Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson ...

With Kobe Bryant rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon, his new Nike sneakers feature an extreme high-top silhouette, which led to plenty of mocking on Twitter.

Kobe drew inspiration for the high-tops from watching Manny Pacquiao's boxing in person. This was a strong departure from the low-top sneaker revolution Kobe helped usher in during the height of ...

They're here. Ever since the low-top Kobe 8's —a shoe many regarded as the best in the series —dropped a year ago, there has been steadily growing anticipation for the next edition of Mamba ...

And the Kobe IV turned out to be a legitimately great shoe: People loved the feeling of freedom, the lightness and newness of a low-top basketball shoe that performed just as well as a high-top.

The Kobe A.D. Mid.) (Also noteworthy: Kobe, ever ruthless in his pursuit of whatever might give him an edge, ditched his game-changing low-tops momentarily in favor of the high-high-high-top Kobe 9s.) ...

I n 2008, the late Lakers great Kobe Bryant changed the rules of playing basketball. Back then, it was always an unwritten law that players wear high-top shoes to protect their ankles.

Every night in the NBA is a fashion show. Players use their pregame outfits and sneakers on the court to stand out from their peers. While fashion trends come and go, the Mamba Mentality remains ...

The Captain, played by Anthony Mackie, sports a pair of customized kicks in “Captain America: Brave New World” that are based on the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro high tops, costume designer Gersha ...

With Kobe Bryant rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon, his new Nike sneakers feature an extreme high-top silhouette, which led to plenty of mocking on Twitter.

Online shoppers can buy the Nike Kobe 9 Elite High Protro "What the Kobe?" in adult ($240) and big kid ($140) sizing exclusively on the Nike SNKRS app and select boutiques.