The Story Behind Kobe's ICONIC Nike Sneakers

Kobe Bryant's Sneaker line with Nike is still making waves across the NBA. The iconic Kobe 6 and Kobe 7 have become staples on the court. While a lot of players are paying tribute to Kobe, the technologies in the shoes are actually quite advanced. Nike and Kobe really out did themselves when they created this iconic line. Model after model, the Kobe Nike Line delivered something new. In this video, we breakdown all of the most important silhouettes and talk about some of the epic stories behind them. Enjoy! -Bryan
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[@wildfireal6]

I only have a couple of Kobes, one of which is the 81 Points pair. Those shoes are extremely important to me as they're not only the fabled shoes that Kobe wore in that game, but it's also one of my favorite memories I have with my Dad who has since passed away. We both watched that game and still talked about it before he died. They are intricately linked to my life and I will never let go of them.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

That’s a touching story my friend. Thanks for sharing!

[@Monke00123]

Dang man, you hold onto them things.

[@Trendinesss]

Million dollars shoes, my friend

[@giogiogiogi0]

The Protro program is one great example of "don't fix if it ain't broke". Simple retooling without messing the entire shoes. **cough** Jordans **cough** Your work is a masterpiece, man!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Haha agreed. Thank you Nigel!

[@juddarcano151]

I bought my Kobe 1 protro for $100. The added full length zoom is definitely comfy

[@IAmInfinitus208]

If anything, Jordan Brand really needs to adopt that "protro" method for the retros! Keep the design, but add current tech to make it even better for performance! Imagine 11, 12s, and 13s with Zoom Strobel!

[@moochiesuerte5749]

Man watching this video with kobe talking on the video clips i suddenly missed him..i also still have my kobe 1's the OG pairs and i will keep them for life..

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Wow man you better keep those for life! I would too. Yeah man making this video made me miss him even more too. A tragic end to an amazing life.

[@rogerphantom]

I’ve never owned a pair of Kobe’s. I would love to own a pair of Kobe 1’s, those are so fresh. However, I really love the Adidas and Reebok Kobes, even though the Reeboks were PEs. Can’t deny the importance of nike when talking about the history of Kobe. Rest in power, Mamba. 🐍 🏀

[@NachoAverageFinds]

I love the early adidas Kobe stuff. Crazy 8s are a chase for me

[@DylanLey]

Frankly, I don't think Nike deserves the Kobe/Mamba line after what happened near the end of their partnership. Vanessa Bryant had a very reasonable request to get Kobe sneakers into the hands of everyone who wanted a pair. I feel like Nike wanting to keep Kobes limited and "hyped" was a scummy move. I also really hate how Nike managed to let the black/white Kobe and Gianna Bryant tribute Kobe 6 get out into the wild, before Vanessa Bryant could even get her hands on them. A shoe meant to honor Kobe and Gianna went straight into the hands of resellers due to Nike's lack of care. Nike definitely had a lot of great designs and innovations with Kobe shoes, but after what happened in 2021, I think Vanessa and Mamba brand are better off elsewhere. Great history video as always guys!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Well said Dylan. I was pretty heartbroken about it too. They monetized on that a bit too soon In my humble opinion

[@stpbasss3773]

Nike is a piece of shit company. I find it weird that sneaker guys are obsessed with the brand.

[@omgitsme435]

Nike only cares about one thing and it's the almighty $. They don't care some kids want to be like Kobe and his legacy.

[@sls12III]

Man, both Nike and Adidas disrespects Kobe....

[@llhaken]

@@sls12III just curious, how does adidas currently disrespect his legacy?

[@allensmith9879]

The Kobe 2 & 3 are criminally underrated, they both look 🔥 in the right color ways not to mention Kobe won MVP in the 3’s.

[@babygoat_szn2548]

I had the MPLS Kobe 1 in elementary, one of my favorite shoes to wear when I was younger 💯 Bro you're taking me back! The puppets and everything! crazy how shoes used to penetrate pop culture and influence ‼️lil penny, puppets, even the nike commercials 😌 What a time, you had to be there! Kobes was the most revolutionary basketball shoes in terms of performance 💪🏾

[@bobbyshewan4229]

End of an amazing, iconic ass era. Rest In Peace to my favorite icon, and shoutout to y’all for giving him his due diligence fr💛💜💪🏿

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Man so sad when he passed but he left behind an amazing legacy.

