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2020’s been a tough year for a number of reasons, with the inclusion of becoming even more increasingly difficult to cop coveted sneakers. Given the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant in …
2020’s been a tough year for a number of reasons, with the inclusion of becoming even more increasingly difficult to cop coveted sneakers.
Given the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant in January, needless to say, the demand for his signature sneakers has also increased, to the point where Nike temporarily removed all Kobe products from their online store.
After a brief hiatus, with the blessing of Kobe’s immediate family, Nike continued their scheduled re-releases of the Kobe 5 & Kobe 6 throughout the year.
With each successive drop selling out in minutes, culminating in the recent release of the “Grinch” Kobe 6, frustrations seemingly reached a fever pitch, as Vanessa Bryant (Kobe Bryant’s wife) took to her Instagram to address the issues of limited quantities and her plan to work with Nike to alleviate said issues.
@VanessaBryant via Instagram
Hi guys! I heard that fans are having a hard time buying Kobe’s online. I reached out to Nike and I wanted to do something cool for fans to have a better opportunity to get some Kobe’s. Unfortunately Covid shut those plans down. We came up with an idea and we’re waiting for Covid [stay-at-home] orders to life. Stay tuned. ?? Happy Holidays.
@VanessaBryant via Instagram
What Vanessa Bryant and Nike have planned remains to be seen, but fans are expectedly eager to get more opportunities at copping Kobe’s.
Until then, keep it locked to NiceKicks.com for updates as they arise and check out our Kobe Release Dates page to stay up-to-date on upcoming Kobe drops.
Em agosto, começaram a aparecer imagens de uma versão dourada do KOBE PROTRO 5, criada em parceria com a Undefeated e batizada ‘Hall Of Fame’. As fotos, agora, são oficiais, e …
Em agosto, começaram a aparecer imagens de uma versão dourada do KOBE PROTRO 5, criada em parceria com a Undefeated e batizada ‘Hall Of Fame’.
As fotos, agora, são oficiais, e elas detalham melhor o tênis de cabedal metálico, finalizado por elementos nas cores roxo e vermelho. A edição é comemorativa da entrada de Kobe, falecido esse ano, no hall da fama da NBA, cuja cerimônia deve ser realizada no primeiro trimestre do ano que vem.
Os números “24 10 8”, usados por Bryant em sua trajetória, aparecem aplicados nos Swooshes e nas línguas se alternam os logos do Mamba e da Undefeated.
Apesar das fotos, ainda não se falou em data precisa para o lançamento do KOBE 5 PROTRO ‘Hall Of Fame’.
In December of 2009, Nike Basketball and Kobe Bryant unveiled the next chapter for the Mamba — the Nike Zoom Kobe 5. The Kobe 5 followed the trajectory that the Nike Zoom …
In December of 2009, Nike Basketball and Kobe Bryant unveiled the next chapter for the Mamba — the Nike Zoom Kobe 5.
The Kobe 5 followed the trajectory that the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 set by engineering a low-top performance basketball shoe. While the concept certainly wasn’t new, Nike’s innovative technology, along with the Bean’s vision, came together to create a next-level low-top that was second to none.
The Kobe 4 was the foundation that supplemented the execution of its successor. The Kobe 5 drew inspiration from the game of soccer. Kobe, who is a noted follower of the game, noticed how soccer players were able to perform at the highest level in low-top boots. The inquiry led to Avar and Kobe teaming up for the future of footwear.
“For the Kobe V, we started with the science and performance elements and built from there,” Avar said. “We wanted this shoe to be a true reflection of his game and persona. As Kobe continues to evolve as an athlete, so will the footwear we create for him.”
The technological aspects of the Kobe 5 are the best indicators of how progressive the sneaker was, even for Nike. The shoe abandoned traditional stitching and implemented heat-bonded overlays on the upper. In doing so, the shoe looked faster and was also more supportive because of its durability and lightness.
The Swoosh also added Flywire technology that acted as a second layer of skin as it was specifically engineered to serve as synthetic tendons.
