Mamba Month
The Kobe Bryant's legacy
This Mamba Month, we celebrate Kobe Bryant's legacy with an exclusive journey through the sneakers that defined his career. Each pair tells a story of victory, innovation and passion, reflecting Kobe's tireless spirit on and off the court. From their first collaborations to the latest models, we invite you to join us in this tribute to a legend, where each sneaker is a symbol of perseverance and greatness. Discover the legacy of Mamba.
Nike Zoom Kobe I
Nike Zoom Kobe II
Nike Zoom Kobe III
Nike Zoom Kobe IV
Nike Zoom Kobe V
Nike Zoom Kobe VI
Nike Zoom Kobe VII
Nike Zoom Kobe VIII
Nike Zoom Kobe IX
Nike Zoom Kobe X
Nike Zoom Kobe XI
Nike Zoom Kobe I
2005-2006
Nike launches the player's first signature Kobe I for the 2005-06 season. It will be the first occasion where Kobe receives Nike's support and starts to make an exclusive shoe with his name on it. After altercations with teammates, lawsuits, the alleged rape scandal and the near divorce with Vanessa Bryant, Kobe is back to being Kobe, and during this season he managed to score 81 points against the Raptors with his Kobe I's on his feet.
With a premium leather upper and Flywire technology for lightweight, adaptive support, the Nike Zoom Kobe I offered a custom fit and second-skin feel. The Zoom Air unit in the heel provided responsive cushioning and quick response, while the rubber outsole offered exceptional grip on the court.
Nike Zoom Kobe I
2005-2006
Nike launches the player's first signature Kobe I for the 2005-06 season. It will be the first occasion where Kobe receives Nike's support and starts to make an exclusive shoe with his name on it. After altercations with teammates, lawsuits, the alleged rape scandal and the near divorce with Vanessa Bryant, Kobe is back to being Kobe, and during this season he managed to score 81 points against the Raptors with his Kobe I's on his feet.
With a premium leather upper and Flywire technology for lightweight, adaptive support, the Nike Zoom Kobe I offered a custom fit and second-skin feel. The Zoom Air unit in the heel provided responsive cushioning and quick response, while the rubber outsole offered exceptional grip on the court.
Nike Zoom Kobe II
2006-2007
Nike takes the idea of professional runners to basketball and adapts it to the mamba mentality. The idea of any runner, even at the most amateur level, is to have several pairs of shoes, one more comfortable and harder so that it lasts longer and can be used harder and another lighter pair for series and competition. Nike took the same idea to basketball with the Kobe II, having three versions, Sheath, Strength (reinforced, with velcro) and Lite (the lightest, taken to the minimum expression). The idea had some loopholes and did not convince Kobe.
The designer Ken Link used some concepts that seemed strange in 2007 and that today are commonplace, such as the elimination of glues in favour of seams (taken from the Considered line) or the search for flexibility over cushioning, as we can see in the Free. In a certain sense it was the first stone of what we later saw in the Kobe, closeness, lightness and flexibility, although with a design that was not yet revolutionary.
Nike Zoom Kobe II
2006-2007
Nike takes the idea of professional runners to basketball and adapts it to the mamba mentality. The idea of any runner, even at the most amateur level, is to have several pairs of shoes, one more comfortable and harder so that it lasts longer and can be used harder and another lighter pair for series and competition. Nike took the same idea to basketball with the Kobe II, having three versions, Sheath, Strength (reinforced, with velcro) and Lite (the lightest, taken to the minimum expression). The idea had some loopholes and did not convince Kobe.
The designer Ken Link used some concepts that seemed strange in 2007 and that today are commonplace, such as the elimination of glues in favour of seams (taken from the Considered line) or the search for flexibility over cushioning, as we can see in the Free. In a certain sense it was the first stone of what we later saw in the Kobe, closeness, lightness and flexibility, although with a design that was not yet revolutionary.
Nike Zoom Kobe III
2007-2008
The previous Kobe models did not show any striking changes or aesthetic advancements. This is affected by the appearance on the scene of Eric Avar, a designer involved in some real follies such as the Ndestrukt, Hyperflight, Zoom Flight V or the original Huarache. All of them had in common that they were a revolution at the time. And so was the Nike Zoom Kobe III.
