Nike Zoom Kobe IV (4) Low: Chaos (Joker)

It's only fitting that Nike teamed up with Kobe Bryant when creating one of the lightest and most thought provoking basketball sneakers ever made. And how appropriate that not only is Kobe the inspiration/invention behind the Nike Kobe IV low cut bball joint but also their partner on the Chaos aka Joker edition of this kick.

Nike Zoom Kobe IV (4) Low: Chaos (Joker)

What was it that made Nike think it would be a good idea to team up with his Kobeness on a collaboration for the Villain from the smash hit Batman: Dark Knight; not only one of the most spine tingling baddies of the summer but also of All Time.   And lets face it these two charismatic yet controversial characters may have more in common than meets the eye on closer inspection.

Nike Zoom Kobe IV (4) Low: Chaos (Joker)

Here's a list:
1)Both are Agents of Change who are pushing the envelope in their respective professions; Ledger easily surpasses the legendary Nicholson in his interpretation of the Joker while Kobe stuns the Basketball world and Nike Designers/Execs by stating he wants a Low Cut Basketball Shoe
2) Kobe and Ledger's Joker are both Chaotic figures driven to be the best at what they do yet sometimes wreaking havoc in their path; in the Absence of the Zen Master Phil Jackson, Kobe has showed flashes of brilliance and slashes of destruction
3) Ledger as the Joker and Bryant are both masters of their craft and capable of putting projects on their back yet also possess streaks of self-destructive behavior; sadly Ledger's brilliant yet flawed makeup led to his demise whilst Kobe's led to a year in the courts and the press (does anyone still remember his contentious trial?).
4) Both figures have been treated as Monsters, the Joker rightly, so whilst the negative attention Bryant received over the breakdown of Shaq's marriage, the break up of Shaq and Kobe and the Laker's embarrassing loss to the Pistons in the NBA Finals almost placed him in the same bracket as the Dark Knight Villain as an onscreen version of Public Enemy #1
5) The genius of both men and their on stage/court creations is undoubted and both will go down as super talented masters of their craft bordering on the GOAT category
6) Bryant and Ledger's interpretation of the Joker both live in the shadow of Iconic, SuperHero figures who can do no wrong in the eyes of the public and have saved cities and industries between them (Gotham/NYC and Chicago, the NBA, the Shoe Game, Super Hero Movie and Comic Book Franchises); none other than Michael Jordan and Batman themselves.

Nike Zoom Kobe IV (4) Low: Chaos (Joker)

Let's face it, for all the money, power and fame that Ledger, Batman and the onscreen Joker receive it comes with a price. Kobe and the Joker are two of the most reviled yet at the same time beloved Epic figures in recent times in the world of popular culture and as much as you want to hate on either, part of you can't help but respect and even admire their raw talent and drive to achieve and be the best!

Nike Zoom Kobe IV (4) Low: Chaos (Joker)

Now on to the whole reason this unlikely and unusual comparison came about in the first place, the cutting edge Kobe Zoom IV Chaos version from Nike Basketball. There's no doubt about it, Nike and Kobe are encouraging mayhem with this groundbreaking new release. Taken from Kobe's observations of Football(Soccer) players and their quick cuts and changes of direction this low cut basketball sneaker really shook up the industry and the designers/execs over at Nike when it was first suggested. Yet when you combine the lightweight concept of a low with the advances in technology brought to you by HyperDunk, Lunarlite foam in the forefront, Flywire in the frame/body, full-length Phylon midsole and Zoom in the heel you quickly realize that Nike is likely onto a winner here; especially with the CIK colorways they're dropping this truly Bad Boy in such as the Carpe Diem black/navy/gold, Venom colorway and now this wicked combo of turquoise/burgundy/emerald to represent 'the Joker'. Throw in the tri-color matching laces on a bed of turquoise mesh, multi-colored herringbone outsole, and blood splattered chaotic insert and this kick speaks to both basketball and popular culture enthusiasts alike.

Nike Zoom Kobe IV (4) Low: Chaos (Joker)

Is it any coincidence that both Kobe Bryant and Heath Ledger's Joker look so good in Purple, you tell me? 2008 truly was the year of the Dark Knight with its ominous Villain seeping eerily into our collective consciousness. As 2K8 drew to a close and we embarked on 2009 we realized a true agent of both Change and Chaos had entered our social psyche. Now this often vilified yet equally adored, larger than life figure, surely asked as the pin dropped slowly to the floor,
'Why so serious... Nike?' With Jordan Brand reeling might this one time Villain soon be their Saviour?

Nike Zoom Kobe IV (4) Low: Chaos (Joker)

Remember to check out our Limited Release, Collector Edition CIK Calendar to start your year off right. So in 2009 you don't just get your Kicks, you get your Chicks in Kicks!

images via Fatboykickz

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