Adidas Kobe II ‘USA Flag’ Sample | Size 14

The Adidas Kobe II marked the second installment in Kobe Bryant's line of signature basketball sneakers. Building upon its predecessor, the Adidas Kobe I, the design evolution maintains a visible influence from the automotive industry, a nod to the original inspiration.

The distinctive design of the sneaker permitted a three-panel upper, allowing the incorporation of distinct colors and designs. After the September 11 attacks in New York, Kobe Bryant was seen wearing this unique model as a tribute to the victims of the attack. The pair is dressed in classic red, blue, and white hues, with prominent star motifs along the collars and accentuated by white and red stripes symbolizing the American flag. Additionally, the insoles showcase a silhouette of Bryant's head.

The colorway itself, which exudes a deep sense of patriotism, was rumored to have been limited to just 30 pairs.

Sotheby’s received the following letter of Provenance from the consignor, a former adidas executive, it states: 

To Whom It May Concern,

In 2000, I was working as an adidas executive at the adidas America HQ in Oregon.

I received these shoes (and backpack, doll) at that time as I was heading up a group working directly on the Kobe Two (and Three) signature range of products. We typically worked with samples (as part of the production process) that either never made it to retail (Kobe Three) and/or were extremely limited.  

 This shoe has cult-like stature in the sneaker world.  This colorway never made it to retail and was only made in KB’s size. This shoe has been packed away and stored in climate-controlled environments since the 2000s. They are in perfect shape, have never been worn. They have rarely been shown.