Nike's 20 Designs That Changed the Game: Zoom Kobe IV

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Complex Original

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When a superstar like Kobe Bryant challenges you to produce the lightest basketball shoe possible, you make sure you deliver.

In 2008 legendary designer Eric Avar and Nike, indeed, answered The Black Mamba’s call for the first high-performance, low profile basketball sneaker with the Nike Zoom Kobe IV. Avar took Kobe’s passion for the game of soccer and built a sneaker that featured the same superior support and versatility as a soccer boot. Replacing excess height and padding with the unique Nike Flywire technology, the Kobe IV defied all odds by being both responsive and supportive- something never thought possible for a low-cut shoe until then. Avar topped the sneaker off with glimpses of Kobe’s Black Mamba persona to complete the look.

Be sure to check out the previous editions of Nike's "20 Designs That Changed the Game" series.

[Nike]

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