words // Steve Jaconetta
Before Kobe Bryant got his first signature shoe with Nike, he could be see on-court wearing various classics. Before helping to re-introduce the Huarache line with the Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4, in 2004, Kobe laced up the Air Flight Huarache.
While we did get a few general release retro colorways of the Flight Huarache, it was Kobe's two Lakers-inspired PE's that garnered everyones attention. Bryant wore them throughout the 2003-'04 NBA season before switching to the Huarache 2K4. One 'Home' edition and the other, an 'Away' edition. Both equally as rare, and very hard to come across. Neither colorway was available to the public, and they were both made exclusively for Kobe.
For all you Kobe fans and collectors out there, a gem has made its way onto eBay. The Lakers 'Away' edition of the Nike Air Flight Huarache Kobe Bryant PE. Featuring a black-based upper with purple and gold accents, made in Kobe's size at the time, size 13.This pair is completely deadstock, and probably still wearable if you have the urge to physically hit the pavement in them. Or, you can keep them as-is, another great peace to anyone's collection, whether it be a PE, Kobe or regular collector.
If you're interested in adding them to your collection, air-flight23 has the only pair listed on eBay. They are currently listed at $700. Good luck and happy bidding (or watching)!
