Andrew Rizzo The Nike Kobe 6 “Grinch” makes a strong argument for being maybe the best and most well-known basketball shoe of the 21st century. It’s the most popular colorway of the most popular shoe in one of the most popular signature lines in basketball history, especially in today’s game.
Given the important place the “Grinch” 6s have held in sneaker culture since their inception, it might surprise you to learn that Kobe only wore the shoe once during his playing career, on Christmas Day in 2010 during a matchup between his Lakers and the newly formed “Big Three” in Miami. Kobe’s performance was one to forget, but his shoes made the occasion iconic for an entirely different reason. The sneaker would return in 2020 with sky-high demand and authored another chapter with a red “Reverse Grinch” colorway in 2023. All are high sought-after.
Fifteen years later, Kobe’s lone game-worn “Grinch” 6s are going up on Pharrell’s JOOPITER platform, soon to be owned by one Kobe die-hard with deep pockets. Both the left and right shoes are signed by Kobe. The shoes will also be available to view at Canon Collectibles in Beverly Hills from December 15th to 19th, by appointment through the holidays.
