Brendan Dunne 
Acting as the sequel of sorts to the Nike Basketball Elite Team collection is the Nike Basketball Elite Series “Hero Collection”, which reprises last year’s approach that featured the likes of Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James transforming into superhuman figures. The Kobe 9 Elite “Hero” is a wolf grey/camo affair with some pop art inspiration, the KD 6 Elite “Hero” features a reinforced body with some Kevlar fibers, and the LeBron 9 Elite “Hero” is sort of a fiery upgrade to the traditional Heat palette what with the burning bright tones utilized. Continue reading to see each and watch for the Nike Basketball Elite Series “Hero Collection” to release on May 9th, 2014.
Source: Nike INC
Fictional heroes take on superhuman characteristics in comics, films, books and television. From speed, strength, vision and intellect, these heroes rise to the challenge when the pressure’s greatest.
LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant are real-life heroes that electrify the basketball universe. The Nike Basketball Elite Series Hero Collection represents the best for the best: footwear designed to the superhuman specifications of James, Bryant and Durant.
Prolific colors, premium materials, advanced construction and athlete insights inform this advanced trio of signature shoes in one collection featuring the LEBRON 11 Elite, KOBE 9 Elite and KD VI Elite, all in hues representing the superhuman skills each brings to the court.
LEBRON 11 ELITE HERO
The LEBRON 11 Elite Hero edition is tailored to James’s game and is sleek and strong, all in a laser crimson color. The shoe represents an evolution of the LEBRON 11, now with a lower cut and new articulated external cage to keep him contained for the playoff run. The Hyperposite protection and dynamic Flywire fiber in the upper combine with Lunarlon cushioning and a Nike Zoom unit in the midsole to maximize performance.
KOBE 9 ELITE HERO
The KOBE 9 Elite launched last December represents Bryant’s most provocative shoe to date – the first Nike Basketball shoe featuring Flyknit. The KOBE 9 Elite Hero sports a wolf grey upper and pop art inspired camouflage on the heel area. Designed by Eric Avar, it maximizes innovation with Lunarlon, dynamic Flywire and carbon fiber throughout, while its ultra-lightweight design enables natural motion.
KD VI ELITE HERO
Maximizing strength and breathability, the KD VI Elite Hero moves precisely and naturally with the foot. Designer Leo Chang’s vision to mimic the precision craftsmanship and fine details of a wristwatch are visually revealed in the KD VI Elite Hero. For the first time in a KD signature shoe, this new version boasts a full-length, visible Nike Zoom unit that runs through the entire midsole. This turbo green colored shoe features Flywire technology, reinforced with Kevlar® aramid fibers, providing Durant with lockdown support for his versatile style of play.
The Nike Basketball Elite Series Hero Collection is available May 9 at Nike.com and select retail locations globally.
