Are Adidas Still Allowed to Sell Kobe Bryant’s Shoes? Analyzing Mamba’s Nike Deal After “Crazy 8” Announcement

Despite Kobe Bryant leaving Adidas in 2003, the brand is still releasing iconic shoes worn by the Los Angeles Lakers legend from back in the day. This is because they aren’t new versions of Kobe’s but rather retro versions of the pre-existing shoes that they own the rights to. As the All-Star weekend is less than a month away, Adidas is looking to make some waves with the release of its newest line.

Adidas had already announced that they would be releasing retro rookie shoes this season. As a starter, the shoes worn by Kobe Bryant in his debut All-Star game, the Crazy 8, also known as KB8, are making a comeback. But instead of the ‘8’, this time the embroidery will be ’98’ to signify the year Kobe Bryant made his first All-Star game.

“The Adidas Crazy 8, Kobe Bryant’s first All-Star Game sneaker, is coming back during All-Star Weekend,” was reported by Complex.

There are additional purple and gold accents on the shoes that signify Kobe’s ties with the Los Angeles Lakers. With the Kobe shoes from Nike still being some of the most worn shoes in the NBA, this new move from Adidas is sure to turn some fans their way.

Kobe Bryant’s first signature shoes with the company were the ‘crazy 1.’ Since his departure from the brand, Adidas has been rebranding and releasing the shoes for over two decades now. However, Kobe Bryant’s Nike deal has always been the big brother in the shoe industry.

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Kobe Bryant’s current Nike deal

Following his retirement, Kobe Bryant signed a five-year post-retirement endorsement extension with Nike. However, before the term of the extension was up, Kobe tragically passed in a helicopter crash, leaving his widow Vanessa Bryant in charge of the Kobe Bryant estate.

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Vanessa initially rejected an extension from Nike when the term of their contract was up. She wanted some changes to be made to the continuation of their collaboration with the brand, which was met before she finally agreed to the extension with Nike.

The deal had the re-release of the Kobe 11s for starters. A Gigi Bryant shoe series would also be in the works, and all net proceeds would go to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. Vanessa also wanted Nike to start a youth basketball facility in Kobe’s name in California.

What do you think of the impact of the Kobe Bryant Adidas shoes on Nike? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!