Patrick Johnson 
In another life, Kobe Bryant could’ve been a soccer player. The Black Mamba grew up traveling with his father, an international basketball player, where Kobe would beg to go to his practices and watch Showtime era Lakers VHS tapes that his grandparents would ship to him. But what if those tapes never got there and Kobe’s love for the game of soccer turned into something more? That’s the thought behind this latest Nike Kobe 11 Barcelona, a “Mambacurial” offering inspired by Kobe’s favorite club slated to release on September 8th for $200 USD.
While Nike Basketball is offering up a ton of Mambacurial soccer inspirations from the OG colorway to a new What The Mambacurial, the Kobe 11 Barcelona is probably the most subdued of the bunch. The premium Flyknit upper utilizes a College Navy base with a contrasting University Red medial side in honor of FC Barcelona’s signature colors. A soccer patch inspired heel matches the orange Swoosh branding – a hint at the squad’s alternate uniforms – while a classic gum bottom adds a lifestyle twist.
What do you think of the upcoming Mambacurial Kobe 11 Barcelona? Be sure to check out official photos below and stay tuned for more Kobe updates right here on Sneaker News.
Nike Kobe 11 Elite 4KB “Barcelona”
Color: College Navy/Racer Blue-University Red
Style Code: 844130-464
Release Date: September 8, 2016
Price: $200
