Regarding basketball sneaker legacies, the Nike Kobe line undoubtedly holds an esteemed position in the pantheon of on-court footwear. Characterized by its cutting-edge designs, the Kobe series blended Nike's technological prowess with Kobe Bryant's passion and precision on the court. Over time, these kicks have been celebrated for their aesthetic appeal and the performance benefits they delivered to players worldwide.
However, with advancements in sneaker technology, even the most groundbreaking designs can find their tech components falling behind contemporary standards. It's a universal truth: technology has an expiry date.
What Does “Protro” Mean?
"Protro," coined by Kobe Bryant, stands for "Performance Retro.” This concept is about retaining the classic design that fans have grown to love but updating the internals with the latest tech to cater to the modern athlete's demands. The Protro allows sneakerheads and basketball players to experience the best of both epochs: iconic design and unparalleled performance. For example, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro tweaked cushioning to include Zoom Turbo and reworked the outsole to have a tighter traction pattern.
In a 2018 interview with Bleacher Report Kicks, Bryant illuminated the essence of the Protro concept, remarking, "It's all about improving on what's been and making it better for what's to come." Through the Protro series, Nike ensures that the Kobe sneaker legacy doesn't just live on but evolves, continuing to inspire and innovate.
When Did The First Nike Kobe Protro Release?
The journey of the Protro began in February 2018 with the release of the Nike Kobe 1 Protro. The Nike Kobe 1 Protro Maize was the very first Kobe Protro to ever release on August 24, 2018, in celebration of Kobe Day. This sneaker came packed with improved cushioning and better materials, breathing fresh life into a beloved classic. Following the path set by the Kobe 1 Protro, subsequent models, including the Kobe 4, 5, and 6, were also bestowed with the Protro upgrade. Now, the Kobe 8 will join the club with the upcoming Kobe 8 Protro “Halo.”
How Much Are Nike Kobe Protros?
The retail price for Kobe Protros has differed over the years. The Nike Kobe 1 Protro, last released in 2019, retailed for $175. Now, the 2023 releases of the Kobe 4, Kobe 6, and Kobe 8 Protro each retail for $180. Starting in 2024, the price will increase to $190 for Kobe Protro releases, including the Kobe 6 Protro “Italian Camo” and the brand-new Kobe 8 Protro “White Court Purple.”
Now that the Nike Kobe line is set to be relaunched, we can expect more Nike Kobe releases going down in the future — all in Protro form. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on all upcoming Nike Kobe releases and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
