Official Look at the Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro Fade to Black

Published April 1, 2026 at 2:15 PM

Quick Facts

Nike is revisiting Kobe's showstopping final game with the return of the Kobe 11 Elite Protro Fade to Black
The blacked out sneaker features gold details on like four stripes as a nod to his Achilles recovery and 4.13.16 embroidered on the heel acknowledging that final matchup
Releases on Mamba Day, April 13, 2026 and retails at $200

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This year marks a decade since the late Kobe Bryant hung up his kicks. For 20 years, the guard from Lower Merion High School tortured NBA defenses with deft footwork and a relentless fervor. His merciless demeanor on the court earned him five NBA titles, two scoring titles, and an MVP award in 2008.

On April 13, 2016, the Black Mamba wrapped up his retirement tour in a game against the Utah Jazz, where he closed the curtains in the most Kobe fashion by dropping 60 points. In that game, Bryant donned a blacked-out pair of the Kobe 11 Elite, forever immortalized by that epic final showcase. Literally a decade later, Nike is returning to the Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro for Mamba Day to honor Bryant’s legendary career on the hardwood, dropping the pair he wore on the court in his final game and a special Mamba Day version of the sneaker.

The Protro update keeps the shoe in line with modern-day basketball shoes while maintaining the silhouette’s original look. The Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro Fade to Black is the victory lap for Bryant’s on-court career, composed of a black mesh upper and matching semi-transparent midsole. Gold detailing throughout the silhouette not only adds a pop of contrast to the sneaker but also celebrates Bryant’s historic play.

Metallic gold Swooshes dominate the side panels, four stitched lines on the heel tab of the left sneaker serve as a nod to his rapid Achilles recovery, and the date “4.13.16” embroidered on the heel of the right sneaker marks the date of his final game against the Utah Jazz. Leather details add to the premium feel of the celebratory sneaker, appearing on the Kobe sheath logo on the tongue and heel.

The Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro Fade to Black releases on Mamba Day, April 13, 2026, via Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Releasing in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $200. For the latest Nike Kobe news and release details, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.