• Official Release Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
• Retail Price: $220 USD
• Style Code: IU4902-900
• Where to Buy: Nike SNKRS App (10:00 AM ET) and select Tier-0 boutiques (undefeated, Concepts, Social Status)

April 13, 2026, marks exactly one decade since Kobe Bryant walked off the Staples Center floor for the last time, leaving the world with two words: “Mamba Out.” To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 60-point finale, Nike is reaching into the vault to release a sneaker that was previously a “Ghost” in the Kobe line. For the first time, the Nike Kobe 11 EM Protro “Mamba Out” (IU4902-900) is moving from a limited NikeiD exclusive to a global retail launch.

Here’s what you need to know leading up to the release.

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The “Mamba Out” Hardware: A Numerical Legacy

While the “Fade to Black” Elite was the shoe worn on-court, the “Mamba Out” edition was the storytelling masterpiece. The Engineered Mesh (EM) upper isn’t just a pattern; it’s a data-map of a 20-year obsession.

The Decoded Numbers on the Upper:

• 4.13.16: The date of the final 60-point game.
• 11.01.96: The date of Kobe’s NBA debut.
• 81: His legendary single-game scoring high against Toronto.
• 5: Total NBA Championships.
• 18: Career All-Star appearances.
• 20: Total seasons spent with the Los Angeles Lakers.
• 8 & 24: Both retired jersey numbers are embedded throughout the print.

The Protro Upgrade: What’s Inside?

Photo: Nike

Release Strategy

This is expected to be a highly competitive release.

Pro-Tip for Discover Readers: This release is part of a “Mamba Day Pack.” It will drop alongside the Kobe 11 Elite Low “Fade to Black” ($200). If you miss the SNKRS draw, the resale market (StockX/GOAT) is expected to hold a high premium due to the 10-year anniversary significance.

Why This Matters for the Archive

In the “History Channel” of sneakers, the Kobe 11 was the final chapter of an active career. By bringing back the “Mamba Out” print, Nike is acknowledging the “Fan-Led” era of 2016, where thousands of users flooded the NikeiD servers to create this exact design. Ten years later, it’s no longer a custom; it’s a monument.

Featured Photo: Nike

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Author Bio

Jael Rucker is the founder of Decked Out Magazine. She has previously worked as the Associate Commerce Editor at PureWow, focusing on analytics and trends to pitch stories and optimize articles that build and engage their audience. Her work has also been seen in Footwear News and WWD. Prior to 2024, she was the style and pop culture editor at ONE37pm for over three years, contributing numerous product reviews, brand profiles and fashion trend reports, which included interviewing Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg and more.