Panini Authentic Donates Rare Kobe-Signed Shoes to 2012 Industry Summit Auction

Panini Authentic, the high-end autographed memorabilia division of Panini America, announced today that it will donate a rare pair of autographed Kobe Bryant shoes as the headline item in the annual 2012 Industry Summit Silent Auction.

The extremely rare Nike ID Zoom VI shoes utilize a design created exclusively for Bryant through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Bryant wore one pair of the shoes on March 8, 2011, while scoring 26 points in a 101-87 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Although the shoes being donated to the Industry Summit Silent Auction weren’t worn in a game, both shoes are autographed by Bryant and carry an approximate value of between $1,500 and $2,000 according to Panini Authentic’s Brian Bayne.

It should be noted that Panini Authentic owns the pair Bryant wore in that game against Atlanta, and those shoes are available for sale on the Panini Authentic website.

“These particular sneakers are among the rarest Kobe Bryant shoes available and we’re honored to be able to deliver them to the 2012 Industry Summit Silent Auction in hopes of raising additional money to help support this wonderful industry of ours. To be sure, whoever wins these beauties will have the new centerpiece of their entire collection.”

Proceeds from the 2012 Industry Summit Silent Auction will be utilized to create first-time Retailer Scholarships for the 2013 Industry Summit.