Nike has announced that for the third consecutive year, they will be releasing a special edition Kobe sneaker to commemorate the birthday of the late Gianna "Gigi" Bryant. This year's release, the Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Mambacita", is designed to continue the theme established by its predecessors, with a white and black color scheme that matches the uniforms of her Mamba Sports Academy team. However, what sets this year's iteration apart is the all-over butterfly print that adorns the engineered mesh upper, giving the shoe a unique and eye-catching look.
The Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Mambacita" also features gold detailing, which has become a staple of the "Mambacita" series. The embroidered Swoosh and Kobe logo on the tongue are both adorned with gold, while the heel features "Gigi" on the left shoe and her number 2 on the right. These small but meaningful touches serve as a reminder of the impact that Gigi had on the basketball world, and her legacy continues to inspire and motivate athletes around the world.
The tradition of releasing a special edition Kobe sneaker in honor of Gigi began in 2022, on what would have been her 16th birthday. Nike released the Kobe 6 Protro "Mambacita" as the first shoe in the series, and it was met with widespread acclaim from fans and sneakerheads alike. The following year, Nike continued the tradition with the Kobe 4 Protro "Mambacita," and it appears that this will become a fixture in Nike's release calendar for years to come.
In addition to the "Mambacita" series, Nike is also planning to release the Kobe 4 Protro "Girl Dad" at the end of May. This shoe is a tribute to Kobe's relationship with his four daughters and serves as a reminder of the importance of family and fatherhood. The shoe features a purple and gold color scheme, with "Girl Dad" embroidered on the tongue and a graphic of Kobe and his daughters on the insole.
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Overall, Nike's commitment to honoring the legacy of Kobe and Gigi Bryant through these special edition sneakers is a testament to the impact that they had on the basketball world and beyond. As fans eagerly await the release of the Nike Kobe 8 Protro "Mambacita" and the Kobe 4 Protro "Girl Dad," we can only hope that these shoes will serve as a reminder of the perseverance, dedication, and passion that Kobe and Gigi embodied throughout their lives.
As the world continues to mourn the loss of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his legacy lives on through his iconic sneakers and the impact he had on the game of basketball. On the anniversary of his final NBA game in 2016, where he scored an impressive 60 points, fans come together to celebrate “Mamba Day” in honor of the Black Mamba.
To commemorate this special day, Nike is releasing the Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacita” on May 1 through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. This shoe pays tribute to Kobe’s daughter, Gianna, who tragically passed away alongside her father in a helicopter crash in January 2020. The “Mambacita” colorway features a vibrant pink and black design, with a heart-shaped emblem on the tongue to represent the bond between father and daughter.
Related: Nike Kobe 4 Protro Upcoming 'Bicoastal' Colorway
The Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacita” will be available in sizes for men, grade-schoolers, and pre-schoolers. The men’s size will retail for $190, while the grade-school size will cost $120 and the pre-school size will be $90. Fans of Kobe and his legacy will undoubtedly be eager to get their hands on a pair of these limited-edition sneakers.
Kobe Bryant’s impact on the game of basketball and the world at large cannot be overstated. He was a fierce competitor, a devoted father, and an inspiration to countless fans around the world. As we remember his legacy, the release of the Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacita” serves as a reminder of the incredible bond between Kobe and his daughter, and the impact they had on each other’s lives.
