In one of the most beautiful nods we’ve seen to Kobe Bryant’s legacy, designer and Los Angeles Lakers superfan Shahin Ourian has unveiled a concept shoe called the Nike Kobe VI Protro “Black Mamba” on IG. It screams Mamba Mentality all over, and in this article, we’ll examine the shoe in detail.
About The Sneaker Line
The Nike Kobe 6 Protro honours Kobe Bryant’s enduring legacy with a performance-enhanced re-issue of his beloved sixth signature shoe. Kobe coined the word ‘Protro’ himself, and it means ‘performance retro,’ a term Nike uses for sneakers that are revamped versions of past models. While the new ones feature modern materials and technologies to improve on the originals, they keep the look that made them popular when they first came out.
When you buy a Kobe 6 Protro, you get an upgraded upper construction, often featuring more premium materials like snakeskin or leather for better durability and support than the original’s synthetic build. The Protro also incorporates Nike’s Zoom Air cushioning technology, which is a winner when it comes to responsive impact absorption on the court. While it keeps the original design of the Kobe 6, the Protro version offers a lighter feel and enhanced responsiveness, making it a favourite amongst professional and aspiring hoopers alike.
The Nike Kobe VI Protro “Black Mamba” Design
The first thing you’ll notice when you visit Shahin Ourian’s Instagram page (he’s @shahinourian there) is that he’s a devoted Lakers superfan. Everything about the page is in the Lakers’ iconic purple and gold colour palette. It’s no surprise then that he’d be the brains behind this beautiful concept shoe.
The Kobe VI “Black Mamba” concept sneaker features a black and gold colour scheme that mirrors the Lakers’ Back Mamba uniforms that were designed by Kobe in 2018. So epic was this kit that, during the 2020 NBA Finals that the Lakers went on to win convincingly, the team was undefeated whenever they wore it.
The sneakers sport a black upper with a snakeskin pattern reminiscent of a black mamba snake’s scales. The design incorporates a low-top construction for great ankle support and stability, something several newer signature basketball shoes have adopted. A bright gold Swoosh rests on the midsole, and this colour also accents the laces, heel, and outsole.
There are two crowning design touches on the sneaker: the first is the Kobe sheath logo on the tongue. It’s the only part of the shoe in this colour because, according to Shanin, he wanted to keep it “the same as the minimal purple trim on the Mamba jerseys”. Secondly, the inner trimming and insole are black and white, like the “Gianna #2 heart patch on the jerseys. What a way to honour Gigi, too, with this concept design.
What We Like About The Nike Kobe VI Protro “Black Mamba”
Kobe Bryant was such a legend for the LA Lakers that sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between him and the organization. Even his Mamba Mentality philosophy was so pervasive that it remains a mantra for many players, not just within the Lakers but throughout the NBA. What’s beautiful about these concept sneakers is that their design recognizes this blurry line, and you can feel the respect for Kobe and the team he was a part of for his entire playing career. We also have to respect his subtle touch on the inner trimming, paying tribute to Gianna.
The Nike Kobe VI Protro “Black Mamba” is one of the best tributes to Kobe ever created, mainly because it came from a true fan. It may also be one of the best concept sneakers imagined. Someone at Nike had better take note and make this one a reality.
If these shoes were ever made, would you get yourself a pair? Learn more about Nike’s Kobe line of shoes.
