To commemorate ‘Mamba Day’ two years after the campaign was unveiled to send Kobe Bryant off in his final game with the Los Angeles Lakers, Nike is set to release the Kobe AD NXT 360 on Friday, April 13.
Much like previous models unveiled and worn throughout his career, the latest iteration in Bryant’s signature shoe line is at the forefront of innovation. The Kobe NXT 360 draws its name from being constructed of the next generation of Nike Flyknit technology.
Advancements made since debuting Nike Flyknit with the Nike Flyknit Racer at the 2012 London Olympics, makes for the upper on Bryant’s shoe to be assembled in a complete 360-degree form that wraps around the entire foot.
It makes for a second-skin fit that presents a more secured and controlled feeling, and a lighter, breathable shoe. The Kobe A.D. NXT 360 is expected to be the lightest basketball shoe brought to market.
Additionally, the NXT 360 features a dual-density drop-in foam midsole that is made of Nike React and Lunarlon technology to maximize cushioning and response. Lunarlon is a staple from Bryant’s and other Nike basketball shoes.
Nike React technology was first incorporated on the Hyperdunk 2017 Flyknit. It’s been featured more prominently on the Nike Epic React Flyknit running shoe.
Along with ushering in a new era for Bryant’s signature line, Nike has also begun to re-release his previous shoes but with a spin on the standard retro model. Bryant favors a ‘Protro’ approach, which takes shoes of yesteryear and outfits them with today’s technology.
Thus far, his Nike Zoom Kobe 1 received the treatment, with the original black/maize colorway returning, plus special collaborations with local boutique UNDEFEATED.
