Kobe Bryant’s legacy hasn’t slowed down one bit since his tragic passing in 2020. His family and Nike have made sure of that, delivering tributes and sneakers that keep the Black Mamba’s story alive for new generations of fans. On August 23, what would have been Kobe’s 47th birthday, Nike is dropping another tribute release. But sneakerheads are already buzzing about what’s coming in 2026: the long-awaited return of the Nike Kobe 11 “Mamba Day.”
The Kobe 11 “Mamba Day” is one of the most personal sneakers Kobe Bryant ever had tied to his career. Originally released on April 13, 2016 (the same day he scored 60 points in his final NBA game), it quickly became a grail for collectors. Back then, it was offered as a NikeiD (now Nike By You) option, giving fans the chance to customize their own pair while still wearing Kobe’s farewell on their feet.
Designed by Eric Avar, who was behind most of Kobe’s signature sneakers, the Kobe 11 first dropped during Bryant’s last NBA season. The sneaker was a low-cut build with Flyknit uppers, full-length Lunar cushioning, and Zoom Air in the heel. Between 2016 and 2017, Nike released the model in dozens of colorways, but none hit harder than the Mamba Day edition. It wasn’t just about looks. It was a living highlight reel. The black upper was covered in gold stats from Kobe’s career: his jersey numbers (8 and 24), the dates of his first and last games (11/01/1996 and 04/13/2016), five championships, 18 All-Star appearances, four All-Star MVPs, and even that legendary 81-point game. Inside the tongue, fans could add their own words, but the base design featured “Mamba” and “4.13,” marking his goodbye.
Now in 2026, the Protro version of this sneaker will finally arrive. Expect the same black engineered mesh upper with gold lettering, metallic gold Swooshes, and a semi-translucent icy sole. While the original allowed customization, this retro will be a standardized retail pair. That means no personal tongue messages this time, but the tribute details are all still there. The Lunar cushioning will reportedly be swapped for updated tech, though Nike hasn’t confirmed what’s inside just yet.
The timing of this release also says a lot about where the Kobe line is right now. Nike officially relaunched the series in August 2023 with the Kobe 8 Protro “Halo,” and since then, the brand has steadily fed fans with retros and Protros. Bringing back the Kobe 11 “Mamba Day” is the natural next step.
The Nike Kobe 11 Protro “Mamba Day” is set for Summer 2026, priced at $220, and will release via Nike SNKRS and select retailers worldwide.
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