What actually is a Kobe Protro, and which one should you buy? Short version: a Protro is Nike's "performance retro", a Kobe Bryant model brought back with the original look but updated cushioning, traction and fit, so it still plays like a modern basketball shoe.

Below is every Kobe model that has had the Protro treatment, what changed, and which pairs are worth hunting down in NZ.

Kobe Protro at a glance

Where the Protro idea came from

Most retros are museum pieces: same shape, same foam, same 2000s performance. Kobe wanted the opposite. Nike's own explainer quotes him directly: "Protro is about evolution and improving things that were." The rule was simple. Keep the silhouette people fell in love with, then swap in better cushioning, grippier rubber and a more secure fit so the shoe can still be worn on court today.

The line started with the Kobe 1 Protro in 2018, which arrived with a full-length Zoom Air unit underfoot. Since then the upgrades have mostly happened inside the shoe, which is why a Protro can look almost identical to the original pair on a shelf while feeling completely different on foot.

Kobe 1 Protro: where it started

The Kobe 1 is the shoe from the 2005-06 season, the year of Kobe's 81-point game against the Raptors. That night gave the Protro one of its most collectable themes, and the Kobe 1 Protro '81 Pt Game' (2026) is the pair to know if you want the model's best story on your feet. Its higher, rounder shape suits wide-leg denim and cargos.

Kobe 3 Protro: the newest old shoe

The Kobe 3 was the last of the line to come back. Its Protro debuted in the all-white 'Halo' colourway on 23 August 2025, with a Cushlon 3.0 midsole, a full-length Zoom Strobel and a more breathable mesh upper. Nike says the web-like upper nods to a basketball net and the outsole pattern was inspired by diamonds, a tribute to Kobe's eldest daughter. The Kobe 3 Protro 'Halo' is the cleanest way into the model.

Kobe 4 Protro: the low-top that changed basketball

Nike credits the original Kobe 4 with pushing the whole industry towards low-top basketball shoes, and the Protro keeps that slipper-like cut. Upgrades focused on traction and Cushlon cushioning. The most emotional release is the 'Mambacita', made for Gigi Bryant with her number 2 on the back. For everyday wear, the Kobe 4 Protro 'Gold Medal' is the crowd favourite.

Kobe 5 Protro: built for the court

The Kobe 5 keeps the low cut and adds a sleeker, more aggressive shape. Big releases include the 'Bruce Lee' and Undefeated's gold 'Hall of Fame' pair. Newer favourites like the Kobe 5 Protro 'Lower Merion Aces', a nod to Kobe's high school, show how far the storytelling now goes.

Kobe 6 Protro: the icon

If you only know one Kobe, it's probably the 6. The snakeskin-textured upper and the 'Grinch' colourway, first worn on Christmas Day 2010, made it a legend. The Protro 'Grinch' (CW2190-300) landed on 24 December 2020 and the model has stayed in constant demand since, with 'Reverse Grinch', 'Mambacita Sweet Sixteen' and the bright Kobe 6 Protro 'Total Orange'. It is the best all-rounder: low profile, easy to style, still a serious hoop shoe.

Kobe 8 Protro: the birthday return

The Kobe 8 Protro returned on 23 August 2023, which would have been Kobe's 45th birthday, in an all-white 'Halo' pair. Nike's main upgrade was a React drop-in insole plus a reworked tongue and upper. The loud Kobe 8 Protro 'What The' (2025) shows off the patterned upper better than any other colourway.

Kobe 9 Elite and Kobe 10 Protro: the modern era

The Kobe 9 Elite Protro came back on 23 August 2024, again in 'Halo' (FZ7334-100), with a Flyknit upper and a React drop-in replacing the original Lunarlon. Then the Kobe 10 Protro debuted in 'Halo' (IO3415-100) on 23 August 2026, swapping the 2015 shoe's Lunarlon and heel Zoom for Cushlon 3.0 and a full-length Zoom Strobel, while keeping the carbon-fibre wing and the hidden "Endure and Conquer" message. Another Kobe 10 to know is the teal Kobe 10 Low Protro '5AM Flight', which we covered in our 5AM Flight release guide.

What is the 'Halo' tradition?

Since the Kobe 8 Protro in 2023, Nike has released an all-white 'Halo' pair on 23 August, Kobe's birthday: the Kobe 8 in 2023, the Kobe 9 in 2024, the Kobe 3 in 2025 and the Kobe 10 in 2026. If you are building a Kobe rotation, a Halo pair is the easiest one to wear with everything.

Which Kobe Protro should you buy?

• First Kobe: Kobe 6 Protro. It is the most recognisable and the easiest to style.
• Best for playing: Kobe 5 or Kobe 6, low, light and built for the court.
• Clean and versatile: any 'Halo' pair, such as the Kobe 9 Elite Protro 'Halo'.
• Collector: Kobe 1 '81 Pt Game' or a 'Mambacita' release.

Sizing differs between models, so check our Nike Kobe size guide before you pick a size. For what's dropping next, see this week's best drops in NZ.

Where to buy Kobe Protros in NZ

Kobe Protros sell out fast at launch and can be hard to find in NZ. At Im Your Wardrobe every pair is 100% authentic and inspected, shipped with tracked delivery NZ-wide, with free NZ shipping on every order and Afterpay available. Browse the full range in our Nike Kobe collection, or see all of our NZ buying guides.

Kobe Protro FAQ

What does Protro mean?

Protro is short for "performance retro". Nike brings back a Kobe model with the original look but modern cushioning, traction and fit, so it still performs on court.

What was the first Kobe Protro?

The Kobe 1 Protro, which Nike dates to 2018. It debuted with a full-length Zoom Air unit.

Which Kobe models have a Protro?

The Kobe 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 Elite and 10 have all been released as Protros.

Can you still play basketball in Kobe Protros?

Yes. Protros are built as performance shoes, with updated cushioning, traction and fit compared with the originals.

Featured photo: Nike Kobe 6 Protro 'Grinch' by @untdkicks, via Pinterest.