Nike continues to show their love and respect for the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant with the release of a special pair of shoes as part of their newly signed deal with Vanessa Bryant.
After some back and forth, Vanessa Bryant and Nike formalized last month, March 24, 2022, that they were going to sign a new contract. They also announced that the first shoe to be released under the partnership will be the Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16, a nod to the late Gianna Bryant.
Learn more about the upcoming Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16 shoes inspired by Gianna Bryant
Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others tragically died in an unfortunate helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.
Kobe Bryant’s estate has faced issues getting a deal with Nike on Kobe’s signature sneaker line for some time. Until last month, sneakerheads had given up hope of paying homage to Kobe by wearing a pair of his signature new sneakers.
However, the Kobe Bryant Estate, overseen by Vanessa Bryant, eventually came to terms and signed a deal with Swoosh. Continuing the series of beloved shoes, Nike has now presented fans with official photos of the first release under the renewed partnership, the Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16.
The official first look at the Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita”, set to be the first release under Nike’s renewed partnership with the Bryant Estate. 100% of net proceeds will go to the Mambacita Sports Foundation. https://t.co/ZLhun1plkR
The upcoming pair will commemorate the memories of the father and daughter duo. Curiously, the pair had already surfaced in 2021, contributing to a rift between Vanessa and Nike over the unauthorized sale.
But now, the official images suggest that the shoes will indeed see the light of day and that a release date is imminent. The Mambacita Sweet 16 pair is inspired by Gianna Bryant and is the line’s sixth signature sneaker.
The kicks are a tribute to the Laker legend’s daughter as well as her Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. The upper of the shoe is made of synthetic material. Gianna Bryant’s uniform number for her AAU sqaud, #2, is gold on the side sides of the pair. Classic swoosh branding is featured along the side and medial windows, which are adorned in black and white.
The traditional logo on the rear end heel mold is replaced with the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation badge. While Kobe’s nickname appears under the sole of the left pair, Gigi’s nickname appears on the right pair.
The tribute to Gigi is further enhanced with the letters “Mambacita” spelled out on the insoles, a halo, angel wings and another #2 nod. Dressed in stark black snake scale patterns, the shoes look sophisticated. White appears in the Mamba tongue logos, swooshes, and leather back panels.
Kobe and Gigi’s names on the heels make this pair something to treasure. The Nike Zoom midsole unit is a great choice for this pair as it provides ultimate support and comfort.
No official release date yet but all proceeds from the release will go to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation 🙏 https://t.co/K6ynAhaXoq
As Vanessa mentioned, 100% of the proceeds from the upcoming shoes will go to the Mambacita Sports Foundation (M&MSF).
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Nike has not announced a release date for the shoes, which will retail for $180 on Nike SNKRS.
