In 2014, Nike launched a special version of the Kobe 9 sneakers called the 'Philippines' edition, which was only available to individuals who had access to a unique Twitter link. The shoe features a woven upper with a captivating print designed by Erick Goto, who has Filipino heritage. This design pays tribute to basketball culture in Southeast Asia. One of the notable features of this limited-edition sneaker is the flip-flop detailing found on the icy translucent outsole, which symbolizes the determination of those who manage to pursue the game despite their financial constraints preventing them from affording proper basketball shoes.