A Classic Kobe Bryant Sneaker Gets Remixed for Mamba Day
It's been a handful of years since Kobe Bryant hung up his basketball jersey for good, but one day a year, sneakerheads and Kobe diehards come out in droves to honor the Black Mamba. Naturally, they do it on the day of the year that combines both of Bryant's jersey numbers: August 24 a.k.a. 8/24 a.k.a. Mamba Day—and every year, that means some limited-edition Kobe sneakers will be dropping. This year, Nike has teamed up with longtime Los Angeles store-slash-brand Undefeated on a mini-collection of Kobe’s signature kicks that are so good you'd swear the five-time NBA champ never retired.
The range includes four vibrant colorways of the Zoom Kobe 4 Protro, a sleek and low-cut silhouette that first debuted back in 2008, and today sits as one of the most popular styles in Kobe's long-running Nike line. Each sneaker features a slick patent leather- and carbon fiber-accented low upper with sharp "8" and "24" details on the heel. There is nothing quiet about the colors within the pack, including such Nike-named shades as "court purple," "team orange," "fir," and "hyper jade." Lastly, the sneaker is rounded out with the Mamba and Undefeated logos at the tongue and a glossy Swoosh on the side. Sure, you could play a game of pickup ball in these but sneakers this flashy are made for stunting.
Kobe is one of the most accomplished NBA stars of all time, so it's easy to see why Nike is still putting out sneakers that bear his name. Hell, the fact that Mamba Day still exists is proof of Bryant's legacy and the still-burning desire fans have for Kobe-affiliated merch and sneakers. In fact, a big-deal collaboration with a hot streetwear shop (especially one that looks this good) is all the proof you needed to know that his signature shoes can still move the needle.
Available August 24 via Undefeated.
Originally Appeared on GQ
