Nike Kobe 8

Kobe 8

At the beginning of the 2012-2013 NBA season, Kobe Bryant and Eric Avar were designing the player’s 8th signature shoe. Meanwhile, the LA Lakers were doing their best to make another NBA Playoffs. After a slow start, the team made it to December 2012 in a reasonable position when the Nike Kobe 8 arrived.

Kobe wanted a shoe that would allow him to move at light speed, so Avar streamlined its key features to provide excellent lockdown, durability and traction. He also added a comfortable drop-in Lunarlon midsole and a lightweight, form-fitting Engineered Mesh upper. Aesthetically, its striking look reflected Kobe’s Black Mamba persona, with snake-inspired colourways and stylish branding.

Wearing his new shoe, Kobe had an incredible December, breaking records and improving the team’s position. However, in January 2013, injuries affected the Lakers, and Kobe was moved to a more defensive role. After helping the Western Conference to victory in his 15th All-Star game, he returned to the Lakers’ offence, putting in magnificent performances to push them closer to the Playoffs and promising the fans that they would get there.

With a promise to fulfil, Kobe lifted his game yet again. By the last month of the regular season, the Lakers were in a close contest for the final Playoff place, and every win was crucial. To achieve these victories, Kobe played for long periods without breaks, including the entire 48 minutes of one game, and the coaching staff warned him not to push himself too hard.

Kobe was undeterred, though, and in a key match against the Golden State Warriors, his body finally gave up. Despite taking several knocks, he played every second as his team tried to overturn a 5-point final quarter deficit. With minutes to go, he collapsed to the floor clutching the back of his ankle; his Achilles had snapped. Determined not to quit, Kobe tried to pull the broken tendon back into place before bravely sinking two shots from the free throw line to tie the game. The Lakers went on to win, and just a few days later confirmed their Playoff spot.

Although Kobe had kept his promise, he was unable to play, and the Lakers were swept aside in the first round. Nevertheless, his Mamba Mentality had created a remarkable piece of sporting history that the Kobe 8 will always be remembered for. Seven years later, when Kobe Bryant sadly passed away, it was worn by many NBA stars wanting to honour the legendary player, even though more advanced models existed.

Even though the Nike Kobe 8 didn’t take its namesake to the NBA title, it will forever be seen as one of the greatest of all basketball trainers. Its high-performance build and captivating aesthetic made it a popular silhouette, and it is still adored to this day. Beyond this, though, its role in a defining moment of Kobe Bryant’s epic career makes it an unforgettable icon of basketball and sneaker history.