# Achilles-Highlighting Sneakers The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Shoes is Inspired by the Athlete's Injury By Meghan Young | Published 2013-12-06 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-kobe-9-elite References: [uncrate](http://uncrate.com/stuff/nike-kobe-9-elite/) & [nikeinc](http://nikeinc.com/news/kobe9) In addition to be a top-notch shoe set to rival the best in terms of performance and style, the Nike Kobe 9 Elite shoe has an emotional aspect that will resonate with many fans and athletes. After being benched due to injuring his achilles tendon, the 15-time all star basketball player made sure that was reflected in the design. The ankle-supported shoe does this with red stitching at its back. According to [Uncrate](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/storm-allweather-jacket), the Nike Kobe 9 Elite shoe "uses Nike's [Flyknit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-flyknit-venture) technology to make an upper that feels seamless, enhancing breathability, stretch, and support." It also gives the shoe a stylish tribal aesthetic. The use of [Flywire](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gt-cut-3) technology also provides more support in the mid foot while Lunarlon cushioning improved impact resistance. Perhaps Kobe will be wearing these on his return to the court. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Emotional Design Shoes:** The Nike Kobe 9 Elite shoe's emotional design could be a trend in other athletic shoes. - **Seamless Technology Shoes:** The use of Nike's Flyknit technology in the Kobe 9 Elite shoe could inspire other athletic shoe designers to incorporate seamlessness in their designs. - **Ankle-support Shoes:** The ankle-supported design of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite shoe could catalyze a trend for ankle-support in athletic shoes. ### Where This Applies - **Athletic Shoe Industry:** The Nike Kobe 9 Elite shoe could disrupt the athletic shoe industry by inspiring competitors to create designs with emotional aspects, seamless technology, and ankle-support features. - **Sports Equipment Industry:** Sports equipment manufacturers could create ankle-support equipment for players to wear outside of sneakers to complement the Nike Kobe 9 Elite shoe. - **Sports Clothing Industry:** The tribal and seamless aesthetic of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite shoe could inspire sports clothing designers to incorporate similar designs in their collection of athletic wear and accessories. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Purple Tonal Performance Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moonwalker.md) - [Athlete-Approved Performance Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kai3-performance-shoe.md) - [Performance Basketball Tributes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kobe-3-protro-halo.md) - [Classic Court Colorway Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/team-bank.md) - [Performance-Focused Basketball Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gt-cut-3.md) - [Athlete-Honoring Apparel Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halo-2.md) - [Athlete-Honoring Lifestyle Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linen-edition.md) - [Structural Performance Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fastrb-nitro-elite.md) - [Festive Vibrant Celebratory Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-mamba.md)