Matt Varga It feels like the regionality of sneakers has never been in sharper focus. Geographic exclusives both increase in volume and spread out into new territories (say hi to Europe’s Jordan 4 “Light Army” or Japan’s Jordan 12 “Sumo.”) As Kobe Brand has ramped up its own operation, they’ve gotten in on the fun, with the Jalen Brunson Kobe 5 all but locked away from those not in the Big Apple. We’re now learning that a recent retail grand opening had its own shimmering product to match: the Nike Kobe 3 Low “Crenshaw,” dropping alongside a Nike Book 2 of the same name.
For some background context, Nike and Foot Locker cut the ribbon on The Crenshaw Rec. on August 22nd, bringing a retail and experiential space to Slauson Ave, beginning the store’s story with a swap meet and basketball tournament. For those tapped into hoops shoes, the Nike Kobe 3 Low hardly needs any introduction at this point; its status as the spotlight product in the sub-brand’s roster is visible through a half dozen general releases, athlete exclusives, and event-specific special editions.
Both shoes featured here carry over the trademark blue and yellow you’ve seen on local legend Nipsey Hussle’s apparel for years. While “Marathon Blue” has become a patented color in and of itself, the two-tone used on these Nike Basketball products represents Crenshaw High School specifically. The Nike Kobe 3 Low carries an eye-catching ombre that splits the shoe into a sunny back half and an aquatic forefoot. Intriguingly, the Book 2 “The Shaw” aligns with a look the Spiridon has already worn, using its mesh build inspired by the running silhouette for a white foundation, blue anchoring, and a gold Swoosh.
The Nike Kobe 3 Low “The Shaw” and the Nike Book 2 “The Shaw” are expected to remain exclusive to the in-person launches that’ve already taken place. There are, of course, some pairs floating around on the secondary market, so if you’re planning on doubling back for these, get a sense for both via the galleries below.
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- Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “The Shaw” @framedbymasters
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- Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “The Shaw” @framedbymasters
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- Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “The Shaw” @framedbymasters
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- Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “The Shaw” @framedbymasters
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- Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “The Shaw” @framedbymasters
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- Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “The Shaw” @framedbymasters
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- Nike Book 2 “The Shaw” @framedbymasters
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- Nike Book 2 “The Shaw” @framedbymasters
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- Nike Book 2 “The Shaw” @framedbymasters
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- Nike Book 2 “The Shaw” @framedbymasters
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- Nike Book 2 “The Shaw” @framedbymasters