[@bobbyshewan4229]

@@NachoAverageFinds you said it best man

[@sonsauvage]

Kobe had the best ballin shoes man. The 9 was legendary for me, I actually used that for racquetball and indoor soccer back in the day, they were just such a good shoe for sports

[@ianostdiek]

Thank you so much for doing this! Kobe was my favorite player and I wore Kobe’s in high school so nice to see something like this done. Thank you.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks for the words Ian!

[@jakesan2449]

Hey Nacho and Brian, thank you for making these 3-part video for Kobe! 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Glad you enjoyed it man!

[@acepanda7782]

Such a great videos as a tribute for our beloved Kobe Bryant. From part 1 until now. Thumbs up for you nacho. Keep it up 👍

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks so much Ace Panda 🐼

[@KevinWei24]

I remember the Nike Zoom Kobe 4. It was the first time his basketball shoe were low cut. I wanted them so badly and luckily at the outlet I could've bought them for $90 but they fit much too narrow. I was bummed. I hope they made wider ones lol

[@_The_Worst_]

The colors were incredible...🤘🏼💯✔️

[@raman6116]

I wore the Nike Kobe 6, B mamba skin green Christmas edition to squat 315 lbs first time in my life for 8 reps, No belt, No knee sleeves, no cheating, I remember that day.

[@BrianYoo2]

In the 08-09 preseason and early season, kobe also wore a version of hyperdunks mixed with Kobe 4 soles/midsole, which was like a fusion version. This then transitioned into debuting the Kobe 4s a couple of days before Christmas 2008 for the 08-09 season.

[@go4kata143]

I was waiting for this episode thank you guys

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thank you man! I hope we delivered. Kobe was incredbile.

[@go4kata143]

@@NachoAverageFinds sure you did keep uploading amazing videos like these

[@wendelllabandilo2155]

So glad I copped the Kobe 6 Del Sol Protro before the price went bonkers. Anyways, the wait was worth it. Couldn't ask for more. Keep up the good work! ☺️

[@lazarorodriguez5161]

Legendary GOAT Kobe Byrant THANK YOU 🙏

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Truly one of the greatest of all time in every way. Rest in peace!

[@jazcruz3380]

Dope video now I want a pair of Kobe's sneakers

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Haha same here Jaz!

[@lambodriver217]

I’ve been waiting for this!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Hope you enjoyed it Papi Chulo! 😂🤘

[@thelilbeat1]

RIP to the greatest player I got to watch... my dad used to talk about MJ, I'll keep talkimg about thr Mamba!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Jealous you got to see him live

[@juddarcano151]

I wish Nike will still retro Kobe’s line. The 8’s and 9’s are my favorite of the line. Definitely will cop once they re release. My pair of 8’s and 9’s gave up on me already 😔

[@Mad_Avenger01]

I copped the kobe 4 “undefeated” in the “Lakers” colorway for a resale of only $200 days before his passing! I also hold the kobe 4 “carpe diem,” kobe 11 “eulogy, “ & the OG kobe 5 “away!” All shoes that I cherish. God bless Kobe Bean Bryant!

[@jaywalker3553]

I still believe the Kobe one is the sickest looking Nike in the history of signature shoe of all time that boy dropped 81 in them joints 🙌🏾

[@davidli7286]

really enjoyed this bro

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks David! I"m so happy you enjoyed it

[@lwaxii2829]

Man shout out.. needed this episode . Can you talk more about the AJ 7's or the KD's

[@187LooneyTune]

I was young as hell when the commercial of Kobe jumping over the aston martin came out.. so I deff thought that was real lmao. Another great video homie.. I love them all 🔥💪

[@roshaungoolsby4554]

I was 20 years old at the time I thought it was too

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Same here haha

[@wilder7198]

Ka-Chow! What a dope tribute vid to Kobe 💯🙌🙌🙌🙌 You did an amazing job, Bryan 🔥🔥🔥🔥 and great script by Kris 👏👏👏💯 You guys rock 🤘😎🤘 NachoAverageFinds never disappoints when it comes to A1 sneaker history vids 💯💯💯💯💯 Can't wait for the next one 🤩🤩🤩

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thank you big Max! Always showing love to us man. It's very encouraging to hear you actually watch the videos and enjoy them.

