Nike unveils Christmas Day sneakers for LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant
Nike's Christmas Day sneakers for, from left: Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. (Nike)
Nike has unveiled winter holiday-themed versions of their popular signature sneakers for LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant, as the three superstars prepare to suit up during the NBA's annual Christmas Day showcase.
James, Durant and Bryant finished one-two-three in the first round of 2014 All-Star voting, which was released Thursday, and all three superstars are slated to make Christmas Day appearances. James' Heat will face Bryant's Lakers in the third game of the league's quintuple-header, while Durant's Thunder will visit the Knicks in the second game on the slate.
PHOTOS: NBA's Christmas Day sneakers from 2012
Last month, the NBA and Adidas released images of the bold, sleeved jersey designs for all 10 teams that will be playing on Christmas. Here's a look at what James, Durant and Bryant will be wearing on their feet to complement the special edition jerseys.
James, the reigning NBA MVP, will wear his "LeBron 11" signature sneakers -- first unveiled back in August -- in a green and red colorway that is about as Christmas-y as it gets.
Snow on the leaves? Never in Miami, but this year LeBron James brings the spirit of the season to the beach with this special edition of the LEBRON 11. A chilly mint color takes on a Christmas green with bold red accents and a frosty translucent outsole. The unique geometry of a snowflake combines with the royal palm to create a kaleidoscopic 'palmsicle" print.
The Christmas version of LeBron James' signature Nike sneaker, the LeBron 11. (Nike)
Bryant, who recently returned to the Lakers after an extended rehabilitation from an Achilles injury, has a grey, green and gold version of the "Kobe 8" on deck. His latest signature shoe -- the high-top "Kobe 9" -- was unveiled earlier this month and is set for release in February.
Ready to strike at any moment, the KOBE 8 SYSTEM sheds its skin to prepare for the coming of the KOBE 9 Elite in February 2014. The essence of the shedding skin is exemplified in a bold modern interpretation of aggressive snake scales attached to a translucent mesh shroud. Hits of neon mamba green and chrome gold bring in the holiday season.
The Christmas version of Kobe Bryant's signature Nike sneaker, the Kobe 8. (Nike)
Durant, the NBA's scoring leader, will wear a traditional red and green version of his "KD VI."
Kevin Durant takes the court in Christmas red with accents of gold and mint. With a twist on traditional Christmas prints, the KD VI features a Fair Isle style Christmas sweater pattern that incorporates trees, stripes, and his number 35. Christmas plaid adorns the collar lining, with decorative detail worked into the metallic red Nike Flywire technology upper and a mint green speckled sole. It's the perfect outfit for this year's festivities.
The Christmas version of Kevin Durant's signature Nike sneaker, the KD VI. (Nike)
Here's a gallery with additional images of all three sneakers.
Nike unveils Christmas Day sneakers for LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant
Christmas Day’s quintuple-header will go down as follows: Bulls at Nets (12 p.m. ET), Thunder at Knicks (2:30 p.m. ET), Heat at Lakers (5 p.m. ET), Rockets at Spurs (8 p.m. ET), and Clippers at Warriors (10:30 p.m. ET).
