Nike has unveiled gumbo-themed sneakers for its biggest names to
wear during the 2014 All-Star Game, set for Feb. 16 in New Orleans.
Heat forward LeBron James, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and Thunder
forward Kevin Durant were among the leading vote-getters for the 2014 All-Star Game, and all three will be wearing special
All-Star colorways of their signature shoes next month.
Perhaps the most arresting visual detail this
year: all three sneakers glow in the dark.
Here’s a look at each of the three models. A gallery with
additional images can be found below.
James, the NBA’s reigning back-to-back MVP, will get a purple,
black and green version of his “LeBron 11″ sneakers. The “LeBron 11″ was first unveiled
back in August.
Inspired by the fearsome alligator, the
king of the bayou, the LEBRON 11 Gator King is a bold expression of
royalty and power. Gators, often a symbol of protection in New Orleans culture,
influence graphic textures throughout the shoe. Invisible to the naked
eye, hand-drawn patterns come to life as the Hyperposite bucket of the shoe
glows in the dark. The musings of majestic color in deep purples, greens and
gold are derived from the “Rex” – king of carnival celebrations.
Durant, the NBA’s current scoring leader, will get a black, green,
red and orange version of his “KD VI” signature sneakers.
Not everything is what it first appears
to be in New Orleans. Similarly, Durant defies the perception of a near
seven-footer – an illusion of sorts. His limitless scoring range is
redefining the perception of a forward. Celebrating the magic of KD’s
versatility, the KD VI Illusion showcases hand-drawn patterns on the upper
emulating Durant’s fluidity on the court. A glow-in-the-dark outsole also
represents the “spark” of KD’s game.
Bryant, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury and may not
play in the All-Star Game, gets a black, yellow, green and red version of his
high-top “Kobe 9″ signature sneakers. The “Kobe 9″ was first unveiled back in December.
Nike Basketball pays tribute to the masters
of Jazz in its birthplace. Like great jazz musicians who play
instinctively, Bryant brings a similar improvisation to his game. Paying homage
to this classic genre and some of its greatest musicians, the KOBE 9
Elite Maestro uses accents of brass in the upper. A glow-in-the-dark
outsole pops at night, just as the jazz clubs swing into action. The upper
includes additional, secret glow-in-the-dark symbols.