[@XX-ep5xt]

Bro imagine if Kobe signed with And 1? Like that would’ve been insane for that company

[@NachoAverageFinds]

For real that would of took that brand into another stratosphere. They were hot back then

[@romarisrogers8005]

I was thinking allen iverson was more for And 1

[@JAHRONMON]

Can't believe he wore a clippers sweater for this.

[@ericwesche7707]

I’ve never seen a few of these iterations of the Kobe’s. I do hope things get worked out and this line can return.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Yeah for real. I missed out on the majority of these releases. Would be awesome to get some Kobe 4 retros

[@johnraymondchristophercube2391]

Even 3rd hand men 10.5 from philippines.. your channel is dope and to your brother GODBLESS

[@sk8c848]

@@NachoAverageFinds You may be able to get some content out of Kobe’s Takedown sneaker lines like the Mamba rage etc which are pretty 🔥

[@KevinWei24]

Kobe loved the Hyperdunk but...He ended up asking the designers to do all of his shoes low cut (except the achilles one).

[@Irish_man]

So happy the Kobe sneakers are now somrthing we see often

[@rhen4short]

10:12 as a fan of football/soccer, the Mambacurial is one of my holy grails in sneakers.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Those are fire! I could see why you would call those your grails

[@absoluterainbow]

Well, Nike returns to the partnership later this year (2023, as of the time of this writing)! What a time to be alive!

[@IAmInfinitus208]

I can't wait for more protro releases! As much as the bots on SNKRS are still there, I'm glad Vanessa is able to get Nike find a common ground to get it back up again!

[@HOOPSFACTSDIARY]

Thank you for making this video, this really means a lot because I'm a Kobe Fan since I was a kid. Being a fan with no Kobe's coz of financial concerns really hurts and pains me because I know with the prices and reseller everywhere, I won't be able to get one. RIP MAMBA!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

I hope in the future they will become widely available like Vanessa Bryant demands. We'll have to wait and see. Thanks for watching Jeff! Hope you have a good one man

[@DR.DisInfect]

You can get em soon they coming

[@DominicWilliams-og6gw]

Remember copping the Kobe 7 wolf 🐺 greys early 2012 still one of best shoes I ever had 🚨

[@diontukapua6277]

Thank you for sharing this with Us 👍🏾

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Appreciate it Dion!

[@diontukapua6277]

@@NachoAverageFinds appreciate your dedication in bringing Us the history of sneakers and the culture behind what we all here love so much! ✌🏾

[@mihirjoshimusic]

You got my gracious like 😄 Great video again guys! Loved it! 🤘🏼

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thank you so much my friend! I appreciate it

[@phillip_reynolds]

Another masterpiece Bryan! Keep these videos coming!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

You're too kind my dude! Thank you

[@kevinyoung7934]

Great, Great, content..... I'm really a huge fan!!!!

[@jandrashriker5861]

"Kobe Bryant and Adidas was done" That is an incredible way to start this video.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks man!

[@kennykenny757__]

My favorites are still the Crazy 😜 8s & the Adidas KB8 II

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Man tough to beat! Those are just as iconic fr

[@kennykenny757__]

@@NachoAverageFinds I’ve always loved hooping in those 🏀

[@adhi395]

Nice history video as always

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks so much man.

[@XX-ep5xt]

ITS ABOUT TIME!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Yessir

[@muhdmahathir4158]

Great video as always

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks Muhd! Means a lot man

[@KevinWei24]

Kobe liked drop zero soles on his shoes. The 11 model was the closest shoe to the latest trend. I wish they made that shoe for wider feet.

