Page Title
Nike to Release Kobe 4 Protro 'Mambacita' in Honor of Gigi Bryant's 17th Birthday
Nike and Vanessa Bryant's partnership continues with the release of the Nike Kobe 4 Protro 'Mambacita' on May 1, 2023, in honor of what would have been Gigi Bryant's 17th birthday. The shoe is a tribute to Gigi's love for basketball and her father's legacy.
The Nike Kobe 4 Protro 'Mambacita' features a black and white color scheme that's inspired by the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation's jerseys. Gigi's name is embroidered on the heel collar, and gold hits adorn the Kobe logo and Gigi's jersey number on the heel counter.
The upper of the shoe is made of mesh, with weather landing on the toe and an open mesh design along the tongue. The Kobe logo atop the tongue is covered in gold, and an embroidered Swoosh logo takes on a dark shade that matches the checkerboard pattern found nearby on the TPU heel counter. Kobe's signature is on the lateral side of the heel counter, and the heel tab houses "Gigi" text in black. The shoe's two-tone white and black midsole is paired with a black rubber outsole.
The Nike Kobe 4 Protro 'Mambacita' will be available in men's sizing and will retail for $180. It will be available through SNKRS, Nike, Mambacita Sports, and select retailers. Full list available here.
The release of the Nike Kobe 4 Protro 'Mambacita' is a continuation of Kobe Bryant's legacy and a celebration of his daughter's love for basketball. The shoe is a must-have for fans of the late basketball legend and his family. Keep it locked to our Twitter and Mobile App to stay up to date on future releases.
Nike, a global powerhouse in the footwear market, is making some major moves to keep up with the ever-evolving consumer landscape. The company recently announced some significant changes in its senior leadership, aiming to deepen its consumer-led growth and marketplace advantage. Heidi O’Neill, previously President of Consumer & Marketplace, will now serve as President of Consumer, Product & Brand, while Craig Williams, former President of Jordan Brand, will take on the role of President of Geographies & Marketplace.
Heidi O’Neill, a Nike veteran of 24 years, is known for her consumer-focused approach and her ability to build deep relationships and engagement with the brand. She has been instrumental in driving Nike's Consumer Direct Acceleration strategy, which focuses on building direct relationships with consumers. This strategy has proven to be a powerful advantage, especially during the pandemic when the landscape changed overnight. O’Neill's leadership philosophy is influenced by her early experiences in retail and her family's resilience in the face of setbacks. She believes in the power of a comeback and the importance of heart, will, and courage in overcoming challenges.
Craig Williams, on the other hand, has led Jordan Brand through unprecedented growth, doubling its revenue in the last four years and making it the second-largest footwear brand in the United States. Williams' strategy focuses on building deep consumer relationships and creating a strong intersection between sport, culture, and community.
Looking at the future of the footwear market, it was predicted to reach $120 billion by 2026, with the resale market potentially reaching $30 billion by 2030 but these figures can still be acceptable? I'm not sure, after the covid-19, everything is a huge mess. That is why Nike is doing so many changes, with its strong focus on consumer-led growth, product innovation, and brand storytelling, is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. The company's commitment to equity and equality, its investment in women's category, and its focus on direct relationships with consumers are all part of its strategy to stay ahead in the game.
Interestingly, adidas, one of Nike's main competitors, has also been making significant decisions in 2023. Bjørn Gulden joined adidas as the new CEO in January 2023, and the company is currently conducting a thorough strategic review, which includes the financial ambition for 2025. adidas also announced early financial guidance for 2023, expecting sales to drop by $1.28 billion in 2023 if it doesn't sell leftover Yeezy inventory. This shows that adidas, like Nike, is also grappling with changes in the footwear landscape and trying to navigate the challenges ahead.
As a footwear enthusiast, it's an exciting time. We're all waiting with bated breath to see how Nike, the market leader and the head of footwear culture, under the leadership of O’Neill and Williams, will navigate these changes and continue to make waves in the footwear world. Will they introduce new models? Will they focus on exclusive releases or broaden their range? Only time will tell.
But one thing's for sure: Nike is a brand that knows how to innovate and adapt, and we can't wait to see what they come up with next. Stay tuned for more updates on this dynamic and ever-evolving market!
