Introducing the shoes worn by Kobe Bryant in the 2008 Olympics.  You may have seen Kobe jumping over an Astin Martin on the internet and these are the shoes he was sporting. lightest and strongest basketball shoe ever” for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Nike is using Kobe as the main face to promote the sneakers that were worn by him and many olympic stars like Manu Ginobili (Argentina) and Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) among others.

They have designed special shoes and apparel for every sport.  From windsurfing to BMX, Nike is there.

The exposure at the Beijing Olympics is thought to be especially attractive to Nike, which has made a big sales push in China and other parts of Asia in recent years.

BMX, or Bicycle Motocross, is the non-motorized version of motocross, but also includes freestyle and jumping. The sport is making its debut in Beijing this August and Nike athletes will be outfitted in innovative footwear and uniforms.

“Looks like a Dunk, but acts like Lance’s cleat.” That statement sums up the power and impact of the Nike Dunk Gyrizo, a shoe specifically designed for BMX racing. The Nike Dunk Gyrizo, which is Greek for “wheel,” is actually built on the same cycling last as Lance Armstrong’s cleat. The external portion of the shoe looks like Nike’s wildly popular Dunk model, but the design of the internal plate transfers power in the up and down strokes of the rider. A strap on the upper and a lace pocket keep laces out of the rider’s spokes, while a durable outsole compound was integrated to accommodate a wider bike pedal. Kevlar lace and metal grommets are also used to maximize durability. Utilizing rubber material and designing a thinner midsole on the shoe allows riders to walk easily before and after races.

Nike Dunk Gyrizo Key Features
• Kevlar lace and metal grommets help maximize durability
• Footwear is built on same cycling last as Lance Armstrong’s cleat

Windsurfers will also wear the new Nike Synetairos in Beijing this summer, the same shoe designed for crew members of world championship sailing teams.  Originally, Nike designers set out to create unique shoes for each of the 2 sports, but both US and Chinese windsurfers who tested the footwear liked the sailing bootie prototype, which had all the performance characteristics they were asking for.

The Nike Synetairos outsole is built from Nike’s best wet-traction rubber, giving athletes unmatched footing on the decks of their boards.  The upper is constructed from breathable, drainable neoprene, providing a comfortable “second-skin” fit that will not balloon with water.  Adjustable midfoot straps have the dual purpose of reducing water retention and adding snug support around the ankle.  A synthetic abrasion-resistant panel on top of the foot reduces wear from a windsurf board’s foot straps while anatomical toe and heel protection wraps up from the midsole to help protect the foot from injuries.

This footwear was Engineered specifically for the Beijing Olympics and contains the numbers “8-8-8,” an inspirational graphic symbolizing the beginning of Beijing’s events.

For Beijing, unique colorways of the Nike Synetairos are provided for US, Puerto Rican, Ukrainian, and Chinese windsurfing teams (colors also used for sailing). Team USA’s and Team Puerto Rico’s booties are built from two subdued blues (Moonlight and Dark Obsidian) with a white Swoosh and Dark Obsidian outsole. Ukrainian athletes wear full black neoprene booties with a Royal Blue liner, Yellow Zest outsoles, and Swooshes. The Chinese team selected a black bootie with a Comet Red liner and outsole, and a Varsity Maize (yellow) Swoosh.

Nike Synetairos Key Features
• Lightweight, breathable and drainable neoprene upper materials
• Midfoot strap for added support and snug fit
• Abrasion-resistant materials and construction to reduce top-of-foot wear from straps
• Nimble, flexible outsole with midfoot support
• Outsole rubber compound formulated for maximum wet-surface traction
• Exclusive molded anatomical toe protection