After a month-long hiatus, the PBA finally resumed its 2021 Philippine Cup schedule. As teams battled it out in Week 4, DM Kicks got busy scouting the best game-worn sneakers.
10. Air Jordan 13 “Chicago” (Michael Miranda, NLEX)
The NLEX big man wore the iconic pair during the heated battle against Alaska last Friday. The pair was released on February 18, 2017 for P9,445.
9. Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Chaos” (Kelly Nabong, Blackwater)
Blackwater’s offseason pick-up laced up “Chaos” Sunday.
This Joker-inspired silhouette was first seen in action back in 2009. It was then re-released in January 2020 for P8,995.
8. Zoom Kobe 6 Protro “White Del Sol” (Terrence Romeo, San Miguel)
San Miguel Beermen’s shifty guard has been donning Kobe pairs these past few seasons despite being under contract with Chinese brand Peak. Rumors even surfaced that the former FEU standout was no longer with the brand, though it was reported that in 2018 that Romeo signed an extension.
Nonetheless, this hasn’t stopped Romeo from wearing the Zoom Kobe 6 Protro “White Del Sol” during San Miguel‘s game against Terrafirma last Thursday. The “White Del Sol” was re-released in June 2021 as one of the last pairs released by Nike to commemorate the life of Kobe Bryant. The pair’s current value is around P17,000.
Other notable players who laced up the “White Del Sol” were Matthew Wright of Phoenix, as well as Romeo’s SMB teammates Moala Tautuaa and CJ Perez.
7. Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Alternate Bruce Lee” (Baser Amer, Blackwater)
An underrated sneaker for an underrated player, Amer laced up a Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Alternate Bruce Lee” against Terrafirma Sunday.
The alternate version of the Bruce Lee-inspired silhouette sold out immediately and is currently valued at around P25,000. However, the pair was completely overshadowed by the OG Bruce Lee silhouette when it was released in November 2020 for P8,995.
6. Zoom Kobe 6 Protro “Grinch” (Matthew Wright, Phoenix)
The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters star might be mired in the middle of a shooting slump, but his sneaker game has not take a hit. Along with the Zoom Kobe 6 Protro “White Del Sol”, the Fil-Canadian shooter also laced up the returning Zoom Kobe 6 Protro “Grinch” on the same week.
The Grinch silhouette is a Christmas-inspired colorway that resembles the famous character from Dr. Seuss’ stories.
The “Grinch” originally released in 2010 before making a return to the racks on December 25, 2020. The pair was released for P8,795 but the value has skyrocketed to around P30,000.
5. Zoom Kobe 4 Protro “Del Sol” (Simon Enciso, Blackwater)
Enciso brought out one of the most expensive pairs in the list during the team’s skirmish against Dyip Sunday. The Zoom Kobe 4 “Del Sol” is currently valued at around P40,000.
Literally translated to “of the Sun”, the Kobe 4 “Del Sol” was first released in 2009 before returning 10 years after.
4. Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee” (Kevin Alas, NLEX)
After battling a series of injuries, NLEX Road Warriors guard Kevin Alas is finally getting his groove back. Coincidentally, the former Letran stalwart laced up the Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee”, a pair that inspires courage and resilience.
Arguably the best-looking colorway among the list, the Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee” has captivated the eyes of many with its unique color blocking and the signature claw marks that resemble Lee’s chest wounds.
The pair was released in November 2020 as the second coming of the previous 2010 release. It is currently valued at P20,000.
Another player who used the Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee” was Phoenix’s RR Garcia.
3. Undefeated X Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Hall of Fame” (Mikey Williams, TNT)
The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Giga’s super rookie has been electrifying during the team’s stretch. The 29-year-old’s sneaker game has been on point, as well.
The former NBA D-League standout laced up a pair of the recently released Undefeated X Zoom Kobe 5 Protro “Hall of Fame” against Blackwater last Thursday.
The “Hall of Fame” is one of the last Kobe pairs to be released by Nike after the late Los Angeles Lakers superstar’s contract with the brand officially ended.
The pair was just released last May and is currently valued at around P14,000. But considering that this is one of the few Undefeated X Kobe pairs left, the value will surely skyrocket in no time.
Another player who used the “Hall of Fame” is James Laput of Terrafirma.
2. Undefeated X Zoom Kobe 4 Protro “Hyper Jade” (Javee Mocon, Rain or Shine)
Rain or Shine rising star Javee Mocon has been sensational for the team in the past few conferences. As he continues his upward trajectory, the former San Beda Lion is taking his shoe game to the next level too.
The 26-year-old forward caught our attention when he laced up a 2019 release of the Undefeated x Zoom Kobe 4 Protro “Hyper Jade”.
The pair was actually debuted by then-San Antonio Spurs star Demar DeRozan during a 2019 NBA Playoffs match against the Denver Nuggets.
This iteration of the Undefeated X Zoom Kobe 4 might be not the most expensive. However, it is definitely one of the rarest and coolest silhouettes.
1. Air Jordan 11 “Bred” (Norbert Torres, Rain or Shine)
In a list dominated by Kobe sneakers, it was still His Airness’ sneaker that topped the list. Rain or Shine big man Norbert Torres (pictured on defense above wearing the black-red-white Jordans) landed at the top as he laced up the Air Jordan 11 “Bred”, undoubtedly the most historic pair in this list.
The Air Jordan 11 was Michael Jordan’s signature pair during the Chicago Bulls’ 1996 campaign where MJ won another championship and clinched the Finals MVP honors.
The Air Jordan 11 “Bred” returned in December 2019, and despite a minor tweak in the details, the history that embodies the pair along with its classic looks is still enough to catapult it to the top of the list.
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