Jovani Hernandez Although the late Kobe Bryant‘s signature sneaker line has delivered dozens of propositions adopted for the lifestyle space, performance-basketball is at its core. As has been the case with the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s first five silhouettes, the Nike Kobe 6 Protro delivers a decade-old design with updated specifications for today’s game.
Unlike most retros seen throughout NIKE, Inc.’s catalog, Bryant’s have been “performance retros.” Therefore, beloved sneakers like the Kobe 5 Protro “Bruce Lee” appear identical to their original release on the surface, but closer inspection reveals options up-to-par with modern-day products. Bryant’s sixth signature sneaker returns in its iconic “Green Apple/Volt” arrangement on December 24th, debuting a sleeker shape without sacrificing the textured, serpentine spirit that nodded to the guard’s Black Mamba alias. “Under the hood,” an Air Zoom Turbo unit in the forefoot offers previously-missing responsiveness. Tooling at the heel is comprised of a softer foam, as well as traction with an increased surface area that improves ground contact for sharper cuts. All together, the proposition should feel familiar, while providing noticeable performance benefits for those still looking to hoop in shoes made for basketball.
The Kobe 6 Protro “Grinch” launches on December 24th on Nike SNKRS, and will be succeeded by several “performance retros” throughout 2021.
For more from NIKE, Inc., check out the Air Jordan 5 Low Golf “Wolf Grey” arriving on December 18th.
Images: Nike News
