It all started with a tribute that should’ve been a celebration. Nike, the $88.37 billion powerhouse, just dropped what they call the Kobe Vault—a virtual archive honoring Kobe Bryant’s iconic sneaker legacy. Housed on the SNKRS App, it’s a sleek, digital time capsule spotlighting all 11 of his signature shoes. Now, if you know anything about Kobe’s kicks, you know he wasn’t just releasing sneakers—he was rewriting the rules of performance basketball footwear. From their low-top innovation to that Mamba-esque design, each pair had a statement of its own. But while the idea of a virtual shrine sounds great, not everyone’s cheering.
Still, Nike didn’t hold back on the details. Every Kobe signature, from the first Zoom Kobe 1 to the 11th model, gets its own dedicated space. The archive dives into the tech behind each shoe, its story, and the design vibes that made it stand out. For newer releases like the Kobe 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 Protros, the pages added insight, especially around some of the most hyped colorways. As for the rest? They come with a small note that reads: “Check back later as more colorways and stories are added to the vault.”
Now here’s where it gets interesting. Some of these kicks in the archive aren’t just general releases. They include PEs—player exclusives—like the Nike Kobe 5 Protro Year of the Mamba Black PE. That specific pair, by the way, has been spotted on several NBA players this 2024-25 season. And fans who keep a close eye on on-court sneaker heat definitely took notice. The Vault shows not just the release dates and colors, but even details behind why a pair mattered, on and off the court.
Moreover, the interface is pretty slick. Everything’s sorted by silhouette, so users can start from Kobe’s first Nike collab and scroll all the way through his sneaker evolution. Nike also confirmed, “The platform will update regularly with new additions,” making this more than just a one-time drop—a living legacy.
Yet ironically, that’s exactly where the backlash begins. While Nike clearly intended to honor Kobe, a big portion of fans aren’t vibing with how the brand rolled this out. Some have even raised concerns, questioning if the Vault truly reflects Mamba’s spirit—or if it’s just another marketing move dressed up as legacy.
Are Nike really honoring Kobe or just cashing in on his name?
Not everyone’s buying into Nike’s latest tribute to the late great. Even with the brand ruling the sneaker world—thanks in big part to legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe himself—their newly launched Vault didn’t get the whole-hearted support from all quarters that they had hoped for. The comments section was full of fans expressing their disappointment. Many believe the brand is pushing nostalgia for profit, with one common theme echoing across replies—Nike’s just using Kobe to sell.
For instance, one fan wrote bluntly, “Nike just out here milking old models lately ”. Another wasn’t holding back either, saying, “I love Kobe but at some point, can we stop allowing capitalism to capitalize on his death.” There’s also frustration around the brand’s recent direction, with someone posting, “remember when nike were good.” It’s clear the sentiment isn’t just about sneakers—it’s about respect.
Furthermore, fans are calling out what they see as a lack of accessibility and authenticity. One user went straight to the point: “Don’t give a damn about this. Drop some shoes for people.” Another added, “Tf are we suppose to do with this? lol.” The Vault might look nice, but if no one can wear the sneakers, what’s the point?
And at the heart of it all lies a deeper concern. Kobe Bryant isn’t just a brand—he’s a symbol of grit, loyalty, and Mamba Mentality. So now fans are wondering—where’s the line between tribute and cash grab? And if that line’s crossed too often, will his legacy feel more like a logo than a legend? Let us know what’s your take on this.
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