adidas Crazy 2 KOBE TWO “USA” JR8232

adidas and Kobe Bryant created one of the most iconic and eventually notorious sneakers in history with the debut of the adidas KOBE TWO “USA”, a special colorway of the second signature shoe covered in patriotic stars and stripes. Kobe first debuted the shoe for the season opener of the 2001-2002 season as a sign of remembrance of the victims and those who were affected by the 9/11 tragedy. Sneaker News can confirm that adidas plans on bringing back the memorable shoe for the first time next June.

The adidas KOBE TWO is among the most bizarre basketball shoe designs in history. Completely unorthodox in its appearance, the KOBE TWO was the last signature shoe from the adidas x Kobe partnership to hit retail; Kobe paid $9 million out of his own pocket to cut ties with the brand, eventually landing at Nike and creating the best signature shoe line in history behind the Air Jordan.

adidas recently re-released the adidas Crazy 2 to some positive fanfare. The original White/Yellow pair has sold out, while other OG colorways like the all-silver joints managed to wipe out of stock as well. Credit the shoebox packaging and the true-to-original build for its success. Even without the Kobe name, the Crazy 2 is still a strong pick-up for hoops fans who love the 1990s and early 2000s.

When did the adidas KOBE TWO originally release?

The adidas KOBE TWO is the second signature shoe from the adidas KOBE line. It originally released in 2001 in a select few colorways; it would be the last shoe to release from the adidas KOBE line; Kobe chose to leave his contract with adidas to pursue a deal with a different brand.

When did Kobe Bryant wear the adidas KOBE TWO USA?

Kobe Bryant wore the USA colorway of the adidas KOBE TWO on October 30th, 2001. He wore these to honor the victims and those affected by the September 11th tragedy that took place just over a month prior.

Why did adidas change the name of the KOBE TWO?

Due to legal reasons, adidas can no longer call the Kobe Bryant signature shoes by their original names. The shoes have been re-named the Crazy line. Any markings that reflect Kobe Bryant have been removed for the shoes, shoeboxes, packaging, and any other part of the product.

Written by

John Kim, Editor-in-Chief

John Kim is the current Editor-in-Chief of Sneaker News, taking over the role in 2014 after joining the company in 2009. Born and raised in Queens, NY, John has published interviews with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Pusha T, Pharrell, and more. He is considered among the most trusted voices in the industry and is a fixture at important brand events across the globe.