The Kobe IV was a pioneer of sorts. It wasn’t the first lowtop basketball shoe, but it did help legitimize the concept, taking it from the occasional novelty to a permanent niche within the basketball shoe category. Now, Kobe’s final on-court shoe pays tribute to his first lowtop, with the release of the Nike Kobe 11 Carpe Diem.
The new colorway of the Kobe 11 EM — boasting the Engineered Mesh upper instead of Flyknit — is borrowed directly off the first colorway of the Kobe IV, dubbed the “Carpe Diem.” A black upper is hit with purple and gold accents, while the liner even features the very same golden checkerboard print. Pairing similarity to standalone style, it’s the perfect homage.
The Nike Kobe 11 Carpe Diem releases May 21 at retailers nationwide. It’ll carry the $160 price tag typical of Kobe 11 EMs.
Nike Kobe 11 “Carpe Diem”
Black/White-Court Purple-University Gold
Style #: 836183-015
21 May 2016
$160