A first for the Mamba.
Just like King James, Kobe Bryant will also be kickstarting his own line of retros, but Kobe and Nike will be doing things a little differently.
The iconic duo plan on taking their retros to the next level by updating the old technology with new, to continue Kobe’s obsession with bettering oneself.
This updated version of the Zoom Kobe 1 carries the same aesthetic but has been upgraded with 2018 technology. The result is the translation of the shoe Bryant famously scored 81 points in on January 22, 2006, to the performance needs of today. Nike Basketball footwear product director Tony Grosso and his team focused on reducing weight and evolving production to eliminate pieces of the original Zoom Kobe 1 that were no longer needed.
Another push was to improve the shoe’s cushioning. Nike Zoom Air has come a long way in the last 13 years and the team was able to use those advances to add a better system for performance athletes, specifically in the form of a Zoom bag setup with a rocker and ride that is smoother than the original. They were also able to improve the ride by eliminating foam and decreasing the size of the carbon fiber shank to create a more engineered feel.
Look for the Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Proto to release on February 17th at select Nike Basketball retailers and Nike.com for $175 USD.
Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Proto
Color: Black/White-Varsity Maize
Style Code: AQ2728-003
Release Date: February 17, 2018
Price: $175
Image update 02.11.18
via @gc911
Official images 02.09.18
First look 02.07.18
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