The Rise of Nike Kobe Sneakers
In 2002, Kobe became a free agent and agreed not to sign with any brand until 2003. During this time, he had the freedom to wear any shoes he wanted on the court.
Inspired by the original Air Jordan 3 “White Cement”, Kobe Bryant swapped the black and red detailing of the classic design to create and play in his own Player Exclusive pair, featuring the Lakers signature purple and gold colours. These Kobe PE Jordan 3s released alongside the LA Lakers-themed Air Jordan 8 and an exclusive Air Jordan 7, both receiving custom colourways to match with Bryant’s uniform.
Kobe Signing with Nike
Nike Kobe 1
The Kobe 1 was released in 2006 and designed by Ken Link. Looking back, this basketball shoe marked the beginning of a much larger moment in sneaker history. It was on the feet of Kobe Bryant during his 81 point game against the Toronto Raptors, becoming the second most points scored by an individual in an NBA game.
The first pair of Nike Kobe 1s featured black and maize colourway, equipped with Zoom Air cushioning technology. As the model gained popularity, it was released in numerous colours and even saw collaborations with Los Angeles based brand Undefeated.
Nike Kobe 4
The Nike Kobe 4 debuted in 2008 as the first low-top basketball sneaker in the Kobe Bryant signature line. Low-top hoop shoes are now a common sight on the court, but it wasn’t until the release of the Kobe 4 that they truly became mainstream. Featuring a Fly-Wire upper and a Zoom Air cushioned midsole construction, this innovative shoe helped Kobe secure his fourth championship against the Orlando Magic in 2009.
The release of the Kobe 4 “Girl Dad” honours the relationship between Kobe Bryant and his daughters, Gigi and Natalia. Featuring “Girl Dad” embroidered on the inside of the tongue and the insole, alongside the famous sword sheath.
Nike Kobe 5
As low-top basketball sneakers gained interest, the Nike Kobe 5 was introduced with an even more streamlined and lightweight design. Featuring a synthetic upper, these Nike Kobe sneakers became the first model to showcase the iconic “Bruce Lee” colour-blocking. Today, the Protro 5s has been released in a range of fresh new design, with the Nike Kobe 5 “X-Ray” standing out as a fan favourite due to its glow in the dark design.
Nike Kobe 6
Believe it or not, the Nike Kobe 6 is the most worn basketball shoe in the entire world. Whether you’ve been a fan of the model since its 2010 release, just appreciate its comfort or simply follow trends, the Nike Kobe 6 stands out on the court, especially the fan-favourite Kobe 6 “Grinch.” With snake scale detailing embossed on a synthetic upper as a tribute to The Black Mamba, the iconic sneakers were designed with input from Kobe Bryant himself. Today, fresh new colourways like the Kobe 6 "Italian Camo" and the Kobe 6 "Reverse Grinch" continue to sell out within seconds after they drop.
Nike Kobe 8
In 2012, Kobe Bryant let the world know about the new Nike Kobe 8 in an interview with American radio host Mando Fresko. Kobe announced that the Kobe 8 would be lighter, more comfortable, and have upgraded technology to last years release, the Kobe 7.
Mr. Bryant was known for having a caring soul, and on December 8th, 2012, he gave fans an opportunity to get their hands on a pair of Nike Kobe 8s before the official release date on the 21st of December 2012, and to meet with the LA Lakers star on Venice Beach Basketball Courts.
It would be the “Sulfur Electric” colourway to debut the Kobe 8. As the demand for the low-top basketball shoes was rising, Nike released new colours such as the Kobe 8 “Venice Beach” in memory of the special day.
Finally, the Kobe 8 made its return after 8 years in 2024 with the release of the Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacita”. This meaningful release pays homage to the nickname given to Gianna Bryant, for her amazing basketball skills and mentality inherited from her father.
If you want to buy Kobe shoes In Australia for the retail price, it is important to know that you’re competing with many other sneakerheads to purchase a pair. Due to the overwhelming demand, Nike Kobes such as the Nike Kobe 8 “Radiant Emerald” and Nike Kobe 8 “Court Purple” sold out almost instantly. Obtaining the Nike Kobe 8 "Halo" wasn’t any different, with stock selling out so fast that you couldn’t even add them to your shopping cart.
The Nike Kobe 8 “Team Bank” Pack dropped with five different colours. If you’re a Lakers fan, the Nike Kobe 8 “Lakers Home” and Nike Kobe 8 “Lakers Away” would be a no-brainer for the collection. Designed to match team uniforms, the pack also includes the Kobe 8 in “University Red”, “College Navy” and “Wolf Grey”.
After Kobe Bryant’s passing, many NBA players started buying multiple pairs of Nike Kobes, worried that the partnership between the brand and the basketball legend might come to an end. But why? In the NBA, players rotate their sneakers frequently and often switch pairs every game.
Following the loss of Kobe, the price of Mamba's signature shoes skyrocketed and it was clear that they would only continue to rise.
