Spotlight Special – Christmas Day 2012 Recap – Nike Kobe 8 System

Nike Kobe 8 System - Christmas

After two Nightmare Before Christmas offerings from Adidas in the form of the Top Ten 2000 and the Rose 3, as well as the video game themed Nike KD V, we move on to one of the most anticipated shoes for 2013.  A tradition ever year sees the Los Angeles Lakers play on Christmas Day, and with it comes the debut of the newest Kobe performer.  Unlike past season, Kobe would introduce the Kobe 8 System a few games before Christmas, but all sneaker fans know the 25th day of December means a special color scheme for the Kobe line.  With a rhinoceros viper theme comes the Nike Kobe 8 Christmas.

A black based upper marks a change from the bright colored Christmas Day Kobe VI and VII

The Kobe 8 Christmas sets the darkest tone out of all the Nike releases for the special day.  A black based upper is teamed up with Bright Crimson and neon yellow for the Christmas spirit.  Translucent neon rubber makes up the outsole, while the Bright Crimson stands out on the Nike swoosh logos, laces, and speckles on the midsole.  Giving the shoe a Christmas theme is the rainbow colored mesh.  The mesh is done in shades of yellow, red, and green to mimic the snake that it drew inspiration from.  An interesting theme for sure, this version of the Kobe 8 does not overtly scream Christmas, but it does work.

The theme for this color scheme is a rhinoceros viper

After an exciting win over the New York Knicks, the Lakers entered the New Year on a sour note.  A losing streak has the team in a tailspin, grasping to find an identity in the tough Western Conference.  For Kobe, the 2012-2013 season has been strong from an individual stand point.  A healthy Kobe Bryant has translated into high efficiency and the league leader in points per game.  However, for a player of his stature, season are judged on Championships, and that may make the 2012-2013 season one to forget.  For the Kobe 8 System Christmas, the shoe does take a step back from the bright colored Kobe VI and VII.  The shoe has taken more of a “Mamba” theme and is more fierce than festive.  In any case, the Christmas Kobe shoe is always on the radar for sneaker fans each year.  The rhinoceros viper Kobe 8 System was released on Christmas Day in very limited numbers.