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.