Andrew Rizzo Nike is releasing a soccer boot inspired by a basketball shoe inspired by a soccer boot. The Nike Kobe 8 “Mambacurial,” itself modeled after the Mercurial Vapor 9, is approaching its first Protro release next month with a matching on-pitch counterpart. Leaked images reveal a corresponding take on the Mercurial Superfly 11 Elite, translating the familiar colorway and Kobe Brand detailing onto one of the Swoosh’s most advanced soccer boots.
The Nike Kobe 8 “Mambacurial” originally debuted in 2013 with a palette inspired by the Mercurial Vapor 9 “Fireberry,” pairing a pink upper with green soles and oversized white Nike branding across the medial side. With the “Mambacurial” set to receive its first Protro release next month, Nike is now dressing the Mercurial Superfly 11 Elite in closely matching makeup.
The boot features a neon green Kobe sheath logo on the tongue, coordinating Swooshes, and white stenciled “Kobe” lettering across the medial heel. Its pink upper gradually shifts toward purple in select areas, with the gradient continuing seamlessly onto the cleat plate underfoot.
The Mercurial Superfly 11 Elite sits at the top of Nike’s soccer footwear lineup as one of the brand’s most technologically advanced and expensive boots ever. Air Zoom cushioning is positioned in the forefoot alongside responsive ZoomX foam, while a shockingly lightweight FlyWeave Ultra upper provides a close and flexible fit. That premium construction pushes the model above the $300 mark, this Kobe edition specifically carrying a retail price of $345.
The Kobe Bryant x Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 Elite “Mambacurial” does not yet have a confirmed release date, though it will likely arrive alongside the Kobe 8 Protro launch in mid-September. See detailed images below and stay tuned for further updates.
-
- Pics via aallensoccer h/t Footy Headlines
-
- Pics via aallensoccer h/t Footy Headlines
