The introduction of the Kobe 8 basketball shoe by Nike was significant as it introduced the brand's Engineered Mesh technology to its basketball footwear range. This innovative feature, in combination with no-sew synthetic overlays and a Lunarlon sole, resulted in an incredibly lightweight sneaker. A special edition of the Kobe 8 System was released during the Christmas season of 2012, featuring a vibrant and eye-catching upper design inspired by the rhinoceros viper. Nike's festive rendition of the Kobe 8 celebrated the holiday spirit while showcasing the brand's commitment to both style and performance.