Adidas Is Bringing Back the Signature Sneaker Kobe Bryant Hated Most
Adidas will soon bring back its only remaining Kobe Bryant sneaker that hasn’t had a retro release.
The Adidas Crazy 2, formerly known as the Kobe 2, is soon set to return in its original “Silver Metallic” and “Black” colorways. Reports previously suggested the sneaker would return this month in its “All-Star” colorway this month for the NBA’s marquee weekend, but with the festivities just days away there’s been no further indication that the release will actually happen.
Continuing after its predecessor with its Audi TT Roadster influence, the Kobe 2 ended up being the most polarizing of all the Adidas Kobe sneakers. Adidas released the sneaker in 2001, and its streamlined appearance was even more extreme than the Kobe 1 (which was actually Bryant’s fourth signature sneaker and is now known as the Crazy 1).
Some observers compared the Kobe 2 to a toaster, and Bryant himself was said to hate the shoe so much he went back to the Kobe 1 for the 2002 playoffs. It’s also believed that his unhappiness with the Kobe 2 specifically played at least some role in his decision to leave Adidas, and in 2003 he’d famously join Nike to begin his more acclaimed line of sneakers.
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Adidas will be hoping the narrative is kinder this time around and that the Y2K trend favors the shoe more than the actual Y2K era. The “Silver Metallic” edition also has the benefit of coming dressed in the synthetic leather that’s dominating the sneaker scene. Leading up to the model’s return, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jared Williams debuted a new Crazy 2 colorway during a pre-game warmup in November.
Because of its lack of official affiliation with Bryant, Adidas has renamed each of his sneakers as they’ve been brought back. Although this is the first time the model has come back, it’s not the first time Adidas has used the name. The shoe originally known as the KB8 2 became the Crazy 2 when it was first brought back as a retro in 2014, but know it’s known as the Crazy 98. (Yes, it can get confusing quickly.)
The Adidas Crazy 2 will release in its “Silver Metallic” colorway in April and then its “Black” counterpart in June. Pricing is set at $160.
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.
