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Nike’s ongoing celebration of iconic basketball silhouettes is reaching back two decades, bringing back one of the most revered models in modern sneaker history. The Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “All-Star”—closely linked to Kobe Bryant—is making a long-anticipated comeback, scheduled for February 2026. Enthusiasts, Lakers fans, and sneakerheads alike can look forward to the return of this pivotal shoe, just in time for NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
A Prequel to Kobe Bryant’s Signature Era
Before Kobe Bryant debuted his first official signature sneaker with Nike in 2005, the Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 took center court. Designed by Eric Avar, the shoe modernized the classic Huarache concept first introduced by Tinker Hatfield in 1992, elevating it with contemporary materials and innovative Zoom cushioning. While it never bore Kobe’s branded signature, the Huarache 2K4 became symbolically tied to him—he famously wore the “All-Star” colorway during the 2004 NBA All-Star Game, cementing its place in basketball lore.
In fact, according to multiple retrospectives, the Huarache 2K4 was likely intended as Bryant’s first signature Nike, but due to circumstances off the court, the shoe was released without a direct promotional connection to the Lakers legend in the United States. Ads featuring Kobe appeared overseas, but Nike was silent stateside, letting the performance and popularity of the model speak for itself.
Design and Legacy
Blending elements from icons like the Air Force 1, Flight Huarache, and Zoom Hyperflight, the Huarache 2K4 achieved a balanced mix of retro style and forward-thinking technology. The 2004 “All-Star” edition specifically featured a crisp White, Varsity Royal, Varsity Red, and Metallic Silver palette, paying tribute to the Western Conference All-Stars’ uniforms and the city of Los Angeles with an embroidered “LA” ankle patch. Built atop a leather upper with visible Zoom Air cushioning, the shoe instantly stood out for its standout color-blocking and performance orientation.
Since its initial release, the Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 has been hailed as one of the top-performing and most collectible basketball shoes of its time. Retros have been infrequent—most recently in 2016, when the All-Star colorway appeared in Nike’s “Fade to Black” collection. The 2026 return marks the first time in nearly a decade that fans will have the opportunity to own this legendary sneaker anew.
Key Details and Release Information
Expect the “All-Star” Huarache 2K4 to launch during NBA All-Star Weekend and to be available through Nike Basketball retailers and Nike.com. The price is set higher than previous releases—a nod to its status as both a collectible and a top-tier performance model.
To stay updated, keep an eye on trusted sneaker news pages and Nike’s official website as the date draws nearer. You can preview official shots of the 2016 version, which closely resembles the upcoming release, at House of Heat and Sneaker Bar Detroit.
The Kobe Connection Lives On
While this isn’t the only Kobe-related release on the horizon—Nike is also prepping launches like the Nike Air Force 1 Low “Barcelona” and the Total Orange Nike Kobe 6 Protro—the return of the Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “All-Star” is particularly special to those who remember Kobe’s formative years with Nike. For more on Kobe Bryant’s legendary impact and signature Nike timeline, see this in-depth retrospective.
And for more real-time updates, exclusive first looks, and behind-the-scenes content, check out sneaker culture on Instagram, including highlights of the Huarache 2K4’s legacy from Sneaker News on IG.
Whether you’re an on-court competitor or a collector, this is a release that personifies a golden era of basketball sneaker innovation and Kobe Bryant’s storied legacy with Nike.