Kobe 11 “Mamba Out”: Honoring a Legend

In Summer 2026, Nike is bringing back the Kobe 11 Elite “Mamba Out” in a Protro version. It’s a meaningful re-release timed for the 10th anniversary of Mamba Day—the date Kobe Bryant played his final NBA game on April 13, 2016.

Background & Legacy

The original “Mamba Out” Kobe 11 dropped through NikeiD (now Nike By You) on the night of Kobe’s final game. Fans could customize parts of the shoe—color base and inner-tongue text—making it one of the most personal Kobe releases ever.

The name “Mamba Out” itself has become iconic because of the speech Kobe gave that night: it echoed his departure from the game. The shoe has always been tied to that moment.

Design & What’s Returning

The 2026 Protro version stays faithful to the original:

• Black Flyknit upper with metallic gold accents.

• Hidden tributes across the sneaker: Kobe’s 81-point game, 18 All-Star appearances, five championships, 20 years in the league, and his jersey numbers. Those features make it more than just a sneaker.

• Crisp white detail on the heel, plus an icy translucent sole.

• The metallic gold Swoosh and Kobe shield logo remain prominent.

Unlike the original, the 2026 version won’t offer customization.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just another retro. The “Mamba Out” Kobe 11 carries emotional weight. It commemorates Kobe’s final night and reminds fans of his career milestones. Retro drops like this do more than bring back old styles—they preserve the narrative.

For collectors, the return offers a chance to own what many considered a grail. For those who missed out in 2016, this will be a chance to grab the design without unique customization but with all the symbolism.

The Protro treatment also ensures performance quality matches the look. Nike continues its trend of updating tech while preserving the original aesthetic.