The first time the world saw Kobe Bryant’s bright green sneakers was on a cold Christmas morning in 2010, and the moment has stuck in sneaker lore ever since.
The 2010 Christmas Debut
Kobe Bryant stepped onto the floor of Staples Center on Dec. 25, 2010, for a holiday showdown against the Miami Heat’s newly formed Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. While the Lakers wore white and the Heat went red, Bryant’s shoes stood out in a bold, two-toned green that resembled scales. The red logo on the tongue gave the pair a unmistakable holiday feel, earning them the nickname “Grinch” among fans.
The game itself was a quiet one for Bryant and the Lakers. He finished with 17 points as the Heat won 96-80. Yet the shoes were the headline of the day. Courtside fans received gift bags that included a pair of the now-iconic sneakers, cementing the moment as a turning point in sneaker history.
Initial Release and Pricing
Nike released the Kobe 6 Grinch on the same day as the game, pricing the shoes at $130. The shoes were sold in retail stores and online, and the price point helped make them accessible to a wide range of fans.
Re-releases Over the Years
Nike has kept the Grinch alive through a series of re-releases:
- Dec. 24, 2020: The Kobe 6 Protro Grinch was relaunched at $180.
- Mar. 2021: The Kobe 6 All-Star Protro re-launch came at $190.
- Jun. 2021: The Kobe 6 White Del Sol Protro was released for $180.
- Dec. 2023: The Kobe 6 Protro Reverse, which inverted the original color scheme, hit the market at $190.
- 2024: Nike introduced Kobe Grinch football cleats and a mismatched set (one green, one red) priced at $230.
Each re-release has drawn attention from collectors and sneakerheads, keeping the Grinch in the spotlight.
Market Value Today
Over the last five years, the price of the original Grinch sneakers has more than tripled. On most retail sites, a pair now fetches an asking price between $600 and $1,500. The surge reflects both the shoes’ iconic status and the limited supply available to consumers.
The Kobe Bryant Day Connection
In a separate celebration, a lifelong Lakers fan discovered rare Kobe cards in his collection on Kobe Bryant Day. He gifted the cards to his grandson, adding another layer to the legacy of the “Grinch” sneakers and the broader Kobe Bryant brand.
Vanessa Bryant’s New Partnership with Nike
In March 2022, Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, announced a new partnership with Nike. This came after a previous dispute when a tribute shoe for Kobe and their daughter Gigi appeared online without her permission. Under the new deal, all proceeds from Gigi’s shoes will be donated to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Key Takeaways
- The Kobe 6 Grinch debuted on Dec. 25, 2010, and became an instant sneaker icon.
- Nike has relaunched the shoes several times, with prices ranging from $180 to $230.
- Current market prices for the original Grinch sneakers range from $600 to $1,500.
- Vanessa Bryant’s 2022 partnership with Nike includes a charitable component for Gigi’s shoes.
The story of Kobe Bryant’s green sneakers shows how a single design can resonate across time, turning a holiday moment into a lasting cultural touchstone. From its debut on a snowy Christmas morning to its status as a high-priced collector’s item, the Grinch remains a testament to Kobe’s enduring influence on sneaker culture and the broader sports world.
