Kobe Bryant’s First Adidas All-Star Sneakers Are Making a Return for the First Time in 11 Years
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To coincide with the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, Adidas is throwing it back to the first sneaker Kobe Bryant ever wore for the occasion.
The Adidas Crazy 8, Bryant’s first signature sneaker from 1997 originally known as the KB 8, will release in February in its “All-Star” colorway for the first time since 2011. While predominantly black and white, the sneaker also features purple and gold to match the colors of the Los Angeles Lakers, as players in the 1998 NBA All-Star Game wore their own team jerseys instead of ones created specifically for the game. Whereas the sneaker previously featured an embroidered “8” on the tongue as a nod to Bryant’s playing number, it now bears “98” as a call back to that first All-Star appearance for the legendary player.
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Bryant’s first five signature sneakers were made by Adidas before he famously decamped for Nike in 2003. Adidas has continued to rerelease, or retro, the sneakers under different names to create a nominal distance from Bryant — and the release calendar has grown particular flush with Adidas Kobe retros over the past year.
Aside from the name change, the Crazy 8 has also appeared without one of its original technologies since Adidas first brought it back to market in 2005. It no longer features a Feet You Wear sole because Adidas’ contract ran out for the tech’s patent holder, Frampton Ellis. Ellis developed Feet You Wear to mimic the natural curves and shape of the human foot and prevent rolling ankles that could more easily occur when wearing squared-off soles.
The Adidas Crazy 8 “All-Star” will release Feb. 15, just before the start of the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, through Adidas’ website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $140.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
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