UPDATE 4/12/26: The Nike Kobe 11 EM Protro “Mamba Day” is officially set to release on April 13th via SNKRS and select retailers for $200 USD. The drop coincides with the 10th anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s final NBA game and marks the first confirmed public release of the “Mamba Day” Kobe 11.
Original Story 3/12/26:
A decade after one of basketball’s most emotional farewells, Nike Basketball is bringing back a meaningful chapter from the signature line of Kobe Bryant. The Nike Kobe 11 EM Protro “Mamba Day” is officially set to release on April 13, 2026.
The date holds major significance for basketball fans. April 13th marks the anniversary of Bryant’s legendary final NBA appearance with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, when the five-time champion delivered a historic 60-point performance in his last professional game. That unforgettable night closed out a 20-year career built on relentless competitiveness and the mindset that later became known worldwide as the Mamba Mentality.
The sneaker itself also traces back to that same moment in time. When the original Kobe 11 “Mamba Day” surfaced in 2016, it was not released through traditional retail channels. Instead, the special graphic appeared as an option through Nike’s customization platform, then called NIKEiD (now Nike By You). This made the design one of the final personalized concepts connected to Bryant during his playing days.
For the 2026 Protro version, the meaningful graphic returns with the same layered storytelling. The upper features a pattern filled with numbers that highlight major milestones throughout Bryant’s career. These include the dates of his NBA debut and final game, his five championships, four All-Star MVP awards, 18 All-Star selections, the famous 81-point game, two decades in the league, and the No. 24 jersey that defined the latter half of his career.
Nike Kobe 11 Mamba Day 2026 Release Date
The Nike Kobe 11 EM Protro “Mamba Day” will release April 13, 2026 through select retailers and Nike.com. The retail price tag is set at $200 USD.
Stay up to date with all upcoming sneaker releases from our Sneaker Release Dates page. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Color: Black/Metallic Gold
Style Code: IU4902-900
Release Date: April 13, 2026
Price: $200




































































































































































































































