Nike has revealed that they will pay a fitting homage to Kobe Bryant who tragically passed away in January 2020. The company will pay tribute to the man also known as Mamba via the very first Nike Mamba Week. In total, 5 pairs of shoes will be released based on Kobe 5 Proto; Three are the in-line styles while another two will be the UNDEFEATED collaborations.

Besides the 5 pairs of footwear, Nike Mamba Week will also see the unveiling of a limited edition Snakeskin-printed jersey which combines both Number 8 and Number 24, in honour of the late Kobe Bryant. This faux-snakeskin jersey will have 16 stars running down both sides.  If you ask me, this is truly a fitting recognition for a man who had dedicated his whole life to basketball. A Black Mamba jersey for the Black Mamba himself!

The leading pair of 5-pack Nike Kobe Protos is the "Big Stage" which pays tribute to Kobe's fifth NBA championship and his dazzling achievements in the 2009-2010 season. The Big Stage is adorned with black, white and of course gold colour schemes with intricate laser detailing. Up next is the "5X Champion" which acknowledges Kobe's title-winning triumphs. Black, purple and gold colours were used to decorate this pair of footwear which is a nod to the bespoke jackets that Kobe got after clinching his second and third Larry O'Brien trophies. The final in-line footwear is the "Girls EYBL" which is in scaly, green, gold and white colour scheme, inspired by the Greek mythology Medusa.

Nike Basketball partner-UNDEFEATED, has dropped a twin pair of "What If" pack. In 1996, Kobe Bryant was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Lakers. Hence the first "What If" style showcases colours associated with the 12 teams which had passed him up. The second pair is based on Hornets colours with small teal accents. Gold embellishments were used in both pair of the shoes to highlight Kobe's passion and greatness in NBA.

Nike Mamba Week will begin on the 23rd of August with the unveiling of "Big Stage" basketball shoes. The exclusive snakeskin Mamba jersey and "5X Champion" footwear will be released the next day-24th of August. The duo of "What If" from UNDEFEATED will be dropped on the 27th of August while "Girls EYBL" will round it off on the 29th of August. All the Nike Mamba Week Kobe Bryant Shoes and Apparel will be available on Nike SNKRS. So far no pricing has been revealed.