Category: Kobe Bryant

Vanessa Bryant shows the new color of the Kobe IX Elite

Brandon King

Thursday afternoon on her Instagram account, Vanessa unveiled an as yet not previously seen colorway of the Kobe IX Elite.  Appearing as more of an EXT take on the silhouette, as it is outfitted with a luxurious maroon suede with a supple-looking leather of th same hue wrapping the heel as well as the ankle. Adorning the sides are reflective Swooshes, while a metallic gold Kobe logo is perched atop the leather tongue.  Underneath this upper resides a maroon midsole with an external heel cup that features a Kobe signature…

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The “Year of the Horse” Kobe VIII Protro coming in 2026

Brandon King

Debuting back in 2014 in commemoration of the then Chinese Year of the Horse, this Kobe VIII is set to return in 2026 in Protro form.  At this early juncture, there are no available images, but what we should be presented is a recreation of its 2014 progenitor. As was the case in 2014, they should sport a multi-red knit upper. A large golden Swoosh adorns the lateral side, with a smaller version of the branding occupying the medial ankle. Gold also shows up on the Kobe logo perched atop…

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PE Corner: An initial look at the “Oregon” Kobe IX Protro Low EM PE

Brandon King

PE Corner: An initial look at the “Oregon” Kobe IX Protro Low EM PE This Kobe IX Low Proto was given to members of the Oregon Basketball teams.  They sport a green engineered mesh upper adorned on the sides with yellow Swooshes. Yellow takes care of the inner, with the same color showing up on the Oregon logo and Kobe logo that occupies each respective tongue. Nine dashes are seen on the rear heels, rounding out upper. Underneath the aforementioned upper resides a speckled green midsole with white external heel…

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3-D Hollywood” Nike Kobe VI Protro coming in 2026

Brandon King

image via mambakixx According to reporting from zsneakerheadz and Sneaker Files, this “3-D Hollywood” Nike Kobe VI is making its return in Protron form in 2026.  They originally released February 2011 as a set of Kobe VI colorways in conjunction with the 2011 NBA All-Star game. At this juncture there are no available images, what we should see is a faithful recreation of its 2011 progenitor, dark scales are present on the upper with chlorine blue Swooshes on the lateral and daring red branding on the medial side.  The Kobe…

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PE Corner: That time Kobe wore these Kobe VIs

Brandon King

Many of the subjects of our PE Corner segment have been Kobes, this is the first time a pair is being highlighted a pair worn by the man himself, the late, great Kobe Bryant.  This Mamba exclusive iteration of the Zoom Kobe VI sports a purple-scaled up in which the purple neatly appears black. Speaking of black, that is the hue of the Swooshes that adorns the sides. Black can also be worn via the leather overlay that wraps the heel, the Kobe logo that is perched atop the purple…

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An initial look at the “University Blue” Nike Kobe VIII Protro

Brandon King

This upcoming Kobe VIII Protro features a university blue engineered mesh upper with large, robustly embroidered Swooshes on the lateral side. With smaller such branding present on the medial side. A Kobe logo is perched atop the tongue, while a much larger iteration of the logo appears on the rear heel.  Underneath the aforementioned upper resides a university blue midsole and white rubber outsole.  The “University Blue” Nike Kobe VIII is planned to debut later this year. More information on these to come as it avails itself.  Images via FKZSNKRS

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L.A. Dodgers-inspired Kobe slides coming this spring

Brandon King

Following in the vein of the “L.A. Dodgers” Kobe VI Protro, Nike is preparing to release similarly themed Kobe slides.  They sport an all-Dodger blue look with a snake-scaled overstrap that features a silver Kobe logo. A cushy branded midsole/footbed and blue rubber outsole round things out.  They are set to debut this spring.

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DeMar DeRozan takes “Brave Blue” Nike Kobe XI Low

Brandon King

. In a recent game, Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan laced up the “Brave Blue” colorway of the Kobe IX Low. They sport a knit upper that features swaths of blues, the sides adorned with 3M Swooshes. A brave blue Kobe logo is perched atop the tongue while a Kobe quote on the rear heel reads “I see beauty in the struggle.” The infernal midsole features Zoom Air, with a lightp grey rubber outsole that displays the aforementioned midsole completes the aesthetic.  There is no indication, yet, of a planned…

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PE Corner: Oregon hoops debuted “Think Pink” Kobe IX EM

Brandon King

The University of Oregon women’s basketball team played their Stomp Out Cancer game this weekend. In the game, a 54-47 win over Indiana, the Ducks broke out the “Think Pink” Kobe IX Low.  They sport a pink engineered mesh upper adorned on the sides with white Swooshes. White also appears on the Kobe logos that are perched atop each tongue.  Underneath the aforementioned upper resides a light pink midsole with an external heel counter that features a Kobe logo as well as a translucent rubber out.  As much as we,…

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Making A Difference: Vanessa Bryant and Mamba Foundation gives Kobes to LA fire victims 

Brandon King

The wildfires that have raged in Los Angeles have displaced so many and caused damages that could soar into the billions of dollars. Vanessa Bryant and the Mamba Foundation are pitching in to help those who were victims of the wildfires by providing them with free Kobes.  Over 8,000 pieces of footwear and apparel were given out to those in need at L.A. Dodgers hosted LA Strong Essential Distribution, which was held at Dodger Stadium on Friday.  Much respect is due to both Vanessa Bryant and the Mamba Foundation for…

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