This week’s Kobe release is cut for the modern game.
As the Kobe Protro line continues to explore Bryant’s legacy, the Kobe 3 is finally getting its turn in the spotlight.
Debuting in 2007, the Kobe 3 was met with a lot of expectation. That season, Bryant would go on to win the 07-08 NBA MVP Award. The footwear choice for Bryant during his sole regular season MVP award was indeed the Kobe 3.
The goal of the Kobe 3 was to fuse performance and artistry into the shoes’ aesthetic. The result was slightly divisive. Even Bryant admitted his third signature sneaker would be divisive for his fanbase.
Eric Avar’s sketch of what would become the Kobe 3 via Nike
The sneaker used an all-over pattern upper made of TPU, which was meant to resemble a basketball net. Meanwhile, the sneaker’s outsole featured diamond tread- meant to be a tribute to Bryant’s daughter. Though the intention was clear, the delivery still left Kobe fans unsure about how they truly felt about the sneaker. From a technical standpoint, the Kobe 3 maximized Bryant’s on-court strengths.
The forefoot and heel Zoom units were bridged by a carbon fiber shank, which helped the shoe maintain its torsional rigidity during sharp movements. The midsole featured Lunarlon Cushioning, a first for the Kobe line. While fans decided on their unresolved feelings, Bryant did what he did best in the sneaker- make statements.
That 07-08 season was a special one for Bryant. He decisively won the MVP Award, gaining more than double the first-place votes that the runner-up, Chris Paul, did. That season, Bryant would lead the Lakers to the NBA Finals, where they would fall just short of hoisting the Larry O’Brien award as they fell to the Celtics in 6 games. Bryant would cap off the basketball year as co-captain of the affectionately nicknamed Redeem Team- going on to win the Gold Medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
If fans were on the fence about the Kobe 3 when they first graced the court in 2007, by the summer of 2008, they were beloved by Kobe fans worldwide.
Last August, Nike announced that the Kobe 3 would join the beloved Kobe Protro line. Colorways like the Halo and the Warning Label have arrived, much to the excitement of Kobe fans. This week, Nike is launching a new colorway that feels very connected to the lore of the Kobe 3.
The Pink Quartz Kobe 3 Low Protro is a cheeky nod to the Kobe 3s’ initial reception. Though the sneaker grew in popularity over time, the sneaker was once a hidden gem for Kobe fans and basketball footwear enthusiasts. Much like a quartz, the Protro 3 is “cut” into a low-top version that is much easier to wear in a casual setting, where the popularity of the Kobe Protro line has thrived.
Like all Protro releases, the Pink Quartz promises updated tech for today’s game, including reduced weight and height. Despite the changes, the Kobe 3’s legacy shines bright like a diamond on this sneaker.
The Kobe 3 Low Protro “Pink Quartz” drops on Friday, March 13th, via SNKRS and participating Nike retailers.
