Nike is the world’s number one urban retailer and this month, there are more than 10 new sneakers releasing in South Africa.
Nike in hot water over Vanessa Bryant boycott
Of greater importance, however, are recent developments around the brand’s recent dealings with Vanessa Bryant, wife of the late basketball icon Kobe and mother of Gianna.
In a post Bryant published on Instagram, Nike was accused of releasing a signature sneaker made in honour of Gianna, without her consent.
The Mambacita was, according to Kobe’s wife, meant to be a tribute to her daughter who lost her life, along with her father and seven other passengers, in a tragic helicopter crash in January 2020.
Bryant noted that this sneaker range was meant to be a limited edition that came in a black and white colourway, a nod to Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy which Gianna was thriving in.
However, at least from the widow’s perspective, Nike went ahead and released the sneaker without her prior consent.
“Nike has NOT sent any of these pairs to me and my girls. I do not know how someone else has their hands on shoes I designed in honour of my daughter, Gigi and we don’t. I hope these shoes did not get sold,” she wrote.
Bryant has been at odds with Nike over the failed renewal of Kobe’s contract with the brand recently. Without legal means to retail the sneaker, Bryant called on the public to boycott the sale of the Mambacita.
If any proceeds were made by Nike, she said, they ought to be channelled to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. Nike has not entertained this row with a response.
From what we understand, and as reported by ESPN, the sale of the sneaker has not been commissioned as yet. It seems, Nike is still trying to broker a deal with Bryant and Kobe’s estate to renew the late basketball player’s contract with the brand.
Nike sneakers releasing in June 2021
While this epic signature sneaker is not expected to hit shelves anytime soon, Nike does have a number of releases scheduled to drop this month. Here’s the full list:
Monday 7 June 2021
ACG Mountain Fly – Low
- Two colourways, Sea Glass and Black.
- Price: R3 199
Thursday 10 June 2021
Women’s Air Max 90
- Legacy colourway
- Price: R2 499
Blazer Low x sacai
- Two colourways, Classic Green and Magma Orange
- Price: R2 099
Saturday, 12 June 2021
Air Max Tailwind V x Skepta
- Bloody Chrome colourway
- Price: R3 199
Air Jordan 1
- Light Fusion Red colourway
- Price: R2 799
Tuesday, 15 June 2021
Women’s Dunk Low
- Purple Pulse colourway
- Price: R1 999
Wednesday 16 June 2021
Women’s Lahar Low Canvas
- Grain and Dark Beetroot colourway
- Price: R2 299
Air Max 90
- Shimmy Polka and White Polka colourway
- Price: R2 699
Saturday 19 June 2021
Dunk Low
- Zebra colourway
- Price: R1 999