On Christmas Day 2010, the Staples Center became the stage for a sneaker moment that would echo through sneaker history. Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers legend, stepped onto the hardwood wearing a bright green pair of Nike Kobe 6 sneakers that would soon be known as the Grinch. The debut took place during the Lakers’ matchup against the Miami Heat’s newly-formed Big 3, and the green shoes have been a holiday icon ever since.
The Green Debut
The first appearance of the green sneakers came during the 96-80 loss the Lakers suffered to the Heat. Bryant was held to 17 points in that game, but the shoes stole the spotlight. The green color matched the holiday spirit, and the Lakers’ white uniforms, the Heat’s road red, and Bryant’s green sneakers created a color palette that fans instantly associated with Christmas.
Design and Naming
Nike called the style the “Green Mamba,” a nod to Bryant’s nickname. The shoe featured two-toned green scales and a red logo on the tongue, giving it a clear Christmas aesthetic. Because of the green hue and the red logo, many fans dubbed the pair the “Grinch,” a reference to the holiday classic. The design was simple yet memorable, and it set a new standard for seasonal sneaker releases.
Game Day Details
During the game on December 25, 2010, the Lakers wore their white uniforms while the Heat went with road red. The green sneakers stood out against the court’s backdrop, and courtside fans received a gift bag that included the iconic shoes. The gift bag became a coveted item for collectors, further cementing the sneaker’s status as a holiday collectible.
Initial Release and Pricing
The Kobe 6 Grinch sneakers were released on the same day as the game, with an initial retail price of $130. Fans who attended the game could buy the shoes immediately, and the same price was used for the first retail launch. The quick release tied the sneaker directly to the event, creating a sense of urgency among fans and collectors.
Reissues and New Releases
Nike relaunched the Kobe 6 Protro Grinch on December 24, 2020, setting the price at $180. The company continued to refresh the line: the Kobe 6 All-Star received a Protro re-launch in March 2021 at $190; the Kobe 6 White Del Sol got a Protro re-launch in June 2021 at $180; and the Kobe 6 Protro Reverse, which inverted the original Grinch color scheme, was released in December 2023 at $190. In 2024, Nike expanded the Grinch theme to football cleats and a mismatched set-one green and one red-priced at $230.
Current Market Value
Over the past five years, the price of the original Kobe 6 Grinch sneakers has more than tripled. On most retail sites, a pair now commands an asking price between $600 and $1,500. The steep increase reflects both the sneaker’s iconic status and the continued demand among collectors and fans of Kobe Bryant.
Nike’s Ongoing Kobe Line
Nike continues to honor Kobe Bryant’s legacy. In March 2022, Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, announced a new partnership with Nike after a prior dispute over a tribute shoe for Kobe and their daughter Gigi. As part of the new agreement, all proceeds from Gigi’s shoes will be donated to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, ensuring that the brand remains connected to the Bryant family’s philanthropic efforts.
Key Takeaways
- The green Nike Kobe 6 Grinch debuted on Christmas Day 2010 and instantly became a holiday icon.
- The original release price was $130, and the shoes were sold the same day as the Lakers-Heat game.
- Nike has re-issued the Grinch multiple times, with prices ranging from $180 to $230 for new releases.
- The original sneakers now sell for $600-$1,500, reflecting their collectible value.
- A 2022 partnership keeps the Kobe line active, with proceeds from Gigi’s shoes supporting the Mamba Foundation.
The green sneakers that Kobe Bryant wore on a quiet Christmas morning have grown into a cultural touchstone. From a single game to a multi-year legacy, the Grinch continues to capture the imagination of sneakerheads and basketball fans alike.
