Kobe Bryant planted the seeds for the next generation to reap as his legacy peers into the future of the sport. Whether through his iconic fadeaway, his gruesome mentality, or how he elevates the game, “being legendary” entails venturing beyond limits—or stepping outside one’s box.
Taking this step rather literally, Nike reintroduces Bryant’s signature line through mostly performance retros (Protro) of several of his most coveted silhouettes. After a near-year hiatus, Vanessa Bryant delivered on her promise through the renewal of the Kobe Bryant Estate’s contract with the Swoosh, witnessed initially through the release of the Kobe 8 Protro ‘Halo,’ unveiled during 2023’s Mamba Day.
From Anthony Davis’ personal ‘Reverse Grinch’ to venturing back to ‘Venice Beach,’ only greatness is bound for his disciplines, taking a stroll through memory lane.
(Author’s note: Given the majority of 2024’s releases have yet to be unveiled, we credit Sneaker Files for their descriptions and all disclosed mock-ups as the official silhouette may vary.)
Kobe 6 Protro ‘Reverse Grinch'
Style Code: FV4921-600
Scheduled release date: December 16, 2023
Estimated suggested retail price: $180
Debuting on a live stream in 2021 and on the toes of the “Unibrow” and the undisputed National Basketball Association (NBA) Sneaker King, P.J. Tucker, the following year, the Kobe 6 Protro “Reverse Grinch” was a hidden gem uncovered. The alter ego of the original 2010 Christmas colorway, the Bright Crimson snakeskin upper, and Electric Green laces culminate this “Venom-like” rendition, hence its “Reverse Grinch” title. 2022 received a protro retro of the “Grinch,” as 2023 peers into its counterpart.
Kobe 4 Protro ‘Black & Gold'
Style Code: FQ3544-001
Scheduled release date: December 26, 2023
Estimated suggested retail price: $180
The Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Black & Gold” colorway fittingly sits with the Mamba’s first title post-departure of Shaquille O’Neal. Spearheading the Los Angeles Lakers campaign with a five-game series win against the Dwight Howard-led Orlando Magic, its unofficially released images depict black across the entire upper, midsole, and rubber outsole, with hints of gold throughout.
Kobe 8 Protro ‘Emerald'
Style Code: FQ3549-100
Scheduled release date: February 8, 2024
Estimated suggested retail price: $190
One of the two colorways scheduled for a February 8, 2024 release, the Kobe 8 Protro “Emerald” is said to integrate primarily a white upper with hints of emerald on its Swoosh, logo, liner, laces, and the rubber outsole details. Based on its description, Kobe and Nike branding in Emerald will encapsulate the Swoosh logo, liner, laces, rubber outsole, and heel portion. Engineered mesh embosses the upper with no-sew synthetic overlays, leather collars and heels, and a plastic heel counter. A full-length Lunarlon midsole and Nike Zoom Air cushioning round up the details—staying true to its performance retro name.
Kobe 8 Protro ‘Purple'
Style Code: FQ3549-191
Scheduled release date: February 8, 2024
Estimated suggested retail price: $190
The twin sibling of the previously discussed Nike Kobe 8 Protro release mimics an identical appearance, though dressed in a Lakers staple. The “Purple” colorway is assumed to cover the Swoosh logos, liner, laces, rubber outsole, and the Bryant-Nike branding with similar technological enhancements.
Kobe 8 ‘Venice Beach'
Style Code: FQ3548-001
Rumored release date: Summer 2024
Estimated suggested retail price: $180
An ode to the vibrant Los Angeles streetball culture, Kobe 8 ‘Venice Beach' receives a retro, posing similarities from the 2013 release. Straying from a Protro makeover, the pair is assumed to highlight its original technological components while boasting similar Stadium Grey, Metallic Silver, and Tour Yellow color schemes, coupled with a semi-translucent outsole. The playground of the iconic Woody Harrelson/Wesley Snipes’ 1992 “White Men Can’t Jump,” its details premiere a testament to its cinematic hoops legacy through intricacies in design.
Kobe 4 Protro ‘Philly'
Style Code: FQ3545-400
Rumored release date: Summer 2024
Estimated suggested retail price: $180
Kobe’s Lower Merion High School roots breathe heavily into his fourth Nike silhouette, having the Swoosh incorporate his Philadelphia youth met with a performance-induced makeover. Reintroducing the 2009 release, Bryant sadly never joined the 76ers association (though maybe possible if he were to be scouted by Stanley “Sugarman” Beren), as this pair tributes his hometown squad with a similar color-blocking. The Kobe 4 Protro “Philly” utilizes Flywire technology to minimize weight and maximize support, as a subtle “8-23-78” easter egg is slated on the insole, adding a special touch to the pair with the Black Mamba’s birthday.
Kobe 6 Protro ‘Italian Camo'
Style Code: FQ3546-001
Rumored release date: Summer 2024
Estimated suggested retail price: $180
From rummaging the streets of Philadelphia to migrating to Europe, the Kobe 6 Protro “Italian Camo” binds the Black Mamba’s Italian ties. Settling in four different towns in seven years, the colorway tributes to his cultural exposure where his game, fluency in the Italian language, and love for football evolved. 2024 restocks a classic through a reported Black, Crimson Bog, and Khaki colorway—repping similar shades to the country’s military.
Kobe 8 Protro ‘Metallic Gold'
Style Code: FN0266-102 Men’s, GS: FN0266-102, PS: FN0267-102
Rumored release date: Summer 2024
Estimated suggested retail price: $180
Nearing the closing segments of the 2012-13 season, the Nike Kobe 8 missed a possible playoff appearance with the Mamba embracing his calf after a drive from the elbow. Eluding a possible legendary post-season display in the pair, Nike commemorates Bryant’s legendary career through a White and Metallic Gold color combination. The Summer 2024 scheduled release peers into a white “Halo-like” rendition, though the Swoosh and Kobe branding on the tongue, liner, and signature are all slated in gold.
Kobe 4 Protro ‘Bicoastal'
Style Code: FQ3545-300
Rumored release date: Summer 2024
Estimated suggested retail price: $180
Seemingly regarded as a “basketball nomad” given his worldly travels, Kobe Bryant’s undying influence across borders resides in a newly unveiled colorway of the Nike Kobe 4 in “Bicoastal.” With performance upgrades, Sneaker Files’ suspected color blocking consists of Bicoastal and Green, with a possible Metallic Silver Swoosh logo. Black completes the silhouette on the tongue and rubber outsole.
Nike Air Force 1 Low x Kobe Bryant
Style Code: FZ1151-100
Rumored release date: Summer 2024
Estimated suggested retail price: TBA
Nike’s Air Force 1 may not have received much love from the Black Mamba on-court given its outdated basketball capabilities (nor is considered as part of the “Kobe-line”), though the pair still is regarded as pop-culture and fashion icon in the present. Sporting the mid-variation “post-Frobe,” number eight was captured in a white-gold silhouette before transitioning to the Nike Zoom Turbine during the 2002-03 sneaker free agency season. With news of a Kobe Bryant Air Force 1 Low resurrecting, its official release will possibly mirror or stay true to its grade school exclusivity through a White, Varsity Maize, and Varsity Purple color combination. Bryant’s logo and jersey number highlight the lateral side and tongue, as white panels encapsulate the toe box, tongue, and heels.
