This Vibrant Nike Kobe Sneaker Celebrates Day of the Dead

by · WWD

Day of the Dead is a holiday to celebrate those no longer with us, and it’s one Nike marks annually through a collection of sneakers. This year, a Nike Kobe sneaker will be added, christening the late legend as “Mamba Eterno.”

The Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “Mamba Eterno” arrives with vibrant colors and a floral pattern carrying throughout its two-tone orange upper. Mismatched detailing sees the lining, mustache and heel logos in green on the right shoe and purple on the left, while “Mamba Eterno” is split up in a printed script beneath the two translucent orange outsoles. Rounding out the flourishes are a pink Sheath logo on the tongue, a cylindrical metal lace dubrae in red and gold with Kobe Bryant‘s signature and a trio of extra lace sets in purple, green and pink.

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This isn’t the first time a Nike Kobe sneaker has utilized Spanish text, as Bryant was fluent in the language and famously used it to communicate with teammate Pau Gasol on the court to reduce the chances of opponents understanding them. To commemorate their friendship, a “Siempre Hermanos” pack, which translates to “always brothers,” made up of the Kobe 8 Protro and Air Force 1 Low Protro released earlier this year with a Western theme.

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In other Bryant sneaker news, word has surfaced this week that the Kobe 7 will be the latest model to get a Protro remastering upon its release next year. 2026 will also bring the first entirely new Nike Kobe sneakers since 2019 with the NXT 1.0 and NXT Prototype expected to retail for $210 and $410, respectively.

This year also marked the first time that the Kobe 3 was turned into a low-top, as the shorter launched during NBA All-Star Weekend as part of the “Warning Label” collection.

The Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro “Mamba Eterno” will release Oct. 20 through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $190.