Kobe Bryant’s adidas KB8 III Returns as The Crazy 3 in 2026

Published May 13, 2025 at 2:58 PM

The footwear world primarily remembers Kobe Bryant for his signature sneaker line with Nike, which has become one of the most revered performance basketball series. However, before the Black Mamba joined Nike, he was an adidas athlete, signing with The Three Stripes ahead of the 1996 NBA Draft. Adding to the list of retro Kobe sneakers from adidas, the brand is set to relaunch a more obscure model from his time with the brand — the adidas KB8 III — for the second time since its original 1999 release.

During his tenure with the German sportswear brand, Bryant had a handful of different signature models, some of which adidas puts out today under the Crazy series, like the Crazy 1 (adidas Kobe), Crazy 2 (Kobe Two), and Crazy 8 (KB8), and Crazy 98 (KB8 2). As with the other adidas Kobe sneakers that have returned after his time with the brand, the KB8 III has changed names and is now referred to as the Crazy 3. The last time the sneaker hit the market was in 2016, around the time of Kobe’s retirement from the NBA.

Although many may not be familiar with the sneaker itself, you’ve likely seen the adiPRENE+ sole unit on another sneaker — the adidas Yeezy 500 — as Ye (FKA Kanye West) used this model as his inspiration.

adidas Crazy 3 Silver Metallic and Core White Core Black

So far, Sole Retriever can confirm two OG colorways returning in 2026: Core White Core Black, and Silver Metallic. Updated construction is found on the white and black pair, as instead of smooth leather, the paneling comes coated in a tumbled leather finish, while the smooth leather of the Silver Metallic remains. Branding details for adidas are found on multiple parts of the sneaker, including Three Stripes on the midfoot, the adidas logos on the tongue, and a final hit of branding on the heel.

The adidas Crazy 3 will begin to release in 2026, starting in February with the Core White Core Black. The Silver Metallic pair is expected to follow in May 2026. Check below for early renderings of the two pairs, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.