The Mamba Effect: Kobe Bryant’s Impact On Sneakers

Kobe Bryant undoubtedly left a lasting legacy on the league, but just how big is Kobe Bryant’s impact on sneakers? The 5-time champion’s “Mamba Mentality” has been the killer instinct that players have been looking to embody, even before Bryant’s retirement. Kobe has rightfully earned the respect of fans and foes alike, not only due to his game but also the mark he left with his signature sneaker line through Nike. Just how the Black Mamba was always looking to take his game to the next level, he took the same approach to his sneakers.

I know everyone remembers his famous line, “are you a different animal and the same beast?” I’m sure like Kanye is still scratching his head like, many of us, to find out what that means. But Kobe always wanted to push the limits of performance, ensuring his signature line kept up with his quest for excellence. The Kobe 4 is a great example of this. Kobe wanted a less restrictive shoe around his ankle. By wanting this, Kobe challenged designers to make a sneaker cut similar to a soccer boot. And we all know how that turned out…amazing! Ever since then Kobe set the trend of low cut on-court sneaker. That was just a start for things to come.

Now, three years removed from the game Kobe’s legacy and sneaker line are alive and prospering. Anywhere you look, on any team, you can find at least a handful of players wearing his signature. Whether Protros or the new models, they seem to be favored by the current players. Even top players in the league can’t get enough of these shoes. Just take a look at the Greek Freak’s footwear next time he’s posterizing your favorite player. You will surely find him in a pair of Kobe sneakers.

Photo Courtesy of USA Today

DeMar DeRozan, another star player can always be found in some amazing colorways of the Kobe line that will make any sneakerhead drool.

Photo Courtesy of Nice Kicks

Not only will you find some awesome PEs, but you will even find some players signatures paying homage to the Black Mamba. The sneaker that pops up immediately to me is the Kyrie 3 “Bruce Lee”. Taking cues from Kobe’s Bruce Lee inspired sneakers and even including his branding, this Kyrie was an instant classic.

To keep up with the players in the league striving for the greatness the Kobe rose to, Nike has done something pretty cool to keep his legacy alive. That brings us to the Mamba Mentality Pack. This pack features both Paul George and Kyrie Irving’s signature models. Staring in 2018, Nike is coming back with a second, much-anticipated entry to this pack this month. It will again include a Paul George and Kyrie Irving signature model.

The Kobe line has surely made a tremendous impact in the league and the game of basketball over all. I can’t wait to see what Nike has in store for us with new models and Protros. Let us know in the comments what your favorite Kobe sneaker is and what you think Kobe Bryant’s Impact On Sneakers will end up being in the year’s to come.