Vanessa Bryant is once again captivating sneakerheads by delving into her treasure trove of Kobe PEs, this time revealing a Nike Kobe 4 Protro dubbed “Vino,” one of Bryant’s many nicknames. The shoe features a snakeskin-textured Swoosh and is fittingly adorned with rich burgundy-colored suede, a premium look for a premium athlete.
Derived from the Italian word for wine, the “Vino” nickname was bestowed upon Kobe in 2013 in the midst of a season where he averaged 27.3 points per game as a 34 year old. The implied connection is clear: Much like a fine wine, Kobe’s on-court abilities got better with age. The nickname also ties in with Kobe’s Italian roots, the future NBA star having spent part of his childhood in Italy before returning stateside at the age of 13. These elements combine to produce a shoe that’s more than just footwear, but also a celebration of Kobe Bryant’s multifaceted identity and the cultural influences that shaped him.
The Kobe 4 “Vino” isn’t expected to release, but enjoy detailed imagery below. In other Kobe news, the Kobe 9 Gift Of Mamba is set to return for the Holiday 2024 season.