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A Brief History of the Nike Kobe Protro Line

Nike Kobe

A Brief History of the Nike Kobe Protro Line

Explaining the “Protro” series and a look at some of its best releases to date.

Matt DeSciora

The holidays are still a few months away, but sneaker collectors are getting an early present in the form of the reintroduction of the late, great Kobe Bryant’s legendary Nike Kobe line this fall. The collection’s long-awaited return comes on what would have been Kobe’s 45th birthday on August 23rd with the release of the Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Triple White” AKA “Halo.” More Kobe sneakers are slated to be released later this year, with both the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Reverse Grinch” and the Kobe 4 Protro “Black/Metallic Gold” set for December drops.

With excitement once again swirling around Nike Kobe shoes, we thought this would be an opportune time to take a look back at some of the best models and colorways from the Protro line. From the Kobe 4 to the Kobe 6 and Kobe 8, the Protro series has helped reintroduce classic signature Kobe models to a new audience in Kobe’s post-playing career while also bringing new storytelling elements to the iconic collection.

As we celebrate Kobe’s birthday and “Mamba Day,” read on about the Nike Kobe Protro line.

What is the Nike Kobe Protro line?

While Jordan Brand has made it clear that all new Air Jordan models from Michael Jordan’s playing days are called “Retro” releases, Nike has been a bit more coy about the meaning behind “Protro.” So before diving into the best of the Nike Kobe Protro collection, let’s first sort out what it actually means. A Protro, or “performance retro,” is a Nike Kobe shoe that’s been updated with new materials and new technology but retains the “same iconic look,” according to Nike. Basically, every Protro release has additional or strategically modified cushioning in the sole and padding in the upper to perform better for today’s players.

Now let’s take a look at the best Protro models.

Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Mambacita Gigi”

The Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Mambacita Gigi” is a limited edition release that celebrates the life of Kobe’s late daughter, Gigi Bryant. An up-and-coming basketball player herself, Gigi’s number “2” is seen on the back of the classic performance hoops sneaker, as are “Gigi” logos on both heels. The sneakers come in special packaging in the form of a snakeskin textured box with metallic gold “Mambacita” branding on top.

Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita Sweet 16”

For those looking to complete the “Mambacita” collection, here’s the Nike Kobe 6 Protro in a “Mambacita Sweet 16” colorway that celebrates Kobe and Gigi’s lives and legacies. The shoe shares the same versatile color block as the “Mambacita Gigi,” and adds Mambacita Sports Foundation branding with “Kobe” and “Gigi” on the left and right heel, respectively. Gigi’s “2” jersey number is also seen on the lateral side.

Nike Kobe 1 Protro “81 Point Game”

The Nike Kobe 1 had as splashy an introduction as any signature shoe has ever had when it debuted in 2005. Not only did Kobe lead the Los Angeles Lakers back to the NBA Playoffs in the Kobe 1, but he also scored a jaw-dropping 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in the shoe, good for the second most points by a player in a game in league history. The Nike Kobe 1 Protro “81 Point Game” was released as a special edition colorway on January 22, 2019, the 13-year anniversary of the historic game.

Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Skills Academy PE”

Produced exclusively for Nike Basketball’s annual “Skills Academy” camp in 2019, the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Skills Academy PE” is one of the rarest sneakers in the Protro line. It remains to be seen whether the colorway will one day receive a general release.

Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mamba Christmas - Grinch Storyteller Collection”

By the time the Nike Kobe 6 was released in 2010, Kobe had long ago established himself as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. With the help of Nike footwear designer Eric Avar, Kobe was able to loosen up and have some fun by way of his signature Nike Kobe sneakers. Kobe’s “Black Mamba” alter ego inspired the Kobe 6’s original and iconic “Grinch” colorway that debuted on Bryant’s feet during a Christmas Day game in 2010. The “Grinch” has since been brought back on Protro releases such as the special edition “Mamba Christmas - Grinch Storyteller Collection” in 2022.

Undefeated x Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Hall of Fame”

Kobe’s introduction to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021 was not without fanfare. Along with all the excitement surrounding the late basketball legend’s enshrinement in Springfield, Massachusetts came a special collaboration by California based retailer Undefeated on the Nike Kobe 5 Protro called the “Hall of Fame.” Displayed in a luxurious gold finish to celebrate Kobe’s five NBA Championships, the colorway also sees the hoops legend’s “24,” “10,” and “8” jersey numbers with the Lakers and Team USA Basketball on the Swoosh, along with mismatched Undefeated and Nike Kobe logos on the tongue.

Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee”

In 2008, Kobe and the aforementioned Avar brought a soccer-inspired touch to the former’s signature line with the Nike Kobe 4. Designed to mimic the low-cut look of nimble fútbol cleats, the Kobe 4 went against the grain of high-top basketball silhouettes and prevailed. Kobe won his fourth NBA Championship in the Kobe 4 and, as an encore, Nike and Avar designed the Nike Kobe 5 in low-top form, as well. The Kobe 5 caught on with other players in the league, as hoopers of all sizes began wearing the shoe. The “Bruce Lee,” inspired by the legendary martial artist’s famous yellow jumpsuit, is the Magnum Opus of Kobe 5s.

Undefeated x Nike Kobe 1 Protro “LeBron James - Yellow Camo”

One of the rarest sneakers in the Nike Kobe line, the Undefeated co-designed Nike Kobe 1 Protro “LeBron James - Yellow Camo” was unveiled by LeBron during an NBA 2K19 launch event before it was released via a surprise collection exclusively at Undefeated’s La Brea location on Mamba Day in 2018. The “Yellow Camo” was one of four colorways included in the set, the others of which were released over NBA All-Star Weekend in 2018 in woodland camo-inspired colorways. Aside from the shoe’s association with LeBron, the Kobe 1 Protro “Yellow Camo” is a favorite among collectors and Kobe fans due to the fact that it is one of the few Nike Kobe sneakers ever used in a collaboration.

Browse All Nike Kobe Protro Release at Stadium Goods