In 1998, a 19-year-old Kobe Bryant faced off against Michael Jordan in his first NBA All-Star Game appearance. Kobe was voted in by fans as a starter despite still coming off the bench for Eddie Jones on the Lakers during this time. The world already knew Kobe was going to be a star, midway through his second season in the league.
For his All-Star debut, Kobe rocked his signature adidas KB8 in a PE colorway dressed in a black/white color scheme. adidas would eventually release this colorway as a retro in 2011 under the name Crazy 8 (sans the Kobe name as he had already switched over to Nike). You may have seen Kendrick Lamar rocking a pair of the retros while out in Paris for Fashion Week.
To celebrate NBA All-Star 2024, adidas is once again bringing back the “1998 All-Star” Crazy 8, though they don’t look exactly the same as the OG or the previous retro. The 2024 version replaces the purple and gold “8” at the bottom of the tongue with “’98” as a nod to the year when Kobe first debuted the shoe.
The adidas Crazy 8 “’98 All-Star” is set to release February 1st via adidas.com and February 15th via select retailers such as Finish Line and JD Sports. Check out the official images below.
adidas Crazy 8 “’98 All-Star”
Color: Core Black/Regal Purple/Cloud White
Style Code: IG3738
Release Date: February 1, 2024 (adidas)
Release Date: February 15, 2024 (Global)
Price: $140 USD
