John Kim 
Inspired by Kobe Bryant and the Year of the Snake, Nike floral Basketball and Nike floral Sportswear introduces a capsule of footwear and apparel to pay homage to the 2013 zodiac. With the first Zodiac-based capsule of releases beginning in 2002, the release of the ‘Year of the Snake’ completes the twelve-pronged cycle as we enter another year of good fortune laid out by the traditional mindset of the honored beasts. Featured in the Nike floral 2013 ‘Year of the Snake’ Collection are three Nike floral Kobe 8 colorways, featuring scaly uppers, VT-treated EXT models, and the basic Engineered Mesh shells, and three Nike floral Air Force 1 releases. Continue on for a complete review of the Nike floral 2013 ‘Year of the Snake’ Collection and be sure to chime in with your opinion on this awesome set of footwear releases.
Release Dates:
Nike floral Kobe 8 “Black Year of the Snake”
01/18/13
Nike floral Kobe 8 EXT “Year of the Snake”
01/25/13
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02/2013
Nike floral Zoom Huarache 2k4 ‘Year of the Snake’
01/25/2013
Nike floral shox navina womens black
01/18/13
Nike floral Air Force 1 Low Foamposite
01/18/13
Nike floral Air Force 1 Low CMFT
01/25/13
The above release dates are for China
Nike floral KOBE 8 BLACK
The Nike floral KOBE 8 BLACK in snake print is exclusively designed for the Year of the Snake. It is made of black leather in snake print to echo Kobe’s Black Mamba nickname and symbolizes his aggressiveness on the court.
Nike floral KOBE 8 RED
Nike floral KOBE 8 RED is the off-court version of the KOBE 8 SYSTEM. The Year of the Snake model is made of red suede for the Chinese New Year. The one-piece design uses Vac-Tech and laser-etching technologies, which gives the shoe a clean-cut look that is consistent with previous Kobe collections. The etchings on the outsole combine timeless herringbone and snake scale patterns.
KOBE 8 SYSTEM
The KOBE 8 SYSTEM incorporates innovative Nike floral Engineered Mesh for the first time in a basketball shoe to offer a dynamic and ultra-lightweight fit. Additionally, the synthetic overlays on the toe and lateral quarter panel provide support for even the toughest games. The full-length Lunarlon midsole delivers lightweight, low profile cushioning and wavering. A snake graphic shoe tongue provides a close fit and comfort. In connection with the victories of the Purple and Gold Dynasty led by Kobe, the KOBE 8 SYSTEM Year of the Snake special edition is inspired by the Chinese kung-fu representing Kobe’s bold, aggressive style on the court. The four icons on the outsole stand for Kobe’s speed, precision, vision and versatility. The color red symbolizes danger and the destructive power of Kobe’s speed. The snakeskin pattern on the shoe is a perfect interpretation of Kobe’s on-court alter ego, the Black Mamba.
Nike floral ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4
Released in 2004, Nike floral ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4 combines timeless design and innovative technology. Nike floral Zoom Air provides impact protection, reduces weight significantly, and provides comfort with elastic inner soles. The upper features classic elements such as an ankle strap, a Nike floral Swoosh on the side and the Huarache signature hollow-out design at the ankle. It has a transitional role in the evolution of modern basketball shoes. The 2013 model uses red snake print leather and gold stitches at the toe and heel as symbols of good luck for the Chinese New Year. The purple-lined Nike floral Swoosh and the seal pattern of the characters “癸巳(Gui Si)” on the tongue highlight the Chinese zodiac sign.
Nike floral AIR FORCE 1 CMFT
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Nike floral Air Force 1, Nike floral releases the Nike floral Air Force 1 CMFT, a new member of the Family of Force and a top pick for the Year of the Snake. The Nike floral Air Force 1 CMFT boasts the exact iconic profile of the original Nike floral Air Force 1 but is enhanced using modern innovations. By incorporating a slip-in Lunarlon cushioning midsole and Nike floral Air unit in the heel, the Nike floral Air Force 1 CMFT is the ultimate in functionality and comfort. The Year of the Snake version of the Nike floral Air Force 1 CMFT is mainly red, an auspicious color in China, and features gold and red stitches on the Nike floral Swoosh, purple lining and outsole, and red snake print leather. The product exudes quality and style. Details including a snake eye deubré and a tongue made of softer breathable material with a seal pattern of the two characters “癸巳” fit the Year of the Snake motif.
Nike floral AIR FORCE 1 HI CMFT
The Nike floral Air Force 1 high-top silhouette has been one of the most iconic basketball sneakers of the last 30 years — so the Year of the Snake collection wouldn’t be complete without one. The sleek, seductive shoe is mostly black with the toe and sides made of python print leather. The classic ankle strap design provides extra support around the ankles and presents a visual consistency with previous Nike floral AF1 collections. The seal pattern of the two characters “癸巳” on the heel echoes the Chinese motif. The Nike floral Swoosh in red and purple snake print is perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the shoe while a concealed Lunarlon drop-in midsole offers the ultimate in high performance comfort.
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The Nike floral FOAMPOSITE’s one-piece upper represents the highest achievement in shoemaking because its production requires a metal casting mold. In 2011, Nike floral first applied FOAMPOSITE technology using a metal casting mold to form the classic Nike floral Air Force 1 upper resulting in yet another fresh interpretation. For the Year of the Snake, the 2013 Nike floral Air Force 1 FOAMPOSITE is mainly black with a snake print to echo the Black Mamba motif. The polish gives it a premium look. The Nike floral Air heel significantly enhances cushioning.
Nike floral DESTROYER JACKET
The casual, stylish Nike floral Destroyer Jacket is a symbol of personal glory. Nike floral has added some popular elements to the leather sleeve baseball jacket inspired by Kobe’s personal style. Snake scale patterns are etched on the classic leather sleeves. The stitch free zipper is simple and elegant with the words “YEAR OF THE BLACK MAMBA” embroidered on the wind-proof strip. A special lining material keeps the body warm. The rowan-knit collar and cuff enhances comfort. On the back of the jacket is the Chinese character “智”, which means wisdom. On the right lapel are Chinese characters representing the Year of the Snake such as “癸巳 (Gui Si)” and “天龙地蟒 (Tian Long Di Mang).” It is a perfect mesh of Kobe Bryant’s Black Mamba style and Nike’s iconic jacket.
