A fan-favorite Kobe Bryant sneaker is set to rerelease for the first time ever next year.

Bryant’s Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low “Beethoven” shoe is set to receive a Protro (performance retro) update in 2025. Originally launched in August 2014, the Flyknit-based white, black and wolf gray sneakers combined a marled gray lateral side mixed with black and white with a fully white medial section.

Long before the “Panda” Dunk nickname came about, the “Beethoven” Kobe 9 Elite Low was a black-and-white sneaker that had fans clamoring for a chance to pick up a pair.

Known for his fervent interests outside of basketball such as martial arts and soccer, Bryant was also a noted fan of the legendary composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

“Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata calms me down when I reach my breaking point,” the late NBA legend tweeted in 2013 alongside a photo of himself playing the piano. 

An ESPN profile following Bryant’s 2016 retirement documents how he learned to play the “Moonlight Sonata” by ear in an attempt to earn wife Vanessa’s good graces after an argument. 

“If you just sit down and say, ‘I’m going to learn this thing until I do,’ there’s not really much out there that you can’t figure out eventually,” Bryant said in the ’16 article.

While there’s no explicit Beethoven reference on the Kobe 9 Elite Low, the pair’s white-and-black colorway is said to be inspired by the keys of a piano. During its original release, Nike noted that the pair also paid tribute to the composer’s Ninth Symphony (aka Symphony No. 9).

And although Bryant didn’t wear the “Beethoven” style in an NBA game, he did lace the pair up during a trip to Brazil during the ’14 FIFA World Cup. 

The upcoming Proto version will be the first time the “Beethoven” colorway has been reissued since its ’14 debut. Based on the early look, the ’25 Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low “Beethoven” will match the aesthetics of the original iteration. The pair is currently on track to be released in April at a retail price of $210. This story will be updated with any changes.

NBA Stars Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant With Sneakers On-Court

View Gallery 7 Images

Victor Wembanyama had a special pair of sneakers on hand for the San Antonio Spurs’ first home game of the NBA regular season.

Ahead of the Saturday match-up against the Houston Rockets, Wembanyama was photographed with a customized version of his go-to Nike GT Hustle 3 sneakers. Referencing both his 2024 Rookie of the Year award and his well-documented fandom of the “Star Wars” franchise, Wembanyama’s “Wookiee of the Year” GT Hustle 3s were inspired by the furry Wookiee species which populate the films. 

Like their Wookiee inspiration, the Nike GT Hustle 3s were draped in a shaggy brown and black fur which covered nearly the entire upper. Further customization included an alien face on the tongue – a nod to Wembanyama’s extraterrestrial comparisons – and “ROY 24” (Rookie of the Year) printed on the heel 

Surprisingly, Wembanyama didn’t end up wearing the shaggy sneakers in the tunnel, nor did he lace them up for on-court action against the Rockets. Instead, the 7’3” French star wore a more standard white-based colorway of the sneaker. Built with double-stacked Zoom Air cushioning, the GT Hustle 3 is considered one of Nike’s top performing basketball shoes of the moment. Although not a signature shoe, Wembanyama has been marketed as the face of the model in promotional materials.

In April, Nike held its  A.I.R. (Athlete Imagined Revolution) exhibition in Paris which featured experimental concept designs including an AI-designed prototype created specifically for Wembanyama’s foot. 

As for the game, the Spurs inched by with a 109-106 finish to tally their first win of the season. Wembanyama led the way for the team with 29 points and added 7 rebounds.

Given its impracticality for performance use, it’s highly unlikely this “Wookiee of the Year” version of the Nike GT Hustle 3 will be released to the public. However, other styles of the GT Hustle 3 sneaker are available now from nike.com for $190 each.

The Best Sneakers From 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend

View Gallery 30 Images

In contrast, Kamala Harris chose pointed-toe pumps with a higher heel, a style that has become somewhat of a signature for her. These heels, while stylish and professional, also suggest a form of power dressing aligned with her political stature. The choice of a higher heel can be perceived as a confident statement, adding an element of formality and authority that befits her position as a key figure in the Democratic campaign.

The differences in their shoe choices are indicative of their personal approaches to fashion. Michelle Obama’s selection prioritizes comfort and practicality, consistent with her public engagements that often involve interacting with audiences at a more personal level. Meanwhile, Harris’ preference for higher heels underscores traditional views of professional attire in political and formal settings, reflecting her role within the rigorous demands of national politics.

Both styles, however, serve a higher purpose beyond mere aesthetics. They reflect the personas of each woman, with Obama embracing a more relaxed yet impactful approach, and Harris projecting traditional professionalism and assertiveness. These footwear choices are not just fashion statements but are woven into the fabric of their public profiles, each enhancing the wearer’s presence and message during crucial public appearances such as the campaign rally.

