Patrick Johnson 
“South Beach” colorways hit critical mass a few years back to the point where Sketchers and Payless were proudly flaunting the pink and teal Miami Vice-inspired look made famous by the Nike LeBron 8. Nike Basketball had retired the look once and for all after LeBron announced his decision to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2014. That might explain why we’re so surprised to see this Nike Kobe Venomenon 5 interrupt the hiatus and bring the South Beach flavor back for Summer ’16.
We thought that Kobe’s retirement would lead to more international travel, but there’s a good chance that the Black Mamba will hit up Miami now that his playing days are over. The Kobe Venomenon 5 is by no means the premium performer that Kobe’s signature line given the signature’s implementation of Flyknit uppers, natural motion and Zoom cushioning system throughout. That doesn’t mean that the Venomenon can’t hold you down for a summer of blacktop hooping though as the $120 price point makes it the perfect entry level Kobe offering. This Venomenon South Beach dons a simple black mesh and fuse upper while an aggressive Swoosh branding fades in a teal to pink gradient. That head-turning Kyrie 1-like heel construction gets a transparent icy treatment while the shank adds a matching gradient.
Overall, it’s a unique and timely take on the South Beach lineage that couldn’t be more appropriate for the hottest months of the year. What do you think of the latest Kobe release? Check out more photos below and stay tuned for a release date right here on Sneaker News.
Nike Kobe Venomenon 5 “South Beach”
Style Code: 8157570-063
Price: $120
