How Steph Curry's Kobe 4 "Snakeskin" Prevented Another Injury

BY Ben Atkinson
Link Copied to Clipboard!
NBA: Playoffs-Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers
Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) handles the ball in the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Add HNHH as a preferred source on Google
Stephen Curry wore the Nike Kobe 4 Protro "Snakeskin" during the Warriors' Play-In win and the shoes may have saved him from an injury.

Stephen Curry laced up the Nike Kobe 4 Protro "Snakeskin" for a big moment. The Warriors faced the Clippers in the NBA Play-In Tournament on April 15. Curry delivered one of the most memorable performances of his sneaker-free-agent season.

He dropped 35 points on 12-of-23 shooting, including 7-of-12 from three. The Warriors won 126-121 in a dramatic road victory. Curry's Kobe 4s were at the center of the story all night.

During postgame celebrations, Curry's right ankle buckled when he stomped down. Fans on social media quickly pointed out that his Nike Kobe 4 Protros appeared to prevent what could have been a serious injury.

Curry has been showcasing his sneaker collection throughout the season after ending his partnership with Under Armour in November. Kobe's line has been a consistent presence on his feet.

The "Snakeskin" Kobe 4s feature a black upper with a reptile-textured finish. Yellow and teal accents on the Swoosh give the shoe a bold contrast. The yellow midsole reads "I Can do all things..." in handwritten script.

According to reports, Curry plans to auction over 70 pairs to benefit his EatLearnPlay Foundation, which supports children in Oakland.

These shoes weren't just a style choice. They carried real meaning on a meaningful night. Curry honored Kobe in his city, in the biggest game of his season.

Steph Curry Wears The Kobe 4 "Snakeskin"

The Nike Kobe 4 Protro "Snakeskin" is one of the most visually striking colorways in the Kobe line. It originally launched in November 2019 for $175 and now carries an average resale price of over $300.

The shoe features a deep black upper with a scaled, reptile-like texture across the entire surface. A gradient Swoosh shifts from teal to yellow, sitting against the dark base.

The yellow midsole is the most eye-catching detail and it's bold and clean. The handwritten quote on the toe adds a personal spiritual touch that feels intentional and deeply Kobe.

About The Author
Ben Atkinson is a sneaker content writer at HotNewHipHop, where he has been covering the latest sneaker releases and industry news since 2023. With a deep understanding of the sneaker market, Ben regularly reports on exclusive sneaker drops, collaborations, and trends shaping the footwear world. From covering the return of top Nike releases to writing about Travis Scott's famous Air Jordan collaboration, Ben delivers in-depth content for the sneakerhead community. He also brings valuable insights from his former sneaker reselling business, Midwest Soles, which sharpens his expertise on the market.

Comments 0