Tasked to create a Kobe IX that made sense for the Philippine hoop consumer, we wanted to take an approach that was truest to one of the biggest basketball fans in the world - the Filipino.

 

Taking inspiration from traditional craft, a weaving pattern was applied to the upper. Macro, hand painted numbers and letters were also applied to the quarters to represent the hand painted lines and signs of local basketball courts. High-shine, chrome accents were added in the swoosh and foxing details to hint at the iconic "jeepney" mode of transportation in the Philippines. The achilles stitches in the heel were replaced with molding mirroring the sun rays from the country's flag.

 

Lastly, a sandal (or "tsinelas") print was added underneath a clear outsole. In the Philippines, it is not uncommon to see neighborhood kids play pickup games in flip-flops. Proof, that they'll play the game anytime, anywhere.