[@bobheyotue9850]

Man those hyperdunks were the best basketball sneaker back when they came out.those shoes gave any one crazy bounce

[@NachoAverageFinds]

I believe it lol

[@alexthelizardking]

I enjoyed this series.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Appreciate you watching Alex! Always look forward to your comment dude...

[@PincheBrayan101]

I’ve heard rumors that Vanessa Bryant will be going back with Adidas because they are willing to get the Kobe shoes in the hands of the consumers!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

That what would be amazing actually

[@heyyy19]

Yeah, but honestly no one really wants the Adidas Kobe stuff. The Nike Kobes is where it’s at.

[@danoperiano6435]

Very informative. More sneakers history bro

[@Chestermcfly420]

Another great video and I kind of sad video because we don’t know if there is ever going to be another Kobe shoe

[@Chico_84]

I found the Kobe A.D Igloo at Ross like 2 years ago. 🙏

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Man the gold era of Ross

[@anthonyquinonez159]

By far my favorite shoes to play in. I’m glad they they protro’d a few pairs of 5’s and 6’s and I was able to get my hands on them. My old 6’s were starting to fall apart.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Hold on to them forever man!

[@anthonyquinonez159]

For sure! I recently started hooping in my old pairs again. Crazy how the tech still holds up today. My son finally wears my size so he’s going to start turning heads in his next basketball season as well. Lol

[@evanpage9946]

Awesome video series! Definitely nothing really like this on KZbin right now, so thank you for taking the time to make these. I’d also love to see a series on LeBron’s signature line too!

[@thomas_the_cat]

low 11s will always be my favorite to use when playing

[@MaddNomad1015]

Nike and Kobe are back

[@danielmorris738]

We needed this.... but you knew that! I own the Milan 11's. By far one of the most superior performance lines by any athlete. The herringbone traction makes up for the lack of ankle support. Man.... this video is overdue but right on time. Love your knowledge and attention to detail.

[@edh7492]

Get on Bry, hope you’re well matey ✌️

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks Ed! Hope all is well my friend

[@ArmandoKozomara]

Luckily I had the Kobe 4, 5, 7, 11, AD NXT, and some Mamba Fury and Mamba Focus, and Adidas Crazy 8 and Adidas Kobe 1. I really, really want Nike to start releasing Kobe shoes again!!

[@soledoutreviews]

Man I loved the Kobe line I still have my original crazy 1 dead stock you can see in the background of my channels reviews. Great video brother

[@allensmith3567]

I love every single shoe in his signature line even the blacks sheep’s The Kobe 2 & Nike 3 & 7. The creme-de-la-creme of Kobe’s however has been the 6s & the 8s. The Protro 6s with the Cushlon upgrade is incredibly comfortable and they don’t make the mistake a lot of basketball shoes make which is not providing enough forefoot cushioning, it’s well balanced from heel to toe.

[@datruth92810]

Great work !

[@freeatlast1810]

Great video

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks Martin 🤘🤘

[@chsrgN]

Kobe actually went to the Philippines to watch boxer Manny Pacquiao spar and train with high top boxing boots, which inspired the High Top Kobe 9s

[@abdi_ai76shadow]

A review on timbs,pls.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Probably never a review on Timbs but definitely a video on their history someday 😎

[@MikeGuillory]

Awesome video!!!

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks Mike!

[@RE1GN_BLOOD]

Jordan 13 and Kobe 11 favorite shoes of all time

[@sk8c848]

Bonus episode of Kobe’s takedown sneaker lines. I have the Mamba rage and they are 🔥

[@TA-ht4jo]

I remember owning and hooping in Kobe 1, 2 and 3's.

[@mantekik963]

This is such a good vid Maybe the best of al of them i still don t get Why you don t have atleast a milion subs you Guys atleast deserve 1 mil

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thanks for the kind words man

[@greendro6410]

Nike Kobe 8 is my favorite one from all the rest.

[@Wrighcr20]

Oh thought it was real for sure.

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Bruh same here haha It still looks real to me!

