Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bean Bryant was a professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born in Philadelphia on August 23rd, 1978, he played 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, and retired after his final game on April 13th, 2016. Bryant passed away on January 26th, 2020 as a result of a fatal helicopter accident. He was 41 years old.
Just as fans remain extremely dedicated to the late Laker legend, demand for his footwear is at all-time high. Nike’s “Protro” series (a portmanteau of Performance Retro) brought back plenty of iconic Black Mamba models in colorways new and old. Mamba Day in April brought a three-pack of massive releases- the Kobe 8 “Venice Beach,” Kobe 6 “Italian Camo” and Kobe 4 “Philly” all sold out instantly after dropping on the 12th. Later down the line, it would appear the Kobe 8 Protro is returning in GR-like “Team Bank” colorways this Fall, as images of simple, tonal pairs like the “Hollywood Nights” and “Wolf Grey” have emerged on a consistent basis over the past several months.
Bryant’s time with the Three Stripes continues to be a central piece of their basketball strategy as well. The Crazy 8 and Crazy 98, each worn by Bean in the early stages of his Lakers tenure, get new releases on a semi-regular basis. Additionally, models like the adidas Crazy IIINFINITY and Mad IIINFINITY represent how creatives at the German giant spin the design language of his signature adidas shoes into the future.
Looking ahead, select 2025 releases have already been tipped off for both brands. In Beaverton, the Nike Kobe 8 “What The” and Nike Kobe 6 “Sail” are the first confirmed pairs on what’s sure to be a packed slate next year. In Germany, the Crazy 2 will receive its second-ever retro, returning for the first time since the 2010s.
Below you’ll find our latest coverage of Bryant’s footwear from Nike and adidas, including new colorways, photos and release dates.
Kobe Bryant
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Grinch” Releases Tomorrow
Although the late Kobe Bryant‘s induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has been postponed until May 2021, the release of the Nike...
Here’s What’s New With The Nike Kobe 6 Protro
Although the late Kobe Bryant‘s signature sneaker line has delivered dozens of propositions adopted for the lifestyle space, performance-basketball is at its core. As has...
Nike Is Officially Bringing Back The Kobe 6 Protro “Grinch”
With the arrival of the Nike Kobe 6 Protro, we’re to see retros of longtime favorites. And while there’s quite a couple to look forward...
First Look At The Nike Kobe 6 Protro “All-Star”
All-Star 2021 has already proved itself to be eventful in the way of sneaker releases. Alongside the commemorative Dunk High and Air Jordan 1 Low,...
The Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee” Releases Tomorrow
Even after Mamba Week, Nike’s celebration of Kobe Bryant has not let up one bit. This week — following rumors of a Kobe 6 Protro...
Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee” And Alternate Officially Releasing On November 24th
As 2021 approaches, more rumors of the late Kobe Bryant‘s sixth signature NIKE, Inc. sneaker being reissued continue to emerge. Yet, the Swoosh is giving...
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Grinch” Is Releasing On Christmas Eve
Teased back in May, images of an early-version of the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Grinch” have hit the Internet ahead of the pair’s rumored early...
The Nike Kobe 6 “3D Lakers” To Return In 2021
With the advent of Mamba Week, Nike seemed far more open to the idea of releasing Kobe product — even more so for special events....
The Nike Kobe 6 “Orange County” From 2011 Is Slated For Protro Treatment In Fall 2021
News regarding any Kobe Bryant-related products virtually disappeared following the girl dad’s tragic passing on January 26th of this year. And while there’s still some...