Nike Kobe 9 Elite “Masterpiece” Release Date, Price, Where To Buy, Photo, Video

By John Santisteban

Feb 05, 2014 10:04 AM EST

Nike and Kobe Bryant are expected to make big waves this weekend as the new signature shoe of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is set to hit the sneaker market.

The long wait will soon be over for those who are eagerly awaiting the release of the highly-talked about Nike Kobe 9 Elite that is set to debut in stores on February 9, Saturday and will retail at $225 per pair worldwide.

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The ninth signature shoe of Bryant with Nike will debut on the sneaker market in an impressive-looking "Masterpiece" edition, which sports a multi-color snake skin-like upper part with white Nike Swoosh branding, metallic silver lining, volt Kobe logo, translucent icy blue outsoles.

Another unique feature of this edition, which is officially listed as the Black/Metallic Silver-Volt-Bright Crimson colorway of this new model, is the nine red stitching at the back portion of the shoe, which symbolizes the nine sutures on Kobe's ankle.

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The 16-time NBA All-Star underwent surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon last year - an injury that became one of the inspirations of Bryant in designing his newest signature sneaker, saying that his newest shoe will be the extension of his emotion on the basketball floor.

"I draw inspiration from where I am as a player, as a person, and where my career is at this moment. I'm trying to do something that the majority of people think is impossible to do," Bryant said on his latest sig shoe. "I let my emotions out when I step on the basketball floor, it's always been my escape, and these shoes will touch a nerve on the court in the same way I do."

Aside from its impressive look, the Kobe 9 Elite is also packed with the latest innovation from Nike, combining their patented Flyknit, Flywire, and Lunarlon technology to produce a superior lightweight but very durable sneaker.

According to Nike, the three main technologies was incorporated together to provide strength, durability, stability, and speed to Bryant while on the hardcourt.

The Flyknit technology led to the creation of a lightweight and seamless upper part, while the Flywire technology provides superb midfoot protection without affecting the natural movement of the foot. The shoe is finished off with the Lunarlon technology that provides responsive cushioning.

The video below provides an in-depth look at the "Masterpiece" that is expected to be one of the hottest, if not the hottest sneaker on the market in the coming weeks.