The Nike Kobe 10 Low Protro "5AM Flight" releases on 5 October 2026 under style code IQ5339-400, bringing back the bright blue colourway from the Kobe X's original 2015 run. NZ launch-app timing is TBC, but inspected pairs are already in stock at Im Your Wardrobe with tracked delivery NZ-wide.

Kobe 10 5AM Flight: key facts

Why the 5AM Flight matters

Few Kobe colourways carry a story as personal as this one. The original 5AM Flight dropped in 2015, while Kobe Bryant was working his way back from the Achilles tear he suffered in 2013. The name and the aquatic blue upper point to a now-famous clip of Kobe launching himself into a pool at 5am during his rehab, a moment that summed up the Mamba Mentality better than any slogan could. That is why this pair has always meant more to Kobe fans than a simple team or seasonal colourway. It is a shoe about the unglamorous work that happens before anyone is watching, and the Protro return lands with that story fully intact. If you are building a Kobe rotation around meaning rather than just looks, this is one of the key pairs. Browse the full range in our Nike Kobe collection.

A short history of the Kobe X

The Kobe X arrived in 2015 as a clear shift toward lightweight, performance-first construction in Kobe's signature line. It paired an engineered mesh upper with Lunarlon cushioning and a translucent outsole, a look that still feels modern a decade on. It also sat in the middle of Kobe's run of low-top signature shoes, which changed how basketball players thought about ankle support and court feel. The Kobe 10 has had a quieter Protro life than the Kobe 5, 6 or 8, which makes each retro colourway feel like a proper event. The Protro programme has already given us the Kobe 10 Elite Low Protro "Halo", and the 5AM Flight brings one of the model's best-loved original colourways into the modern line-up.

Design details

Upper and colour blocking

The upper is a monochrome wash of bright blue engineered mesh, finished with a black Swoosh. Red hits appear on the heel and the tongue, giving the shoe a small jolt of contrast without breaking up that clean, watery base. It is a simple recipe, and that is the point: the blue does the talking, and it photographs brilliantly on and off court.

Sole unit and Protro upgrades

Underneath, the semi-translucent icy outsole returns, just as it looked in 2015. As with every Protro, Nike has kept the original silhouette and updated the performance tech inside so the shoe holds up for modern hoopers. The exact cushioning spec for this release is TBC, so we will not guess at it here. What we can say is that the Protro line has earned a reputation as one of the few retro programmes that people actually play in, and the Kobe 10 low profile suits guards and quick wings who want court feel.

Sizing: how does the Kobe 10 Protro fit?

Most buyers go true to size in Kobe Protros. The lasts are snug and low to the ground by design, so if you have wide feet or like room to wear thicker basketball socks, consider going up half a size. If you already own a Kobe 5, 6 or 8 Protro, your size in those is the best starting point. Our listings show US men's sizing with the women's equivalent next to it, so it is easy to cross-check. Not sure? Compare with a pair you already wear, like the Kobe 6 Protro "Total Orange" or the Kobe 5 Protro "X-Ray", both in stock now.

How hard will the 5AM Flight be to get?

Kobe Protros have become some of the most competitive launches in basketball footwear, and colourways with a strong backstory tend to go fastest. Expect a heavily subscribed global launch, limited stock at the few boutiques that carry it and a short window before sizes disappear. NZ launch-app availability and timing are TBC at the time of writing. If you do not want to gamble on a draw, the simplest option is buying a confirmed pair that has already been checked. You can also track what else is landing this month in our October 2026 sneaker release dates guide.

Other Kobe Protros worth a look

If the blue is not quite your thing, or you want a second pair for the rotation, these are in stock now:

• Kobe 10 Elite Low Protro "Halo": the same generation in clean white.
• Kobe 9 EM Protro "Hydrogen Blue": another blue Kobe with a lighter tone.
• Kobe 8 Protro "Halo": arguably the best all-round Protro for playing.
• Kobe 3 Protro "Halo": a mid-top option from the earlier era.

For everything else that has just landed, see What's New and our Trending picks.

Where to buy the Kobe 10 5AM Flight in NZ

The Nike Kobe 10 Low Protro "5 AM Flight" is in stock at Im Your Wardrobe across a wide US men's size run. Every pair is authentic and inspected before it ships, delivery is tracked NZ-wide, shipping is free on orders over $350, and you can split the cost with Afterpay. Skip the draw and lock in your size, or browse the full sneakers range.

FAQ

When does the Kobe 10 5AM Flight release?

The Nike Kobe 10 Low Protro "5AM Flight" releases globally on 5 October 2026. NZ launch-app timing is TBC.

What is the Kobe 10 5AM Flight style code?

The style code is IQ5339-400, in the Blue Lagoon/Black colourway.

What does "5AM Flight" mean?

It references Kobe Bryant's 5am leap into a pool during his rehab from a 2013 Achilles injury, a symbol of his work ethic. The colourway first released on the Kobe X in 2015.

Does the Kobe 10 Protro run true to size?

Most people go true to size. If you have wide feet, going up half a size gives a little more room.