The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Detail is an arresting high top that fuses an artistic design with high performance sneaker technology.

The subtle Base Gray and black colorway of the "Detail" version of the Nike Kobe 9 Elite is inspired by Italian Renaissance art. The base of the upper is light gray FlyKnit supported with underlying FlyWire. Textured and patterned gray leather overlays undulate along the side panel and up the collar, while black FlyKnit that matches the side panel Swoosh covers the heel. Hits of carbon fiber accent the mudguard, and flat gray laces crisscross over a padded gray tongue with Kobe's sword-in-sheath logo. Kobe branding with nine red hash marks adorns the heel.

What our experts appreciate most about this sneaker is the Lunarlon foam midsole that cushions with springy bounce and evenly distributes weight and pressure. The black and gray outsole features computer data-generated traction. The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Detail was released on March 22, 2014, for a retail price of $225.

Style: 630847-003/641714-004

Colorway: Base Grey/Black