Game Changers: Kobe Bryant Basketball Shoes
An overview of the basketball superstar’s career and signature sneakers. Covering iconic styles from Nike and adidas.
Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Primed for sports greatness from his adolescent years, Bryant’s fixation with basketball began when he was just three years old. As a teenager, Bryant led Lower Merion High School Aces to its first championship in 30 years, shattering a number of state records in the process. This led to his number 33 jersey being retired in tribute at Lower Merion.
Gaining nationwide attention, Bryant skipped college to enter the NBA Draft almost immediately after high school. He was selected by the Charlotte Hornets, who traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in a prearranged deal.
Bryant signed an endorsement deal with adidas before entering the NBA. The partnership yielded a number of now-iconic silhouettes, including the KB8 and The Kobe. The NBA star later left adidas, lacing up models by Reebok and Air Jordan before teaming up with Nike for the remainder of his career.
Nicknaming himself “The Black Mamba,” Bryant transcended basketball to become a legend of the sport. Playing between shooting guard and small forward, his athleticism, strength and showmanship made him a fan favorite during his 20-year stint with the Lakers. During his two-decade career, Bryant won five NBA championships and played in 18 All-Star games, and was named a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, a 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, 2008’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and two-time Finals MVP. He also won two gold medals representing the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic teams.
Bryant died at the age of 41 in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020 in Calabasas, California alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others. He was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa and three daughters.
Kobe Bryant Signature Shoes
KB8 (Crazy 8)
Bryant began his NBA career in the adidas EQT Elevation. His first signature shoe, the KB8, arrived in 1997. Renamed the Crazy 8 in 2007 upon its reissue due to Bryant no longer being with the brand, the silhouette is punctuated by the type of bold lines that would become a hallmark of his tenure with the Three Stripes.
KB8 II (Crazy 2)
The KB8 II, renamed the Crazy 2 in 2014, furthered the design codes seen on its predecessor. Released in 1998, the sneaker is highlighted by a wave-shaped upper molding that lends it a distinct ’90s sensibility.
KB8 III (Crazy 3)
Featuring a more restrained aesthetic compared to adidas’ previous signature shoes for Bryant, the KB8 III is marked by a wavy pattern across the lateral panels. Underfoot, adiPrene cushioning is incorporated for an impact-absorbing bounce. The sneaker debuted in 1999.
The Kobe (Crazy 1)
One of the most controversial basketball silhouettes of all time, The Kobe, better known today as the Crazy 1, debuted in 2000 and marked a bold aesthetic departure from previous releases. Eirik Lund Nielsen led the design process, taking inspiration from the Audi TT roadster with input from the German automotive company.
The Kobe 2
While The Kobe was futuristic, the Kobe 2 pushed the aesthetic even further. Released in 2001, the design doubled down on the Audi influence with a blocky, space-age shape. The shoe proved polarizing, with many finding the avant-garde design language overwhelming. Bryant subtly voiced his opinion as well, wearing The Kobe in place of The Kobe 2 during the Lakers’ 2001-02 Finals run. It was at this juncture that his relationship with adidas began to deteriorate.
Zoom Kobe 1
Bryant’s first signature sneaker with Nike surfaced in 2005. After helping relaunch the Huarache basketball series, Bryant unveiled the Ken Link-designed Zoom Kobe 1. The silhouette was notably heavier than previous Bryant shoes, incorporating a molded TPU wrap that provided lockdown at the heel with a framework that enhances directional play.
Zoom Kobe 2
The Nike Zoom Kobe 2 arrived in 2006 with a streamlined aesthetic that would go on to define the series. The silhouette featured Nike Free and Nike Considered technology along with the addition of Zoom Air cushioning and an ankle strap.
Zoom Kobe 3
Nike had begun to experiment with aesthetics by the time the Zoom Kobe 3 debuted in 2007. Designed by Eric Avar, the shoe is characterized by a striking diamond pattern on the upper inspired by Kobe’s daughter, Natalia Diamante. The technology-driven shoe was built with a full-length Zoom Air unit in the midsole and carbon-fiber plate.
