Nike Basketball Christmas shoes 2011

Christmas day has become the canvas for special Nike Basketball colorways and the 2011 Christmas day games are sure to delight basketball fans around the world.

Kobe Bryant will push the boundaries by wearing a purple and lime green version of the Nike Zoom Kobe VII System (Attack Fast) with special graphics representing the speed of the leopard with red laces. LeBron James goes a bit more traditional with a red upper, white midsole and green lace version of the LEBRON 9. Kevin Durant will wear a metalized-effect version of the Nike Zoom KD IV inspired by copper cookie cutters. And Amar'e will sport a predominantly green version of the Nike Air Max Sweep Thru paying heritage to New York's Christmas Day uniforms.

Additional technical details of each Nike Basketball signature shoe include:
 


Nike Kobe VII System Supreme edition features a performance system that allows players to customize the shoe, switching ankle support and midfoot cushioning.  Two interchangeable insert options are offered to match their style of play. If a player’s game is based on speed, there is the Attack Fast insert that features a Phylon midsole with Nike Zoom units that combined with low-cut, power-stretch cuff offers the ultimate in lightweight responsiveness and support. For games that get intense and physical in the paint, there is the Attack Strong insert. It offers a full-length Cushlon midsole and an ankle cuff for a plush, comfortable ride with great support.  The Nike Kobe VII design also tells a predator story that’s inspired by Kobe’s predator-like instinct on the court.

LEBRON 9 is the first Nike shoe to combine Flywire technology and Hyperfuse construction in the upper. A midfoot harness that wraps around the foot incorporates Flywire 3.0 technology that adds strength and lock down support to breathability and durability. This lightweight upper mimics the speed and strength symbolic of LeBron’s game.  The finely-tuned midsole provides a unique hybrid cushioning system by combining Max Air 180 in the heel for absorption on impact with a Nike Zoom unit in the forefoot for a springy response.

Nike Zoom KD IV incorporates the new Adaptive Fit system that provides a superior lock-down fit and lateral support. The combination of Hyperfuse on the upper, Nike Zoom unit in the forefoot and low collar design offers lightweight, low-profile responsive cushioning and optimal support and flexibility which makes this a versatile shoe for multiple positions on the court. Created with direct insights from Kevin Durant and his lineage, the Nike Zoom KD IV pays tribute to his team and family with design details.

Nike Air Max Sweep Thru has a lock-down fit made to support and cushion for explosive play with a blend of stability and comfort. An adjustable strap at the midfoot provides a snug, secure fit while the Max Air unit in the heel offers incredible cushioning and impact protection.  Additional features include a leather upper for a supportive and comfortable fit, a herringbone pattern and pivot circle on the outsole for traction during multidirectional movement, and perforations at upper for enhanced breathability.

NAUGHTY Christmas Cake - Collet (Collette) - MERRY XXX-MAS...2011

I've been a good sneakernerd this year and Santa brought me a really tasty Ms Collet (Collette) in all her glory. I can't wait to have her for Christmas.

Jordan Brand "Christmas" lineup 2011

We've seen the Nike Basketball "Christmas" shoes (Kobe, Bron, KD & Amare) Now we have the trio of Jordan Brand "Christmas" shoes for D Wade, Melo & CP3. Jordan Brand is introducing different silos with the three different offerings. The Fly Around (CP3), The Fly Through (Melo) and the Fly Over (Wade). All three of these guys will be wearing their Chirtsmas shoes when the NBA season starts on Christmas day this year.

Did you get your dose of the MOST sought after Air Jordan yet?

In case you've been living under a rock the past few months, the Air Jordan XI "Concords" made its triumphant return today at retailers all over the world. Probably the most sought after and beloved sneaker of all time, the Air Jordan XI not only is a great looking shoe, but at the time of it's original release it was already a ground breaking shoe. To add to the aesthetics, it held such a significant stats behind it. 72-10, Mike's 4th ring, Father's day Championship. The shoe that changed and transformed MJ's game, from the gravity defying/in-you-face slasher/dunker to a refined and sophisticated, pick-your-spot jump-shooter. Did you get a chance to owned a piece of Jordan history?

Nike LeBron 9 - TWO more new colorways for 2012

Nike LeBron 9 - GALAXY / BIG BANG - via Marqueesole.com

Last year we had a plethora of colors for the Nike Air Max  LeBron  8, but they weren't bright and gaudy. They left those for the Nike Zoom Kobe VI. This year, Nike LeBron 9 is telling a different story and taking cues from the success of the Kobe VI Grinch/X-mas and All-star colorways with solid bright colors, resulting in this 'Big Bang/Galaxy' offering with loud 2-tone orange. Images via Marqueesole.com

Nike Kobe VII System Supreme - Out now

The highly anticipated 7th signature shoe for Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant finally releases today in the Black/Del-Sol colorway with the Christmas/Leopard colorway coming out the day after Christmas at select stores. This time around, the Kobe shoe are introduced as a system since it features dual cushioning insoles and ankle support. See below for the full tech sheets of both the Attack/Play Fast and Attack/Play Strong.

