Title: Kobe Bryant Unveils his Final Shoe, Reflects on Technology and the Evolution of Sneakers
Introduction
In a recent YouTube video by popular tech reviewer MKBHD (Marques Brownlee), he had the opportunity to visit a Nike gathering in Los Angeles where basketball legend Kobe Bryant introduced his latest shoe, the Kobe 11. This shoe holds immense importance to Bryant as it marks the last release during his active career and the final one he will wear on the court. The video provides insights into the tech behind the shoe, Bryant’s thoughts on technology’s role in sports, and his journey with sneakers throughout his career.
Tech and its Influence on Kobe Bryant
When asked about his engagement with technology, particularly smartphones and cameras, Bryant expressed that he had dabbled in it but found his passion centered only around sports-related technology, such as health and training devices. While he acknowledged the advancements in smartphone technology and its ability to connect people, he admitted that he didn’t consider himself to be a tech-savvy person.
Bryant’s Tech Journey and the Impact of the Internet
Reflecting on the beginning of his NBA career, Bryant shared how the technological landscape has drastically changed. When he entered the league, his phone was considerably larger than current models and he later upgraded to devices like sidekicks. He reminisced about carrying walkman players and CD players, mentioning how his kids wouldn’t even know what those devices were. Bryant acknowledged that technology, particularly the internet, provides advantages such as easier research and scouting for players, but also emphasized the importance of not becoming overly reliant on it.
The Evolution of the Kobe Shoe and Incorporating Technology
As a valuable collaborator in designing his basketball shoes with Nike, Bryant discussed his close involvement in the creation process. He highlighted that the shoe is an extension of himself and must enhance his performance. Bryant shared that his inspiration for integrating soccer shoe elements, like a low-cut design, stemmed from observing the ankle movement in soccer players, who put more torque on their ankles than basketball players. Through research, he discovered the benefits of ankle mobility in reducing stress on other joints. To optimize the shoe’s design, Bryant emphasized the need for a secure heel and flexible forefoot.
The Tech behind the Kobe 11
Regarding the Kobe 11, Bryant spoke about improving the flyknit material for durability and strength. Furthermore, the shoe combines various technologies such as Nike’s Free, Zoom, and Lunar systems. The challenge was to create synergy between these technologies to enhance performance.
Closing Thoughts
MKBHD concluded the interview with Bryant by wishing him luck in his pursuit of becoming more tech-savvy. When asked about smartphones, Bryant revealed being an iPhone enthusiast. The video offered fans an enlightening perspective on Bryant’s knowledge of and involvement in the tech world. As he continues to leave a lasting legacy on and off the basketball court, his final shoe release will surely be cherished by fans and collectors alike.
In conclusion, the video provided a captivating insight into Kobe Bryant’s relationship with technology and his significant contributions to the design of his final basketball shoe. The convergence of sports and technology continues to shape the industry, and Bryant’s input has played a pivotal role in these advancements.