Zoom Kobe 4
Released in 2008, the Zoom Kobe 4 marked another aesthetic departure as Nike trimmed down the upper of previous silhouettes, instead opting for a low-profile look. Inspired by soccer designs, the shoe employs Flywire cables throughout, doubling up as an aesthetic feature while supporting the midfoot.
Zoom Kobe 5
The Zoom Kobe 5 arrived in 2009 even lighter and lower than the 4. A carbon-fiber plate is placed in the midfoot to offer improved balance and support, with stronger Flywire cables tying the look together.
Zoom Kobe 6
Released in 2010, Nike pushed the needle with the Eric Avar-designed Zoom Kobe 6, which included the addition of Black Mamba-inspired snake skin pellets. Described as “islands,” these polyurethane textures adorn the upper, contracting and expanding with movement to offer improved durability.
Zoom Kobe 7
The Zoom Kobe 7 was designed with a visual theme that reflected Bryant’s on-court ability. Released in 2011, the silhouette came with a modular midsole and ankle strap that allowed the wearer to customize the shoe how they saw fit. Notable versions included a red, white and blue color scheme that honored Bryant’s part in Team USA’s 2012 triumph at the Summer Olympics in London.
Kobe 8
Released in 2012, the Kobe 8 again pushed Nike’s in-house technologies to the limit, billed as the lowest and lightest silhouette in the series to date. Composed of 90% mesh with a no-sew construction, the shoe weighed in at just 9.6 ounces.
Kobe 9
After Bryant tore his Achilles tendon in the third to last game of the Lakers’ 2013 season, Eric Avar decided to move away from low-profile silhouettes, instead favoring a high-top that offered additional ankle support. Released later the same year, the shoe was the first to employ lightweight Flyknit yarn in a basketball sneaker, a design inclusion that proved readily customizable for different color stories.
Kobe 10
Released in 2014, the 10th signature shoe in Bryant’s Nike line featured hybrid cushioning, an advanced traction system and a seamless textile upper. Described at the time as the most advanced shoe in Bryant’s series, the Black Mamba wore the Kobe 10 when he announced his retirement from basketball.
Kobe 11
The Kobe 11 was Bryant’s final on-court shoe, worn as he went to deliver a memorable swansong that saw him hit 60 points against the Utah Jazz in the final game of his career. Released in 2015, the low-top design hits on the fundamentals that informed Bryant’s Nike line from the beginning, from lightweight and responsive technologies such as Flyknit to a striking aesthetic framework.
Kobe A.D.
The first Bryant shoe to arrive after retirement, the Kobe A.D. saw Nike move away from the numerical ordering system, instead favoring the term “A.D” for post-NBA releases. Designed by Ross Klein and released in 2016, the shoe continued the legacy of previous releases, opting for a low-profile cut with Lunarlon foam in the midsole and a streamlined rubber outsole.
Kobe A.D. NXT
Debuted in 2017, the sophomore A.D. release retained the same aerodynamic design language as the previous version, with the notable addition of a no-tie toggle lacing system.
Kobe A.D. Mid
The Nike Kobe A.D. Mid combines Lunarlon foam with Zoom Air technology for one of the most comfortable rides in Bryant’s signature series. Released in 2017 and worn by the likes of Devin Booker and Isaiah Thomas, the shoe incorporates an engineered tread pattern below to assist with cutting movements.
Kobe A.D. NXT 360
Debuted on court by DeMar DeRozan in 2018, the A.D. NXT 360 wraps the foot with a 360-degree Flyknit upper that improves traction and cutting. The cushioning system mixes React and Lunarlon technology, with a drop-in midsole offering a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
Features of Kobe Bryant Shoes
Renowned designers including Peter Moore, Eirik Lund Nielsen, Ken Link and Eric Avar have contributed to Bryant’s signature sneaker lines throughout the years. Typically, silhouettes have adhered to a low-profile setup that encourages cutting plays and a more dynamic game. However, specific injuries meant that Bryant sometimes favored a reinforced high-top that offered additional ankle support.
Nike typically outfitted Bryant’s signature shoes with its most advanced technologies, from Flywire cables to Flyknit textiles. Underfoot, advanced cushioning systems such as Lunarlon foam and Zoom Air are utilized to dampen impact, while engineered tread patterns reduce slippage. At adidas, Bryant’s footwear was notable for its adiPrene fusion system that offered additional support in the heel.
