The late NBA legend Kobe Bryant worked with various brands throughout his NBA Career. While he endorsed some of them, he worked with others to create a merchandising legacy. Of course, his shoes instantly became iconic. To the point that 20% of NBA players once wore Kobes to honor the legacy of the Black Mamba.

Three years after his passing, one of those brands is returning to produce a new set of products under his name. The news, however, is not something that Kobe Bryant fans find themselves impressed with.

Nike announces a new line of Kobe Bryant Sneakers

A few months ago, Nike announced that the Mamba’s long-running shoe line is set to be re-established. Furthermore, a new set of sneakers, bearing the legend’s name, would soon hit the market. The company made the decision in order to celebrate Kobe’s 20-year relationship with the company.

Nike had earlier seized production of the player’s apparel following a feud with Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow.

With the negotiations now resolved, fans were ecstatic to see the new shoes honoring Kobe’s legacy. This was also at a time when the Mamba was announced as NBA2K24’s cover athlete.

Amongst the different sneakers dropping in the next few months, the collection will include a custom shoe. Nike will be creating it in collaboration with its athletic shoe division: Air Force 1.

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Previously worn by NBA players like Jerry Stackhouse and Rasheed Wallace, the Air Force 1 series has generated a significant amount of sales and done well to add a substantial amount to Nike’s revenue.

Fans react to the latest news update regarding Kobe’s sneakers

Complex Sneakers recently announced the news regarding the Air Force 1 sneakers with an Instagram post.

According to the caption, the pictures are of a GS release from 2009. The 2024 pair bearing Kobe’s name, however, are expected to have the same colorway (White/Varsity Maize/Varsity Purple), with a different color blocking.

Fans were quick to share their thoughts on the images shared by the Instagram handle.

Users made it clear that while they respected the former Los Angeles Lakers player, they do not respect the shoes that are set to be produced under his name. The comments section was filled with remarks like “rip mamba, these weak as hell tho ngl”, “rip kobe but these are weak”, “KOBE WOULDNT EVEN WEAR THESE”, and so on.

One man was upset about the way that Nike is profiting off Kobe’s legacy while he is not here to voice his opinion about it. He wrote “This is just Greed! Their basing the sales and likeness of these shoes off of a deceased mans legacy and HE DESERVES BETTER than this!!!” Another comment stated, “yall just milking it now.”

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Clearly, fans are upset over the update at the moment.  No one can be sure how it will affect the sales, however, until they arrive in the market.