Like the uniform numbers he wore, Kobe Bryant’s sneaker legacy can be told in two parts. He started his career as an adidas endorser before paying for a buyout before the deal was up to become a free agent. As part of the buyout, Kobe was not allowed to sign with a new brand or wear the same brand more than three games in a row the following season. Those terms led to one of the most memorable sneaker seasons of all time as Kobe shuffled through a variety of brands who were happy to make him PE (player-exclusive) colorways in an attempt to court him. Of course, Kobe would eventually sign with Nike and start to develop his own signature line, but before he did that, he wore some great pairs on Lakers colorways. To honor this important chapter in Kobe’s sneaker journey, Nike will be releasing an Air Force 1 Low inspired by a Mid version Kobe wore during the 2002-2003 season. Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram to share a preview of the shoe. Stay tuned as release info becomes available. Learn more about what Nike Kobes are releasing this year here.
Lead Image via House Of Heat