Jordan 8 Retro Gains a Kobe Bryant Player Edition
The AJ VIII features a two cross-strap design around the laces, which distinguishes it from other Air Jordan models and retains its legacy as a signature '90s sneaker style. The silhouette is renowned for its iconic chenille tongue graphic design.
When the Jordan 8 Retro Low was introduced in 2003, it featured a low-top silhouette and one cross-strap detail around the laces. Otherwise, it maintained the Jordan 8's original design integrity.
History of Air Jordan 8
The Air Jordan 8 holds a lot of sentimental significance to sneakerheads and collectors. It first released in 1993—the year of MJ's "three-peat" championship season. The AJ XIII is also distinguished for being the last shoe Michael Jordan wore before his first retirement.
Created by the legendary designer Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 8 initially released at a retail price of $125. Highly sought-after models that carry significant resale values include the Air Jordan 8 Retro DB Doernbecher colorway ($400 to $1,200), the OVO collection ($350 to $500) and the coveted Air Jordan 8 PE series that can fetch anywhere from 2,500 to over $10,000.
Other noteworthy, collectable styles include the Jordan 8 Retro in Champagne and Bugs Bunny colorways, which resale for around $225 to $500 and $200 to $450, respectively.
Jordan 8 Retro Kobe Bryant
The Jordan Brand released a new Player Exclusive design to its lineup when the Kobe Bryant colorway debuted on the Air Jordan 8 silhouette. The sneaker features a white upper with perforated side panels and ankle cuffs for extra breathability. White coats the front half of the sneaker's overlays, including its lace strap. Cool Grey covers the rear portion of this upper in a puffy piped pattern. Court Purple accents then reveal themselves on the tongue, the inner sock liner, the heel tab, and the back portion of the lace strap. A tri-colored design coats the white side panel overlays in Yellow Maize, Wolf Grey, and Court Purple. Wolf Grey then continues onto the midsole and the bottom tread.