Andrew Rizzo Kobe Brand may be nearing its most consequential moment yet. Ahead of this year’s Nike Mamba Invitational, the brand has teased a new Kobe model that Bryant himself began developing but was tragically unable to see through to completion.
The reveal comes in unconventional fashion. Nike commissioned a piece from multidisciplinary artist @typcollection titled “Sole Obsession,” featuring the outsoles of every numbered Kobe model, including the post-retirement Kobe AD, alongside a thirteenth, never-before-seen design. Information shared by @brandon1an confirms that the model is part of a forthcoming revamp of the Kobe AD NXT line that will introduce multiple new silhouettes, with this shoe in particular slated for Summer 2027. It would mark the first entirely new posthumous Kobe performance model released following Bryant’s tragic passing in 2020.
Kobe started this project. We’re committed to carrying it forward to the finish. We’re working on launching the first unfinished project we started with Kobe.” – Nike Kobe VP/GM Dan Sunwoo
While still relatively young, Kobe Brand appears positioned to follow a path similar to Jordan Brand, gradually expanding Kobe’s signature franchise into a full-fledged division and, potentially, something much larger over time. Thus far, the brand has been built primarily around Protro releases, lifestyle projects like the Kobe Air Force 1, and the exploits of the league’s de facto “Kobe guy,” Jalen Brunson. Introducing an all-new performance model, particularly one Kobe had a hand in developing, represents a significant step forward.
No additional images of the new Nike Kobe AD NXT have surfaced as of this writing, but that could change in the near future. It’s possible, if not likely, that Mamba Invitational participants will wear the shoe when the event tips off this weekend. See detailed images of the outsole design below and stay tuned for updates. Again, the shoe is currently expected to debut in Summer 2027.
