Nike unveils superhero-inspired 'Elite' sneakers for LeBron, Kobe and Durant

Nike has unveiled superhero-inspired sneakers for Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. (Nike) ByBen Golliver Another week, another slick new series of

Nike has unveiled superhero-inspired sneakers for Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. (Nike)

ByBen Golliver

Another week, another slick new series of Nike sneaker designs for their trio of signature stars: LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.

Nike unveiled a superhero-inspired set of sneakers for the three All-Stars this week as they prepare for the 2013 posteason. As The Basketball Jones notes, these Elite Series 2.0 sneakers follow in the footsteps of 2012's Elite Series designs.

Recently, Nike unveiled Easter-themed sneakers for James, Bryant and Durant. Those pastel-heavy designs followed up previous special editions for Christmas Day and the 2013 All-Star Game.

These superhero looks are set for release on April 27. Let's take a closer look.

Nike's pitch plays on the superstar abilities of James, Bryant and Durant.

Superheroes possess the rare combination of unearthly abilities and impenetrable gear. Modern-day athletic superheroes LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant collectively showcase an uncanny skill-set, which is now complemented by footwear boasting Kevlar® aramid, carbon fiber and articulated foam.

Nike Basketball’s ELITE Series 2.0 fuses lightweight construction, enhanced fit and dynamic protection. Kevlar® aramid, an advanced material typically used in body armor, provides a locked-down, protective fit with its incredible high tensile strength-to-weight ratio. Carbon fiber offers lightweight resilient strength, while articulated foam provides impact protection and a comfortable fit.

Nike superhero-inspired sneakers for Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant (Nike).

Here's a look at each design one-by-one.

LeBron James

The reigning MVP will wear the LeBron X PS Elite when he suits up for the Miami Heat. The design is blue, black and orange with a little spackle.

Forged by time, heat and pressure, the diamond inspires LeBron James's tenth Nike signature shoe. His elite version drafts off the rare Carbonado diamond, a virtually indestructible stone said to derive from an ancient supernova, the most explosive force in the universe. The shoe’s bright citrus colorway and graphic collar lining capture James’s unstoppable power. The LEBRON X PS ELITE is designed to be stronger, offering the highest level of performance for James in the post season.

LeBron James will wear the LEBron X PS Elite. (Nike)

LeBron James will wear the LeBron X PS Elite. (Nike)

Kobe Bryant

The Lakers guard will wear the Kobe 8 system Elite in green, black and blue.

Kobe Bryant often showcases the adept speed and precision of his on-court alter ego, the Black Mamba. The KOBE 8 SYSTEM ELITE is inspired by the lethal green pit viper snake and the x-ray vision emitted by its heat-sensing eyes. Bryant stays three steps ahead of his opponent with his keen vision. The KOBE 8 SYSTEM ELITE highlights Bryant’s power of deceptive speed with a poison green colorway and x-ray vision graphic on the collar lining. The KOBE 8 SYSTEM ELITE is designed for precision footwork.

Kobe Bryant will wear the Kobe 8 System Elite. (Nike)

Kobe Bryant will wear the Kobe 8 System Elite. (Nike)

Kevin Durant

The NBA's current scoring leader will wear the KD V Elite in blue, neon yellow, black and green for the Thunder.

Capturing Kevin Durant’s thunderous power of ultimate control, the new low KD V ELITE debuts in a volt colorway, illuminated by the sharp glow of lightning bolts. The design speaks to Durant's versatility, shooting accuracy and finely-tuned court vision. The re-engineered low-top silhouette offers a full range of motion for Durant’s playoff push.

Kevin Durant will wear the KD V Elite. (Nike)

Kevin Durant will wear the KD V Elite. (Nike)

Hat tip: Sole Collector

RELATED: Round-up of 2012 Christmas Day sneakers | Round-up of 2013 All-Star Game sneakers