The Kobe 5 also added more of a lockdown structure with the reinforced heel cup. The carbon fiber weave on the midfoot also allowed for precision cuts and added the shoe’s ethos of an ultimate lockdown fit. In terms of cushioning, the Kobe 5 utilized the renowned Zoom technology in the forefoot and the heel.
The added comfort still allowed the shoe to be the lightest at the time coming in at 10.6 ounces.
The Nike Zoom Kobe 5 debuted on Christmas Day in 2009 as the Lakers hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers. The “Chaos” colorway would release on December 26 and ensued more colorways, and a Nike iD launch followed.
The Kobe 5 fueled the Mamba Mentality for the rest of the season.
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers had their eyes set on another ring after coming off a dominant performance in the 2009 NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic.
Kobe would average a 27/5/5 stat line during the regular season in 73 games. However, the Mamba would crank up the intensity in the playoffs. Facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Utah Jazz, and the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers would dominate and secure a spot in the 2010 NBA Finals.
After an intense series with the Boston Celtics that went to 7 games, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were crowned champions as the Mamba added his fifth ring. For the second straight year, Kobe was named Finals MVP.
Kobe would average 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists throughout the playoffs. In his final performance on the biggest stage, Kobe Bryant and the Nike Zoom Kobe 5 rose to the occasion.
Since the shoe’s rollout in 2009-2010, the Nike Zoom Kobe 5 would not be seen again until the 2014 release of the Prelude Pack to commemorate the past and future of the Mamba’s signature shoe line.
However, Nike launched an entire Protro release, part-performance, and part-retro, dedicated to the Kobe 4 in 2018-2019. All indicators pointed to a similar launch of the Kobe 5 for the 2019-2020 season.
The Nike Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Chaos” launched in early January a decade after its initial release. The return of the Joker-inspired colorway indicated that more was on the way. However, things quickly changed.
The tragic deaths of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, and the passengers aboard the helicopter shook the world to its core. The deaths of Kobe and Gigi led the basketball community to honor Kobe in the best way they could — wearing his shoes.
Devin Booker in the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 Protro PE (Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
College basketball, the NBA, and WNBA would all show support and pay tribute to the Mamba in their way. Upcoming iterations of the Kobe 5 were rumored to release throughout the year. However, the events that transpired around the Bryant family along with the effects of COVID-19, the Kobe 5 Protro release was paused.
As basketball resumed within the bubbles, the legacy of the Mamba Mentality continued as players from across both leagues wore the Nike Zoom Kobe 5 Protro.
Anthony Davis in the Nike Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee” (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
While Kobe and Gianna are no longer with us, their passion and dedication live on with us through the game and the Kobe 5. Nike is celebrating Kobe with a special Mamba Week dedicated to the Bean and the shoes he left for all of us to fill.
Mamba Week begins on August 23 with the release of the Nike Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Big Stage” via SNKRS at 2 p.m. EST. Learn more about the upcoming releases and Nike’s commitment to the Los Angeles community here.
Kobe Bryant (1978-2020) inspired people around the world with his ability on the basketball court and his work ethic off it. During Mamba Week, Nike will champion Kobe’s legacy and the …
Kobe Bryant (1978-2020) inspired people around the world with his ability on the basketball court and his work ethic off it.
During Mamba Week, Nike will champion Kobe’s legacy and the Mamba Mentality that so fittingly represents the athlete and the man through three key efforts: providing a $1 million donation to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, amplifying Kobe’s message through the Mamba League and extending Kobe’s legacy of inspiration and innovation through select Kobe products.
The Kobe 5 Protro ‘Big Stage Parade’ which pays tribute to the Big Stage colorway from the 2010 NBA Finals and graphic mosaic used on the Championship Parade PE will release on August 23rd. On August 24th which is Mamba Day, the Kobe 5 Protro ‘Lakers’ will release. Last up is the Kobe 5 Protro ‘EYBL’ which debuts on August 29th. Retail price is set at $180 each.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro Big Stage Parade Color: White/Metallic Gold-Black Release Date: August 23, 2020 Style Code: CT8014-100 Price: $180