Kobe Bryant's signature Nike sneaker for this season, the Kobe 8, finishes second to LeBron James' signature Nike sneaker, which brought in over $300 million in the U.S. alone.Bryant's immense popularity has transcended into a $50 million business in the sneaker sales market. Kobe's shoe sold at a $140 retail price, which was considerably cheaper than LeBron James' sneaker, which was at $180. Carmelo Anthony's Jordan Brand sneaker finished third while Kevin Durant's Nike shoes finished fourth, receptively.
Bryant, jokingly, marketed his foot boot that he's been wearing on his surgically repaired achilles tendon, posting this on his Instagram account:
http://instagram.com/p/YMrTyARNo8/
Bryant's may be at a slight disadvantage, since his shoe is considerably less than LeBron's, especially if you take in the fact that James had other retail prices going up to about $280 or even $300 due to Nike iD and his Nike Elite sneakers. Along with that, Kobe is currently rocking a boot right now.
However, Bryant still remains as one of the most popular athletes in the U.S., and many are awaiting his return next season. Bryant is the NBA's biggest star in China, and although his sales have dipped from last year, he still sells more shoes than Dwight Howard, John Wall and Derrick Rose combined.
Bryant has been with Nike since 2003 after leaving Adidas. The Kobe 8 System shoe is his lightest at 10 ounces, and the lowest to date. The latest Kobe 8 sneaker released today, which was a black-and-gold elite, which retailed at a price of $200.
