basketball shoes, leading to new construction methods, state-of-the-art materials and technical innovations. The athletes spend countless hours with the Nike design team to brainstorm, test and modify their signature shoes, resulting in the best shoe possible for each elite athlete.
Merging advanced innovation with inspirational narratives, the KOBE X Elite, KD7 Elite and LEBRON 12 Elite incorporate upgrades intended to maximize each shoe’s performance.
KOBE X ELITE
The KOBE X Elite features a Nike Flyknit upper construction with dynamic Flywire technology for superior strength, breathability and support. The shoe is the first Flyknit basketball shoe constructed with recycled polyester yarn – each pair is knit with the equivalent of five recycled plastic bottles. Designer Eric Avar used a high-cut silhouette for proprioception.
The KOBE X Elite’s dynamic traction, hybrid cushioning system (Lunarlon, Nike Zoom Air and Nike Free-inspired siping combined) and modern aesthetic result in a new standard for performance footwear.
KD7 ELITE
The KD7 Elite is designed to enhance natural motion and responsiveness without compromising strength. Hyperposite upper construction is now perforated to minimize weight and deliver zoned breathability.
The shoe’s three primary features include Hyperposite upper construction, dynamic Flywire technology and Nike Zoom Air cushioning. Designer Leo Chang built the shoe to be light and tight, optimized for performance in a clean aesthetic.
LEBRON 12 ELITE
The LEBRON 12 Elite embodies pinnacle performance and indisputable strength, much like James himself. The LEBRON 12 Elite leverages high-quality Megafuse construction with mesh and composite for structure and features new vertical wings wrapping the foot for lockdown and stability.
The shoe now features six visible, independent Nike Zoom Air units that provide low profile, responsive cushioning. The strategic placement of the pods is engineered for James’s explosiveness and his multidirectional movement.
Here below is release dates and release details for all three collections.
There are three distinct Nike Elite Series Collections that launch monthly beginning in April. The first, Nike Elite Series Team Collection, launches April 18 and features the team colors of Bryant, Durant and James. The second, Nike Elite Series Elevate Collection, features blue hues as a nod to the sky and launches May 15. The third and final flow available June 5,Nike Elite Series Rose Gold Collection, pulls inspiration from the journey to the championship trophy.
The Nike Basketball Elite Series features nine total shoes, three colorways each for the KOBE X Elite, KD7 Elite and LEBRON 12 Elite. The shoes are available globally in limited quantities at nike.com and select retail locations. Coordinating apparel is also available for the Elite Series.
