During his brief period as a sneaker free agent in 2002-2003, NBA superstar Kobe Bryant laced up several different shoe brands on the hardcourt. One of the shoes he sported during that time was the Reebok “White & Purple” Answer IV colorway (perhaps to match the LA Lakers uniform). The moment Kobe was wearing those unique-looking shoes, that drove people into wondering where they could get those kicks.
And just recently the Answer IV was getting a release from Reebok, named the Answer 4 “Kobe PE,” for the All-Star Weekend. It was released on February 16, 2018 and debuted at a retail price of $160.
The Answer 4 “Kobe PE”’s silhouette holds true to the original pair worn by the “Black Mamba” many years back. It features a white and purple upper which is complemented by some grey details. The white part is made from thick white tumbled leather. This is something that should have been awaited by Kobe fans, as well as sneaker heads who have loved this under-appreciated silhouette.
Reebok’s Answer 4 “Kobe PE” surely evokes of nostalgia. This shoe is size 10 (true to size).
If you’re also a fan of Allen Iverson, you cannot afford to miss this one. The Iverson legacy is really evident on this shoe, including the “I3” on the shoe’s gray rubber accent on the upper, the pull tab, and even on the zipper and in the shoes’ packaging box. Plus, Allen Iverson’s iconic face logo is also shows on the outsole. The answer is also much like the other Answer outsoles, but the Answer 4 “Kobe PE” continues the gray-purple-white color scheme with the Reebok logo also in it.
It also features a Velcro strap that secures the foot into the shoe in place, along with a zipper down in the middle, and as implied before, it features an embossed Iverson logo. If you don’t pay attention to the smaller details of this shoe, then you are most likely to miss it!
As you zip it down, underneath is a tongue which is made of a combination of a mesh (or nylon) and leather (which the Reebok logo and branding is printed on it). It also reveals the lacing section of the shoe.
The inner part of the shoe is composed of all-white leather, while the foam-like purple insole has the branding “Reebok” across it. The DMX foam technology is used to provide underfoot cushioning.
Reebok Answer 4 “Kobe PE”
Release date: February 16, 2018
Color: Team Purple-Flat Grey-White
Style code: BS9847