Eric Avar created a rigid plastic structure that provided stability and lightness, mounted on a very open mesh. The pattern created on that mesh was a diamond that we would see repeated on the outsole, in true waffle style, although many were reminded of a basketball hoop net. The rest of the specifications include carbon fibre and zoom.
Although a far cry from the aesthetics we are used to, in terms of performance it is an outstanding shoe. However, this mix of aesthetic aspects was not well received by the community and was not at all a sales success. Not even the version that promised to be a street version, made of leather instead of the plastic structure.
Nike Zoom Kobe III
2007-2008
The previous Kobe models did not show any striking changes or aesthetic advancements. This is affected by the appearance on the scene of Eric Avar, a designer involved in some real follies such as the Ndestrukt, Hyperflight, Zoom Flight V or the original Huarache. All of them had in common that they were a revolution at the time. And so was the Nike Zoom Kobe III.
Eric Avar created a rigid plastic structure that provided stability and lightness, mounted on a very open mesh. The pattern created on that mesh was a diamond that we would see repeated on the outsole, in true waffle style, although many were reminded of a basketball hoop net. The rest of the specifications include carbon fibre and zoom.
Although a far cry from the aesthetics we are used to, in terms of performance it is an outstanding shoe. However, this mix of aesthetic aspects was not well received by the community and was not at all a sales success. Not even the version that promised to be a street version, made of leather instead of the plastic structure.
Nike Zoom Kobe IV
2008-2009
In the 2008-2009 season, the Avar-Kobe duo took it up a notch and brought out the lowest and lightest basketball shoe model ever seen, which was a real revolution in a world of ankles held in place by tall shoes. It wasn't such a bad invention when Kobe won his fourth NBA championship ring and his first Finals MVP with them.
The materials are a combination of flywire and leather, the cushioning is zoom and the grip is top notch.
Nike, without a doubt, changed the basketball shoe market with the Kobe IV, because nowadays most of the shoes are mid-low top. That's why this model in any colourway is a treasure for basketball players and sneaker freaks.
Nike Zoom Kobe IV
2008-2009
In the 2008-2009 season, the Avar-Kobe duo took it up a notch and brought out the lowest and lightest basketball shoe model ever seen, which was a real revolution in a world of ankles held in place by tall shoes. It wasn't such a bad invention when Kobe won his fourth NBA championship ring and his first Finals MVP with them.
The materials are a combination of flywire and leather, the cushioning is zoom and the grip is top notch.
Nike, without a doubt, changed the basketball shoe market with the Kobe IV, because nowadays most of the shoes are mid-low top. That's why this model in any colourway is a treasure for basketball players and sneaker freaks.
Nike Zoom Kobe V
2009-2010
With the Kobe 5 we start to enter the “hall of fame“ of Kobe performance shoes. This is one of the best performance models of the entire line.
The shoe is inspired by a football boot. Kobe claimed that football players were making cuts and releases just as powerful as a basketball player, and they were doing it with much lighter and minimalist shoes, so why not make a “minimalist“ basketball boot.
The first edition was already a spectacle for the player with zoom in the toe and heel, excellent grip and a super light, but secure construction. The 'protro' versions further improved the grip by changing the outsole pattern a bit. They also improved the toe zoom unit and removed the heel zoom unit.
Also, it's one of the shoes they advertised during the EPIC Most Valuable Puppets ad campaign.
Nike Zoom Kobe V
2009-2010
With the Kobe 5 we start to enter the “hall of fame“ of Kobe performance shoes. This is one of the best performance models of the entire line.
The shoe is inspired by a football boot. Kobe claimed that football players were making cuts and releases just as powerful as a basketball player, and they were doing it with much lighter and minimalist shoes, so why not make a “minimalist“ basketball boot.
The first edition was already a spectacle for the player with zoom in the toe and heel, excellent grip and a super light, but secure construction. The 'protro' versions further improved the grip by changing the outsole pattern a bit. They also improved the toe zoom unit and removed the heel zoom unit.
Also, it's one of the shoes they advertised during the EPIC Most Valuable Puppets ad campaign.
Nike Zoom Kobe VI
2010-2011
For the 10-11 season Kobe challenged Nike by wanting a shoe that would give off Mamba (his alter ego), to which the brand, with Eric Avar at the helm, responded by creating probably one of the best basketball shoes in terms of aesthetics and performance in history.
