Nike Kobe 1 Protro ‘Undefeated Camo La Brea’ Sample | US 14

When Kobe Bryant was drafted into the NBA at 17 years old, he did not celebrate with an elaborate draft party. Instead, Bryant reportedly went to the gym. 17 years later, when he tore his Achilles, Kobe was not carried off the court by his teammates. With a face displaying agony, he instead hobbled to the free throw line and made both shots, touching nothing but net.  

An embodiment of the competitive spirit, it was Bryant’s ability to attack each game with an unparalleled desire to win that made him one of this generation’s greatest. When Kobe retired in 2016, he did so as a 5-time NBA champion, a league MVP, a 2-time scoring champion and a 12-time All-Defensive team selection. A complete player and an ambassador of the game, Bryant was the face of the Los Angeles Lakers and one of the biggest names in the NBA during his 20-year career. 

This sample Kobe 1 comes from a collaboration between Nike and Undefeated. Undefeated, founded in 2002 by Eddie Cruz and James Bond in Los Angeles, California, was one of the earliest sneaker and streetwear boutiques. It has since cemented itself as a relevant reference point in the sneaker and streetwear industry.

This pair features a University Gold camo upper, with a contrasting black Swoosh. Additionally, purple Undefeated branding can be found on the heel. Samples are sneakers made by the manufacturer either for promotional purposes or for testing various aspects of a design. They are far rarer than the general release pairs.