Kobe Bryant didn't always wear the Swoosh. It’s a weird thought for anyone who grew up watching the Black Mamba win rings in low-top Nikes, but before the 81-point game and before the Olympic gold, there was a kid with a mini-afro and a massive Adidas contract.
That kid wore the Adidas Crazy 8 Kobe Bryant used to light up the league.
Honestly, the history of this shoe is a bit chaotic. It wasn't even called the Crazy 8 when it first dropped in 1997. Back then, it was simply the Adidas KB8, Kobe’s first-ever signature sneaker. When you look at it now, the design feels aggressive. It’s got these jagged, mountain-like zig-zags on the midsole that look like they’re trying to bite the hardwood. It was the peak of the "Feet You Wear" era, a design philosophy meant to mimic the natural curves of the human foot.
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But then things got messy.
The Name Change Nobody Expected
If you go to a store today and ask for the KB8, the person behind the counter might look at you like you’ve got two heads. That’s because the shoe had to undergo a witness protection program-style rebranding. After Kobe paid $8 million to buy out his Adidas contract in 2002, the brand lost the rights to use his name.
They kept the mold. They kept the zig-zags. They just couldn't keep "Kobe."
So, the KB8 became the Adidas Crazy 8. It’s one of those rare instances where a shoe's "nickname" became its official identity. Despite the divorce between the player and the brand, the shoe survived. It actually thrived.
Why the Crazy 8 Still Matters in 2026
You might think a shoe from '97 would be a dinosaur on the court by now. You’d be wrong. While most modern hoop shoes feel like plastic socks, the Adidas Crazy 8 Kobe Bryant fans still buy is a tank.
It uses a Torsion system for midfoot stability—basically a bridge that keeps your arch from collapsing when you’re cutting hard. It’s heavy. It’s bulky. But it has a soul that most new releases lack. People aren't just buying these for the tech; they’re buying them because of 1998.
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That was the year a 19-year-old Kobe went head-to-head with Michael Jordan in the All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden. He was wearing the black and white KB8s. That game was the "passing of the torch" moment, even if MJ wasn't quite ready to hand it over yet. When you lace up a pair of Crazy 8s, you’re lacing up that specific New York City energy.
A Few Things You Probably Didn't Know:
- The Dunk Contest Myth: People often think Kobe won the '97 Slam Dunk Contest in these. He didn't. He was wearing the Adidas EQT Elevation (now called the Crazy 97) in a bright purple colorway. The Crazy 8 came out the following season.
- The "Feet You Wear" Legal Drama: Part of the reason the retros feel slightly different than the 1997 originals is a massive legal dispute between Adidas and the inventor of the "Feet You Wear" technology. Adidas had to stop using the tech (and the little face logo) for years, which altered the internal feel of the shoe.
- The $8 Million Exit: Kobe hated his later Adidas models—specifically the "Toaster" shoes (The Kobe 2). He was so desperate to leave that he paid a fortune to become a sneaker free agent for a year.
The Feel: Is It Actually Good for Basketball?
If you’re planning to play in these today, you’ve gotta know what you’re getting into.
The traction is surprisingly good. That herringbone pattern on the outsole grips like a tire. However, the cushioning is basically just a thick slab of EVA foam. It’s not "bouncy" like Nike Air or Adidas Boost. It’s firm.
If you have bad knees, maybe don't make these your primary game shoe. But for a heavy-set player or someone who wants maximum ankle support? They’re great. The "mountains" on the side of the shoe act as outriggers. It is almost impossible to roll your ankle in a pair of Crazy 8s because the base is so wide.
How to Spot a Good Retro
Adidas brings these back every few years. The 2023 and 2024 versions were actually pretty high quality. They brought back the nubuck uppers and the "98" embroidery on some pairs to celebrate the All-Star connection.
When you're looking for a pair, check the materials. The "Core Black" and "Cloud White" colorway is the one you want if you're a purist. It’s the closest thing to what Kobe actually wore while defending MJ.
Prices usually hover around $140 for new retros, but you can often find them on sale for under $100 because they aren't as "hyped" as Jordan 1s. That’s a win for real hoopers.
What to do next
If you're looking to add these to your rotation, your first step should be to check the current inventory on the Adidas "Confirmed" app or secondary sites like GOAT. Look specifically for the 2024 "All-Star" retro—it has better padding than the versions from five years ago.
Also, size up. These tend to run a bit narrow in the midfoot because of that aggressive Torsion plate. Half a size up usually does the trick for most people.
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Once you get them, don't just keep them on a shelf. These shoes were built for the "Feet You Wear" philosophy, which means they actually feel better once the materials soften up after a few hours of wear. Break them in, hit the court, and channel a little bit of that 1998 Mamba mentality.
Actionable Insight: If you’re buying the Adidas Crazy 8 Kobe Bryant for performance, swap out the factory insoles for something with better arch support. The 90s tech is great for stability but lacks the impact protection required for modern vertical play.