The Adidas Crazy 8, Bryant’s first signature sneaker from 1997 originally known as the KB 8, will release in February in its “All-Star” colorway for the first time since 2011. While predominantly black and white, the sneaker also features purple and gold to match the colors of the Los Angeles Lakers, as players in the 1998 NBA All-Star Game wore their own team jerseys instead of ones created specifically for the game. Whereas the sneaker previously featured an embroidered “8” on the tongue as a nod to Bryant’s playing number, it now bears “98” as a call back to that first All-Star appearance for the legendary player.


The Crazy 8 has also appeared without one of its original technologies since Adidas first brought it back to market in 2005. It no longer features a Feet You Wear sole because Adidas’ contract ran out for the tech’s patent holder, Frampton Ellis. Ellis developed Feet You Wear to mimic the natural curves and shape of the human foot and prevent rolling ankles that could more easily occur when wearing squared-off soles.