This year, SLAM magazine celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of shaping basketball culture with stories, photos, and unforgettable covers. To honor this milestone, SLAM has partnered with adidas and renowned sneaker designer Nick DePaula to unveil a special-edition adidas Crazy 2 sneaker. This exclusive release pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and the iconic Class of ’96 cover, one of SLAM’s most legendary moments.
A Striking Update to a Classic Design
The adidas Crazy 2, formerly known as the Kobe Two, is reborn with a fresh and meaningful redesign. For the first time, this model features a premium all-suede upper, signaling the attention to detail and craftsmanship behind the collaboration. Each element of the sneaker is steeped in symbolism, celebrating the legacies of SLAM, adidas, and Kobe Bryant.
- The Left Shoe: Dressed in vibrant yellow suede, it represents Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers jersey—a nod to his unparalleled career and iconic place in basketball history.
- The Right Shoe: Wrapped in bold blue, it draws inspiration from SLAM’s logo on its celebrated 15th issue. This color choice connects the sneaker directly to the magazine’s impactful storytelling.
- Insoles: The insoles feature a distinctive brick pattern, mirroring the backdrop of the Class of 1996 cover. This issue commemorated a transformative NBA rookie class that included legends like Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, and Ray Allen.
Thoughtful Details That Speak Volumes
Beyond the colorway and materials, subtle touches elevate this collaboration to another level. Two stars adorn the tongue of each sneaker, representing SLAM’s enduring influence over basketball culture and its pivotal role in chronicling the sport’s evolution. Together, the design celebrates Kobe Bryant’s legendary career, adidas’ reputation for bold sneaker innovation, and SLAM’s three decades of storytelling and cultural impact.
A Tribute for Fans, Not for Sale
Unfortunately, the SLAM x adidas Crazy 2 “30th Anniversary” Pack will not be available to the public. Fans and collectors can only admire this remarkable collaboration from afar. This exclusivity enhances the mystique of the sneakers, solidifying their place as a coveted tribute to basketball’s history.
Honouring Legacy, Celebrating the Future
The partnership between SLAM, adidas, and Nick DePaula is more than just a sneaker release. It’s a celebration of basketball’s rich legacy and the figures who have shaped the game. It stands as a heartfelt homage to Kobe Bryant, a beloved icon whose influence transcends the court.
While fans won’t be able to lace up these special-edition sneakers, the project reminds us of the power of storytelling, design, and legacy in basketball culture. SLAM’s 30 years in the game is a testament to the magazine’s role in elevating the sport’s narrative, and this collaboration ensures that legacy lives on.