The shoe styles of Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris at the campaign rally not only accentuated their outfits but also underscored their functional roles and personal branding within the political sphere.

Justin Bieber is no stranger to the world of fashion. Alongside creative director Ryan Good, the singer founded Drew House in 2018, a clothing line which features yellow as its signature color and specializes in loungewear such as slippers emblazoned with smiley faces. While Drew House is still active, Bieber has recently been teasing an even more ambitious line known as Skylrk (stylized SKYLRK), and it looks like a launch of the new label is now imminent. 

Over the last year, Bieber has been sporadically spotted in mysterious sneakers believed to be prototypes from the Skylrk brand. That theory was all but confirmed in April when another one of Bieber’s business partners, Neima Khaila, shared images of Bieber poring over the details of some of the same sneakers he had been previously spotted in.

The line is highlighted by a chunky, mesh-based model featuring a TPU cage which wraps around the foot and has been previewed in a number of variations by Bieber and Khaila. Bieber has also been photographed wearing other Skylrk-branded sneakers, including a leather-based model with puffy paneling, on numerous occasions.

Beyond athletic footwear, the singer recently teased molded foam slides and clogs, fuzzy slippers and more shoes which are believed to be tied to the Skylrk label. 

A 2023 US Patent and Trademark Office trademark filing reveals a logo for the brand, describing it as “two connected, abstract rectangles of different sizes with rounded edges above the word SKYLRK in stylized form.”

In terms of planned output, one of Skylrk’s trademark filing lists sneakers and boots, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatsuits, hoodies and jackets as items that will bear its branding. A second filing covers eyewear product including fashion sunglasses, eyeglasses and glasses cases.

An April Instagram story shared by Khaila offered a further glimpse behind the curtain, revealing that the Skylrk brand has been years in the making. 

“We been calibrating for like 3 years, they not ready bro,” Khaila wrote.

While Bieber already has experience in the fashion world with Drew House, Khaila also comes from a clothing background. Khaila was CEO and co-founder of Pink Dolphin, a Los Angeles streetwear brand which had a decent amount of popularity during the 2010s. Pink Dolphin’s presence has waned in the years since, and Khaila has now distanced himself from the company he helped start.

The Skylrk brand name is connected to past Bieber lore. In 2018, the artist posted an Instagram photo alongside entertainer Bella Thorne with the caption “Meet SKYLARK TYLARK (my alter ego).”

After months of teases, it appears that the Skylrk brand is finally ready for a roll out. On Monday, Bieber updated his Instagram bio, replacing @drewhouse with @skylrk, perhaps signaling the beginning of a new era. The Skylrk Instagram account is currently blank, but there’s a skylrk.com site where fans can sign up for updates. 

Readers can find more Skylrk previews below and should expect an official announcement soon.

Hailey Bieber’s Best Footwear Moments in 2024 So Far

View Gallery 9 Images

Beyoncé, during the Kamala Harris campaign rally in her hometown Houston on Friday, showcased not just her vocal support but also her unmatched fashion sense, making a powerful sartorial statement. She was dressed in a sharply tailored black double-breasted blazer and skirt from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s collaboration with Wardrobe.NYC.

The aesthetic was distinctly Beyoncé: strong, assertive. Her attire featured sculpted silhouettes with padded shoulders, a hallmark of her commanding elegance. It was complemented by a sculptural miniskirt.

However, it was her shoes by Jimmy Choo that tied the entire ensemble together. She opted for pointed-toe pumps that incorporated delicate ankle straps, stiletto heels and curvaceous quarters — following the theme of exaggerated angles in her dress. The shoes not only enhanced her outfit but also accentuated her presence on stage, blending seamlessly with her powerful stance on women’s rights and bodily autonomy.

“H-town! We are so happy to be standing here on this stage as proud country Texan women, supporting and celebrating the one and only Vice President Kamala Harris,” Beyonce said. “A woman who’s been pushing for what this country really needs right now: unity. It’s impossible to not feel the energy in this room. The positivity, the community, the humanity.”

Continuing, “We are at the precipice of an incredible shift, the brink of history,” she stated. “I’m not here as a celebrity. I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother. A mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in. A world where we have the freedom to control our bodies. A world where we’re not divided. Our past, our present, our future, merge to meet us here. Imagine our daughters growing up seeing what’s possible with no ceilings, no limitations. Imagine our grandmothers, imagine what they feel right now. Those who have lived to see this historic day.”

Beyoncé’s speech brought together the significance of the rally, touching on themes of unity, dignity and the generational importance of the moment, all while her fashion choices echoed the strength and clarity of her message. The appearance and her choice of footwear will likely be remembered as a symbolic representation of her support for Harris and the values she stands for, showcasing how fashion can be a powerful tool in political and social expression.

