Today, April 13, marks the two-year anniversary of Kobe Bryant's last game in the NBA aka "Mamba Day," in which he dropped 60 points on the Utah Jazz in front of a sold out crowd at Staples Center.
In celebration of Mamba Day, Nike will release several Kobe-inspired Nike Basketball sneakers, as well as a new colorway of Kobe's retooled signature shoe, the Nike Kobe 1 "Protro."
In speaking about the Nike Kobe 1 Protro, which is a combination of "Performance" and "Retro," the Black Mamba says,
“Protro is about evolution and improving on things that were,” says Bryant. “I wanted to build a business that wasn’t just based on things I have done in the past. It is important that the brand stands for performance and that everything we do is innovative, even if we are releasing shoes from the past they still must be built on performance.”
The kicks carry the same aesthetic as the original Zoom Kobe 1 from 2005 except they've been upgraded with 2018 technology, in addition to full-length Zoom Air. The Kobe 1 "Protro" hasn't released in many colorways thus far but the kicks have already surfaced on the feet of multiple Nike Basketball stars in a variety of different colorways.
In honor of Mamba Day we'll take a look back at 8 of the greatest Nike Kobe 1 Protros to date, starting off with the black and gold "Mamba Day" rendition that launches today.
Mamba Day
The special edition "Mamba Day" Kobe 1 Protro drops today at select Nike retailers for $175.
The kicks feature the date (4/13) printed on the right heel as well as custom insoles. Additionally, the "Mamba Day" Kobe 1 Protro includes “XX” on the lace fixtures, as a nod to Kobe Bryant's 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nike Kobe 1 ProTro. April 13 $175. Swipe left for more looks.
