Barkley, Penny, and Payton Inspired The Design Of The Nike Zoom Kobe Icon

John Kim February 22nd, 2016 (updated)

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While Michael Jordan may have shaped Kobe Bryant’s game, the credit goes to Charles Barkley, Penny Hardaway, and Gary Payton for shaping the design of this retro-inspired Nike Zoom Kobe Icon. This strange Kobe-centric shoe recently hit stores and immediately sneakerheads pointed out the Glove-like upper shroud and that Gary Payton’s signature shoe history must have played a role in the Kobe Icon. Nike reveals that Charles Barkley and Penny Hardaway were key figures in this play as well; the inner bootie design is a nod to Sir Charles’ past designs, while Penny’s role takes place on the Chevron pattern on the Jacquard upper (not featured here, but part of other Zoom Kobe Icon releases). In addition, one of Barkley’s memorable quotes on Kobe is featured on the heel of the shoes. The Red/Gold pair just hit stores like Sneakersnstuff, so grab another look below.