You remember the hype. It was 2019. Sneaker culture was hitting a fever pitch, and suddenly, Nike drops a collaboration that looks like it belongs on a Saturday morning cartoon block rather than a professional NBA court. I’m talking about the Kyrie SpongeBob collection. Honestly, if you told a hardcore hooper ten years ago that they’d be crossing people over in bright yellow "porous" sneakers, they’d have laughed in your face.
But Kyrie Irving isn't your average player. He’s an "outside thinker," as he once called Sandy Cheeks. That’s probably why this collaboration worked so well. It wasn't just a lazy cash grab where a brand slaps a logo on a heel and calls it a day. It was a deep, weird, and incredibly detailed love letter to Bikini Bottom that actually performed on the hardwood.
Why the Kyrie SpongeBob Collaboration Actually Matters
Most people think this was just Nike being playful. Kinda. But for Kyrie, this was "20 years in the making." He grew up watching the show from its 1999 debut. By the time the collection dropped for the show’s 20th anniversary, Kyrie was at the peak of his signature shoe powers with Nike.
The collection featured five main shoes across two different silhouettes: the Kyrie 5 and the Kyrie Low 2. You had the "Big Three" on the Kyrie 5—SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward. Then, Mr. Krabs and Sandy Cheeks took over the Kyrie Low 2. Later on, we even got a "Pineapple House" edition that felt like the secret unlockable character of the group.
The SpongeBob Kyrie 5: More Than Just Yellow
The flagship "SpongeBob" colorway is a masterclass in texture. Look closely at the upper. It’s not just yellow; it’s a mesh designed with a "porous" pattern to mimic a sponge. Then you’ve got that squiggly, hand-drawn Swoosh that looks like it was pulled straight from the show's title card.
The details are what kill me. The nickelodeon logo on the shroud? Perfect. The gum outsole? It represents SpongeBob’s brown shorts. Even the midsole has red and white hits to nod to his shirt and tie. But here’s the kicker most people forget: the insoles. Every shoe in this pack had the character’s face printed on the sockliner.
Warning: if you actually play in these, that face will rub off. Collectors back in the day used to put clear tape over the insole just to save SpongeBob’s smile from their sweaty socks.
Breaking Down the Bikini Bottom Roster
It’s easy to get lost in the yellow, but the rest of the pack had some serious sleepers.
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- The Patrick Star Kyrie 5: This one is loud. Bright pink upper with a "starfish" texture and a neon green sole that matches his iconic trunks. It’s a vibey shoe.
- The Squidward Tentacles Kyrie 5: Honestly? Probably the most wearable of the high-tops. It’s a muted seafoam green with a tan midsole. It captures Squidward’s "disinterested" vibe perfectly, right down to the cornflower blue outsole.
- The Mr. Krabs Kyrie Low 2: This is where things get technical. The "Money" colorway is a deep University Red. If you look at the lateral side, you’ll see money graphics, and the "plankton" splatter on the midsole is a hilarious nod to the Krusty Krab's arch-rival.
- The Sandy Cheeks Kyrie Low 2: Designed after her space suit. White mesh, grey accents, and a tiny acorn on the heel. It’s subtle, which is rare for this collection.
Performance vs. Aesthetics
Can you actually play in these? 100%.
The Kyrie 5 introduced the Air Zoom Turbo unit. Standard Zoom is great, but Turbo was curved to wrap around the sides of your foot. This was huge for guards who play like Kyrie—lots of sharp cuts and leaning into drives. The "Venus Flytrap" lace housing kept you locked in, though some people with wide feet found it a bit suffocating.
The Kyrie Low 2, on the other hand, was the speedster’s choice. It was lower to the ground, lighter, and used a more traditional heel and forefoot Zoom setup. It didn't have the "flash" of the 5, but for pure shifty guards, it was often the preferred performance beast.
The Resale Market Reality in 2026
If you’re trying to find a pair of basketball shoes kyrie spongebob today, get your wallet ready. Since Nike and Kyrie officially parted ways in late 2022, these have become relics. Nike isn't making more.
Back in 2019, they retailed for $130 (Kyrie 5) and $110 (Low 2). Today? You’re looking at anywhere from $300 to $600 for a deadstock (brand new) pair on sites like StockX or GOAT. The SpongeBob and Patrick colorways are the priciest, mostly because of the nostalgia factor. The "Pineapple House" version is another high-value target for collectors because of its unique orange peel upper and translucent shroud.
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What to Look for if You're Buying Now
If you are hunting for a pair of these in 2026, you have to be careful. The market is flooded with "reps" (replicas) because the demand never really died down.
- Check the "Sponge" texture: On the SpongeBob 5, the holes should look integrated into the mesh, not just printed on top.
- The Swoosh shape: The "wiggly" Swoosh has a very specific curve. Fakes often get the thickness wrong.
- The Insole: As I mentioned, that character face is a huge tell. On authentic pairs, the print quality is sharp and the colors are vibrant, not dull.
- Box Label: Check the SKU. For the SpongeBob Kyrie 5, it should be CJ6951-700.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors and Hoopers
The Kyrie SpongeBob collection is a rare moment where "nerd culture" and "hoop culture" collided perfectly. If you're looking to grab a piece of this history, here is how you should move:
- For the Hoopers: If you find a used pair for a "deal," check the traction. Kyrie 5s are notorious for losing grip if the rubber hardens over time. If they've been sitting in a hot garage for seven years, they might be "skates" on the court.
- For the Collectors: Aim for the "Special Box" editions if you can find them. Some releases came in a briefcase-style box that looks like a Krusty Krab order. Those are the ones that will continue to hold the most value.
- For the Daily Wearers: The Squidward or Sandy Cheeks pairs are your best bet. They’re colorful enough to be cool but subtle enough that you don't look like you're wearing literal toys on your feet at the grocery store.
Whatever you do, don't sleep on the Kyrie Low 2s. Everyone wants the "Big Three," but the Mr. Krabs and Sandy models are actually some of the best low-top basketball shoes Nike produced during that era. They’re responsive, light, and a bit more unique since everyone and their mom has seen the yellow ones.
The partnership between Nike and Kyrie might be over, but the Bikini Bottom pack is basically immortal at this point. It’s a reminder that basketball shoes don't always have to be "serious" to be great. Sometimes, you just need a little nautical nonsense.