The Nike Kobe 4 Protro ‘Mambacita’ Gets a Drop Date
News on this release was first published on April 19, 2023.
Update April 28, 2023: Nike has announced that the Nike Kobe 4 Protro ‘Mambacita’ is dropping on May 1, 2023, via SNKRS for $180. Proceeds will benefit the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Official imagery of the upcoming Protro ‘Gigi’ has surfaced online. The Swoosh have continued production of the Kobe signature shoe line following a with Vanessa Bryant, the widow of , who was tragically killed alongside daughter Gigi in a helicopter crash in 2020. This pair honours the late Gigi by featuring multiple cues to her own basketball legacy.
The Kobe 4 is among the most popular in the series, and the Protro designation means the 2008 design has been updated with Nike’s latest performance technology while preserving the model’s distinct looks. Gigi’s edition is a simple white and black rendition with a tartan pattern placed on the ankle trim. This pattern also covers the insoles, which are further branded with ‘Mambacita’. The heels are branded with both ‘Gigi’ and a golden ‘2’ in reference to her jersey number. Gold is also found on the Kobe logo on the tongue, which is said to represent a sheathed sword.
While release details have yet to be announced by Nike, it’s widely believed that the Kobe 4 Protro ‘Gigi’ will be available on May 1, coinciding with what would’ve been Gigi Bryant’s 17th birthday. Given the high demand for Kobe products that spiked following his death, it’s likely Nike will enforce stricter purchase conditions.