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Vanessa Bryant and Nike have created a special capsule collection to honor her late daughter Gianna's 18th birthday. The collaboration dropped on Gianna's actual birthday on Wednesday (May 1). Nike.com and Bryant's Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation website, and features a new version of the Kobe 8 Protro sneaker, dubbed the “Mambacita.” As expected with every Kobe drop, the Gianna-inspired sneaker sold out within 24 hours, but you can still find the limited edition style online via resale sites.
The Kobe 8 Protro Mambacita Sneakers are still on sale StockX and Ebay for collectors to add to their athletic rotation. The exclusive sneaker features a black and white colorway inspired by Gigi's youth basketball uniform and a butterfly design that represents Gigi's “transformative impact” on the game.
Keep reading to see how to buy sneakers online.
Nike Kobe Protro 8 Mambacita
Nike's limited edition sneakers may be out of stock on the brand's website, but StockX and Ebay have the shoes starting at $185 (not a bad deal considering they sell for $190 on Nike.com). You'll also discover other personal nods to the athlete, including Mambacita's jersey number, name and iconic logo.
Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram on what would have been her daughter's 18th birthday with a heartfelt post.
“Happy birthday to my lovely girl, Gigi! I love you. I miss you. I'm so proud of you,” the caption reads. “I'm proud of the change in sports that you and dad worked so hard for. You continue to motivate me and inspire young women and girls every day.”
This isn't the only sneaker she's released to honor her daughter, Bryant previously dropped one exclusive style for Gigi's 16th birthdaywhich you can shop below in addition to other Nike x Kobe styles.
Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16
To celebrate Gigi's 16th birthday, Bryant and Nike released a limited edition pair Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita's with black and white coloring and the athlete's jersey number and name on the back. What's most notable about these sneakers is the perforated upper for added texture and style.
Nike Kobe 8 Protro Halo
In honor of the Black Mamba's birthday, the lifestyle brand released a triple white version of the Kobe 8 Protro, which can be purchased via resale starting at $125. The design uses a 3D heel counter to keep your foot locked in and stable, as well as a constructed mesh upper for ventilation and comfort.
Nike Kobe 4 Protro Mambacita Gigi
This Mambacita sneaker originally released in May 2023 to honor both Gigi and Kobe Bryant. The style comes in the classic Kobe 4 Protro style with black and white checkerboard accents on the heel and gold accents to provide a pop of color.
Nike Kobe 6 Protro Italian Camo (2024)
One of the latest Kobe x Nike sneakers is these Italian Camo shoes, which originally released on April 13th, 2024. The sneakers are decorated with a camo pattern and bold red accents to add a little extra flair to your outfit. You'll also find a rubber sole to give you extra grip and sturdiness.
For more product suggestions, check out our roundups of the best deals on sustainable men's sneakers, running shorts and leggings.
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