Nike has announced its plans to resume the release of Kobe Bryant signature sneakers, and that it will make a $1 million donation to Kobe’s Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation in memory of the NBA legend and his daughter Gianna, who tragically passed away in January following a helicopter crash.
In the months following the Los Angeles Lakers star’s death, Kobe footwear releases had apparently been pushed back or cancelled out of respect for Kobe Bryant and his family.
Now, Nike plans to release a limited number of Kobe Bryant’s Protro signature sneaker line, as well as donate $1 million to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. In addition to the donation and sneaker releases, Nike will work together with the NBA to drop a limited set of Bryant’s iconic Los Angeles Lakers jersey.
The releases will take place during Mamba Week, which is the week of August 24, as Kobe wore both 8 and 24 during his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. See below for each Mamba Week drop.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro "Big Stage"
Release Date: August 23 Price: $180 Buy: Nike SNKRS Editor’s Notes: The "Big Stage" colorway celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Kobe's fifth championship, as tattoo-style detailing references his standout achievements from the 2009-2010 season. The sneaker releases August 23 in North America.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro "5x Champ"
Release Date: August 24 Price: $180 Buy: Nike SNKRS Editor’s Notes: Featuring a patent leather finish in purple and black with gold accents, the "5x Champ" draws inspiration from the championship-themed Jackets given to Kobe following his second and third NBA titles. The sneaker, which incorporates a five-star print on the insole, releases August 24 in North America.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro x UNDEFEATED "What If" Pack
Release Date: August 27 Price: $180 Buy: UNDEFEATED Editor’s Notes: The UNDEFEATED collaboration consists of two colorways that harken back to the 1996 NBA Draft when Kobe was picked 13th overall. The first sneaker includes a combination of the colors from the 12 teams that passed on Bryant, while the second features colors from the organization — the Charlotte Hornets — that traded him to the Lakers. Both iterations are decorated with gold accents symbolizing his career championships. The two-sneaker pack releases August 27 in North America.
Nike Kobe 5 Protro "Girls EYBL"
Release Date: August 29 Price: $180 Buy: Nike SNKRS Editor’s Notes: With its green upper, gold accents, and scaled detailing, the "Girls EYBL" is inspired by the mythological creature Medusa and her ability to freeze passersby with a single glance. The sneaker releases August 29 in North America.
Los Angeles Lakers City Edition Jersey Black Mamba
Release Date: August 24 Price: $120 Buy: Nike SNKRS Editor’s Notes: The Black Mamba-inspired Lakers City Edition uniform, co-designed by Bryant, originally released in 2017. The jersey boasts a faux snakeskin print, 16 stars from the Showtime-era uniforms, and Kobe's two numbers of 8 and 24. The jersey releases August 24 in North America.
For more on Nike’s plans for Mamba Week, head to the Swoosh’s site here.
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