The Nike Kobe 9 EM "Mambacita" Releases on May 1

The legacy of the Nike Kobe series is a narrative of unwavering excellence, a gift that continues to grace the basketball and sneaker communities alike. As we approach the 2024 holiday season, it's become apparent that the series is set to bestow another treasure upon us, following the striking debut of the Black/Gold “Gift Of Mamba” theme with the Kobe 4 Protro last Christmas. This time, the spotlight turns to the Nike Kobe 9 EM, which @brandon1an poses to carry on the prestigious theme over the next year.

Introduced in 2013, the Kobe 9 distinguished itself with two versions: the premium Elite model adorned with Flyknit uppers and the Engineered Mesh (EM) version, which offered a more varied palette of colorways at a friendlier price point. The EM, in particular, stood out for its accessibility and became a canvas for vibrant expressions honoring Kobe Bryant's monumental career.

Details on the upcoming Kobe 9 EM "Mambacita"–previously dubbed the "Gift of Mamba"–remain speculative, but if it follows in the footsteps of the Kobe 4 Protro's design ethos, fans can anticipate a predominantly black silhouette accented with the luxurious touch of textured snakeskin Swooshes and the splendor of metallic gold highlights. Our educated mock-up imagines this combination, though the final design may unveil surprises.

The Holiday 2024 season came and went, leaving many wondering what happened to the special Kobe 9 EM. The folks over at Sole Retriever recently shared news that the pair is set to finally release on May 1. Adult sizes of the next 'Mambacita' style should arrive with an MSRP of $180, while Big Kids' pairs hit retailers for $120.

As always, stay tuned to @HouseofHeat on X for minute-to-minute updates.