words // Zack Schlemmer
Lately we've seen the return of the adidas Top Ten 2000 in a variety of colorways, but what we haven't seen so far is the return of another shoe associated with Kobe Bryant's early days in the NBA: the EQT Elevation.
The EQT (Equipment) Elevation released in 1997 and was a member of the great adidas Feet You Wear line. The Feet You Wear technology was designed as an extension of the wearer's foot with a rounded, organic outsole design that also kept you closer to the ground. Following the elevation, Kobe's first official signature model, the KB 8, also was a member of the Feet You Wear family.
Kobe wore the EQT Elevation for much of his rookie season, including his purple PE pair on the way to winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest. In this commercial we see young Kobe rocking the EQT Elevation while boasting (imagine that) about what he'd be doing on the court if it wasn't raining. Although the long sleeve shirt under your own jersey look is questionable, the shoes do look good. Would you like to see the EQT Elevation return?
