Unreleased Nike Kobe 1 Prototype from 2005 Surfaces Online for $5,000 USD
What the sneaker could have looked like.
Kobe Bryant‘s Nike Kobe 1 lineage has been through a lot of design changes before arriving at the models we see today. Giving insight into the beginning of this evolution are two unreleased Nike Kobe 1 prototype models from 2005 that have surfaced online, fetching between $4,000 and $5,000 USD.
One prototype features a black nubuck upper with a distinctive sole unit and gum outsole that’s vastly different from the modern Zoom Kobe 1 Protro midsole. The most notable design feature is the exposed carbon fibre plating at the midsole, which seems to map out high-impact areas. Other details include a horizontal piping accent and the lack of Swoosh branding on the upper. The second prototype features a white leather upper with ribbed accents that extend to the midsole, transitioning into the serrated midsole design we now see on the modern Kobe 1 Protro models.
Take a look at the 2005 Nike Kobe 1 prototype models above and share your thoughts in the comments below.
For something that looks into the future, check out a preview of the 2019 adidas UltraBOOST 5.0 model.