Beyoncé was joined by Kelly Rowland. Jessica Alba, Willie Nelson and more were among the guests.

Beyoncé’s Favorite Shoe Styles Over the Years

View Gallery 49 Images

Jordan Brand just added four young NBA ballers to its athlete roster.

The namesake brand of NBA icon Michael Jordan announced via Instagram late Friday that it has welcomed rookies Jared McCain, Dalton Knecht, Stephon Castle and Ja’Kobe Walter to its family. “Signed. Sealed. Now We Deliver,” the caption announcing the signings read.

Terms of their deals, however, were not revealed.

McCain was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 16th pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-3 guard played college basketball at Duke. During both the preseason and the regular season, McCain has worn the Air Jordan 39, which NBA star Paolo Banchero debuted during the 2023-24 NBA Playoffs in April.

As for Knecht, he was selected with the 17th pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. He is a 6-foot-6 guard who played for Tennessee in college. Knecht has laced up the Air Jordan 39 and the Luka 2 during the preseason and regular season.

Castle, a 6-foot-6 guard who played college hoops at UConn, was selected No. 4 overall by the San Antonio Spurs. During the preseason and into the regular season, Castle has worn the Air Jordan 39 and the Tatum 2.

Walter was selected No. 19 overall by the Toronto Raptors. The 6-foot-5 guard played college basketball at Baylor. Walter has been sidelined to start the season with an injury.

The four promising young hoopers are now part of a stacked Jordan Brand roster of athletes that includes top-tier NBA talent, such as Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson and others.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Nicole Scherzinger effortlessly sported a pair of pointed-pump shoes on Friday afternoon while walking around New York City.

Currently performing on Broadway with the Sunset Boulevard Musical, the singer enjoyed a break from the show for which she is getting rave reviews, and walked around the city in a pair of white pointed-toe pumps. The shoes were most likely from Gianvito Rossi and were constructed with patent leather material and emphasized by their sharp, triangular design. Rounding out the silhouette was a stiletto heel estimated to be in-between 4-to-5 inches in height, which is typical of the heels Sherzinger wears both on and off the stage.

As for her outfit, the actress opted for a cut out blue tank with matching palazzo pants that included pleats on the sides. Accessorizing her ensemble with a pair of black sunglasses, she let her long dark locks fall in a middle part style.

Pointed-toe pumps are one of fall’s most designated shoe styles, and are now renowned for their classic composition and ability to blend together elements of vintage and modern-day fashion. As such, they have been a staple amongst many celebrities over the past month or so amongst pumps lovers within their footwear wardrobe.

In fact, Selena Gomez was just spotted in a pair of her own while attending 2nd Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit in Los Angeles, Calif., on Thursday night. For the occasion, the actress wore a patent leather pair of Christian Louboutin pumps highlighted by a mid-foot strap that crossed along her foot in a diagonal pattern. While the back of her shoes couldn’t be seen completely, it’s likely the shoes were finished with a closed-back design. As for as the heels go, Gomez has been known to choose heels within the 4-to-5-inch range, so it’s likely that was the case with this pair as well.

Many brands such as Gianvito Rossi, Chanel, Gucci and more offer their own variation of the pointed pump style, with prices typically ranging anywhere from $75 to $1,000 dollars for a pair. 

Camila Cabello offered her own interpretation of “pretty in pink” at the InStyle Imagemaker Awards, which took place in Bel Air, CA on Oct. 24. Presenting her stylist Katie Qian with an award, the “Twentysomethings” singer illuminated the event in an archival Elie Saab gown and rhinestone-embellished pumps from Rodo.

Cabello made a statement in a light pink ruched gown featuring a vibrant floral pattern, which offered the ensemble bright hints of fuchsia, sky blue and more harmonious tones. Hailing from Elie Saab‘s 2004 spring/summer collection, the top portion of the dress appeared to be made of a silky fabric while a long, semi-sheer layer underneath offered a difference in materiality. Another noteworthy design element was an opening at the top of the left thigh which allowed Cabello’s leg to be seen. The musician leaned into a glamorous Hollywood aesthetic with a furry white stole.

Cabello continued the pink color scheme with her sparkling footwear, which came from Rodo. She wore a pair of shiny carnation-hued pumps adorned with silver rhinestones, which were most heavily concentrated on the toe portion of the upper and were spread further apart in back. The pump was designed with a classic silhouette, sharping her outfit with a pointed toe and slender heel.

Cabello likes to try out a variety of footwear styles, from mesh pumps to charm-adorned sandals to Veneda Carter x Timberland stiletto boots.

Camila Cabello’s Style Through the Years

View Gallery 27 Images

DJ Clark Kent, an icon in the worlds of hip-hop and sneakers, has died.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent,” a statement shared Friday on his Instagram read. “Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah and son Antonio.”

