Nike Mamba Day
Throughout his two decades in the NBA, Kobe Bryant won five NBA championships, was an 18-time NBA All-Star, and 15-time member of the All-NBA team. He also won two gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics while leading the U.S. Men's National Team. His legend on and off the court is matched by few. Nearly two years after Bryant's tragic death, teams, players and fans around the world continue to find ways to remember one of the all-time greatest to ever play the game.
On what would have been his 44th birthday (Aug. 23), there will be several events and tributes to Bryant including the release of a new documentary. We've put together a list of some of our favorite Kobe sneakers from The Black Mamba's storied playing career.
Nike Zoom Kobe 4
Released in 2008, the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 revolutionized the basketball sneaker game by popularizing the low-top design. After a the first few iterations of his signature sneaker line, Bryant wanted to have more "range and flexibility within the ankle and be able to move and cut and not feel like that movement is restricted."
Nike Kobe 5 "Bruce Lee"
Technology-wise, the Kobe 5 didn't differ much from the 4 or 6, but it featured one of the most popular and sought-after colorways: the Kobe V "Bruce Lee" colorway. With its iconic, strong black and yellow features, the sneaker made it's debut in 2010 - the year Bryant won his final NBA Championship.
Nike Kobe 6 "Grinch"
While some players had sported low-top basketball shoes, it was Kobe that brought them back into the mainstream. After the success of the 4 and 5, the 6 saw the shoe and style receive mass adoption from players young and old. The Nike Kobe 6 also featured some of the most memorable colorways from Bryant's line like Kobe 6 "Grinch" colorway featured during the legendary Christmas Day matchup in 2011 between the Lakers and the Heat.
Nike Kobe 7 (System)
The Nike Kobe 7 is remembered not only for its looks, but for its game-changing sneaker tech. The shoe featured the "Kobe System" which allowed the wearer to customize his or her shoes with one of two insoles. While the concept never really took off, the aesthetic and forward-thinking design of the Nike Kobe 7 makes it one of the most memorable Mamba sneakers of all time.
Shop Kobe Bryant Apparel
&img404=404&v=0 "Mitchell & Ness Men's Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant '96-'97 Hardwood Classics Authentic Jersey")
&img404=404&v=0 "Mitchell & Ness Men's Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant '96-'97 Hardwood Classics Authentic Purple Jersey")
&img404=404&v=0 "Mitchell & Ness Men's Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant '08-'09 Hardwood Classics Authentic Gold Jersey")
&img404=404&v=0 "Mitchell & Ness Men's K. Bryant Los Angeles Lakers 08'-09' Authentic Hardwood Classics Jersey")