Patta and Tommy just dropped the lookbook of their second capsule collection. Taking us back to the spirit of '90s Hip Hop, Patta x Tommy collaboration is briging both their streetwear heritage mixed with the NY influence. Everyone will find their classic styles they use to wear back in the days with all these graphics and logos. The capsule will contain 18 gender-inclusive styles that capture a modern streetwear take on New York’s 90s hip hop.
Under the laces is a classic black nylon tongue with gold-colored Nike branding, echoing the luxury feel of the box.
This detail has bugged a number of collectors and fans who would have preferred a brown branding to match the rest of the pair.
However, this isn't the first time this kind of detail has happened for the Swoosh brand. Always something unexpected in the familiar. The 'Nike Air' branding in gold can also be found on the insoles.
To finish off the look, there's a sail midsole and a brown outsole.
There are no additional laces with this release, just a pair of flat black laces.
Jordan brand thus offers us an Air Jordan 1 High ready for the fall and winter seasons.
A great alternative if you missed the Travis Scott AJ1 High or the AJ1 High 'Mocha'.
Some won't appreciate its lack of contrast with its very dark hues, others will be curious to rock them long term to see how it ages.
Overall, this is a solid release. The quality is spot on.
As for sizing, the Air Jordan 1 High is a true-to-size pair. So you can take your usual size.
If you're not familiar with the comfort of the Air Jordan 1 High, the pair includes a Nike Air Unit for cushioning and impact protection. It gives a close-to-the-ground, flat and firm feel.
There's not much in the way of advanced softness and comfort in this 1985 model.
That doesn't prevent it from maintaining a very decent average comfort for an every shoe.
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG 'Palomino' is still available at selected retailers online. Only a few sizes left though.
Check our full release page here.
In the world of sneakers, few events generate as much excitement and anticipation as Nike's annual SNKRS Day. This year, the event promises to be bigger and better, with a host of exclusive releases and activities lined up. Here's everything you need to know about SNKRS Day 2023.
SNKRS Day is not just an event; it's a celebration of sneaker culture that brings enthusiasts from around the world together. Hosted annually by Nike, this one-day festivity is centered around the SNKRS app, a platform that offers a curated collection of the brand's most sought-after sneakers. From live streams to musical performances and scavenger hunts, SNKRS Day is a haven for sneaker aficionados, offering them a chance to immerse themselves in all things Nike.
This year, SNKRS Day is slated for September 9, breaking away from its traditional August schedule. The event primarily unfolds on the Nike SNKRS app, a digital platform that has occasionally extended to physical activations in the pre-COVID era. While the event has previously graced countries like the UK, Italy, Japan, and South Korea, this year it opens its doors to a global audience, promising a grander celebration than ever before.
The heart of SNKRS Day lies in the unique drawing system of the SNKRS app. This system allows users to enter a raffle for a chance to snag limited edition releases, making the purchase process both fair and exciting. This year, the event promises to be inclusive, welcoming all global members to participate in the festivities. Top-tier customers can look forward to exclusive events such as SNKRS Pass, SNKRS Stash, and live drops that pepper the day with surprises and exclusive access opportunities.
As the day approaches, sneaker enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement to know what releases to expect on SNKRS Day 2023. We have the official list of releases that are set to make a splash:
- Women's Nike Air Footscape 'Natural Brown'
- Nike Air Max Plus 'Pure Platinum Sail'
- Women's Nike Dunk Low 'Vintage Navy'
- Air Jordan 1 Low 'World Make Japan'
- Nike Air Max 1 '86 'World Make Korea'
In addition to these confirmed releases, there's a buzz about a potential surprise drop. However, it's important to note that nothing can be confirmed at this moment. It's possible that the surprise might not be a product release but an immersive experience that allows members to engage with the event throughout the day. Regardless, participants are guaranteed a day filled with excitement and the joy of being part of a global sneaker celebration.
Moreover, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of physical SNKRS Pass and Stash events, which could see enthusiasts racing across cities to locate exclusive drop zones.
As we inch closer to the date, stay tuned for more updates and get ready to immerse yourself in a day of sneaker celebration like no other. SNKRS Day 2023 promises to be a day packed with fun, surprises, and of course, the best of Nike's sneaker releases.