Despite being retired for a few years now, Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike is still going strong. The latest images to surface regarding the Black Mamba's upcoming sneaker indicate that the line could be undergoing one of its most drastic changes in quite some time.
Previewed at a recent Nike press event in China, the pair forgoes the low-top build that has become typical of the line since the Kobe 4 in favor of a high cut design. Other details include what appears to be a semi-translucent mesh upper, icy cup sole, large Swoosh branding on the lateral side panel, Kobe logo on the tongue, and an ankle strap. The signature feature of the new silhouette is the implementation of the FastFit lacing system that debuted on the Air Jordan 33 last year replacing a traditional lacing setup.
It is also worth noting that in Bryant's absence from the league, it appears the new sneaker will be represented on the hardwood by Nike athletes DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Kuzma.
Take an initial look at the Nike Kobe AD NXT FastFit below, courtesy of Chinese blog Hupu.
UPDATE (07/30): Images of a black colorway of the upcoming Nike Kobe AD NXT FastFit have surfaced, courtesy of @US_11 on Twitter. Details on the latest color scheme include red accents, a purple liner, translucent Swoosh, and an icy outsole. An exact release date and pricing for the latest addition to the Black Mamba's signature line still have yet to be announced.
UPDATE (08/09): Nike has officially confirmed that Kobe Bryant's next performance-based basketball sneaker, the Kobe AD NXT, will release on Aug. 24. After much speculation, the shoes will feature the brand's latest FastFit, QuadFit and React technologies. FastFit and QuadFit work simultaneously on the upper to help lock down the foot without compromising movement while the React-cushioned midsole keeps the athlete low to the ground.
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