The History of Kobe Bryant's Signature Sneakers

As we continue 'Kobe' Week, we have a look back at the history of the 'Black Mambas' sneaker line.

With the Nike Kobe 9 still in full force as a new mid-cut is set to debut later this week, Bryant's sig shoe is still as strong as ever. As we continue 'Kobe' Week, we have a look back at the history of the 'Black Mambas' sneaker line.

As you probably already know, Kobe began his signature career with adidas, signing with them directly out of high school in 1996. He remained with adidas until the summer of 2002, then went a year without a deal after breaking his contract, before eventually signing with Nike in the summer of 2003. 

While Kobe helped headline, and was largely associated with the Air Zoom Huarache 2K4, his first signature shoe with Nike didn't launch until 2006 - a fact that can probably be blamed on the sexual assult charges he was hit with just weeks after signing with the brand. There's been no looking back though once it finally took off, arguably becoming one of the most influential lines in Nike's history.

Take a look back through the history of Kobe's signature shoes, and let us know which one was your favorite in the comments.

 

1.

adidas Crazy 8

adidas KB8 (now known as the Crazy 8)

Originally Released: 1997-1998

Retroed: 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

 

2.

adidas KB8 2 (now known as the Crazy II)

Originally Released: 1998-1999

Retroed: 2014

 

3.

adidas KB8 3 (renamed the EQT Responsive)

Originally Released: 1999

Retroed: N/A

 

 

4.

adidas The Kobe (now known as the Crazy 1)

Originally Released: 2000-2001

Retroed: 2006, 2007, 2013, 2014

 

5.

adidas The Kobe Two

Originally Released: 2001-2002

Retroed: N/A

 

6.

adidas The Kobe Three

Unreleased

 

7.

Nike Zoom Kobe 1

Originally Released: 2005-2006

Retroed: 2013

 

8.

Nike Zoom Kobe II

Originally Released: 2006-2007

Retroed: 2013

 

9.

Nike Zoom Kobe III

Originally Released: 2007-2008

Retroed: 2013

 

10.

Nike Zoom Kobe IV

Originally Released: 2008-2009

Retroed: 2014

 

11.

Nike Zoom Kobe V

Originally Released: 2009-2010

Retroed: 2014

 

12.

Nike Zoom Kobe VI

Originally Released: 2010-2011

Retroed: 2014

 

13.

Nike Zoom Kobe VII System

Originally Released: 2011-2012

Retroed: 2014

 

14.

Nike Kobe 8 System

Originally Released: 2012-2013

Retroed: 2014

 

15.

Nike Kobe 9

Originally Released: 2014

Retroed: N/A