Kobe 11 “Mamba Day” and “Fade to Black” Return April 13

UPDATE 03.30.2026 April 13 remains one of the most important dates tied to Kobe Bryant’s legacy, and in 2026, Nike is marking the occasion with a dual release: the Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro “Fade to Black” and the Nike Kobe 11 EM Protro “Mamba Day.”

Leading the drop is the Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro “Fade to Black,” a faithful reissue of the black-and-gold pair worn by Kobe during his final NBA game on April 13, 2016. The Flyknit-built upper stays true to the original, paired with metallic gold Swooshes and detailing that reflect the look from that historic night.

Alongside it, the Nike Kobe 11 EM Protro “Mamba Day” takes a more graphic-driven approach. The engineered mesh upper is covered in gold numerals, referencing key moments and milestones from Bryant’s career, tying back to the storytelling seen on the original NikeiD “Mamba Out” designs. The 2026 pair arrives with Kobe's Sheath on the right heel.

A matching graphic tee is also expected to accompany the drop, rounding out the release.

The Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro “Fade to Black” ($200) and Nike Kobe 11 EM Protro “Mamba Day” ($220) will both release on April 13 via Nike SNKRS and select retailers.

For more on Nike Basketball, the Nike KD 19 is releasing soon.

ORIGINAL STORY: As Nike continues to honor Kobe Bryant’s legacy through carefully timed retro releases, the beloved Kobe 11 Elite "Fade to Black" is now rumored to return in 2026. Originally part of the 2016 “Fade to Black” series that counted down Kobe’s signature line in reverse leading up to his final NBA game, the Kobe 11 served as the final chapter — and now it’s expected to return for the 10th anniversary of that farewell moment.

With the SKU and style code leaked by Sneakermarketro and Brandon1an, the Protro edition is expected to retain its stealthy black Flyknit upper, metallic gold Swoosh, and the signature “4.13.16” heel stamp commemorating his final game. It’s likely that performance upgrades will accompany the rerelease, aligning with past Protro retools that emphasize modern cushioning and responsiveness.

While official images and confirmation from Nike are still pending, early reports point to a Summer 2026 release window. Stay tuned for more information and first looks at the Nike Kobe 11 Elite Protro “Fade to Black” in the coming months.

For more on the Swoosh, make sure to checkout the upcoming FC Barcelona x Nike Kobe collection.