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April 13, 2024 marks the eighth year anniversary of Mamba Day where Kobe put together a legendary 60-point mic drop performance to conclude his illustrious basketball career. To celebrate the moment - three iconic colorways return paying homage to the places that shaped the Black Mamba. 

Nodding to his birthplace, the Kobe 4 Protro ‘Philly’ features a varsity royal synthetic upper paired with varsity red and white trim. 

Kobe moved from Philly to Italy at a young age but eventually retuned and won a high school state championship in 1996.

When Kobe was 6 he moved halfway across the world with his family to Italy. It was during this time that Kobe’s love for sport – initially soccer – blossomed.

Drawing inspiration from Italian military fatigues along with Italy's diverse landscape, the snakeskin camouflage fosters an earthy finish that represents the intersection of natural beauty and urban life. 

Kobe spent his entire 20-year professional basketball career in the City of Angels. The Kobe 8 Protro ‘Venice Beach’ recognizes the historic basketball courts & spirited landscapes of the city. 

The Kobe 8 made its debut at the storied Venice Beach courts which inspired this beloved colorway.

SNKRS Special

Mamba Day