Nike introduced the world to the Nike Kobe 5 Protro back in 2020, only the second sneaker (at the time) to receive the performance retro upgrade. Half a decade later, and the Protro philosophy has expanded across seven Nike Kobe sneakers and to the Nike Air Force 1 Low. While we know the Nike Dunk Low Protro is launching in 2026 with a pack of colors inspired by Kobe Bryant’s high school, Lower Merion, alongside a two-pack of AF1s, the Nike Kobe 5 Protro will also join in on the celebrations.
If this sounds familiar to you, you’ve got a good memory. During the Kobe 5’s original run in 2010, Nike dropped a Lower Merion Aces colorway, which is the exact pair expected to return in Protro form in 2026. Obviously with the Protro moniker attached, the sneaker is launching in upgraded fashion, including a Zoom Turbo Air unit in the forefoot, softer foam in the midsole, a scaled-down traction pattern, and simplified construction on the upper.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
