Black Kobe Bryant Basketball Shoes

his is an exciting time to be a sneaker fanatic. Every fall season for the last four years has brought sneakerheads images of a new Kobe Bryant signature sneaker. This year is no different. Actually, this year is much different. That's because we will all be blessed with images of three different versions of the new Kobe shoe. Sweet! That's right, the new Kobe VII will drop this year in three different versions. It will release in the "base" model, a "supreme" edition, and finally an "elite" version. How cool is that?

The base model of the Kobe VII, like the supreme and elite, will again be a low-cut basketball shoe engineered for high performance. It was also created to be the most comfortable and lightweight basketball shoe on the market. A unique snakeskin designed upper again will make up this shoe. However, the most unique feature of this new shoe is a removable insole/ankle sleeve. The insole is actually attached to the ankle sleeve that includes the top portion of the tongue complete with the Kobe logo. This base model uses this unique feature to enhance a "Play Fast" cushioning support system. The midsole includes a Zoom Air window at the heel. The outsole utilizes an XDR traction system. And this is just the base model!

The images of the first colorway that have been released show a predominately Black upper that features a White Swoosh. The laces are Black with Grey speckled accents. Grey is used on the midsole, inner lining and accents on the heel cage counter. The solid rubber outsole is done in White. The design on the shoe's upper is done in a snakeskin appearance but does not resemble the three-dimensional reptile design used on the Kobe VI. Traditionally the first shoe in a Kobe signature line has been dropped in a basic, solid colorway. Apparently, the first shoe in the signature shoe line to drop will be no different.

The "base" Kobe VII will release in January 2012 and carry a $140 price tag. If the past three years are any indication, sneaker enthusiasts can count on a wide variety of colorways and themed designs being used on this shoe. Whether it is the base, supreme, or elite model in which Nike creates their colorway "masterpiece"; you can bet there are going to be plenty of delicious editions to sink your teeth into.