Inspired by Kobe Bryant’s on-court alter ego, the black mamba snake, the Kobe VI featured key performance benefits blended with an upper mimicking snake scales when it debuted in 2010.
The shoe’s upper includes distinct polyurethane “islands” that emulate a snake’s skin and increase or decrease in size throughout the shoe to protect against abrasion and increase durability exactly where needed.
Celebrating Bryant’s 2011 All-Star MVP award won on his home court, the Kobe Prelude VI pays homage to Los Angeles and its surf and skate culture. Featured in the shoe’s artistic collage are stars, sharks, and other sea wildlife paying homage to Southern California. There’s also an black mamba featured on the forefoot.
The Kobe Prelude Pack features all eight of Bryant’s signature shoes and celebrates the stories behind some of his most defining moments. Eight revolutionary art movements have been paired with eight milestones in Bryant’s career to recreate each of his signature shoes.