Nike Kobe
Nike Kobe 11 Elite Low ‘Last Emperor’ Review: A Regal Farewell in Performance and Style
Introduction
The Nike Kobe 11 Elite Low ‘Last Emperor’ is more than a sneaker—it’s a statement. Released in early 2016, this refined black-and-white colorway pays tribute to Kobe Bryant’s final NBA season, celebrating his legacy as basketball’s modern-day emperor. As the second colorway in the Kobe 11 series, it fuses minimalist style with high-performance engineering, making it a favorite among athletes and collectors alike.
Whether you’re dominating on the hardwood or honoring the Mamba mentality off the court, the ‘Last Emperor’ edition delivers in both function and flair.
Design: Minimalist Majesty
Unlike some of the louder Kobe 11 colorways, the ‘Last Emperor’ goes for subtle elegance—echoing the wisdom and restraint Kobe showed in his final NBA moments.
Key Visual Elements:
- White Flyknit upper with black gradient fade from heel to toe
- Embroidered black Swoosh for sleek contrast
- Heel graphic featuring four red hash marks—a nod to battle scars and victories
- Translucent outsole for modern aesthetics
- Reflective heel detail referencing Kobe’s farewell tour
- Simple black tongue with Kobe’s signature sheath logo
This design balances poise and power, paying tribute to Kobe’s reign without needing to shout.
Materials and Construction
The Kobe 11 Elite Low line was engineered with next-level performance materials, and the ‘Last Emperor’ is no exception.
Material Highlights:
- Full Flyknit upper reinforced with TPU threads for targeted strength
- Lunarlon drop-in midsole with Zoom Air unit in the heel
- Translucent rubber outsole provides multidirectional traction
- Lightweight build with minimal seams for a second-skin feel
- Low-top silhouette encourages maximum mobility and quick response
It’s built for elite players but light and stylish enough for everyday wear.
Performance on the Court
Designed for speed, agility, and control, the Kobe 11 Elite Low is a favorite among guards and wings who rely on quick cuts and reactive movement.
Performance Highlights:
- Low-profile cushioning provides excellent court feel
- Zoom Air heel unit helps absorb impact on hard landings
- Flyknit upper conforms to the foot, offering support without weight
- Lunarlon foam delivers responsive bounce
- Outsole grip performs best on clean indoor courts
The ‘Last Emperor’ was built for Mamba-level play, excelling in speed-focused game styles.
Fit and Comfort
True to the Kobe line, this sneaker fits like a glove—snug, secure, and ready to move.
Fit Tips:
- True to size for most wearers
- Narrow shape best suits those with regular or slim feet
- Flyknit upper adjusts naturally over time
- Drop-in midsole is removable—great for orthotic users or custom fits
- Lightweight design minimizes fatigue over long sessions
This is one of the most comfortable low-tops Nike has delivered for the court.
Styling Tips: Off-Court Cool
With its black-and-white gradient and clean lines, the Kobe 11 ‘Last Emperor’ is easy to style beyond the gym.
Outfit Pairings:
- All-black joggers and a white tee for contrast
- Slim-fit jeans with a Kobe tribute hoodie
- Athleisure wear in grayscale or neutral tones
- Highlight with a black bomber jacket or white varsity jacket
The sneaker’s simplicity means it pairs well with almost anything—and looks especially sharp in modern streetwear fits.
Who Should Buy the Kobe 11 ‘Last Emperor’?
This model is ideal for:
- Basketball players needing lightweight performance and freedom of motion
- Fans of Kobe Bryant’s legacy and farewell season
- Sneaker collectors chasing symbolic and limited-run releases
- Style-forward individuals who prefer minimalist designs with meaning
- Athletes who want a tech-loaded low-top for indoor games
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and breathable Flyknit upper | Traction wears quickly on dusty outdoor courts |
| Low-cut design allows quick lateral movement | Narrow fit may not suit wide feet |
| Clean, elegant design with deep storytelling | Limited availability due to 2016 release |
| Excellent court feel with responsive cushioning | Not ideal for players who prefer max ankle support |
Compared to Other Kobe 11 Colorways
| Colorway | Theme | Compared to ‘Last Emperor’ |
|---|---|---|
| Kobe 11 ‘Achilles Heel’ | Bold and symbolic | ‘Last Emperor’ is more subtle and versatile |
| Kobe 11 ‘Bruce Lee’ | Tribute to legends | Both tell stories, but ‘Last Emperor’ is cleaner |
| Kobe 11 ‘Lower Merion’ | High school legacy | ‘Last Emperor’ focuses on Kobe’s mature farewell |
The ‘Last Emperor’ stands out as a balanced tribute between design, restraint, and legacy.
Where to Buy
Though released in early 2016, the Nike Kobe 11 Elite Low ‘Last Emperor’ (822675-105) is still available through trusted marketplaces:
- TheenStyle – A top choice for authentic performance sneakers
- StockX – Track resale prices and sneaker history
- GOAT – Offers verified listings in both new and used conditions
Due to its significance in the Kobe line, this colorway often sees strong collector demand.
Final Verdict
The Nike Kobe 11 Elite Low ‘Last Emperor’ is more than a high-performance basketball sneaker—it’s a tribute to the mindset, legacy, and grace with which Kobe exited the game. With its minimalist colorway, top-tier materials, and personalized symbolism, it’s a pair that speaks to both the athlete and the admirer.
Whether you’re on the court chasing greatness or off it honoring the legend, the ‘Last Emperor’ delivers with dignity, style, and Mamba precision.