Kobe Bryant (a former basketball player) passed away and Nike stopped making his signature sneaker lineup after him.
But even after all those years, the appeal for his sneakers hasn’t slowed down. Throughout the NBA, WNBA, NCAA and local gyms around the world, lots of Kobes are still worn.
Although it is good to see such appeal, Kobes these days are insanely expensive. In the resale market, if you try to buy a pair, it’s going to cost you a lot; some pairs of Kobes go for over $1,000.
Today, let’s go-through why they are so expensive and understand what factors have affected the prices of Kobe shoes in recent years.
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Details on Why Kobe Shoes Cost So Much?
When Kobe Bryant first started his signature shoe line, he signed a deal with Adidas, and together they released some great basketball shoes. However, in 2005, Kobe switched from Adidas to Nike.
The first Nike Kobe Shoe, the Zoom Kobe 1, was released that same year, and Nike continued to release a new model every year until he passed away.
Back then, these shoes were considered a status symbol. Today, Kobe shoes are still unique, rare, and highly sought after.
Here are a few factors that explain why Kobes nowadays are expensive:
Insane Performance
Kobe Bryant’s shoes are renowned for their performance-enhancing qualities. Kobes, like Jordans, are still known for boosting player performance at any level.
This boost is largely because of their design features. His signature shoes were designed to be lightweight and strong. His shoes had strong materials like carbon fiber and TPU in key areas for support and pivoting. Along with that, the Kobe lineup also innovated in rubber design, using less bulky treads and creating patterns that mimic the movement of a human foot on the court.
Such advanced features set a high price for the entire shoe lineup.
Kobe’s Personal Touch
Another factor that influences the price of Kobe Bryant’s shoes is his signature touch on the design.
Kobe Bryant’s collaboration with Nike designers brought an innovative approach to athletic footwear. They focused on creating shoes that were both stylish and high-performing. His input was invaluable, and his influence can be seen in features like the material selection, unique lacing system and vibrant colors.
Kobe’s touch made the shoes legendary in the sneaker industry. After their launch, they sold millions of pairs and became some of the most iconic sneakers of all time.
Phenomenal Stability and Support
Basketball players need stability and support, and if you look at Kobe’s lineup, they are known to delivers both.
Kobe shoes come with a wide, stable outsole, which gives them a solid foundation. This stable foundation helps the player to move quickly and confidently on the court. This is especially important for those who drive to the basket or play in the paint.
Not just that, the shoes also feature different patterns underneath that help players gain good traction on the court.
So, to gain such a competitive edge, Nike strategically increased the price of each Kobe pair compared to other basketball shoes.
Sense of Community
Kobes are considered masterpieces in the basketball community. Players worldwide accept the fact that Kobe’s sneaker lineup was ahead of its time. Their design, their features and performance are still considered better than many newer basketball sneakers.
So, due to their high popularity and strong community following, Kobe shoes are sold at a high price.
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Limited Availablity
Limited availability is another reason Kobes are expensive. You know Kobes aren’t in production anymore. Only the pairs we see are leftover items from the secondary market or limited edition models from Nike.
In such a situation, rich collectors and fans pay premium prices to own a pair, especially for such limited items. In this manner, there is a high demand for Kobe shoes, as well as a limited supply, which drives up their cost value.
Nike’s Top Athletic Shoe Collection
Kobe was Nike’s top athletic footwear lineup and if you’re into the footwear industry, you probably know how expensive Nike’s top athletic shoe lineup is.
Like Jordan, Nike used Kobe’s name and likeness to promote their products. This helped Nike increase sales and profits. The shoes also became a symbol of success, making them highly sought after by athletes and sneakers enthusiasts.
So, for such sought after pair of shoes, Nike raised some part of the price.
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Final Words: Should You Cope a Pair of Kobe Shoes?
Kobe shoes are definitely worth buying, but only if you can find them at a decent price. You know, Nike isn’t anywhere near mass producing Kobes. They’re just releasing limited edition models of famous models. So finding them at their old regular rates isn’t easy.
On the other hand, looking at their prices at StockX and other sales markets, Kobe shoes are being sold for incredibly high prices, which I don’t think is a smart choice to buy. For half their price, you can get some really great shoes from other lesser-known brands.
So personally, I don’t recommend spending thousands of dollars on shoes that aren’t almost half a decade old. Instead, simply look for different basketball shoes.
FAQ
Who Is Kobe?
Kobe Bryant was a legendary basketball player known for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
He played for 20 seasons, from 1996 to 2016, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Bryant won five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and was an 18-time All-Star. He was known for his incredible skill, work ethic, and competitive spirit.
Tragically, Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others. His legacy continues to motivate basketball players and fans all over the world.
Are Kobe Shoes Good for Basketball?
Yes, Kobe shoes are great for playing basketball. They offer great traction, support, and flexibility, making them ideal for quick movements on the court. The advanced cushioning provides comfort and reduces impact. Also, their durable construction ensures they last through intense play.
Many players, both professional and amateur, prefer Kobe shoes for their reliable performance and fit.
Why Do People Love Kobe?
People love Kobe Bryant for his unmatched basketball skills and relentless work ethic, famously known as the “Mamba Mentality.” His fierce competitiveness and numerous achievements, including five NBA championships, made him a legend on the court.
Beyond his talent, Kobe’s charisma and ability to connect with fans worldwide endeared him to many.
Does Nike Still Make Kobe Shoes?
After Kobe Bryant’s death, the contract between his estate and Nike expired. This was due to dissatisfaction with how Nike handled the sale of Kobe’s shoes after he died. Vanessa Bryant (Kobe’s wife) was particularly unhappy with the limited availability and pricing of the sneakers. As a result, the partnership was not renewed right away.
However, on August 23, 2024, Nike and Kobe’s estate reached a new agreement to continue the Kobe line. The relaunch features more silhouettes and colorways, with additional releases planned for this winter.
