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.
Isaiah Thomas PE
One of the newest Kobe 1 Protro colorways to surface is this yellow joint made for Los Angeles Lakers point guard Isaiah Thomas.
Nike has not announced any plans to release this special edition pair, which includes IT's #3 near the heel, but some other Protro PEs have already released in limited quantities so it's certainly not out the question.
Nike Kobe 1 Protro PE for @IsaiahThomas 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/K5n2guEqOn
Undefeated "White/Gum"
Undefeated collaborated with Nike on a handful of different Kobe 1 Protros around the NBA All-Star break in February, which included this white and gum rendition that is among the cleanest colorways to release thus far.
The limited edition kicks feature Undefeated's five-strikes logo emblazoned on the heels and tongues, while Kobe’s jersey numbers, 8 & 24, are positioned on the opposite sides. Select sizes are available at spots like Flight Club, but they'll cost you upwards of $600.
