The Nike Kobe 5 Protro Draft Day May Be Returning in 2025

Before Kobe Bryant’s illustrious NBA career began, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers shortly after being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets. Many of his signature sneakers from adidas and Nike have commemorated his LA Lakers, but a few nod to his original team. In 2010, Nike released the Kobe 5 in the Draft Day colorway, an homage to the Hornets’ team colors, and now images of a supposed Protro version have hit the net.

While we can’t confirm whether this pair will be released in 2025, this purported new production pair is nearly identical to the original. White hues grace the base layer and TPU film along the mudguard and eyestays, while we see orion blue land on the Swoosh, collar, heel, tongue, and heel. The sockliner, Kobe sheath logo on the tongue, and outline of the Swoosh all come in a purple hue. Unlike the OG, the lace set comes in a two-tone purple and white, with the 2010 version using the orion blue hue as the secondary shade. Underfoot, the new Protro variant of the Kobe 5 features a Cushlon midsole, replacing the Phylon from the OG and Zoom Air units. Rounding out the design is the icy aqua blue rubber outsole.

As of this writing, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro Draft Day has no confirmed release date, but we may see a drop in 2025. If the pair is released, expect it to retail for $190 in men's sizing. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.

Nike Kobe 5 Protro Draft Day

Image via idontsellshoes

Nicholas Vlahos

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