It was reported on eBay that a pair of unauthorized Kobe 6 Protro sneakers called “Mambacita” was being sold for almost $7,000.
In a tweet released Friday (June 4), eBay Sneakers wrote: “Thanks for your concern.” There is no longer an entry on this company’s website. According to Complex, the sneakers have also been removed from GOAT and Flight Club, while StockX still has them listed for sale.
In response to reports that someone had purchased shoes Bryant designed in memory of her late husband and daughter, Vanessa Bryant took to social media on Wednesday (June 2).
My daughter Gianna inspired me to work on this shoe,” Vanessa Bryant wrote. As an exclusive colorway of her daddy’s shoes, it was to be called MAMBACITA. The colors I chose were inspired by her uniform, the number 2 she wore like Gigi Smith’s, the inside pattern, Kobe’s signature instead of Gigi’s, and the details of the shoe (butterfly, wings, halo).”
Furthermore, she wondered how someone had been able to purchase the “Mambacita” shoes before her and her daughters received them.
There is no approval for the sale of MAMBACITA shoes. As much as I wanted the shoes to be sold to honor my daughter, ALL the proceeds would go to a foundation I support called @mambamambacitasports, but I did not extend the Nike contract.” In the first place, MAMBACITA shoes were not authorized to be made. I nor my girls have received these pairs from Nike.”
As of April, Vanessa Bryant rejected the sneaker company’s renewal offer for her husband. Her estate and the estate of her late husband were “frustrated” by Nike’s decision to limit the availability of his products after his death and when he retired. MAMBACITA is a trademark and global brand managed by Vanessa Bryant.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
