On the court. Kobe was intuitive. strategic and intelligent. And the snake in the Chinese zodiac shares these same attributes. This Kobe V Protro Year of the Mamba colorway is inspired by Kobe's preference for choosing to do things the hard way every day. We took a great basketball shoe and made it even better by upgrading the traction and cushioning and then dressing it in a familiar purple hue. Snakeskin details on the heel pair with a striking golden snake graphic that wraps around the iconic Swoosh logo. adding new but recognizable details to this classic silhouette.