Anthony Mackie Wore The Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro As Captain America In ‘Brave New World’

Source: YouTube / Marvel

Much has been said about Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World over the past few days (it was actually a pretty cool movie), but something that many may not know is that the film actually incorporated a little something-something courtesy of the late-great Kobe Bryant.

According to Variety, costume designer for Captain America: Brave New World, Gersha Phillips actually turned to the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro high tops to create the boots that both Captain America (Anthony Mackie) and The Falcon (Danny Remirez) rocked while they were saving America from an international war during the film. Who would’ve thought? The Nike Kobe 9 Proto has become a fan favorite sneaker over the last few years with the “Masterpiece” colorway being one of the most sought after pairs, so knowing that Captain America was rocking some of Kobe’s classics on his feet adds a little more appeal to the character as far as we’re concerned.

We just hope they didn’t paint over the “Masterpiece” colorway for the flick. That’ll hurt quite a bit.

Per Variety:

“We built both of their boots on these Kobe high tops. It gave much more structure and helped with their movement,” said Phillips. “It gives them really good support, ankle support, instep support, and everything for all the jumping and the work that they had to do.”

Good thing they didn’t use the Air Jordan 4. Many a sneaker head will testify that those particular sneakers are well known a foot killers, especially if you have bunions. Just saying.

As for the rest of Mackie’s Captain America getup, it was a matter of comfort and representation as Mackie’s iteration of Cap had to have both plush and appealing.

Marvel’s Ryan Meinerding, head of visual development, was a close collaborator when it came to building the Captain’s two suits.

“It was really important for everybody that it (the suit design) tied into the Steve Rogers suit.” Phillips continued, “All the fabric is a surface print, and we tweaked the colors a little bit.” For his chest plate, Phillips wanted it to be a hard shell, not soft. She said, “If you look at the first suit he’s wearing, it’s his old suit from the series.”

The blue suit he wears later is “more heroic.” Said Phillips, “I remember zipping it up on Anthony. I said, ’Is this too tight, Anthony? But he liked it because it held his body in pretty well.” Phillips added that Mackie paid her the greatest compliment. “He did say to me that it was one of the most comfortable duds he’s ever worn.”

Heck a job, people. Both on the suit and the film.