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Kobe Debuts New Nike Kobe XI Elite GCR at Skills Academy

nike kobe XI elite GCR 8

We’re all are still basking in the glory of Kobe Bryant’s 60-point outing at his last game ever and we still remember that the Black Mamba always brings the heat when it comes to kicks. The new Kobe XI Elite GCR is proof.

During the Mamba’s trip overseas for his Nike Kobe Academy, it’s only rightfully so for Kobe to not only have the most attention (while being one of the most treasured athletes in the US but also in China) but also team up with selected young athletes from the far east coast to give the youngsters a once in a lifetime experience with the Legend. It’s nice to see post-retirement Kobe still involved with basketball but we’re more focused on what’s on his feet — can we all agree on that?

Kobe XI Elite GCR 8

The Kobe XI Elite GCR or “Great Career Recall” features a commemorative seal on the pull tabs, gold accents along the Swoosh, and an all white midsole/outsole. Included in the box is a detailed booklet of the Black Mamba’s special moments from his career. What’s great is that the small stuff, such as adding detailed booklets and some storytelling with the packaging, can give consumers like us a feeling like we were meant to own this shoe to celebrate the athlete.

While this particular Kobe Elite model was released overseas, it’s soon to debut here in the U.S. early this summer. Make sure you keep it locked here at WearTesters while we get you the latest information on this upcoming release date and pricing. Let us know what you think in the comment section.

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Photos via Bounce

13 comments
  1. “We’re all are still basking in the glory of Kobe Bryant’s 60-point outing at his last game ever and we still remember that the Black Mamba always brings the heat when it comes to kicks”
    LMAO!!!!

    Why does the swoosh look like one of those old school iron on decals, those that used to come in cereal boxes?!

  2. I don’t think that they really look that special. The gold and black was done much better on the FTB, and the white out sole does not fit. Personally, I liked the Red Horse’s much better which I had the great opportunity to cop.

  3. What Jordans are those in the backgroung? One looks familiar, but to the right of it looks like a new model. Anyone know that it is?

  4. Kobe was here in town for both the Kobe Academy and his The Mamba Way exhibition. Not sure exactly what’s shown for the latter (my guess would be primarily his Nike era stuff)but will find out later this week.

    Felt kinda weird to see the legend himself stepping on the very playground floor that I play at twice a week.

  5. Kobe also wore them here in the Philippines. Nike Philippines invited 20 (lucky) people plus the media to a closed door event on Sunday to talk and answer questions about his relationship with his Filipino fans. Guests then were allowed to be the first to purchase the Kobe 11 GCRs, followed by a huge FCFS line of people who camped out overnight just to have a chance to see Kobe for a few seconds. Now that’s love! By the way, the booklet that comes with the GCRs is the same exact booklet that was included in all the Fade to Blacks releases.

    1. About the booklet, for real bro? I wanted a pair too but when I logged in to NikeID, you can do the same design there as well (less the pull tab and the heel design/material) but as NYJumpman23 said, “What’s great is that the small stuff” so I wanted to trade my FTB for a GCR for that matter.

      The hype was real on this pair. Not even Nike BGC announced it would release and there was probably less than 24 hours between the announcement on other social media and the quick release time

      1. Yup! Same exact booklet (I have a couple of the FTBs and a GCR). Last minute announcements, or lack there of, used to be the true definition of a Quickstrike release. Even Kobe’s visit was kind of announced out of no where.

        1. Agreed. I guess the only time the rest of the media covered him was when he was already pulling up at the airport haha

          Thanks for the info on the booklet.

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