Unreleased Nike Kobe 1 Prototype from 2005 Surfaces Online for $5,000 USD

What the sneaker could have looked like.

Footwear
5.4K 8 Comments

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.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Nike Kobe 5 “All-Star” PE 2010 Sample Has Surfaced
Footwear

Nike Kobe 5 “All-Star” PE 2010 Sample Has Surfaced

Sold on an eBay auction for thousands.

Official Images of Red Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba”
Footwear

Official Images of Red Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Year of the Mamba”

This “University Red” colorway joins an “Eggplant” pair in celebrating the Year of the Snake.

Official Images of the Nike Kobe 5 Protro "Year of the Mamba"
Footwear

Official Images of the Nike Kobe 5 Protro "Year of the Mamba"

Arriving next year to celebrate the Year of the Snake.


"Soft Yellow" Covers the Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low
Footwear

"Soft Yellow" Covers the Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low

Featuring snakeskin-inspired laces and oversized “8” branding at the heel.

adidas Launches the UltraBOOST 4.0 in "Orca" and "Multicolor"
Footwear

adidas Launches the UltraBOOST 4.0 in "Orca" and "Multicolor"

Black & white or rainbow?

easyJet to Introduce Electric Passenger Jets by 2030
Automotive

easyJet to Introduce Electric Passenger Jets by 2030

Aiming to be 50% quieter and 10% cheaper.

Neon Pink Pops on Nike's Air VaporMax Flyknit 2.0 "Racer Blue"
Footwear

Neon Pink Pops on Nike's Air VaporMax Flyknit 2.0 "Racer Blue"

Coming this Black Friday.

Ava Nirui x Marc Jacobs Second Collaboration Taps Julian Consuegra, Avi Gold & IDEA
Fashion

Ava Nirui x Marc Jacobs Second Collaboration Taps Julian Consuegra, Avi Gold & IDEA

For a series of graphic hoodies.

BAPE Releases More Fire Pattern Gear for FW18
Fashion

BAPE Releases More Fire Pattern Gear for FW18

It’s lit.


Stream Action Bronson's New Album, 'White Bronco'
Music

Stream Action Bronson's New Album, 'White Bronco'

Happy Halloween.

L'art de l'automobile Releases a Retro GT Racing-Inspired Capsule
Fashion

L'art de l'automobile Releases a Retro GT Racing-Inspired Capsule

Centered around the fictional KAR GT race team.

A Closer Look at the Expansive UNDEFEATED x adidas FW18 Footwear Collection
Footwear

A Closer Look at the Expansive UNDEFEATED x adidas FW18 Footwear Collection

Including UltraBOOST, PureBOOST and adizero models.

"Rehire James Gunn for Vol. 3" Billboard Appears Near Disneyland
Entertainment

"Rehire James Gunn for Vol. 3" Billboard Appears Near Disneyland

“Save the Galaxy.”

Stüssy Teams up With Sun Buddies for New Eyewear Collection
Fashion

Stüssy Teams up With Sun Buddies for New Eyewear Collection

Four vintage-inspired sunglasses.

More ▾