[@projectjt3149]

I’d say it’s real enough; it wasn’t like they added a CGI car

[@NShomebase]

Awesome work, Bryan!

[@DRACOFURY]

12:33 *Funny You Mentioned That...* *I wore Kobe 10 for sparring and training because the Roy Jones Jordan's (R2's) was sold out* 🥊 *Yo Good Video 📹*

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Appreciate it big dawg!

[@hmnghzl5242]

Yes please make the videos long if you need to please

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thank you bro! Did you like the length of this one? lol it’s longer than usual

[@toite3x3ninjah]

Growing up i went through countless pairs hooping in Kobe’s.. now I’m trying to score Jordan’s as trade baits for more kobe.. and yes i do still hoop in kobes

[@damienjeremyweir4543]

MAN! Kobe Bryant, what a guy!

[@lance_wavy]

I absolutely loved my BHM 11's and my barceona 8's

[@chosen0512]

I feel like the 2k5s should've got some recognition as well. Kobe wore them quite a bit

[@walog9593]

I don't own any Kobes or Lebrons. When it comes to basketball my collection consists of Clydes and Jordans. Much appreciate your videos on sneaker history and alternative sneaker history. It gets more interested in Kobe silhouettes, the design, story, detail and technology, which Kobe was involved with to produce footwear to his athleticism, life and philosophy. Sometimes it's an audio visual clip that awakes us that Kobe, Gianna and all loved ones that pass away in the tragedy are no longer with us, may all their beautiful souls rest in heavenly peace, ameen ☝🏻❤😥💐 I still think what Nike did was disrespectful to Vanessa and family. I would have continued Kobe and Gianns's legacy with another brand.

[@ayyjayj]

Cool video about the history of Kobe's. However, there are a lot of minor errors in the information included. I suggest you review the video, photos, and terminology used. Regardless, thanks for posting. Kobe's kicks are definitely iconic especially with the technology utilized to propel Nike Basketball into the future.

[@D20Hill]

You put the Easter 9s with the 8s 😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@andrewmcbryantjordan2287]

I think those are the Kobe 10 Easter 😅

[@BrianYoo2]

I wish you also covered the Kobe 2 Lites (LT) !

[@ericmakaveli9433]

Kobe later revealed he didn't actually jump over the Astin Martin but that shit was everything back then. Nobody will ever come close to the legacy of Kobe and Jordan.

[@i.n.o6425]

The shoes I'm definitely getting are Grant hill 2,Nike zoom mk1,Kobe 4 protro draft day,adidas superstars pro model, shaqnosis, jordan 3,4,7,11.

[@soar011belize]

One thing about the Kobe shoe line with Nike is the grip i don’t know what they used or did but you practically had glue on the bottom of your feet there was no slip or sliding

[@amirabans1127]

i miss kobe

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Me too man. He was a force of nature

[@Maximofindz]

Great Kobe content!!! 🔥🔥🔥🐍♾

[@NachoAverageFinds]

Thank you brotha

[@tayjackson6921]

8 and 9 are my fav

[@popukarbuckzx1325]

Great video ❤

[@richardkrivik7032]

WELL MADE content bro’s ☝️👏👏👏👏👏👏✊👍

[@kiwivoice9283]

Played in protro 5s for a while and enjoyed them. Still need that lakers CW in the collection

[@nocapjustkickz1982]

im so glad i found this chan.

[@Eligroovy1]

had me dying when he said toaster oven shoe😂😂

[@Byron_Douglas]

8, 6, 9, and 11s best imo but dang even 10s are really decent. Such a legendary shoe line

[@alexmata8069]

I had the Kobe Easters in hs and didn’t appreciate enough and traded them for “strategy” kobe 9, just to have them stolen from my locker 😓 wish I never traded and just kept them Easters

[@robertalcantara810]

R.I.P KOBE but is no one gonna say anything about the 11’s and 1’s put together at 7:24 them shits is hard

[@CHEGTO]

Bruh no lie the Kobe 9’s was one of my favorites ever I hate the way the resellers are playing us who really enjoyed using the shoe verse trying to hustle it