Bryant’s Nike shoes were often stamped with a geometric logo said to resemble a sword in a sheath. His autograph has also been included as an aesthetic element.
Popular Colorways of Kobe Bryant Shoes
adidas Crazy 1 ‘Stormtrooper’
Dubbed the ‘Stormtrooper’ because of its similarities to the iconic Star Wars foot soldier, the Kobe 1 (Crazy 1) colorway conveyed a sheened, otherworldly aesthetic partly inspired by the Audi TT Roadster.
Zoom Kobe 2 'Carpe Diem'
The Zoom Kobe 2 ‘Carpe Diem’ would go down as one of the most popular color stories in the sneaker franchise. Dressed in black, white, purple and gold as a tribute to the Lakers, the sharp design marked a new chapter for Bryant’s Nike releases, repeating on the Zoom Kobe 4 and Kobe 11.
Zoom Kobe 6 'Grinch'
‘Grinch’ is often held up as the best Christmas basketball sneaker ever released, with many crowning the colorway the greatest Bryant signature shoe of all time. Sporting faux-reptile textures across its scorching lime upper, the shoe debuted in 2010 as part of the Nike Basketball ‘Christmas Day’ collection. It received the retro treatment in 2020. The sneaker is rumored to return in a ‘Reverse Grinch’ colorway for the 2023 holiday season.
Zoom Kobe 5 ‘Chaos’
Released in 2010, the Zoom Kobe 5 ‘Chaos’ was inspired by Batman’s arch nemesis, the Joker. The upper blends white with dark grey and black paneling, supplemented by lime green hits that illuminate the Swoosh logo and outsole. The colorway repeated on subsequent models, including the Zoom Kobe 5 Protro, Zoom Kobe 6 Supreme and Kobe A.D.
Zoom Kobe 5 ‘Bruce Lee’
As the name suggests, the Zoom Kobe 5 ‘Bruce Lee’ was inspired by the martial arts superstar’s iconic yellow and black jumpsuit worn in Enter the Dragon. Bryant was known to idolize Lee, citing his Jeet Kune Do philosophy as a major influence behind his “Mamba Mentality.” The color story returned on later models, including the Zoom Kobe 5 Protro and Kobe 9 EM.
Kobe Bryant FAQ Shoes
Who designed the Kobe Bryant shoes?
Several notable sneaker designers have worked on Kobe Bryant’s shoes including Ken Link, Eirik Lund Nielsen and Eric Avar. Avar is the designer most synonymous with Bryant’s signature series.
What are Kobe Bryant shoes best for?
Kobe Bryant’s silhouettes generally prioritize function over form. The shoes are geared for performance use on basketball courts, but can also be worn casually.
When did Kobe Bryant shoes come out?
Who makes Kobe Bryant shoes?
What sizes do Kobe Bryant shoes come in?
Kobe Bryant signature shoes come in a full family run of sizes, including men’s, women’s, kid’s, GS (Grade School) and PS (Pre-School) sizes.
When do the new Kobe Bryant shoes come out?
Brands including Nike, adidas and Reebok release retro versions of shoes worn by Kobe Bryant periodically, they can be found on our dedicated Kobe sneakers page. Upcoming and recent Kobe releases include the:
Where to buy Kobe Bryant shoes?
You can buy Kobe Bryant’s signature shoes on GOAT including the:
How to tell if Kobe Bryant shoes are fake or authentic?
GOAT uses machine-learning technology, digital authentication, in-hand verification or a combination of these methods to determine if sneakers are fake or real. By doing so, we seek to ensure the Kobe Bryant signature basketball shoes you purchase are both authentic and as-described.
What shoes are releasing on Mamba Day 2025?
The following shoes are releasing on Mamba Day 2025:
What does Protro mean?
Protro means “Performance Retro,” a type of model developed by Nike and Kobe Bryant. Protro shoes take classic Kobe silhouettes and update them with modern sneaker performance technology while keeping the original aesthetic intact. This aligns with Kobe’s constant pursuit of improvement, allowing athletes to have the benefit of newer sneaker technology while maintaining the look of iconic shoes and colorways.