On the upper of the shoe we find polyurethane “scales“ emulating the skin of a snake, and their size changes throughout the shoe. A low top shoe with premium support, ultra-lightweight, great cushioning with zoom in the heel and toe and stellar grip.
The most iconic colourway is the one he wore on christmas day, called 'Grinch'. This colourway today is probably one of the most worn colourways among all players.
Nike Zoom Kobe VI
2010-2011
For the 10-11 season Kobe challenged Nike by wanting a shoe that would give off Mamba (his alter ego), to which the brand, with Eric Avar at the helm, responded by creating probably one of the best basketball shoes in terms of aesthetics and performance in history.
On the upper of the shoe we find polyurethane “scales“ emulating the skin of a snake, and their size changes throughout the shoe. A low top shoe with premium support, ultra-lightweight, great cushioning with zoom in the heel and toe and stellar grip.
The most iconic colourway is the one he wore on christmas day, called 'Grinch'. This colourway today is probably one of the most worn colourways among all players.
Nike Zoom Kobe VII
2011-2012
Nike wanted to give the community a point of customisation, and so it did with the Nike Zoom Kobe VII with the supreme system. This system allowed players to customise the shoe by changing the ankle support and medial cushioning depending on their style of play, whether it was speed or power based. The leopard, great white shark and black mamba are represented throughout the shoe.
This pair was not as successful as the previous two, but it was a very good option for players who were afraid to switch to lower-cut shoes, because with the ankle strap you could put on, many were encouraged to give this type of shoe a try.
Nike Zoom Kobe VII
2011-2012
Nike wanted to give the community a point of customisation, and so it did with the Nike Zoom Kobe VII with the supreme system. This system allowed players to customise the shoe by changing the ankle support and medial cushioning depending on their style of play, whether it was speed or power based. The leopard, great white shark and black mamba are represented throughout the shoe.
This pair was not as successful as the previous two, but it was a very good option for players who were afraid to switch to lower-cut shoes, because with the ankle strap you could put on, many were encouraged to give this type of shoe a try.
Nike Zoom Kobe VIII
2012-2013
The Avar-Kobe Dynamic Duo maintains a continuity in terms of simplicity and lightness in this model, surprising this time with the use of mesh in the upper part of the shoe, something more typical of running. Marked by the partial rupture of the Achilles suffered by Kobe. This fact opened a debate on whether it was the fault of playing with such a low top shoe, which proved not to be the case.
Minimalist and with one of the best traction ever seen. In an effort to reduce weight, all the cushioning was placed in the insole, an innovative approach that worked well, but at the same time not so well, because many players and nowadays most of them use their own insoles, so they couldn't use this model by including the cushioning in the insole. In addition, there were two types of insoles: the standard ones, made of 100% lunarlon, and the ones that came with the customised/ID models that were ordered from Nike's website, which also came with zoom in the toe and heel.
Nike Zoom Kobe VIII
2012-2013
The Avar-Kobe Dynamic Duo maintains a continuity in terms of simplicity and lightness in this model, surprising this time with the use of mesh in the upper part of the shoe, something more typical of running. Marked by the partial rupture of the Achilles suffered by Kobe. This fact opened a debate on whether it was the fault of playing with such a low top shoe, which proved not to be the case.
Minimalist and with one of the best traction ever seen. In an effort to reduce weight, all the cushioning was placed in the insole, an innovative approach that worked well, but at the same time not so well, because many players and nowadays most of them use their own insoles, so they couldn't use this model by including the cushioning in the insole. In addition, there were two types of insoles: the standard ones, made of 100% lunarlon, and the ones that came with the customised/ID models that were ordered from Nike's website, which also came with zoom in the toe and heel.
Nike Zoom Kobe IX
2013-2014
The shoes Kobe never wore in the NBA. Kobe's injury that made him miss the whole season. We have only been able to see Kobe with the shoes on in the product presentation photos. A high top trainer, with a kind of protective bootie, reminiscent of boxers' shoes, and a design that leaves no one indifferent. Luckily for the nostalgic, the shoe has also been sold in a low top version.
