Kobe Bryant’s iconic ‘Grinch’ sneakers are back, reimagined for the holiday season. First debuted on Christmas Day 2010, these shoes have become a symbol of Kobe’s larger-than-life presence on and off the court. This December, Vanessa Bryant unveiled a bold twist: the beloved Kobe 6 ‘Grinch’ has transformed into football cleats for the first time, blending tradition with innovation to reach an entirely new audience of fans and athletes.

After sharing a teaser on her Instagram story, Vanessa followed up with a post highlighting the release of the Nike Kobe 6 ‘Grinch.’ Unsurprisingly, the sneakers have already caught the attention of sneaker enthusiasts everywhere. ‘Hope you’re on the “nasty list” this year! #KobeCleat #boot #Kobe6 #MAMBA 🏈 🏀🎅🏽,‘ Vanessa captioned the post, generating even more excitement.

But, a game-changing twist sets this release apart: the Nike Kobe 6 ‘Grinch’ is no longer confined to basketball courts. For the first time, the iconic design has been adapted into football cleats, making them a must-have for athletes on the gridiron.

While some NFL players have previously sported custom ‘Grinch’ cleats, this marks the first official release from Nike. Fans are thrilled by the transformation, which maintains the signature lime green colorway and scaly texture of the original, now paired with a bold black Swoosh for added flair. The cleats are priced at $230, making them a coveted addition for collectors and players alike.

Kobe Bryant debuted the Nike Kobe 6 “Grinch” sneakers during the Los Angeles Lakers’ Christmas Day game against the Miami Heat in 2010. The shoes, with their bold lime-green colorway and festive red accents, quickly gained legendary status in both basketball and sneaker culture. Inspired by the holiday and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, these sneakers became an iconic representation of Kobe’s style and charisma. Over time, their demand has only increased, making them one of the most coveted releases in Bryant’s signature line.

The Kobe 6 ‘Grinch’ was released in 2020

The Christmas Day matchup itself remains memorable for those lucky courtside fans who received the sneakers as gifts. It was another chapter in the storied rivalry between Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant. Despite Bryant and Pau Gasol each scoring 17 points, the Lakers couldn’t overcome the Miami Heat, led by LeBron James. James recorded his fourth Christmas Day triple-double, with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, securing a 96-80 victory for the Big Three.

The Nike Kobe 6 Protro ‘Grinch’ saw a revival in 2020, much to the delight of fans and players like Luka Dončić and Tyrese Haliburton, who brought them back to life on the court. In 2023, Nike introduced the ‘Reverse Grinch,’ a striking red iteration that captivated sneakerheads yet again.

Building on this legacy, Nike unveiled a new sneaker under the Mamba Program, inspired by the Reverse Grinch design. This version, featuring a sleek black upper, will be worn by the USC Trojans during their upcoming matchup against UCLA. As the Trojans announced on Instagram, ‘Introducing the Nike Kobe 6 “USC” cleat! 🔥🐍✌️‘—a fitting tribute to Bryant’s enduring influence in sports and style.

So, are you on the “nasty list” this year? Let us know in the comments below!