Shoes That Shoot for the Stars: Nike's 'Mambacita' Tribute Sneakers Launch on Gigi Bryant's Celestial Birthday
Added on April 19, 2025 inCelebrity News Cards, Sports Cards
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As the stars align this May 1, 2025, sneakerheads and fans of the late Gianna “Gigi” Bryant will have a celestial moment to savvanesko (my new word for sneaker addicts, you’re welcome). Nike is set to launch the wildly anticipated Nike Kobe 9 EM “Mambacita” sneakers, designed with a heart so golden they might just bring a tear to your eye—unless you’re as tough as a Capricorn’s ambition.
You see, I’ve seen the astrological charts, and May 1st isn’t just the peak time for gardening (ahem, for those who care about that Aries moon cycle); it’s now a date marked to celebrate what would have been Gigi’s 19th birthday. And boy, did Nike choose a fitting tribute? The shoes sport a black and white colorway, accented with “Mambacita” branding on the tongue—because subtlety is not what we aim for when honoring legends, right? The back of the shoes proudly bears Gigi’s name and her player number, No. 2—and let me tell you, there’s more to it than just looking sharp.
For every pair bought, proceeds will flutter towards the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. Now, isn’t that the sort of news that gives you those warm fuzzies, like when Venus huddles up with Mars and everybody’s in love (or at least, they’re buying shoes with a heart)?
Mark your calendars, stargazers and ballers—this drop is expected to sell out faster than you can say “Retrograde be damned!” Priced at $180 for adults and $120 for children, you might want to sharpen those elbows and eye your competitors with the steely resolve of a Scorpio about to win a corner kick.
In previous releases like these, the love (and sometimes tears) in the comment sections of Instagram posts has shown us just how beloved Gigi was. “These shoes could make even the Stonefaced Taurus cry,” one fan remarked.
And speaking of past tributes, last year, Vanessa Bryant unveiled the Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacita” on what would have been Gigi’s big 1-8—a shoe that not only tied to a portion of ticket sales b to the foundation but also design reflected Gigi’s impact the game, with colorways inspired by youth basketball uniformsirt, and a butterfly pattern that symbolizes her transformative legacy.
Now, if efeology astrology, May 1st is when the sun is in solidlyprogressed Taurus, which means we’re all vibing with a little bit of luxury and a lot of determination. Sounds just like what Kobe-and Gigi—always set out to do: better themselves, and the world around them, which arguably involves some very fashionable footwear.
So gear up for the queue, my astrological sneaker aficionados, because this isn’t just about getting a paira. It’s about remembering, celebrating, and hopefully, if the stars align, walking in style while supporting a foundation that keeps Gigi’s love for sport, and her passion for uplifting young athletes, alive.
For more on this star-studded sneaker drop, check out the full story here.
Nike is honoring the late Gianna “Gigi” Bryant‘s upcoming birthday with a special release of the “Mambacita” Kobe sneakers. Images of the new Nike Kobe 9 EM “Mambacita” sneakers have been getting sneakerheads and fans excited ahead of their May 1, 2025, release date. The new shoes in honor of Gigi will be available for purchase on what would have been her 19th birthday.
The Gigi edition of the popular Kobe 9 Protro features a black and white colorway, “Mambacita” branding on the tongue of the shoe, and Gigi’s name and No. 2 on the back of the shoes. Proceeds from the sale of Gigi’s line benefit the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
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Mark your calendars for May 1 if you’re hoping to get a pair of the new Kobe 9 EM “Mambacita” sneakers on your feet. As with other “Mambacita” shoes, they are expected to sell out quickly.
Nike has committed to directing proceeds from the shoe release to Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, meaning this is more than just a sneaker purchase.
The highly anticipated shoe drop will happen on SNKRS and select Nike Basketball retailers. According to INSANE SNEAKER‘s IG post, the shoes will sell for $180 for adult sizes and $120 for children’s.
Fans shared their thoughts in the comment section of the IG post. One person said, “I never wanted to cry lookin at sneaks but it’s wild that they really gone.” Another shared, “I need them!!!!” And many others just commented with fire emojis.
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Vanessa Bryant, Gigi’s mom, shared photos on Instagram of a special sneaker release to honor her daughter on her 18th birthday last year.
“Gigi changed the game. Forever. On 5.1 we celebrate Gianna “Gigi” Bryant’s 18th birthday and the transformational impact she had on highlighting women’s sports with the release of the Kobe 8 Protro ‘Mambacita,'” she wrote in the caption of a video featuring the shoe.
Her caption continued to reveal that proceeds from the sale of the shoe will benefit the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, a nonprofit started by Vanessa dedicated to supporting underserved child athletes.
Nike’s website shared a description of the shoe that explains more about the design and Gigi’s impact on the game.
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“Arriving on her 18th birthday, the colorway is inspired by her youth basketball team’s uniform while the butterfly pattern nods to Gigi’s transformational impact on the game,” the shoe description reads.
“Personal touches, like Gigi’s name and number on the heel, remind you to play with joy, curiosity and competitiveness while never taking any opportunity for granted, just like Gigi. And when it’s time to step on the court, the golden ‘Mambacita’ heart and wings let you carry Gigi’s passion for sport into the future.”
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In addition to the special “Mambacita” shoe drop in honor of Gigi, Vanessa also revealed other upcoming Kobe sneakers soon to be released.
“Vanessa Bryant has revealed many upcoming Nike Kobe Shoes Releases. All expected to release in the next months!” INSANE SNEAKERS posted on their IG page.
Two of the new shoes were released on April 13 – Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Game Royal” and Nike Kobe 8 Protro “What The Kobe.” On May 21, the Nike Kobe 9 Elite Protro “What The” will be released. There’s no release date shared for the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “CHBL.” And finally, the Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 “Soft Yellow” will be released during summer 2025.
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According to Nice Kicks, “The Nike Kobe 6 completely dominated the NBA this season.”
They shared a graphic that shows the “Top 10 shoes by minutes played NBA regular season.” On the list, Nike Kobe 8, Nike Kobe 4, Nike Kobe 5, and in the No. 1 spot, Nike Kobe 6.
One viewer shared in the comment section, “Kobe’s been running the league for a while now.” Another added, “And it will be for the rest of the NBA…. Kobe’s for life.”
Earlier this year, Vanessa shared news about a mural book being released later this year.
“Kobe and Gianna Mural book highlighting a selection of murals in their honor coming 8/19/25,” she wrote in an IG post.
The LA Times also shared news about the upcoming release of “Mamba & Mambacita Forever,” written by Vanessa and photographed by NBA photographer, who also photographed Kobe often, Andrew Bernstein. The book will feature images and stories of more than 100 murals that honor the beloved father and daughter.
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