Nike Plans to "Relaunch" Kobe Bryant's Sneaker Line
The basketball world is still mourning the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and the seven other lives lost in January 2020. To make matters worse, it has become nearly impossible for the average consumer to buy shoes from Bryant's signature sneaker line with Nike.
Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers legend have endured an emotional roller coaster over the past three years. Nike and the Bryant estate had approximately a year-long split before agreeing to a new deal in March 2022. However, Nike has only sporadically released sneakers from the Kobe line in very limited quantities, which sell out immediately.
In a press conference today, Nike CEO John Donahoe gave loyal fans reason for optimism. Donahoe said Nike is planning to “relaunch the Kobe brand” this summer. The relaunch is expected to take place before August 24 (also known as "Kobe Day").
A detailed look at the Nike Kobe 6.
© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
This is welcomed news among athletes, fans, and sneakerheads. After starting his career with adidas in 1996, Bryant went on to build one of the most successful signature basketball lines in history with Nike from 2003-2020.
Bryant's brand, as Donahoe mentioned, was far more than footwear. During his heyday, the Nike Kobe line also included apparel and accessories. However, it is Bryant's legendary sneakers that fans want so badly.
After Bryant retired from the NBA in 2016, his official signature line stopped after the Nike Kobe 11. The Kobe Brand then pivoted to releasing the "AD" (new models) series and the "Protro" (retro models with performance upgrades) series.
To this day, Bryant still has some of the most popular basketball shoes on the planet. Not only do professional and college basketball players wear Nike Kobe shoes, but sometimes athletes in other sports wear the performance basketball shoes as well.
There are already scheduled launches for the Nike Kobe line coming later this year. Bryant's eighth signature shoe, the Nike Kobe 8, will be the next installment of the Protro series. Additionally, the Nike Kobe 6 "Reverse Grinch" colorway is expected to hit shelves around the holiday season.
This is the biggest news for the Nike Kobe line in years, and we are excited to share it with our readers. Stay locked into FanNation Kicks for more updates on this story and all your sneaker news.
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