Nike and Kobe Bryant are both legends in their respective fields. Known for creating technologically forward footwear for the Black Mamba, Nike has taken that ideal to a new level with the upcoming Nike Kobe AD NXT 360.


Nike and Kobe Bryant have one of the most legendary partnerships in sports. Sneakers from the two are among the many grails held on pedestals by collector’s while some colorways simply hold a lot of meaning to others. Regardless of your appreciation for the Nike Kobe range, they are expanding. This month, Nike announced the upcoming release of the next Kobe shoe, the AD NXT 360. While this announcement itself was exciting enough, the real news was buried in the technology inside. The new Kobe AD NXT 360 will launch alongside three other Nike shoes, all constructed from the new Flyknit 360 upper.

Nike Flyknit 360 is one of the greatest innovations in shoe upper’s since the Swoosh first debuted the knit material at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Flyknit was an immediate hit. The soft, comfortable, and flexible weave allowed for lighter shoes, better breathability, and a more conformed shape around your foot. Now, after six revolutionary years, Nike is changing the game once again. The new Flyknit 360 is a technological marvel. Originally, knit uppers on shoes had to be made in huge textile sheets, then whichever shape was needed was cut out and applied to the sole. However, Nike has engineered a new way to construct the knit around the shape of their lasts. (Lasts are what give a shoe shape in the process of building it.) Because of this, the Flyknit technology can now be built around the whole foot, including underneath. This innovation is so impressive because knitting into a three-dimensional shape is ridiculously hard, even for machines.

The new Flyknit 360 build is a wonder. The all-around Flyknit allows each section of the shoe to adapt to the wearer’s foot better, and provide a more stable feel. Once the Flyknit Bootie is made on the last, it is then steam-treated to ensure that it will fit snugly. Then, construction of the outer layers begins. The most important layer with the new 360 Flyknit is the outsole. Because of the new material’s design, the foot sits on top of the Flyknit. So, the shoe’s outsole is placed on the outside of the knit to provide protection and keep it from tearing. Once again, this allows for better flexibility and comfort for the wearer. However, the midsole of the new Kobe AD NXT 360 is the truly interesting part.

The new midsole for the Nike Kobe AD NXT 360 is removable. Yes, entirely. This is a first interchangeable midsole of it’s kind, so of course, Nike had to flex what they can do. The midsole is constructed from both of Nike’s best cushioning foams. The center of the midsole is built from the new React foam, which is softer and squishier than the older LunarLon foam that creates a perimeter around the React. This dual-density foam construction means that the outer, stiffer edges of the sole will provide a better ability to cut and make fast moves on the court, while the soft React center will keep you bouncy and light.

The Nike Kobe AD NXT 360 will launch later this month along with other new Nike Flyknit 360 shoes. The new models will include the Free Motion RN 360, Mercurial Vapor 360, (which debuted as an Off-White collaboration) and Mercurial Superfly 360.

NIKE KOBE AD NXT 360 RELEASE INFORMATION

The next evolution in the Nike Kobe line, as well as Nike’s Flyknit technology, will launch on April 13th, 2018. Set with a retail price of $200, the Kobe AD NXT 360 is sure to make waves on the basketball court with its impressive new construction. Check out the official images below for a better look, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks for more Nike news.

Nike Kobe AD NXT 360 “Mamba Day” 
Release Date: April 13, 2018
Price: $200
Color: Black/Coral-Stardust
Style Code: AQ1087-001