Three weeks after the release of his last shoe – the Kobe 9 Elite by Nike – Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant will make an appearance at the Westfield Culver City to chat about his latest footgear. Bryant’s appearance at the mall is scheduled for Saturday, March 1 at 12 Noon.
Dubbed “The Kobe 9 Experience” after the name of his newest shoe line, the event is hosted by Bryant and Nike.
The Kobe 9 Elite’s “Masterpiece” line – dubbed as “The Art of Light, Strong, and Fast” – is currently sold out, according to Nike.com. However, the website stated the Kobe 9 Elite’s “Inspiration” line will be available March 1, coincidentally the same date as Bryant’s appearance at Westfield Culver City.
The Kobe 9 Elite “Masterpiece” was released Feb. 8 on Nike.com and at select retailers around the world.
“The Kobe 9 redefines the basketball shoe by combining power, strength, and flexibility with lightweight materials and a whole new method of manufacturing.” Nike president and CEO Mark Parker stated about the shoe in December 2013.
Nike unveiled the original Kobe 9 Elite at an event held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles.
According to Nike, the shoe took two years to develop. Nike designer Eric Avar worked with Bryant in designing and developing what eventually became the Kobe 9 Elite.
Bryant apparently provided nine specifications to Avar to create a shoe that had personality but allowed for agility, comfort, quickness, and range while also gripping the floor.
The shoe also purports to have high top performance with a low top feel.
At his appearance Saturday, Bryant will be explaining the design details of his latest shoe line. Nike.com states the shoe’s tagline: “A new generation of on-court predators is being inspired by Kobe – a player who turns opponents into prey, and attacks from anywhere, any time.”
It was not announced which store, if any, Bryant would appear.
