The NBA legend Kobe “The Black Mamba” died in a horrific helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. His death cause shock waves throughout the world. The incident especially hurt the sneaker community that Bryant revolutionized.
Flashback a decade ago, you’re watching Bryant average 28.6 points, eight rebounds, and close to four assists in the epic seven game series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics.
In route to his second straight championship and finals MVP, Kobe wore his fifth signature shoe with the sportswear powerhouse Nike; the Kobe V. While wearing these shoes you watch as he overcomes one of his toughest opponents in the Celtics big three, going the distance winning the series in seven games.
Flash forward to present day and the death of Kobe Bryant shocks the world. The event is an international tragedy with people young and old mourning for the falling NBA superstar. You remember those finals and the shoes that made him great and decide to buy a pair.
In 2010 the retail price for the Kobe V model was $130. However, examining resell shops and websites, now the average price of the Kobe V model is at the least $300 depending on the specific shoe; doubling the retail price. What does that mean and how does that happen ?
In the sneaker culture there is a large separation between the consumer and the supplier. The “resellers” play a huge role in determining the price point of particular shoes or model. However, the problem stems from the “resellers” emphasis on supply and demand rather than the cultural importance of the specific shoe or model.
The reselling business is often routed in selfishness. Resellers buy shoes that people want and find important, usually in bulk buying however many pairs available to them. Then in turn “flip” those shoes for a higher price trying to double, even triple their profit margins. This has incited a distain towards resellers and pushed the divided between consumer and supplier even further.
The death of Kobe Bryant shed more light on the situation. It brings up the question of where is the line in profiting off a tragedy or death and is it right to profit off of people’s grief?
Due to this dismal tragedy, the demand for Kobe paraphernalia has skyrocketed. In turn, prices of such paraphernalia, specifically sneakers, have skyrocketed as well. This has effectively put Kobe fans in a dilemma having to deal with very high prices.
The multi-billion-dollar industry that is now sneaker culture is now seeing criticism. Nike itself sold out of all Bryant Merchandise the Tuesday following the tragedy and have ceased to sell any related products. However reselling platforms, such as the live marketplace for sneakers StockX, have seen prices rise and were met with apparent criticism.
The problem is that sites like StockX, Goat, Grailed, and others seem to be enabling users to profit off the death of the NBA legend. However, it would be hard for an executive to step in and interfere with the open and free environment their companies have establish. Sites like eBay for example have no regulation in selling items of that nature.
Bryant was an necessary and important figure not just in basketball, but in the sneaker culture. His role in the culture was a necessary breath of fresh air, from the dominant era of Michael Jordan and his impact on sneaker culture.
Both the Kobe IV and V were revolutionary models in that there was a focus on a lighter and more lower cut silhouette. He was important in moving the culture forward.
This is where some resellers are seen as ignorant. Ignoring the importance of a model or shoe and focusing on profit, dragging consumers through the mud for their personal gain. Living in a capitalist society this shouldn’t be a surprise.
The sad part of this all is that there is no regulation. The prices of Kobe paraphernalia ultimately will rise due to sadness and want for the NBA legends legacy to continue. It’s strictly up to resellers to make the moral decision on whether to profit off it or not.