As it could not be otherwise, the Kobe 9 brings all the innovations that Nike has been introducing in its models, but above all the use of Flyknit stands out, being the great base of the shoe. We also have the classic Flywire and this time the cushioning comes from Lunarlon. Also to highlight the outsole, totally flat, without many stridencies and simulating Bryant's footprint.
Nike Zoom Kobe IX
2013-2014
The shoes Kobe never wore in the NBA. Kobe's injury that made him miss the whole season. We have only been able to see Kobe with the shoes on in the product presentation photos. A high top trainer, with a kind of protective bootie, reminiscent of boxers' shoes, and a design that leaves no one indifferent. Luckily for the nostalgic, the shoe has also been sold in a low top version.
As it could not be otherwise, the Kobe 9 brings all the innovations that Nike has been introducing in its models, but above all the use of Flyknit stands out, being the great base of the shoe. We also have the classic Flywire and this time the cushioning comes from Lunarlon. Also to highlight the outsole, totally flat, without many stridencies and simulating Bryant's footprint.
Nike Zoom Kobe IX
2013-2014
The shoes Kobe never wore in the NBA. Kobe's injury that made him miss the whole season. We have only been able to see Kobe with the shoes on in the product presentation photos. A high top trainer, with a kind of protective bootie, reminiscent of boxers' shoes, and a design that leaves no one indifferent. Luckily for the nostalgic, the shoe has also been sold in a low top version.
As it could not be otherwise, the Kobe 9 brings all the innovations that Nike has been introducing in its models, but above all the use of Flyknit stands out, being the great base of the shoe. We also have the classic Flywire and this time the cushioning comes from Lunarlon. Also to highlight the outsole, totally flat, without many stridencies and simulating Bryant's footprint.
Nike Zoom Kobe X
2014-2015
For the second season in a row, Kobe decided to opt for the ultra high top trainer again, but for the low top lovers, he also came out with a 'Low' version. The main version had a basic design with no fuss, while versions with a full upper made with Flyknit technology made it more flexible and comfortable than the previous model. These Flyknit models came out as limited editions (Elite) and are still used by many players seasons later, making the Kobe X one of the most popular Kobe models in the NBA.
Nike Zoom Kobe X
2014-2015
For the second season in a row, Kobe decided to opt for the ultra high top trainer again, but for the low top lovers, he also came out with a 'Low' version. The main version had a basic design with no fuss, while versions with a full upper made with Flyknit technology made it more flexible and comfortable than the previous model. These Flyknit models came out as limited editions (Elite) and are still used by many players seasons later, making the Kobe X one of the most popular Kobe models in the NBA.
Nike Zoom Kobe X
2014-2015
For the second season in a row, Kobe decided to opt for the ultra high top trainer again, but for the low top lovers, he also came out with a 'Low' version. The main version had a basic design with no fuss, while versions with a full upper made with Flyknit technology made it more flexible and comfortable than the previous model. These Flyknit models came out as limited editions (Elite) and are still used by many players seasons later, making the Kobe X one of the most popular Kobe models in the NBA.
Nike Zoom Kobe XI
2015-2016
This was the last model that the 'Mamba' wore on court. These Kobe's are outstanding in terms of grip, but in terms of materials this depends on the colourway. And the fact is that these, just like the 9, have the peculiarity that depending on the colourway you buy, the materials used change radically, to the point that it's almost another shoe.
Some have synthetics in the upper and others have textile. Some have solid rubber in the sole and others translucent. And the difference in performance is noticeable (mainly in the translucent rubber soles which are considerably more slippery).
The Kobe XI went down in history for being the last model of shoes with which Kobe played his last game against Utah at Staples, scoring 60 points, MAMBA OUT.
Nike Zoom Kobe XI
2015-2016
This was the last model that the 'Mamba' wore on court. These Kobe's are outstanding in terms of grip, but in terms of materials this depends on the colourway. And the fact is that these, just like the 9, have the peculiarity that depending on the colourway you buy, the materials used change radically, to the point that it's almost another shoe.
Some have synthetics in the upper and others have textile. Some have solid rubber in the sole and others translucent. And the difference in performance is noticeable (mainly in the translucent rubber soles which are considerably more slippery).
The Kobe XI went down in history for being the last model of shoes with which Kobe played his last game against Utah at Staples, scoring 60 points, MAMBA OUT.