All the Kobe Jordans Nike Has Dropped So Far

Much like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant is recognized as one of the best basketball players in the sport. Before passing, the Lakers star had racked up more than 30,000 points scored and numerous awards, along with two Olympic gold medals. Another common point between the two players is that both wore Air Jordans on the basketball court.

Nike, always quick to recognize athletic genius and dedication, has released several Kobe Jordans to mark the player's career although all are player-exclusive shoes.

A Brief History of Air Jordans

A decade before Kobe's 1996 debut as the NBA's youngest player, another basketball legend was making his debut. Michael Jordan's first season with the Chicago Bulls kicked off in 1985. The year would also mark the first release of the Air Jordan sneaker, a $3 million endorsement deal that would go on to sell $126 million worth of shoes in the first year alone.

Since that first release, Nike has continued to update and expand the Jordan line, with more than 35 distinct Jordan variations to date. In addition to new numbered Jordans, Nike regularly releases retro versions of its most popular Jordans like the Jordan 1, Jordan 4, Jordan 6, and Jordan 11. Jordan Retros feature classic profiles and colorways with updated technology.

Why a Kobe Air Jordan Makes Sense

In addition to its noted commitment to high-quality sneakers and cutting-edge technology, Nike is known for pursuing high-profile collaborations in its various sneaker lines. Air Jordans are no different, and Nike has released dozens of limited and wide-release Air Jordan collaborations since the shoe's 1985 launch.

Much like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant was known in part for his sneakers. Although he started with adidas, Kobe eventually ended up with a Nike deal by the end of his career. He also wore Air Jordans on the court, just like Jordan himself. Nike recognized the Lakers star and his love for Jordans by gifting him a white pair of every Air Jordan model when he retired. As part of the gift, the shoe manufacturer also auctioned off an all-black pair in the player's size 14.

During his lifetime, Kobe worked closely with Nike on shoes, and the Nike Kobe took pride in becoming his signature sneaker.

Player Exclusive Kobe Jordans

The only Kobe Jordans that Nike has officially released are all player exclusives worn by Kobe himself or unreleased colorways given away to family and friends of Nike employees. Although there have been no wide releases of official Kobe Jordans, it's still possible to find player-exclusive sneakers on eBay.

Jordan 9 Retro Kobe

This 2016 Jordan 9 Retro is modeled on a player-exclusive colorway Kobe wore during the 2002 NBA season. The high-topped shoe features a white base with perforated sections along the upper and a white outsole. A patent purple leather mudguard reaches from the toe of the shoe and all the way to the top of the heel, where it extends to the first lace hole. Yellow Jumpman logos are located on the rear of the midsole, embedded in a basketball on the heel, and found on the bottom of the shoe.

Jordan 8 Retro Kobe Bryant PE

The Jordan 8 Retro Kobe Bryant is a player exclusive created in 2016. This high-top Jordan 8 has a breathable white base with white panels and a gray suede upper around the heel. There are yellow and purple accents on the midsole and Air Jordan strap around the heel. The midsole is dark gray. This sneaker was never released, but a limited number were given away as a pack with the Jordan 3 Retro Kobe Bryant PE.

Jordan 3 Retro Kobe Bryant PE

The Jordan 3 Retro Kobe Bryant PE is a low-top Jordan 3 from 2016. This sneaker is a mostly white sneaker with purple and yellow accents. The white base and paneling are complemented by a purple midsole at the heel and yellow in the lace holes and on the tongue logo. Gray-and-black elephant print mudguards adorn the toe and heel. These Jordan 3 sneakers were created as part of a pack with the Jordan 8 Retro Kobe Bryant PE.

Wide Release Kobe Jordans

Nike has never officially released a Kobe Air Jordan sneaker in retail stores but has auctioned some pairs off in the past. Fans hoping to find Kobe Jordans for regular use will need to look to a few Air Jordans that are generally understood to be tributes to the player or his team, the Lakers.

Jordan 3 Dark Iris

The Air Jordan 3 Dark Iris was released on Kobe Day, August 24th, 2022. It isn't an official Kobe Jordan, but releasing the pair on a day when fans celebrate his legacy and in combination with elements in its colorway, many fans see the shoes as a tribute to Kobe Bryant. The sneaker is a low-top Jordan 3 with a white leather base. Purple accents are present on the back midsole and around the heel as well as on the Jumpman logo present on the tongue. This Jordan also features a black collar and insole and a gray-and-black elephant-print mudguard at the toe and heel.

Jordan Legacy 312 Lakers

The Jordan Legacy 312 Lakers is a 2018 release featuring a Lakers-themed colorway of yellow and purple. The sneaker has a white base with a gray-and-black elephant print around the midsole area. Yellow is present on the rear of the midsole while the Swoosh, laces, collar, and insole are all a vibrant purple. The Jumpman logo on the heel is also purple. This sneaker also comes in a low-top version featuring slightly more animal print on the heel and around the laces.

Jordan 1 Mid Lakers

A retro release from 2013, the original Jordan 1 Mid Lakers is a mostly yellow shoe. The yellow base and paneling are broken up by a purple Swoosh and Air Jordan logo on the outer heel. The laces, outsole, and collar are also purple, while white is present in the midsole and on the toe and tongue of the shoe.

Jordan 1 Mid Lakers (2022)

The 2022 Jordan 1 Mid Lakers features almost the opposite colorway to the 2013 release. With a white base and lots of purple paneling, the only yellow parts of this shoe are the upper heel, the Jumpman logo on the tongue, the wrap-around Swoosh, and the upper toe. The laces, outsole, tongue, and collar are all black, while the Air Jordan logo on the outer heel is white.

Will Nike Ever Release New Kobe Jordans?

Although there's still a healthy demand for Kobe merchandise, including sneakers, Nike hasn't released many new Kobe shoes. In part, this is due to disagreements with the Kobe Bryant estate. While a new agreement was signed in early 2022, there is still no official word on whether Nike will ever release new Kobe x Air Jordan models in the future.