Building a System - Kobe Bryant & Eric Avar Discuss Design and the Kobe VII System Supreme

Air Jordan Retro XI - CONCORDS - Release date at MIDNIGHT

Every year around the same date, Jordan Brand releases their highly anticipated holiday shoe. Their old dependable cash cow, the Air Jordan XI. This year more than ever, people are struggling to make ends meet because of the recession, there are more Americans living under the poverty line and there are some who lives in their car since they can't even afford to rent; but did all that come to a factor for Jordan consumer? Of course not! This is the ONE shoe that EVERYONE and their momma is going to want. No matter if you grew up in a farmer community, or an amish or you are from South Central L.A, no matter if you are work as a dishwasher, or a dentist with a boat, EVERYONE will be wanting these. So if you don't have a spot by now, then get ready to loose some sleep and line up as soon as you can, cause these MoFos are about to be GONE in 60 seconds. Word to Angelina Jolie.

Nike Zoom KD IV - "Christmas 2011" copper - new images

Here we have a couple of shots of the Nike Zoom KD IV 'Christmas' shoe in copper/black colorway. This year, the THEME of the Nike Basketball Christmas offering is not as uniformed as last year's with the traffic light. But then again, there are more offerings this year than last. Along with the Bron, Kobe & KD. There will be Amare's kicks, and the DWade & Melo Jordan X-mas kicks as well. Of course the wildest one of them all is the Kobe's, but the one that still leave most folks puzzled is the KD's. Copper shoe for Chirtsmas? Whats the significant/Story behind this one? I've been hearing its Kwanzaa themed, but then again it could be a copper Christmas ornament. No official release statement from Nike yet, so we are still waiting....

Nike Huarache BBall 2012 - on an old Nike Flight Huarache ad from 1992

Nike Air Yeezy 2- Kanye West 2nd signature shoe with Nike

Here is a better look of the Nike Air Yeezy 2, the second signature collaboration between Chi'Town's biggest ego, Kanye West and Nike. The basic color is once again black with hot pink liners and glow-in-the-dark outsole. So far this is the one pair that Yeezy has been rockin' around and in his concerts. Am sure there will be other colorways to follow, but so far, this is the pair that makes me want em. 

Nike Kobe VII System Supreme "Christmas" - new images via Niketalk

In about a week time, the Nike Zoom Kobe VII "Christmas" should be available to purchase. Although this year's rendition won't top last year's Nike Zoom Kobe VI "Grinch", they are still bright and gaudy and just the way all the so-called Kobe fan/hypebeast likes it. There are still a little confusion as to what the logo on the back is, Cheetah or Leopard? Images via Soleboutique and CEE82 of Niketalk.

New Balance '574 Dragon Pack 2012'

We have less than 2 weeks left in 2011 and according to the ancient Mayan civilization the year 2012 is the end of the world and civilization as we knows it. It is also the year of the Dragon, which symbolizes the greats for the Chinese. The Dragon has always been considered the most revered Chinese Zodiac sign of them all. Those born under that sign are said to destined for greatness. Of course, shoe companies all over are taking this opportunity to create a brand niche to the Chinese by taking the mythical creature and placing it all over their sneaker offerings. Nike is already at the forefront with their LeBron 9 CHINA, due out tomorrow in the states and the Nike Zoom KD IV 'Year Of The Dragon' due for China ONLY.

New Balance will also offer their take on the Dragon by releasing a pack of sneakers based on the legendary creature. Select New Balance stockists will be receiving the 574 Dragon Pack 2012 in five different colorways each with an illustration of the symbol of the Chinese's great emperor, the Dragon, etched on the uppers of the sneakers. The artwork goes all around the sneaker and is most noticeable on the inner sides of the shoe, where the traditional "N" logo has been removed.

The shoes will be released in three standard black, yellow and red colourways, but there will also be a limited edition gold colourway that features reflective material for the uppers.

However, what has really caught our eye is the collaboration series that is only made for display purposes. Five influential stores/labels from around Asia were tasked with conjuring up a their unique take on one of the five hero dragons that are based on the wood, fire, metal, earth and water elements.

Mita Sneakers from Japan came up with their take on the wood dragon, which sees the shoes employ a wood-like print on the leather uppers as well as roped laces and cork insoles. Japanese label, Whiz, put their spin on the fire dragon with some mean-looking dragon scales for parts of uppers. China's NPC interpreted the metal dragon by using shiny silver leather with snakeskin accents, while Taiwan's Invincible did up their take on the earth dragon with digital camo and snakeskin accents. Lastly, Singapore's Limited Edt interpreted the water dragon by using see-through uppers with a bit of reflective material on the heels as well as lace toggles.

The 574 Dragon Pack 2012 will be released towards the end of December at select New Balance across Asia, while the one-off collaboration showcase pieces will be displayed at their respective stores.


Images via Streething