Nike, Inc. is an American multinational corporation engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and worldwide marketing and selling of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services. The company sponsors many high-profile athletes and sports teams around the world, with the highly recognized trademarks of “Just Do It” and the “swoosh” logo. Headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon in the Portland metropolitan area, Nike–which currently has a market cap of $82.26 billion–was initially founded in January 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. The company became Nike, Inc. in 1971 and has since become one of the world’s largest suppliers of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment. Nike–which takes its name from the Greek goddess of victory–markets its products under its own brand, as well as subsidiaries including Brand Jordan, Hurley International, and Converse. In addition to manufacturing sportswear and equipment, the company operates retail stores under the Niketown name. As of 2012, Nike employed more than 44,000 people worldwide, while the brand alone was valued at $19 billion this year, making it the most valuable brand among sports businesses. Sponsoring players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant, Nike has a strong presence in the world of professional basketball. Read on for a list of the most expensive Nike basketball shoes available on the market today.
5. Kobe 9 iD – $205
The Kobe 9 iD basketball shoe, the official shoe of five-time champion and 16-time NBA All-Star Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, “provides 360 degrees of breathability with an engineered mesh upper, plus responsive cushioning and exceptional traction for a quick first step.” The Kobe 9 iD is also completely customizable with a wide palette of color choices, a glowing outsole, and an eye-catching speckled midsole.
4. LeBron 11 “Maison LeBron” – $220
The second latest official LeBron James Nike basketball shoe, the LeBron 11, got a recent makeover with the LeBron 11 “Maison LeBron “inspired by LeBron James’ connection to the world of style and fashion.” The Maison LeBron collection features a number of special finishes and prints, “from polka dots and stripes to rich metallics,” low-profile cushioning, Flywire cables for ultralight support and lockdown, and durable hyperposite construction.
3. Kobe 9 Elite – $225
The “innovative and ultralight” $225 Kobe 9 Elite “moves naturally with your foot while providing the lockdown and responsiveness Kobe demands.” The virtually seamless high-top black and green Nike basketball shoe features a formfitting Flyknit upper, locked-in and lightweight Flywire technology, soft and responsive Lunarlon cushioning, and enhanced flexibility with less outsole rubber than traditional basketball shoes.
2. LeBron 12 iD – $245
Tied for the most expensive Nike basketball shoe available on the market today is the $245 LeBron 12 iD, the latest official Nike basketball shoe from the two-time NBA champion and four-time MVP Cleveland Cavaliers forward. The LeBron 12 iD “unleashes his explosiveness” and is completely customizable. “With ultra-responsive, ultra-flexible cushioning directly underfoot, it’s the most dynamic and agile shoe in the LeBron series.”
1. Kobe 9 Elite Low iD – $245
The other most expensive Nike basketball shoe on the market today is the Kobe 9 Elite Low iD. The latest official signature offering from Kobe Bryant’s Nike line is essentially a low-top version of his Kobe 9 Elite shoe, featuring the ultra-lightweight Flyknit upper and the ability to customize the shoe with NIKEiD, which includes glow options, multiple translucent, solid, or glow outsoles, and a personalized name and/or number on the inside of the tongue.
Photo by news.nike.com
