Just because Kobe Bryant gave it his all on April 13, 2016 and dropped an astonishing 60 points in his last game, you didn’t think that was it for the Black Mamba, did you? To open up the next chapter, Nike and Kobe came together to bring the Kobe A.D. The A.D. stands for exactly what you thought it was, After Death.
Kobe and Los Angeles go hand-in-hand and the Mexican culture is deeply embedded. With Dia de los Muertos as the theme, Nike adequately celebrated Kobe’s career as they officially unveiled the Kobe A.D. in a gallery space in Los Angeles. Technically, fans can also dub these as the Kobe 12s but it is now confirmed, the Kobe A.D. is the official name for the shoe.
In the past, the sneaker is showcased on Kobe’s feet on Christmas day and a release date would follow. This time around, you can cop the sneaker on November 22. In a clean, monotone grey upper, these will feature white accents on the Swoosh and Shozoku logo followed by a vibrant and iridescent heel cap. At the unveiling, the Mamba himself mentioned the improved heel cap to maximize comfort for wearers.
From Nike’s official press release:
Kobe Bryant’s first post-retirement signature silhouette, the Nike Kobe A.D., continues a legacy of lightweight, low-profile on-court footwear. Combining a Zoom Air unit in the heel, Lunarlon foam in the midsole and a minimal rubber outsole (with micro-tread traction), the shoe provides responsive, flexible cushioning and maximum court feel. A breathable mesh upper with incorporated Dynamic Flywire, ensures lock down for quick changes of direction toward the basket or to cover an opponent.
The Nike Kobe A.D., with a suggested retail price of $160, releases November 22 at nike.com and select retailers.
For those wondering, last year the Achilles Heel colorway dropped first on January 9, 2016. The Nike Kobe X ‘5 AM Flight’ released on February 5, 2015.
From our lens:
Mamba mentality pic.twitter.com/fqPkq3n8cn
— Kicksologists (@kicksologists) November 1, 2016
