Nike Unveils the 14-Pair Blind-Box Nike Kobe 4 Protro Draft Day Pack
PublishedQuick Facts
- Nike is releasing a pack of Kobe 4s inspired by the 1996 NBA Draft
- 13 of the 14 shoes will come with white uppers, accenting colors of the teams that passed on Bryant, their draft number on the insole, and a wearaway upper
- The final colorway is done in Lakers gold and purple
- Pairs will be released via a blind-box drop, meaning when you order you won't know which colorway you'll get
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30 years ago, Kobe Bryant was drafted 13th overall in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft. Wild to think that 12 teams would pass up on Bryant, and that the Charlotte Hornets, who actually chose the young Bryant straight out of Lower Merion High School, immediately traded the eventual Hall of Famer. Hindsight is 20/20, but still, imagine a world where Kobe didn’t play for the Los Angeles Lakers? To commemorate the legacy of Kobe Bryant, Nike is dropping a new pack of Kobe 4 Protro colorways themed after the ‘96 NBA Draft.
We first caught wind of the Nike Kobe 4 Protro Draft Day Pack a few months ago when we saw the Toronto Raptors colorways, which join a 14-pair collection of Kobe 4s. Thirteen of the pairs are inspired by the teams that passed on Bryant, including the 76ers, Raptors, Grizzlies, Bucks, Timberwolves, Celtics, Clippers, Nets, Mavericks, Pacers, Warriors, Cavs, and Hornets, with a 14th version coming in Lakers gold.
The other pairs are all done in white, with contrasting shades on the Swoosh, tongue tag, inside tongue label, and insole, all in colors for the respective team. A number stamped on the insole represents the draft pick each franchise had. While this may seem a tad too simple, Nike has hidden a layer below the white upper that comes in the franchise’s primary color, meaning as you scuff up the sneaker during play (or sandpaper it off if you’re lazy), you’ll get a whole new colorway.
The Nike Kobe 4 Protro Draft Day Pack will be released in the coming weeks via Nike online. The Nike SNKRS listing for the new collection also revealed that this will be a blind-box-style drop, with you not knowing which pair you’ll receive when you order. Retail is set at $190. Check below for teasers of the collection, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
