SELECT Collection: S. Sami

Last week, we were treated to a detailed look at the red Air Yeezy 2 thanks to S. Sami, but that’s only a small sampling of the sneaker treasures he’s holding onto. In addition to being incredibly well-connected, this dedicated Brooklyn-based sneaker enthusiast also lays claim to one of the most impressive Nike Kobe collections in the world. As a lifelong Kobe Bryant fan, Sami has spent years accumulating not only a sprawling collection of Kobe shoes and memorabilia, but also some precious memories and unforgettable experiences as well, like meeting the Black Mamba himself on several occasions for instance.

As a diehard Lakers fan, Sami has been to every game they’ve played in New York, New Jersey, and Brooklyn since 2001 and regularly travels to both home and away games as well as playoff appearances. He has been an honorary Lakers team captain three

times and will go back for his fourth go-around at this year’s Christmas game versus the Heat. Last but not least, he raised the stakes even further last year, winning a charity auction that grants him the chance to play Kobe in a game of Horse after the season – an event that’s sure to be the pinnacle moment of them all.

It will be no easy decision picking out what shoes to wear that day, because Sami’s collection covers the gamut from Kobe’s early Nike days in the Huarache 2K4 all the way up to present day with just about every special release and limited edition variation you can name found in between, including some juicy stuff that hasn’t even released yet like the “What the Kobe” 8! Continue on for an extensive look at Sami’s vast array of Nike Kobe kicks, not to mention an impressive assortment special edition boxes, t-shirts, apparel, and more.

S. SAMI

Age:  26
From:  Brooklyn, NY

Twitter:  @s_universal
Instagram:  @s_universal
Website:  SamiSystem.com

Sneaker News:  Approximately how many pairs of sneakers do you own and what percentage of them are Kobes?

S. Sami:  I have approximately 160 pairs in my collection and 65% are from the Kobe line.

SN:  How long have you been seriously collecting sneakers?

S. Sami:  I have been a serious collector for over 12 years. The pair that got me started were the Nike Air Worm ndestrukt

SN:  Why such an intense focus on Kobe? Is it more about being a fan of him as a player or an appreciation for his shoes, or is it an even split of both?

S. Sami:  Growing up and even till this day, Kobe has been my idol. I’ve been watching him play since I was a kid and he has accomplished so much. In all honesty, I support anything Kobe is affiliated with from his past endorsements with Adidas, Nutella, Sprite, Vitamin Water, and McDonalds. To his current ones; Nike, Lenovo, Smart Car, Hublot and particularly the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation.

SN:  Have you been collecting Kobes since his first Nike shoes or did you get started later on and work your way back?

S. Sami:  I actually had his first Adidas signature line and then when he signed with Nike, I began collecting the Huaraches until he got his own signature line.

SN:  Which is your favorite of all the Kobe models and why?

S. Sami:  My favorite model would have to be the Zoom Kobe 1s mainly because it was my favorite player finally having a line with my favorite brand. I still wear my Zoom Kobe 1s to this day!

SN:  With such a focus on one specific player/series, do you ever feel an obligation to go after colorways or even models that you’re not that crazy about just for the sake of trying to complete the collection?

S. Sami:  I am always trying to increase my Kobe collection. I go after PEs and colorways that sometimes I am not crazy about. For example the Kobe 3s are my least favorite of his line but I have a few just to help complete the collection.

SN:  You have a lot of the special edition packages as well as some autographed pairs. How have you managed to get your hands on such a impressive assortment of rare and special items?

S. Sami:  I was fortunate enough to develop great relationships with many individuals both here within the Country and abroad. All of whom have aided me in finding and purchasing some of the more limited and sought after signatures from Kobe’s catalog. My special packages are mostly from the Nike Vault store by the Staples Center.

I’ve also built strong relationships with individuals that are close to the Lakers staff. They have helped me acquire some of those rare game worn gems no one would have access to otherwise.

SN:  What was the first super rare pair you ever acquired and how did you get them?

S. Sami:  The game worn Jordan PE 7s that he wore vs the Denver Nuggets. The ball boy from the nuggets asked Kobe for the sneakers after the game and Kobe gave him 1 side of the shoe and the other side of the shoe to another ballboy. I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

SN:  What’s the craziest thing you ever had to do to get a pair of Kobes you wanted?

S. Sami:  See below…but it would have to be paying someone on the west coast a good amount of money to participate in a scavenger hunt for sneakers on my behalf and hoping he wins with no guarantee (he did).

SN:  What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a pair and what was the shoe?

S. Sami:  Each of the Kobe bamboo box sets ran me 5k each and I have a few of them so it would be them. They were very limited and sold in a silent auction. They have his signature and special bamboo box with with the Zoom Kobe 1’s lasered to include where they were from (NYC, LA, Chicago, Texas).

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SN:  What’s the crown jewel of your collection – the one centerpiece that you hold above all the rest?

S. Sami:  It would have to be my Zoom Kobe 1’s that he wore when he scored 81 points against the Raptors. I had to pay someone to participate in the Scavenger Hunt that started at the Staples Center in LA and spread to four other locations. Since I was in NY at the time there was no way I could participate. I was so happy when he told me completed the hunt and got me my pair.

SN:  What’s your ultimate grail that’s missing from your collection – the one shoe at the top of your wish list if you could get your hands on it?

S. Sami:  The game worn Jordan PE 8s. I am still on a mission to get these and someday they will complete the 7 and 8 PE display.

SN:  What percentage of your collection is worn and how much is deadstock?

S. Sami:  Roughly I would say 50% of my collection is worn. The rest is mostly for display purposes as I try to increase the Kobe collection.

SN:  Aside from Kobes, what are some of your other personal favorites?

S. Sami:  Besides the Kobes my other favorites would be my Yeezys and Tiffany dunks.

SN:  What are a few shoes that are heavy in your current rotation?

S. Sami:  Heavy in my rotation are my Yeezys (solar and platinum) Bruce Lee Kobe 5s and my Christmas Kobe 8s.

SN:  What’s the most recent pair you’ve picked up?

S. Sami:  Recently I purchased the “What the Kobes” 8s and they are intense. I am still trying to find the perfect shirt to go with them. I am planning to wear them to the Christmas game in LA.

SN:  What are your initial thoughts on the Kobe 9?

S. Sami:  I actually had the opportunity to view and inspect the Kobe 9s and they are very impressive. They are going back to the high top and are very light.

SN:  After Kobe retires, do you think Nike should keep his signature line going like they did with Jordan or should it end with his playing career?

S. Sami:  I think they should continue the line. Heroes come and go, but legends are forever.