All illustrations by Erin Kelly (@erinkelly_)
The Nike Kobe 9 has been an innovative sneaker for Nike and Kobe Bryant, even though he hasn't worn it during a game this season. It's Nike's first basketball sneaker with a Flyknit upper, and it diverged from Kobe's run of low-cut signature sneakers.
So it had us thinking: What would the Kobe 9 look like if it came out in makeups inspired by classic Nike color schemes along with hits from Kobe's past?
Well, we did just that. Here's Imagining Classic Nike Colorways on the Kobe 9.
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Diamond Dunk
Inspired By: Nike SB "Diamond" Dunk
If people have to prove they can kickflip to get a pair of "Diamond" Nike SB Dunks, then they might have to prove they can hit a jumper to get these Kobe 9s. Are you game?
Miles Davis V
Inspired By: Nike Zoom Kobe V "Miles Davis"
It's a cliche to say something or someone has "changed the game," but both Miles Davis and Kobe Bryant are worthy of that label. Miles' Kind of Blue album just didn't inspire the "cool jazz" movement, it also gave life to a pair of Kobe Vs. Everyone has sad days, and all-blue sneaker with a white sole looks cool even when you're not feeling down.
Tech Challenge
Inspired By: Nike Air Tech Challenge II "Hot Lava"
Who had a bigger on-court personality: Kobe Bryant or Andre Agassi? That's a toss up. It's also splitting hairs when deciding who has had better signature Nike sneakers, too. Let's split the difference and make an "Agassi" Kobe 9. Cool? Cool.
Grinch VI
Inspired By: Nike Zoom Kobe "Grinch" VI
Kobe and the Lakers weren't able to steal a win from the Miami Heat on Christmas Day 2010, but he still wore these absolutely fire Kobe VIs during the game. Bright runners are all the rage right now, so imagine a lime green Flyknit sneaker, the Kobe 9, that was made for basketball? Streetstyle heads would explode.
Royal 1
Inspired By: Air Jordan "Royal" 1
People are paying ridiculous amounts of cash for Air Jordan 1s, a low-tech sneaker, right now. At $225, the Kobe 9 isn't cheap by any means, but at least the consumer would be getting their money's worth and be able to rock the iconic Air Jordan color scheme.
Cheetah VII
Inspired By: Nike Zoom Kobe "Cheetah" VII
The Kobe VII experimented with the "Kobe System," a weird insole that had an ankle support. There was a mixed reaction to this technology, but not all of the Kobe VIIs came with this upgrade—like these "Cheetah" joints. But seeing the cheetah print in a true high-top sneaker, like the Kobe 9, would be much, much better.
Air Jordan XI
Inspired By: Air Jordan "Black/Red" XI
People fight over any Air Jordan XI release. We're not condoning that behavior at all, and making a Kobe 9 in an Air Jordan XI color scheme, specifically black/red, would give 'heads a taste of the XI life without the added risks of actually wearing an Air Jordan XI.
Chaos V
Inspired By: Nike Zoom Kobe "Chaos" V
Kobe debuted the "Chaos" V on Christmas Day 2009 against LeBron James and his then- team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Christmas Day Kobe sneakers have been a hit, and we wouldn't mind unwrapping a pair of Kobe 9s in this color scheme on December 25 this year.
Black Cement III
Inspired By: Air Jordan "Black Cement" III
Black Cement IIIs can be worn with anything, and some people wear them every day. The Kobe 9 is a challenging silhouette to pull off for those who didn't grow up on super high-top sneakers. But making it in a color scheme that blends with every outfit would be a wise move on Nike's part. Who can say no to elephant print? Wait, don't answer that.
