Vintage Ad: Kobe Bryant and the adidas KB 8

Kobe's birthday seemed like an appropriate time to bust out a three page ad for his first signature shoe.

words // Zack Schlemmer

Since it is Kobe Bryant's birthday today, it seemed like an appropriate time to break out this awesome three page ad from 1998 for Kobe's first shoe with adidas.  The ad addresses the naysayers to Kobe's success early in his career about what he shouldn't have done.  Now that Kobe is considered among the greatest players ever in the game of basketball, looking back on these criticisms seems ridiculous...except maybe "shouldn't be shooting all those threes".

The KB 8 was Kobe's first signature shoe, and still regarded by most as his best shoe with adidas.  With Feet You Wear technology and an aggressive design, they are definitely a stand out among adidas basketball models throughout the years.  One success of the KB 8 is its instance where adidas' three stripes blend seamlessly into the design of the shoe, unlike many other basketball models where the stripe branding seems somewhat awkward or forced.  The KB 8 has returned numerous times as a retro release, now known as the Crazy 8 since Kobe is with Nike, but none are quite like the originals the young afro-puffed Kobe wore.