A Nike Kobe sneaker commemorating Kobe Bryant and the “Redeem Team”‘s gold medal performance at the 2008 Olympics is about to make its first-ever return.
The Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Gold Medal” will release in just a couple of weeks, ending a 15-year wait since the shoe debuted in 2009. This year’s rerelease is a faithful recreation of the original, metallic gold leather forming the majority of the upper, including a snakeskin texture on the the tip and heel counter. The Flyknit quarter is rendered in red, white and blue for Team USA, and Kobe’s Olympic no. 10 is stamped onto the heel rather than the usual no. 24. A gold medal graphic on the insole also makes its return with the date of Team USA’s victory at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.
Given the demand for Kobe sneakers today and the fact that the Kobe 4 “Gold Medal” has never rereleased previously, the August drop appears to be a lock for the most anticipated of Nike‘s voluminous Olympic slate. The OG sneaker has sold for more than $1,500 on resale platforms in recent years as one of the more valuable colorways for the model.
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Bryant made his Olympic debut for Team USA in 2008, leading the squad as captain under pressure after disappointing bronze performances at the 2004 Olympics and 2006 FIBA World Championship. Rather than wearing his own shoe, Bryant played in the Nike Hyperdunk during the tournament, and the Swoosh released the commemorative Kobe 4 the following summer after the model had launched at the beginning of 2009.
The Nike Kobe 4 “Gold Medal” will release August 6 through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $190.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
