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It has become a tradition for Nike to feature Christmas editions of its signature basketball sneakers. The custom lives on in 2015 as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant wear special editions of their own shoes for the holidays.
Based on a report by Fansided.com, the LeBron 12 "Akron Birch" will feature a winter camo pattern, inspired by LeBron's hometown of Akron, Ohio. The pattern which features the winter weather in Akron as well as a birch tree can be seen on the hyperposite panels of the shoe. There is a small white snowflake formed by tiny hexagons present on the tongue while the outsoles are icy dark blue. LeBron James will most likely wear the pair when the Cleveland Cavaliers face his former teammates, the Miami Heat, on Christmas.
Bleacher Report wrote that the Kobe 9 will also feature a Christmas concept with a red and white colorway, making it look like Santa Claus's boot. Dubbed the "Kobe 9 Knit Stocking", the flyknit upper is predominantly bright red with a red camo pattern on the outsole and midsole. The shoelaces, tongue and insoles are also red while the Swoosh and carbon fiber panels are black. There is also a tag stitched on the inside of the tongue saying "Mamba's Greetings".
Kobe might wear the special high-top pair when the Los Angeles Lakers play against the Chicago Bulls on December 25, 2014. The report mentions that, "The Kobe 9 is the first basketball shoe to feature Nike Flyknit technology, which helps him move around easily and stay light on his feet.
Sports Illustrated reported that Kevin Durant's signature shoe will receive the special holiday treatment with the Nike KD 7 Egg Nog. The shoes give reference to the MVP's childhood featuring glossy flecks on the upper and midsole to remind people of egg nog, which happens to be the player's favorite Christmas beverage. Also, on the insole of the shoe appears "A product of Seat Pleasant Maryland" and "Fresh Since 88!," paying tribute to Durant's birth year. The shoes feature a red and white colorway with hints of green on the insole and KD logo on the tongue. The front half of the shoe is white while the back half is red. KD is expected to wear the Christmas shoes when the OKC Thunder face the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas.
The Christmas Day editions of the Nike LeBron 12, Kobe 9, and KD 7 will also be available to the public beginning December 26, 2014. The pairs may be available on a limited basis at Nike.com and selected Nike retail shops until supplies last.
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