Nike Kobe 4
The Nike Kobe 4, also known as the Zoom Kobe 4, was originally released in 2008 via Nike iD, with the first retail release in 2009. Designed by Eric Avar, and retailed for $120. The pair is available in “Protro” form and retails for $190 in today’s market.
Nike Kobe 4 History
Inspired by his Italian upbringing and soccer-playing past, the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 provided all-court versatility when the model was released in quarter one of 2009. From a technological front, the Zoom Kobe IV incorporates the Swoosh’s inventive Flywire containment strands, an attempt at making a light, hyper-flexible product that hearkens back to the days when Bryant played in minimalist soccer cleats.
One of the most notable features of the Kobe 4 was its lightweight and low-cut design, which provided Kobe Bryant with the agility and freedom of movement he desired on the court. The shoe’s upper featured synthetic materials and Flywire technology, providing lightweight support and lockdown without sacrificing durability.
Underfoot, the shoe is distinguished by a prodigiously comfortable Zoom Air bag on the heel and squishy Lunar Foam on the forefoot. Bryant’s signature is inscribed along the shoe’s heel support wing, and his favorite Latin phrase, “Carpe Diem,” appears as the tongue logo.
Nike Kobe 4 Colorways
The Nike Zoom Kobe 4 was released in various colorways, each adding to the shoe’s appeal. Some of the most notable Kobe 4 colorways include the “Carpe Diem” rendition, a classic in the Kobe line, while the “Del Sol” pair combines Bright Yellow accents. The “Chaos” pair represents its name by using various, chaotic Purple, Volt, and Black colors.
Paying tribute to his Finals performance, the “Finals MVP” was released in “Home” and “Away” colors. Nike Basketball would debut the “Protro” version of the Kobe 4, with the first pair being “Draft Day,” released in 2019.
