When we think of the Black Mamba Kobe Bryant, we immediately think of his Nike endorsement. And that definitely has its merits since the Nike Kobe line was one of the best performance kicks. But before Kobe inked a deal with Nike, there was Adidas. And despite being a very short deal, they managed to give us an iconic pair of sneakers: the Kobe 1. But when the contract ends, the name should go! So how did the Kobe 1 become the Adidas Crazy 1? Let’s find out now!
Before the Adidas Crazy Line, It Was The Kobe
In 1996, Kobe was a fresh-out-of-high-school NBA draft pick. So Adidas recognized the talent and approached the LA Lakers rookie with a deal he couldn’t refuse. The first pair, aka KB8 or Adidas Crazy 8, came out in 1997. And when 1998 rolled around, KB8 II did too, and the third rendition followed in 1999. You can read about that in detail here.
But the beginning of the end came when The Kobe dropped in 2000. The sneakers were nothing like what you’d expect kicks to look like, and not in the best way. However, Kobe rocked them and played, which was validation enough for these babies. That was well and good until Adidas dropped The Kobe 2, and that was a nope even from Kobe himself. The black mamba stuck to the first pair, and we get it, to be honest.
Now, rumor has it that this silhouette was the reason Kobe decided to end their deal. So in 2002, Kobe paid himself out of the deal for $8 million! However, he had to ride solo until 2003 due to the buyout clause. And with 2003 arriving, Kobe inked a contract with Nike and started another legacy with Adidas’ rival. You can check out the best Nike Kobe kicks right here!
Adidas Crazy Is Back!
Now, just like the Yeezy Adidas dilemma, the three stripes still own the silhouette. So of course, in 2006 they re-issued the Adidas Crazy 1, but well, they didn’t really catch momentum. And now, 16 years later, Adidas brought several colorways back: Stormtrooper, Lakers, Silver, and Sunshine. Ironically, you can catch those on the resale market for as much as it would cost in retail. But well, that’s not what we’re here to discuss, is it?
A 2023 Silhouette?
Apparently, the German brand is working on a new installation in the Adidas Crazy line. Rumor has it that they’re dropping a new silhouette in 2023. And if the pictures are legit, these babies will look a lot like a mashup of Yeezy 380 and 700 V3. According to leaks, the kicks will be called Adidas Crazy New Era. So whether these kicks will flip or flop remains a mystery!
Now, it doesn’t matter if they’re flip-worthy or not, they’re definitely head-turners, especially in a sneaker collection. So make sure you have your sneaker bot on hand when these kicks drop. You know, better safe than sorry! And if you’re new to the sneaker botting game, this guide shall point you in the right direction. Godspeed
