Last week, the release dates of the first few pairs of Kobe Bryant signature sneakers being released since his death were leaked on Eastbay’s shoe release calendar.
For the first time in months, we actually saw proof that we’d be getting more Kobe shoes. There was worry that they’d disappear forever, but they were back. Still, though, there were worries that it might not happen shortly after the releases were removed from Eastbay’s calendar.
Kobe fans can set those worries aside — at least for a moment. Nike made it official on Thursday morning. They’ll be releasing multiple pairs of Kobe’s for what they’re calling “Mamba Week.”
From August 23 through the 29th, Nike is releasing five pairs of Kobe Protro 5’s as well as a Kobe “8/24” Lakers’ jersey.
Nike celebrates Kobe’s legacy through a collection that spans memorable colorways of the Kobe V Protro, in addition to a limited-edition jersey that will be available starting 8.23. Protro colorways include Big Stage, 5x Champ, @UNDEFEATEDinc What If Pack and Girls EYBL. pic.twitter.com/WPfQBkTVrb
— Josh Benedek (@The_real_Jobby) August 13, 2020
The jersey sells at $120 and the shoes will retail at $180.
Retail price on the Kobe 5 Protro is $180
Big Stage 8/23 -> https://t.co/IDneSPrEFo
5x Champs 8/24 -> https://t.co/BgWrbKgjf1 pic.twitter.com/TfWMEMGm8C
— J23 iPhone App (@J23app) August 13, 2020
This is great news for Kobe fans. There are a lots of folks out there just looking to buy gear that reminds them of their favorite player.
They didn’t get that opportunity after he immediately passed away because shoe resellers bought up stock everywhere online and immediately moved to go flip them on aftersale market platforms like eBay and StockX for double the price. It was gross.
After that, it took months for official images of any Kobe shoes scheduled to be released to actually surface. And even when they did release again, there weren’t any official release dates.
This moment represents a bit of hope. Only a bit, though. Kobe fans looking to cop up should keep some of that worry with them.
Why? Because Nike might be limiting the stock on these releases. We know they’re doing it with the jersey, at least. And it’ll probably happen with the shoes, too.
Nike’s Kobe plan:
“Nike will continue to release Kobe Protro shoes, allowing the millions of fans he inspired around the world to keep Bryant’s legacy going. Nike will also continue to work with the NBA to release limited quantities of Bryant’s iconic Los Angeles Lakers jersey.” pic.twitter.com/xC3DyNjoZw— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) August 12, 2020
If that happens, we’re going to see a lot of the same people looking for more chances to buy Kobe’s shoes at a reasonable price. Hopefully that isn’t the case and everyone who wants a pair gets a chance to get a pair. Only time will tell, though. We’ll see how it plays out.
In the meantime, it’s just good to see Kobe’s shoes back again.