The Nike Basketball Elite Series is the very pinnacle of basketball footwear performance and design. Returning in this year's Nike Elite line-up are LeBron with his LeBron X PS Elite and Kobe with his Zoom Kobe 8 Elite. Joining the squad is KD with his improved KD V Elite - lower, faster, and more versatile than ever.
Today, I would like to quickly share with you, visually, what this new series is all about - from designer insights, to production briefing, to the break down of each shoe's tech upgrade.
So without further delay, here it is... The Nike Basketball Elite Series 2.0.
When our big brothers Dennis, Raoul and Levon left us with the responsibility of running the Cork release, this might've crossed their minds...
Fortunately for them, we're too lame to pull that off.
So yes, as I was saying, a couple of Saturdays ago Miguel, Jeremy, Sudan, Paul and I lead the release of NSW's breakthrough product, the Nike LeBron X "Cork".
Through a "By Invitation Only" event, select Elite Titan Players Club members, celebrities, ballplayers, influencers, and media guests were ushered into the Titan Flagship Store in TwoParkade for an afternoon of wine, good company and merriment. Oh, and yes... Shoes.
It was an intimate gathering of friends and LBJ fans. It's safe to say that everyone had a great time. Some more than others (i.e. the folks that brought home the Corks)
Right after that, we decided to let the Barkleyposites loose via lottery. That went quick as well, not surprising for an ill shoe. It's our little token of thanks to the GREATEST CUSTOMERS IN THE GAME for the loyalty and love.
So there... Won't keep you guys waiting anymore! Check the photos below.
If I haven't said it enough (though I'm sure you know this very well by now), I am a big footwear DESIGN nerd.
There are pairs that I completely love that some see as weird or too outlandish. Regardless if it's manufactured in limited quantities or mass produced, Quickstrike or General Release - for me, a shoe's aesthetics come first, especially when there is some sort of innovation backing it.
Today in Nike's Inside Access, we tackle the EVOLUTION OF THE UPPER. Transforming uppers is a key example of Nike Basketball's focus on redefining shoe design since 1972.
Here they are - the shoe that everyone is waiting for. A month after it surfaced on local sneaker sites and on @Titan_22's Instagram, it's finally here: The Nike LeBron X EXT "Cork".
This is a shoe that even the most brutal of LBJ critics would want. Heck, I want one... And I don't even like LeBron! (That sounds like something a hypebeast would say, though! LOL) But truthfully, I want a pair because I'm a sucker for ground-breaking sneaker tech and new material applications.
The thin veneer of cork on this is unbelievable! I don't even know how to describe it: it's flat and smooth, but has texture... Ok, that does not make sense, but that's how it is. I've seen these in motion, and the shoe does not crease. The kitchen did it again.
I would like to think that the whole Nike NSW/EXT campaign rides on this flagship shoe. The leather is excellent, the waxed laces are top-notch, the construction is immaculate... It's damn near perfect.
Anyway, I took a bunch of detailed photos for your appreciation.
Titan TwoParkade - the only door that will release these - will have a special "By Invitation Only" event tomorrow. You might want to check your inboxes for an invite.
For more details, artwork, and full release mechanics, visit TITAN22.COM.
Look what @NikePh gave me for Christmas! A series of limited vinyl toys to celebrate Kobe's new joints - The Nike Kobe 8 System.
The four figures symbolize the "four mastery tools" utilized by The Black Mamba - Focus, Accuracy, Vision, and Speed. The same elements were also incorporated into the new Kobe 8.
These were used as promotional giveaways to retailers and media partners. Unfortunately, these were not sold in stores.
If the toys got you excited, wait 'till you see the Nike Kobe 8 System. Now available at Nike Basketball retailers and at Titan.
Thank you @NikePh! And to everyone, hope you're having a good start to the year!
From the mind of Leo Chang comes Kevin Durant's fifth signature shoe - The KD V. It is Kevin Durant's heart and soul manifested in a shoe; it's design is the most honest and pure yet.
The Nike KD line, in my opinion, has become the most genuine and conceptually rich among the footwear franchises today. The V just proves my point.
The depth of the concept is remarkable. Still present are the minute details that tell KD's history, a tapestry of symbols that represent his deep and unwavering love for his family and hometown. But completely unique to this model is the incorporation of the numeric symbol "V" and the pentagon. Symbolizing his fifth shoe, the "V" is also a representation of the "team" - five men on the court aiming for victory. On the other hand, the Pentagon is a literal symbolism of The Pentagon, the military landmark in his hometown Washington, D.C.
The KD V is a truly inspired piece of art. Yes, I said ART. It looks like art, and I'm sure it performs like one, too. This partnership of Leo Chang and KD will go down in Nike Basketball's 20 year history as one of the most exciting and inspiring footwear lineages to ever grace the hardwood.
I just had to do this - The KD V on my feet. Are you inspired yet? The detail on the tongue is crazy...
Thank you FIVE TIMES FIVE TIMES, Nike Philippines.
Just a year ago, I hated LeBron James with a passion. But now, I'll be the first to admit that he has gained my respect. Although I am still one of his biggest critics, he has showed me and the rest of the world enough of himself and his abilities to make believers out of haters.
LeBron James through the years has developed the type of maturity that can only be molded from the pain of defeat, year after agonizing year. Resiliency forged alone in the fire of hate; both internally and from the masses. And the skill - not the raw, untamed kind - but the one acquired from constant pressure and battering. LeBron has been through the very bottom of the fiery pit, all the way to the top of the world.
Nike acknowledges this journey, and so for their tenth outing they created a shoe that would reflect everything LeBron has been through and his transformation.
The great thing about mid-week releases is you get to have a little spirit boost to get you thru the week.
Last Wednesday, September 12, Titan dropped the much coveted Nike Air Force 1 Low Supreme I/O TZ 30th Anniversary - Pearl Collection "Gold"(I'll give you a second to catch your breath...)
A couple of weeks ago we featured the Nike Air Force 1 Low Supreme I/O TZ 30TH Anniversary 'Pearl Collection'. The story was published a couple of days before the supposed release date. It was very hard for an uptown-head such as myself not to be excited - as you can see, this shoe is very hard to hate.
But when the August 31st release date came and went, Air Force 1 enthusiasts just had to accept their eBay-bound fate. Till today.