The statement continued, “Clark quietly and valiantly fought a three year battle with Colon Cancer, while continuing to share his gifts with the world. The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss.”

Franklin — known as “God’s Favorite DJ” — produced countless hits for rap icons, including Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Rakim and The Fugees, among countless others. His accolades in footwear, too, were remarkable.

Aside from being a go-to expert for all things sneakers and sneaker culture, he was a top-tier collaborator. His collabs included coveted work with Nike (including the “112” pack, which he told FN in 2019 was his proudest work in sneakers), as well as New Balance and K-Swiss. He also was responsible for multiple avant garde collaborations, including the iC1 sneaker he created with mattress company Serta in 2019 and his luxury take on the classic Adidas Forum High with audio software company Serato in 2022.

In an email sent to FN, Nike offered a statement on the passing of the sneaker legend.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and true cultural icon, DJ Clark Kent. At Nike, we were honored to collaborate with Clark on projects that celebrated not only his deep love for sneakers but also his unwavering dedication to pushing creative boundaries and elevating culture. His impact on the world of sneakers is beyond measure, with an influence that spans the globe and generations. Clark’s legacy will forever inspire future talent, leaving a lasting mark on our industry. Our hearts go out to Clark’s family, friends, and all those touched by his extraordinary talent, passion, and kindness. His presence will be greatly missed,” the brand said via statement.

Amid the celebrations for hip-hop’s 50th anniversary in August 2023, streetwear legend and Walker Wear founder April Walker spoke with FN about DJ Clark Kent, and said he’s one of the most influential people ever when it comes to sneakers.

“His passion for kicks culture has always been authentic. Clark Kent is from the early days, and he’s had such staying power. He’s been a tastemaker when it comes to kicks. His passion for sneakers has always been consistent, his voice has always been consistent, and you feel his authenticity. That energy creates confirmation in the culture, in the kick game,” Walker told FN. “He has served and consulted companies, and if you look at his social media game, we can all see how passionate he is and lends his voice to what he believes in for sneakers. That authenticity will always be the staying power. And the Air Force 1, it has just stood the test of time, and I give Clark credit for amplifying it. There are so many people who wear Air Force 1s, but Clark, it’s part of his uniform.”

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.

Hoka remains in the spotlight as Deckers Brands declares a major milestone for its star running brand.

Stefano Caroti, president and chief executive officer of Deckers Brands, told analysts on the company’s second quarter earnings call on Thursday that Hoka eclipsed $2 billion in revenue over the trailing 12-month period for the very first time.

“With this impressive first half growth, the Hoka brand achieved an exciting milestone,” Caroti said. “I’d like to congratulate our entire global team for their tireless efforts in building the special brand.”

With this significant milestone in hand, the CEO added that Hoka’s ongoing international growth efforts will remain a priority. “We’re globally driven, aiming to diversify and build international markets for a more balanced business, expanding regionally and strategically through various channels,” Caroti noted.

Digging deeper, the executive noted that in the long-term, he’d like to see a 50-50 split in sales between the U.S. and international business segments. “International is between two and three years behind the U.S.,” the CEO noted. “We’ve adopted the same playbook internationally that has been so successful here [in the U.S.]. There’s plenty of upside for us internationally, across all regions from China to Europe.”

Hoka’s international expansion really started to ramp up last year. In October 2023, Hoka planted its flag in Europe with its first boutique in London’s Covent Garden neighborhood. At the time of the opening, Caroti, said in a statement that London is “arguably the most influential athletic lifestyle footwear market in the world” and is a “critically important market” for the brand.

In May, Hoka followed up its London success with a new store in Paris ahead of the summer Olympics, which drove major awareness in both cities.

“Global consumers who identify as runners remain our highest awareness group and continue to see strong increases, but we are also seeing really powerful growth among consumers who are more fitness oriented,” now-retired CEO Dave Powers said in May. “While Hoka is increasing its awareness across all age groups, growth is strongest among 18- to 34-year-olds globally with brand awareness among this influential age group nearly doubling year-over-year.”

This comes as the Goleta, Calif.-based Deckers Brands reported net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 increased 20.1 percent to $1.3 billion, compared with $1.1 billion the same time last year. Net income in the period was $242.3 million, up from $178.5 million in the same year-ago quarter.

“Overall, Decker’s first half results demonstrate our team’s execution around the globe,” Caroti added on Thursday’s call. “Our brands are well positioned for the holiday season and on track to achieve an increased outlook for the full fiscal year.”

Looking ahead, Deckers raised its guidance for the year. The company now expects net sales for the full fiscal year 2025 to increase 12 percent to $4.8 billion. This is up from its previous guidance, which predicted sales for the year to rise 10 percent to $4.7 billion.