Here’s a YankeeKicks Closet look at the honorary Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mamba Forever”. 

YankeeKicks original images

To begin….

We’ve all recently heard the 18-year contract Nike made with late pro basketball legend Kobe Bryant came to a close this past April. As it turns out, the “Mamba Forever” was never officially approved by designer Vanessa Bryant.

Her initial intent was to privately sell these honorary sneakers with all proceeds going directly to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. However, due to the Nike contract not being renewed, the unofficial release circulating through reseller marketplaces comes completely without Vanessa’s knowledge or consent. Due to this information,  the article has been updated and re-released to reflect her statements.

The review….

In what may very well be the final silhouette we see for the Nike Kobe line, the K6 Protro pays homage to our favorite daddy-daughter basketball duo. In true Black Mamba fashion, the sneaker comes adorned with embossed patent snake scales covering the Black forefoot.

White quarter panel Nike Swooshes appear airbrushed on top of the Black textile material and scales. And yet, this balances perfectly with the all-White laces ending in Black aglets atop the breathable Black mesh tongue.

But if you’re not feeling these laces, contrasting Black laces with White aglets come included for a more versatile look. More contrast comes from the inverted-colored slick sock and tongue liners.

Black sole inserts bare Gigi Bryant’s nickname “Mambacita” after her father just above her jersey number “2” complete with wings and a halo. Again, we see the number 2 emerge on both lateral ankles dressed in Metallic Gold. 

While both heel counters bear the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation logo, the right shoe shows Kobe’s name and the left holds Gigi’s. The White toe tips read “Venomenon” in debossed letters leading into the Black and White outsole. 

We hope you enjoy the YankeeKicks Closet look at the unreleased Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mamba Forever”. These images are for fans and sneakerheads and not to promote a release or sale. Any YankeeKicks photos seen are of a single pair from our private collection. We, too, only wish to honor Kobe and Gigi.  RIP Mamba and Mambacita.

Nike Kobe 6 Protro 

Colorway: Black/White/Metallic Gold
Style Code: CW2190-002