These are “gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference” to the basketball sneakers we’re accustomed to.

Nike’s Kobe Collection has always paid homage to classic artists. From Bruce Lee, to Miles Davis — Many great stars and celebrities prominent in American history have had their own variation of a Kobe Bryant shoe.

This time around, Nike’s crafted this latest colorway with the late King of Pop in mind, Michael Jackson. Now, upon first glance one would question the color of the upper, which is listed as “Hyper Grape.” However, according to livescience.com, the color purple has been associated with royalty, power and wealth for centuries. And to anyone with any type of knowledge about MJ is that he was and is music royalty.

Via Nike Inc:

The KOBE 9 Elite Low brings Bryant’s muses to life. The artistry of music and its ability to move and inspire people has always intrigued the athlete. From classical to pop, he has appreciation for multiple genres.

A more direct link to Michael Jackson that is apparent in the shoe is the lunar surface graphic printed under the translucent outsole, styled to look like the surface of the moon for wearers to channel their inner “Motown 25.”

The “Michael Jackson” Kobe 9 Elite Low releases on July 12th globally at Nike.com and select Nike Basketball retailers.

Read more: http://solecollector.com/news/nike-kobe-9-elite-low-michael-jackson-/#ixzz33iNAqyyP