Nike Basketball Houston 2013 All Star Game Pack

The “Galaxy” theme for last year’s NBA All Star Game in Orlando was a mega hit for Nike spawning the infamous “Galaxy” Foamposite One and “Big Bang” LeBron 9 so it was rather convenient that this year’s NBA All Star Game is in Houston which is home to a mission control center for NASA at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

Nike was hard at work in continuing riding the success of the Galatic theme in coming up with some eye popping offerings for its All Star signatures, the LeBron X, KD V & Kobe 8, arguably three of the NBA’s best at present. To add deeper meaning to the pack, Nike weaves an interpretive story for each athlete as a fictional planet:

LeBron X:

An indestructible force originating from fictional Nike Space Program (NSP) planet NSP-LJ6, LeBron James’ dominance was born from the volcanic surface in the planet’s mantle. He is rumored to have journeyed to earth on a meteor made of the galaxy’s hardest substance – black diamonds.

Technical benefits of the LeBron X include full-length visible Nike Zoom cushioning, dynamic Flywire technology and Hyperfuse construction – a trilogy set to unleash its fury in Houston.

Kobe 8 System:

Engineered to the specifications of Kobe Bryant’s Houston mission, with origins rooted on a planet marked as NSP-KB24. The Ice Mamba circles the volatile surface as guardian of the five rings. The wise veteran is known to strike with moves that leave his opponents frozen.

Built for Bryant’s lightning speed and precision, the Kobe 8 System is Nike+ Basketball enabled for the first time and this shoe also features Nike Zoom in the midsole insert. Nike Engineered Mesh upper and tactile traction complete the shoe.

KD V:

Identified as Dark Matter, the biological and molecular breakdown of this figure remains a puzzle for scientists. Early readings of its origin, NSP-KD35, have sent back conflicting reports of a planet that is simultaneously solid, liquid, and gas – properties that make his game adaptable to any situation.

Joining with Bryant for their quest to lead the West to victory, this KD V is designed to the specifications of Kevin Durant’s Houston mission. The KD V features the combination of Nike Zoom (forefoot) and Nike Air (heel) cushioning along with Hyperfuse upper and dynamic heel support.

The level of detail and design on each shoe is daring to say the least, brought to life by Nike Basketball’s color lead Eugene Rogers and graphic designer Erick Goto.

I personally have a little more appreciation for each shoe after knowing its design influences and inspiration. If I had to pick one, I would go for the Kobe 8 system with that citrus/red textured like pattern!

I expect all of these to be instant sell outs, just like last year, so good luck to all who plan to scoop up any of these pairs on February 15th at select retailers and Nike Store.