The first sneaker ever worn by Klay Thompson was the Nike Kobe 6.
This occurred on Christmas Day 2011 after the lockout shortened Klay’s rookie season. Klay wore the Nike Kobe 6 in maroon, likely a carryover from his Washington State days matching the maroon Cougar jerseys. Thompson scored 7 points that game. Klay would go on to rock numerous other shoes for his first year, which you can view in Klay’s gear section.
This classic Kobe Bryant signature stuck with the low-cut formula that was revolutionary at the time for basketball sneakers. The Kobe 6 featured scales on the upper that added to the mamba/snake aesthetic. Performance wise, this added strength to the synthetic upper. Zoom Air units are used in the heel and forefoot for added bounce. An external TPU heel cup was used to assist with support in mind.
You can find the Nike Kobe 6 at StockX, GOAT, Flight Club, and Stadium Goods.
